Originally built as Olona Valley railway, to serve the industrial complexes of this region, it was later prolonged until the Swiss border by Valmorea, reached in 1926, where it continued as the Mendrisio–Stabio railway.

But only two years later the border crossing was closed by the Italian government, which didn't agree with a privately owned international connection (the Italian section of the line was operated by Ferrovie Nord Milano).

The passenger traffic was suspended and the line was used only for internal freight traffic until 1977.

The current terminus is Malnate Olona, but there are plans to reach Castiglione Olona.

Media related to Valmorea railway at Wikimedia Commons