Brenner Railway: Closure and Rail Replacement Service in Summer 2026
Anyone planning to travel by train over the Brenner Pass towards South Tyrol or Italy in summer 2026 will need to rethink their journey. Due to construction work on the Italian side of the Brenner railway line, there will be significant restrictions to long-distance and regional services from mid-July to early August. The ÖBB is also using this Italian maintenance window to carry out urgent renovations on the Austrian section of the line. For travellers, this mainly means rail replacement services by bus, longer journey times, and restrictions on bicycle transport. Anyone choosing to drive over the Brenner Pass instead should expect more traffic on the A13 and keep the toll rules for the Brenner motorway in mind.
What's happening on the Brenner line?
The Brenner railway is one of Europe's most important north–south connections. Every day, numerous long-distance and regional trains use the route between Austria and Italy, with many travellers journeying between Innsbruck and Bolzano or onward towards Verona and Munich. Upcoming renovation work in Italy means that long-distance rail services between Innsbruck and Bolzano will be unable to run, or only run on a limited basis, during a narrow time window. According to ÖBB spokesperson Christoph Gasser-Mair, ÖBB is using this window to bundle necessary construction work on the Austrian side, rather than spreading it out over several months.
This affects not only holidaymakers but also commuters in the Wipptal and Inn Valley who travel daily between Tyrol and South Tyrol. Rail freight traffic will also be rerouted extensively during this period. This can mean longer transport routes and higher utilisation of other corridors.
Schedule: Which trains are cancelled when
The restrictions unfold in several phases that differ in terms of planning. From 17 July 2026, two out of five daily long-distance connections between Innsbruck and Bolzano will already be affected. Anyone travelling over the Brenner Pass by Nightjet, Eurocity, or other long-distance trains on these days should check before booking whether the desired connection is still running.
From 18 July to 1 August 2026, long-distance rail services on the Innsbruck–Bolzano section will be completely suspended. Instead, ÖBB will set up a rail replacement bus service between the provincial capitals Innsbruck and Bolzano. As a result, the journey will generally take considerably longer than by train, and connections should be planned with a larger time buffer.
For regional services, from 18 July onwards, entry into Brenner station will not be possible due to the Italian construction sites. Regional trains will therefore only run as far as, or start from, Gries near the Brenner, so that commuters no longer have to change trains at the Brenner itself. For passengers who need to reach the Brenner, replacement buses will run between Steinach and Brenner.
From 23 July to 1 August 2026, the section from Innsbruck to the Brenner Pass will also be closed for construction work. The regional rail replacement service will then run between Innsbruck main station and Brenner station. In South Tyrol, replacement bus service is also planned between Brenner and Bressanone.
What ÖBB is renovating on the Austrian side
In addition to the Italian works, ÖBB is carrying out its own renovations during the same period. According to the railway operator, the topographically challenging location, snow, frost, and increasing traffic volume have left clear marks on the line. Specifically, frost damage in the Mühltal tunnel is to be repaired. At the same time, maintenance of the track infrastructure is planned in the section between Patsch and Brenner. In this way, ÖBB is deliberately using a shared maintenance window to avoid longer individual closures later on.
Bicycles, luggage, and freight transport
Anyone travelling with a bicycle should pay particular attention to the closure period. According to ÖBB, bicycle transport is not possible on long-distance services during this time. On regional services, bicycle transport on the replacement buses is only possible to a limited extent. Anyone planning a cycling trip over the Brenner Pass should consider alternative routes or different travel times.
For freight transport, the rerouting of trains on the Brenner axis for this period has been known for some time, meaning that transports will be shifted extensively to alternative routes. For road traffic, this could indirectly mean more trucks on alternative routes when rail capacity is lacking.
Impact on drivers travelling over the Brenner Pass
Many travellers switch to driving during such periods. The Brenner motorway (A13) remains the most important road connection for transit between Austria and Italy. During the summer holidays and the rail closure, additional traffic and risk of congestion can be expected there, especially on weekends and during peak travel times.
Anyone using the A13 is driving on a special toll route. For cars, motorcycles, and motorhomes up to 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass (technically permissible total mass excluding passengers, field F.1 in the vehicle registration document), the route-based toll (also called special toll) applies on the entire Brenner motorway instead of the digital vignette. Likewise, for vehicles over 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass, the route-based toll applies instead of the distance-based toll. The Europa Bridge near Innsbruck is also part of the Brenner tunnel route toll. Detailed information on the meaning of the special toll and on the Brenner (A13) can be found in our guide.
While the Brenner section itself is subject to a special toll, access to the A13 via the Inn Valley motorway A12 requires a vignette for most travellers arriving from Germany or Austria. Anyone coming from Innsbruck or Kufstein will therefore generally need a valid vignette on the connecting routes in addition to the route toll. If the technically permissible maximum mass exceeds 3.5 t, the vignette does not apply, and instead the distance-based toll applies. To pay the distance-based toll, you will then need a GO-Box (electronic transmitter unit). We explain the details of all toll types in our guide Toll in Austria.
Travel planning: train, bus, or car?
Anyone travelling over the Brenner Pass during the closure period from 17 July to 1 August 2026 should book early and check current timetables from ÖBB and the Italian railway. With bus replacement services, it's worth allowing extra transfer time, especially when travelling with luggage or children. Those who are flexible can choose travel dates outside the main window or travel early in the morning or during the week, when traffic is often lighter.
Drivers should check traffic reports and congestion reports for the A13 and the Brenner road (SS12) in Italy before departure. Anyone wanting to avoid traffic jams can consider extensive alternative routes, for example via the Reschen Pass, the Felbertauern road, or the Tauern motorway corridor, although congestion can also be expected there during peak season. Our route planner helps with route planning and shows which toll products apply on your route.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
Whether by train, bus, or car: anyone planning ahead for the Brenner closure in summer 2026 will arrive at their destination more relaxed with good preparation. For the vignette requirement on motorways in Austria, you can conveniently obtain the 10-day vignette flat rate online from us. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.
FAQ on the Brenner railway closure in summer 2026
When is the Brenner line closed?
The main phase of restrictions runs from 17 July to 1 August 2026. From 17 July, individual long-distance connections will already be cancelled; from 18 July to 1 August, there will be no long-distance rail service between Innsbruck and Bolzano at all. Additional closures apply to regional services from 18 July or 23 July, depending on the section.
Will buses run instead of trains between Innsbruck and Bolzano?
Yes. From 18 July to 1 August 2026, ÖBB will set up a rail replacement bus service between Innsbruck and Bolzano, as long-distance rail services will be suspended. Expect longer journey times than by train.
Can I take my bicycle on the replacement service?
On long-distance services, bicycle transport is not possible during the closure. On regional services, bicycle transport on the buses is only possible to a limited extent. It's best to check the details directly with ÖBB before travelling.
What does the closure mean for drivers on the A13?
The Brenner motorway remains open to traffic, but during the holiday season and the rail closure, more traffic and risk of congestion can be expected. On the A13, the route-based toll (special toll) applies; access via the A12 generally requires a vignette (up to 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass). Accordingly, depending on the vehicle class, a vignette must be purchased or a distance-based toll paid.
Do I need a vignette for the Brenner motorway?
Not for the A13 itself, where you pay the route-based toll. However, for most approach and exit routes via motorways such as the A12, you will need a valid vignette (up to 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass) or a GO-Box (over 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass).
Where can I find current timetable changes?
Before every trip, you should check the ÖBB timetable information, the Italian railway, and traffic reports. The construction phase may still change due to short-term adjustments.
