Logo

12 Gorgeous Day Trips from Milan by Train

Milan is the perfect place to stay during your vacation in Italy. Why? Because it’s so well connected not only to Lake Como and Lake Garda but also to great Italian cities such as Venice, Bologna, Florence and many others. In this article you’ll find the most useful practical information on amazing day trips from Milan by train – doable also by car! 

Day Trips from Milan by Train: Bologna

Hometown to Panettone , risotto alla Milanese and Cotoletta , Milan not only offers delicious traditional dishes but it is also a beautiful city definitely worth a visit.

The capital of Lombardy is the core of railways in northern Italy, therefore it’s very easy to reach pretty much any destination in Italy : thanks to the combination of Frecciarossa bullet trains, Italo and regional trains it is possible for visitors to travel from Milan to Venice or even Florence in just one day.

Hope this article will help you decide which places to visit on day trips from Milan by train ! 🙂

Day trips from Milan by train

PLEASE NOTE that the following places are easily reachable by train . However, you may also consider renting a car   to reach these destinations! This way you won’t be tied to train timetables and you’ll see that driving on Italian highways is not as difficult as it may look.

  • Lake Garda and Verona

Trains in Italy: Frecciarossa VS. Regional Trains

Before reading, you must know a few things on the difference between regional trains and Frecciarossa.

All the locations listed below are worthwhile day trips and perfectly feasible in one day. In regards to Frecciarossa ticket prices , this is the fastest and more comfortable option as they’re bullet trains that reach your destination passing by only a few stops. What you’ll see in the tables below is the cheapest fare that you can get when booking in advance – say at least a month before. 

However, smaller towns such as Bergamo, Mantua and Brescia are not connected by Frecciarossa trains. In this case, you must take regional trains : fares are fixed but seats cannot be reserved , therefore, even though you can easily purchase your ticket the day before traveling, you’re not guaranteed a seat.

1. Lake Como

Day Trips from Milan by Train: Lake Como

“This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty [..] it has the appearance of a mighty river winding among the mountains and the forests”

These are Percy Bysshe Shelley ’s words describing beautiful Lake Como in 1818. 

Even nowadays the lakeside towns are certainly the most famous attractions: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio are only a few of the cozy small towns rich in historical villas and their well-kept gardens, churches and little shops selling local foods and handicraft, jewellery and clothing. Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio are very well-connected one another: check the ferry timetable to organize your trip in advance!

The villas around Lake Como play an important role in attracting tourists from any part of the globe. If you’re wondering why, the reason is that their beauty is astonishing : built between the 16th and 19th century, the villas are considered architectural masterpieces with gorgeous gardens displaying an unrivalled palette of colors in Springtime. 

Some examples are Villa Balbianello, Villa Melzi d’Eril, Villa Fogazzaro, Villa Monastero, Villa D’Este, Villa Pliniana. Particularly appreciated is Villa Carlotta , in Tremezzo, Como. Here you can get to see works of art by Canova and Hayez , together with the beautiful garden and magnificent architectural structure.

How to Get to Lake Como from Milan by Train

2. lake garda and verona.

Day Trips from Milan by Train, Verona

Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and, therefore, is certainly a top-rated day trip from Milan . 

Bordering with Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino , Lake Garda offers beautiful panoramas and a wide range of typical products: from Lake Garda DOC wines such as Lugana DOC to DOP products like Grana Padano, Provolone Valpadana, extra virgin olive oil and, last but not least, juicy lemons used for jams and lemon-scented liqueurs and olive oil.

Take the train from Milano Centrale in the morning and head for Verona , the romantic city chosen by Shakespeare to set one of his most famous works, Romeo and Juliet . Nowadays, it’s considered a good luck sign to touch the statue of Juliet’s breasts situated below Juliet’s balcony.

In the historical center of Verona you’ll see one of Italy’s best-preserved arenas dating back to Roman times, where major concerts and opera festivals take place. Also the gates around the city are Roman works as well as underground excavations.

