The Trenino Verde of Sardinia: Route, Timetables, and What to See
From Arbatax to Gairo through viaducts, forests, and canyons: the complete guide to the Trenino Verde, Sardinia's most scenic historic railway.
A train moving at 30 km/h through holm-oak forests, nineteenth-century viaducts, and silent villages. It is not a means of transport: it is a time machine. The Trenino Verde of Sardinia is Italy's slowest — and most beautiful — railway experience.
The History of the Railway
Sardinia's narrow-gauge railway network was built between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, during the Giolitti era, with the aim of connecting the island's interior to its coasts. The 950 mm gauge (compared with the standard 1,435 mm) was chosen to reduce construction costs in mountainous terrain.
The Arbatax–Gairo section was inaugurated in 1894. For decades it carried minerals, timber, livestock, and people. With the depopulation of the interior and the spread of the car, the line gradually lost its functional role. Today it is operated by ARST as a seasonal tourist train.
The Arbatax–Gairo Route
The journey covers roughly 160 km and takes 4–5 hours in total (including stops). Along the way you pass through:
Highlights
Porto Turistico di Arbatax — departure among the porphyry Red Rocks, with views over the Gulf of Arbatax
Viadotto di Funtana Ide — a nineteenth-century stone viaduct spanning a canyon of Mediterranean scrub. One of the most beautiful photographs in Sardinia.
Railway by the sea — for several stretches the train runs just metres from the shoreline, with the open sea within arm's reach
Village of Arzana — a stop in the village famous for its Cannonau wine and as the birthplace of Emilio Lussu. The train pauses long enough for a brief visit.
Canyon del Riu Pelau — a limestone gorge visible from the train, one of the most spectacular in Ogliastra
Gairo Taquisara — the terminal station, close to the ghost villages of Gairo Vecchio
Timetables and Tickets
The Trenino Verde operates from June to September, with some services extended to April–May and October on request.
- Services: usually Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday (check the updated timetable at arst.sardegna.it)
- Departure from Arbatax: around 9:00 a.m.
- Duration: 4.5 hours for the full route
- Ticket: €12–15 adults, €6–8 children (under 4 free)
Booking: Essential via the ARST website or at the Arbatax and Mandas stations.
Planning Your Day Trip
One Way The most convenient option: take the train from Arbatax and arrange to be picked up by car at Gairo, or hire a car there. You avoid retracing the same route.
Return in a Day If you prefer to return to Arbatax, check whether afternoon return services are available. They are not always scheduled — always verify the latest timetable.
With a Stop Some services include a 1–2 hour stop at Gairo or Arzana, allowing a short excursion before the return journey.
What to Bring
- Camera — the landscapes are worth it
- Hat and sunscreen — the carriages are open or have operable windows
- Snacks and water — the on-board bar (when available) is limited
- A light jumper — tunnels and canyons are cool even in summer
- Children: the slow pace and the scenery make the Trenino Verde ideal for younger travellers
The Trenino Verde in Context
The Arbatax–Gairo line is one of six Trenino Verde routes in Sardinia. The others depart from Mandas toward various destinations. The overall project is managed by ARST with European funds for the recovery and promotion of historic railway heritage. A project worth supporting — boarding that train means contributing to its survival.
