The whole line is double track and electrified at 3000 Volts DC.

The railway infrastructure is managed by the Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, which classifies it as one of its primary lines,[3] while both regional and long-distance passenger traffic is managed by Trenitalia.

The line dates back to the times of the Austrian Empire, because its government wanted to connect its capital of Vienna with the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia.

The Udine–Trieste railway, opened in 1860, ran from Aurisina (later called Nabresina) near Trieste to Udine.

The western section of the Venice–Udine railway between Udine and Casarsa, including the bridge over the Tagliamento, was opened at the same time.