When on your way back, stop in Desenzano del Garda, a nice town on the lake ideal for an Italian style aperitivo with Spritz .

How to Get to Verona from Milan by Train

Venice Grand Canal, Italy

Venice, the capital of the Veneto region, is a must-see for first time visitors to Italy and, therefore, one of the best day trips from Milan . Canals, gondolas , beautiful buildings and magical atmosphere are all elements contributing to the beauty of this city.

Among the most famous attractions in Venice are Rialto bridge, St. Mark’s basilica and square, the Doge’s Palace, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Ca’ d’Oro and the islands of Murano and Burano, which became famous thanks to the great glass workers. 

However, there are also hidden gems in Venice that not everyone knows! Have you ever heard of Scala del Bovolo in Palazzo Contarini, or Acqua Alta Bookstore , a peculiar Venetian-style bookshop? Also, typical Venetian food is something you want to try. To enjoy a traditional Venetian aperitivo, have a Spritz or a glass of Prosecco with cicchetti or sarde in saor , the typical Venetian-style sardines.

How to Get to Venice from Milan by Train

top rated attractions in Padua

Padua is a very fascinating city: what makes it so appealing is the presence of cozy bars and restaurants (called “ bacari ”) where you can eat great typical food and wines – think of Prosecco and Amarone della Valpolicella!

All over the city you can see the evidence of how great Renaissance artists such as Giotto, Donatello , Piero della Francesca and many others changed the Italian history of art. An example is certainly the Scrovegni Chapel frescoes , now part of Padova Urbs Picta , the14th-century fresco cycles that have been included in the Unesco World Heritage List.

Padua is famous all over the world for the University of Padua – one of the oldest in Italy – and the Basilica of Saint Anthony , where the relics of Saint Anthony are still visible. Nonetheless there are other top rated attractions to visit in Padua awaiting for you!

How to Get to Padua from Milan by Train

theater, vicence, palladio-515655.jpg

Without stepping out of the Veneto region, it is worth visiting the city of Vicenza , an easy day trip from Milan by train .

In Vicenza you’ll be amazed by the Palladian Villas: Villa Valmarana and Villa La Rotonda are the most well-known and easily reachable on foot . It takes about 30 mins from the city center but the walk is nice as you are along a bike path surrounded by the green .

Andrea Palladio , the famous Italian Renaissance architect, also designed the gorgeous UNESCO heritage Teatro Olimpico (“Olympic Theatre”) in the 16th century. You’ll particularly like the trompe-l’œil onstage scenery designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi as it gives the appearance of long streets receding to a distant horizon. This theatre is one of the three Renaissance theatres remaining in existence in Italy!

As you’re in the land of cod, you cannot leave without trying the Baccalà alla Vicentina , Vicenza-style stockfish: a signature dish of Vicenza.

>> More info on Vicenza and its typical food in my article Veneto, Typical Food and Wine Itinerary .

How to Get to Vicenza from Milan by Train

Day Tripd from Milan by Train: Bologna

Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna and is famous mainly for two things: the University and the food. 

First off, you must know that the University of Bologna is the oldest university in Europe : a committee of experts chaired by the famous Italian poet Giosuè Carducci, established its foundation in 1088. 

In Piazza Maggiore you’ll see the famous Neptune’s fountain and a few historical buildings dating back to the 13th and 16th century. The Torre degli Asinelli is a landmark of Bologna you cannot miss: go up the 498 steps and enjoy a wonderful view of the city from above!

Speaking of food , what are Bologna’s signature dishes ? There are many traditional foods in Bologna, but the most well-known are certainly tagliatelle with Ragù alla bolognese and tortellini . 

Have an aperitivo in the area called “ Il Quadrilatero ”, the ancient market of Bologna. Here you can get to taste delicious prosciutto with tigelle , a typical flatbread similar to piadina but smaller, and a glass of Pignoletto Classico DOC .

