by InTrieste
Regional authorities in Friuli Venezia Giulia will expand rail service for the 32nd edition of Friuli Doc, adding 27 extra trains and more than 15,000 additional seats to accommodate visitors traveling to Udine during the festival’s busiest weekend.
The annual food and culture festival, one of the region’s largest public events, runs from Sept. 10 to 13. The enhanced rail schedule will operate on Sept. 11, 12 and 13, with additional evening and nighttime connections designed to reduce road traffic and encourage the use of public transportation.
The plan, organized by the regional government in partnership with Trenitalia, includes 5 extra trains on Friday, 15 on Saturday and 7 on Sunday. The expanded service will provide approximately 15,300 additional seats, bringing the weekend’s total rail capacity to about 126,000 seats—a 14 percent increase over the regular timetable.
The strengthened network will serve routes connecting Trieste, Gorizia, Sacile, Pordenone, Gemona and Carnia with Udine, with particular emphasis on return journeys after evening events.
Regional officials said the expanded timetable follows strong demand during last year’s festival, when roughly 17,000 passengers used regional trains to travel to Friuli Doc.
In addition to increased service, several discounted fares will be available. On Sept. 12 and 13, the Weekend FVG promotion will offer 20 percent off one-way regional journeys within Friuli Venezia Giulia. On Sept. 11, travelers under the age of 26 will receive a 20 percent discount on trips to and from Udine through the Under 26 FVG program. Throughout all three days, children under 12 will travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult under the 1+1 Under 12 FVG offer.
Urban bus services in Udine will continue operating during the festival, though several routes will be diverted because of temporary street closures in the city center. Changes will affect lines 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 81 and 82, while the C line and the Castello shuttle will be suspended for the duration of the traffic restrictions.
Authorities said the transportation plan aims to improve accessibility while easing congestion and supporting more sustainable travel during one of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s signature annual events.
