Italo Orders 26 Siemens Velaro High-Speed Trains to Launch Open-Access Rail Services in Germany by 2028

[Berlin, July 21, 2026] — The landscape of German long-distance transportation is set for a significant shift as Italian rail operator Italo prepares to enter the market with a substantial fleet investment. The company has secured 26 Siemens Velaro Multi System high-speed trains, with a contractual option to acquire an additional 14 units, aiming to commence open-access passenger services across Germany starting in 2028.

This strategic expansion introduces a formidable competitor into a rail sector that has long been characterized by the dominance of a few established providers. By leveraging an open-access model, Italo intends to provide passengers with increased flexibility and more diverse travel options on some of the most heavily trafficked rail corridors in Central Europe.

Strategic Fleet Investment and Technical Specifications

The cornerstone of Italo’s entry into the German market is the acquisition of the Siemens Velaro platform. These trains are specifically engineered for high-performance, international-style operations, featuring multi-system technology that allows them to navigate various railway electrical environments seamlessly.

According to industry reports, the new fleet is capable of reaching top speeds of 320 km/h, ensuring that travel times between major urban hubs remain competitive against short-haul aviation. The investment extends beyond the rolling stock itself; it encompasses a comprehensive operational framework including new staffing requirements, maintenance infrastructure, and advanced ticketing technology.

The specific details of the fleet order are summarized below:

Feature	Specification
Primary Train Model	Siemens Velaro Multi System
Initial Order Quantity	26 Trains
Additional Option	14 Trains
Maximum Operating Speed	320 km/h
Projected Service Start	2028

Implementation of the Open-Access Business Model

Italo is transitioning its successful Italian business model to the German market via "open-access" operations. This differs fundamentally from traditional rail franchises. In an open-access arrangement, a private operator pays for the use of the existing railway infrastructure and assumes all commercial risks associated with the service, rather than operating under a government-guaranteed contract.

This approach allows Italo to be more agile in its pricing and scheduling, potentially forcing incumbent operators to improve service quality and lower fares to remain competitive. The expansion is part of a larger European movement where private rail entities are crossing national borders to break up regional monopolies and increase passenger choice.

Planned German Rail Corridors and Network Reach

Italo has identified high-demand corridors as the primary targets for its initial rollout. The company intends to build a network that connects approximately 18 cities, focusing on the most lucrative passenger markets in the country.

The planned operational focus includes two primary axes:

The Western Corridor: Connecting Munich, Cologne, and Dortmund.
The Northern Corridor: Connecting Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg.

Industry observers indicate that Italo plans to deploy approximately 50 daily services across this network. By targeting these specific routes, the operator is positioning itself directly against the highest-volume traffic flows in Germany, which could lead to a significant redistribution of market share if the service proves attractive to commuters and tourists.

Impact on European Travel and Sustainable Transit

The arrival of a private high-speed competitor in Germany aligns with broader European Union goals to shift transport from carbon-intensive short-haul flights and private vehicles toward sustainable rail. The introduction of modern rolling stock, such as the Velaro fleet, is expected to enhance the overall passenger experience through updated interiors and more efficient boarding processes.

The broader industry implications include:

Price Volatility: Increased competition often leads to more dynamic pricing models, potentially benefiting the budget-conscious traveler.
Technological Acceleration: The deployment of multi-system trains encourages other operators to modernize their fleets to maintain a competitive edge.
Intercity Connectivity: Strengthening the links between major German cities facilitates easier cross-border travel for those moving between Italy, Austria, and Germany.

Operational Timeline and Passenger Expectations

While the announcement marks a major milestone, passengers will not be able to book tickets immediately. The transition from ordering trains to active service involves a rigorous multi-year process. This includes the physical manufacturing of the 26 units by Siemens, extensive safety testing on German tracks, and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from national transport authorities.

Travelers are advised to monitor official operator announcements as 2028 approaches. Key factors for future passengers will include the finalization of timetables, the release of fare structures, and the confirmation of specific station stops within the 18-city network.

Why This Matters: The Shift Toward Rail Liberalization

The entry of Italo into Germany is not merely a corporate expansion but a signal of the accelerating liberalization of the European rail market. For decades, national rail networks operated as state-protected entities. The shift toward open-access competition represents a fundamental change in how infrastructure is utilized.

When a private entity like Italo invests in 26 high-speed trains, it validates the commercial viability of challenging state-backed giants. This "information gain" for the industry suggests that the demand for high-speed rail in Germany currently exceeds the capacity or service quality provided by existing operators. By introducing a new player, the market is likely to see a "race to the top" in terms of onboard amenities, digital integration, and punctuality. Furthermore, this move reduces the reliance on the "hub-and-spoke" model, potentially offering more direct point-to-point connections that bypass congested central terminals.

The arrival of Italo in 2028 could redefine the standards of high-speed transit across the German heartland.