How to Get to Bologna from Milan by Train

7. florence.

How to Get to Florence from Milan by Train

Florence is situated in northern Tuscany and it’s hands down one of the most worthwhile day trips from Milan . Even though it’s hard to see everything one day, if you’re short on time you can select the best things to see in Florence and enjoy them all the same.

The main landmarks are certainly the magnificent Renaissance style Santa Maria Novella Church , Santa Maria del Fiore with its gorgeous bell tower by Giotto and dome by Brunelleschi , Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio , whose original structure dates back to the Romans, Piazza della Signoria , where you can see the Fountain of Neptune.

Explore the Uffizi gallery , hosting important works of art by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Giotto, Piero della Francesca and many others.

When visiting Palazzo Pitti , which served as the main residence of the Medici family, take a peek into Boboli gardens , a great example of Italian gardens .

Of course, don’t forget to try the Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) and the wonderful Zuppa Toscana .

How to Get to Florence from Milan by Train

How to Get to Turin from Milan by Train

Only 1 hour away from Milan is Turin, the capital of Piedmont .

Broad avenues, huge piazzas and arcades characterize this city, together with the main landmarks: the Royal Palace , The Mole , where you can visit the Museo del Cinema , and one of the most important museums in Italy, the Egyptian Museum .

Turin is famous for its cafés: the magical atmosphere will bring you back to the city’s Golden Age while sipping a bicerin , a typical type of coffee invented in Turin.

Also, you cannot miss to try bagna cauda , a convivial dish meant to be shared with family and friends, accompanied by a glass of Freisa d’Asti DOC, and other signature dishes of Piedmont, such as Agnolotti del Plin , fritto misto and vitello tonnato. If you try these foods in a restaurant, ask the staff the best Piedmontese wines to pair them with!

How to Get to Turin from Milan by Train

Certosa di Pavia

Pavia , situated about 40 km away from Milan along the Via Francigena, is one of the most attractive art cities in the Pianura Padana. 

In one day you can visit the main landmarks : the medieval Visconti Castle , the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro , the Pinacoteca Malaspina , Pavia Cathedral , to which Leonardo da Vinci contributed, the Ponte Coperto , an arch bridge over the Ticino river connecting the historical center to the rest of the city.

Pavia’s most famous attraction is the Certosa di Pavia , a monastery built by the first Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti , at the end of the 14th century. What’s most interesting about the complex,  composed of the church,  the cloisters and  the museum, is that it displays different artistic styles , from the late Gothic to the Renaissance.

You must try Pavia’s rice , as it is the typical product of the province, traditional dishes with eel, snail, goose and frog, together with a glass of the local Oltrepò Pavese DOC . Pavia is also the hometown of Torta Paradiso , a dessert famous all over Italy.

How to Get to Pavia from Milan by Train

One thing you need to know about the Certosa di Pavia is that it’s not in the city center .

In fact, to get to the monastery , you must take the train from Milano Rogoredo (see table below) as trains from Milano Centrale  don’t stop at the Certosa but go directly to Pavia city center.

My advice is to visit the Certosa in the morning and reach the city center in the afternoon. On your way back to Milan, you can take the regional train from Pavia to Milano Centrale .

10. Bergamo

One Day Trips from Milan by Trains: Bergamo

Bergamo, located 50 km east of Milan , attracts visitors for many reasons.

One of the best things to see in Bergamo is Città Alta (or Bergamo Alta), the upper town, is a hidden gem worth your time. Built in the Middle Ages , Upper Town is surrounded by the Venetian walls , now UNESCO heritage , which once served as protection against the invasors.

Also, Bergamo cuisine is something you want to try. A great example of traditional food in Bergamo is polenta e osei (meaning polenta and birds), not to mention Casoncelli and Scarpinocc. Old recipes have been handed down generation after generation, and now we can enjoy simple but good food and wine .

