There are also numerous connections from the Terminal Wien Süd to the Sona Terminal.
(Vienna, 30 July 2025) – ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is further expanding its presence in the Italian rail freight transport market. A ten-year contract has been signed for close cooperation with the Sona terminal near Verona. This makes RCG one of the main partners of the terminal near Verona – and secures important capacities at a fast-growing logistics hub at an early stage. In the coming years, the RCG intends to further expand its transport operations and contribute to the modal shift from road to the more environmentally friendly railway.
Great development potential at Terminal SonaThe Sona terminal is already well equipped: it has two arrival and depature tracks as well as four tracks for train operations, each 600 metres long. With a total area of around 110,000 square metres, the site offers sufficient space for all intermodal logistics processes, such as container handling from train to truck or vice versa. A significant expansion of capacity is planned by 2028, with additional regular train connections coming as early as next year. The aim is to develop the terminal into a major distribution centre. Projects are already being prepared that will enable new connections and more transport via Sona.
Hub for European freight transport The aim of the strategic cooperation is to establish the Sona site as an intermodal hub for freight transport to and from Southern, Northern and Eastern Europe, thus facilitating seamless cooperation between the various modes of transport. Up to 30 train connections per week can depart from here – efficiently and sustainably by rail. The approximately 30 employees on site ensure smooth operations.
Direct TransFER connections via VeronaThe Sona Terminal near Verona is already integrated into several RCG TransFER connections. These are currently the following regular, direct train connections for freight transport:
- TransFER Vienna–Verona: Twice a week in both directions.
- TransFER Verona–Hannover: Four times a week in both directions.
- TransFER Verona–Wuppertal: Eight times a week as a non-stop connection in both directions.
These connections from Italy to Germany help to avoid truck journeys via the heavily congested Brenner route and thus contribute to relieving Tyrol of transit traffic.
Sustainable logistics for EuropeWith the new partnership, RCG is making targeted investments in modern, efficient infrastructure for international rail freight transport. This not only strengthens its own market position, but also provides customers with sustainable benefits in international freight transport.
Rail Cargo Group: the freight transport division of the ÖBB As a leading rail logistics provider in Europe, we are shaping the industry. 365 days a year – 24 hours a day. Across Europe and beyond into Asia. With our presence in 18 countries – and our own traction in 13 of them – we connect people, businesses and markets from the first to the last mile. It’s thanks to our 6,014 logistics professionals that 418,114 trains a year, respectively 1,150 a day, reach their destinations safe and sound. With our efficient end-to-end logistics services, we transport 79,9 million net tonnes of freight each year.