Approximately 33,000 travelers experienced the exciting journey aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway’s historic Park Railroad train in 2023. This number marks a slight growth from the previous year, when about 30,000 enthusiasts had booked their seats aboard the historic train. During the Christmas season alone, as many as 9,000 people crowded the carriages.
The Parks Railway is so called because of its distinctive feature, that of traversing a largely protected territory, the green heart of the Apennines, between two national parks and a nature reserve: the Maiella National Park, the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and the Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo Alto Molise MaB Reserve, included in the UNESCO protection program since 2014.
As many as 20 days are planned, every weekend from Saturday, January 13, through Sunday, March 10, with sales opening on Monday, December 11, 2023, for both A/R travel tickets and train + overnight and guided services. The train will depart at 8:30 a.m. from Platform 1 at Sulmona Train Station, returning at 5:30 p.m.
The Pelopian capital emerges as the main hub of Parks Railway tourism, registering a massive turnout in the area’s accommodations. Hoteliers in the picturesque Ovidian town have confirmed a full house for New Year’s Eve, attributing this success in part to the pull offered by the historic train. The latter runs through enchanting villages and offers breathtaking views, confirming its catalytic role in attracting visitors eager to discover unspoiled and picturesque places.
To reach Sulmona train station from the A25 highway, you can follow this route.
All information, programs, schedules and costs can be found on the Parks Railroad website.