In fact, here you can discover the Valcalepio Wine Route and its homonymous wine, but also the smallest DOCG wine in Italy : Moscato di Scanzo DOCG . 

Have a glass of Moscato with local cheeses and other typical foods in the best traditional restaurants in Bergamo .

How to Get to Bergamo from Milan by Train

Bes things to see in Mantua

Mantua is surely worth visiting given its historical and artistic importance . It was once the cradle of the Italian Renaissance of which we can still see evidence in buildings like Ducale Palace, Basilica di Sant’Andrea and Palazzo Te, not to mention great Italian Renaissance artists such as Andrea Mantegna , who painted the Chamber of the Bride situated in St. George’s Castle. In fact, in 2016 Mantua was named Capital of Culture .

Also, the traditional food in Mantua is amazing: Pumpkin Tortelli (tortelli di zucca), meat Agnoli in broth and Capunsei (sort of gnocchi made of bread and Parmesan) are the typical stuffed pasta you must try in the city.

As a second course, popular are Bigoli con sarde (thick pasta similar to spaghetti with pilchards) and Pike in sauce (pike served with a sauce made of capers, pickled bell peppers, parsil, garlic and onion). Don’t miss Mantua’s signature dessert: Sbrisolona can be found anywhere in the city so give it a try, you won’t regret it 😉

How to Get to Mantua from Milan by Train

12. brescia.

One Day Trips from Mila by Train: Brescia

Brescia has become a famous tourist destination thanks to Christo’s artwork “ The Floating Piers ” visible – and walkable – on lake Iseo in June 2016. 

In Brescia city center, you cannot miss to visit Santa Giulia Museum Complex , offering a journey through Brescia’s history and art from prehistoric times up to the present day. 

Don’t forget to have a taste of the typical cuisine of Brescia : manzo all’olio (beef in oil), Brescia-style Casoncelli , polenta taragna and Bossolà, a traditional Christmas dessert . Of course, all these delicious dishes deserve the right glass of wine : opt for a Franciacorta DOCG , the first DOCG sparkling wine   made with a classic method.

If you have the chance, take a ferry and reach Monte Isola , from where you can admire the astonishing view of the mountains reflected on the water. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see the island covered with colorful flowers during the “ Santa Croce Festival ”. Taking place every 5 years, this celebration is well-known all over the Sebino   area.

How to Get to Brescia from Milan by Train

Hope my article on day trips from Milan by train will be helpful to plan your visit to Italy! 🙂

Did you Like the Post? Follow Me on Social Media and Stay Tuned for More Content!

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

RSS

Table of Contents

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

  • Things to do
  • Restaurants
  • Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Lake Garda

The 10 best day trips from Milan

If you've made the journey to Milan, don't sleep on the rest of Italy right around the corner

Emma Harper

For food, fashion and culture, everyone knows how great Milan is as a city break. There’s a reason people love it so much, and if you’ve been there, you’ll know what we mean. But if there’s one thing that’s underrated about Milan, it’s how close it is to a load of other great cities.

No, seriously. Spend a weekend here and you’re just an hour from a foodie capital, from one of the most famous lakes in the world, and a number of under-the-radar Italian spots you can show off about when you get home. We’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from Milan, all reachable by train in under two hours. Happy exploring!

RECOMMENDED: 🇮🇹 The best places to visit in Italy 📍 The best things to do in Milan 🍝 The best restaurants in Milan 🛍️ Where to go shopping in Milan 🏛️ Must-see attractions in Milan

Emma Harper is a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

An email you’ll actually love

Best day trips from Milan

Bologna

1.  Bologna

A one-hour train from Milan.

Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated cities, so there’s no better time to give it a go than when you’ve just about had enough of Milan. Though it gets overshadowed by the likes of Venice, Rome and Florence, Bologna is a cultural hotspot (and is sometimes called the foodie capital of the world!) . Come for the pasta, stay for the cobbled streets and medieval architecture. 

All’Osteria Bottega is one of the last authentic “osterie” standing in Bologna, and we highly recommend you visit and eat everything, starting with the pork-heavy selection of local cold cuts and the tortellini.

Head to Boavista if you want an atmosphere that’s both old-timey and lounge-like: the venue is known for its mojitos, its muddled, fruit-based cocktails and the notable selection of gin.

Walk off whatever you had for lunch by taking a stroll through Piazza Maggiore, where you will see the odd-shaped  Basilica of San Petronio  (the bottom is made of marble and the top of bricks).

Aemilia Hotel  boasts views of the rolling hills outside the city, and its roof garden is even home to a jacuzzi.

If you do just one thing...

Sure, you might feel part of a quintessentially medieval city in Bologna – but a visit to  MAMbo  will change that. At the contemporary-art museum, jump into an unprecedented array of Italian visual arts dating back to the end of World War II.

Pavia

2.  Pavia

A 43-minute train from Milan to Pavia. 

Milan can be a little hectic, and we’ve got just the antidote if it’s all getting a bit much. Peaceful Pavia, in Italy’s Lombardy region, is a goldmine of beautiful architecture, medieval towers and lots and lots of wine. The kind of place where you can pull up by its winding river and sit for hours, or people-watch from a café in the centre with an espresso. 

Situated in a medieval tower,  La Torre degli Aquila  is a favourite spot among locals who enjoy the creative spin on traditional Italian dishes. 

Despite Italy’s reputation as a wine country, locals have gradually fallen in love with craft beers, as seen in Il Birratoio, which took over the space formerly occupied by a longstanding wine bar with a rotation of 10 taps. A selection of cold cuts,  panini  and  piadine  (a local variety of flatbreads) rounds out the beer menu.

Churches galore! Indulge in some Catholic regalia by visiting Romanesque churches such as San Michele Maggiore and San Teodoro, Renaissance masterpieces such as Santa Maria di Canepanova and gothic works such as San Francesco D’Assisi and Santa Maria del Carmine.

Revel in some old-time opulence by staying at the  Arnaboldi Palace : the octagonal shape houses an inner courtyard topped with a glass dome, and the hotel also has a ballroom.

Visit the Certosa di Pavia, a monastic complex originally intended for Carthusian monks. Its highly ornate style, replete with carvings and reliefs, combines Gothic and Renaissance influences. Don’t miss the cloisters, which are in full bloom in the warmer months.

Camogli

3.  Camogli

A two-hour train from Milan to Camogli. 

The seaside town of Camogli is the perfect antidote to landlocked Milan. It offers trompe l'oeil palazzi, pine forests and azure water in spades. While nearby  Portofino  is a popular spot among luxury travellers, this equally pretty town retains a more working-class feel and doesn’t get quite as crowded, which is why in the summer it’s filled with well-heeled Milanese and Turinese who come on their annual holiday for some peace and quiet. (As they always say, the best travel finds come when you go where the locals go.)

De Laura serves the best food in the tiny beachside hamlet of San Fruttuoso. Be sure to try whichever pesto pasta dish is on offer – Liguria is Italy’s most famous basil-growing region and the home of pesto. 

Grab an outside table at Pub la Cage Aux Folles, located on the main coastal drag in Camogli, and sip an Aperol spritz as you watch the sun go down.

Hire a  private boat  or hop on the ferry from Camogli to Portofino. The area’s vertiginous hills and cliffs of the Ligurian coast are even more stunning when seen from the water. 

Housed in an impeccably restored 1907 palazzo, the  Villa Rosmarino  has a welcoming staff, an outdoor pool and great views above the historic centre of Camogli. 

If you do just one thing… 

Hike the trail from Camogli to the 10th-century  San Fruttuoso . The abbey is in a stunning location, abutting a small pebble beach and with a hillside forest as its backdrop. Only accessible by foot or by boat, San Fruttuoso feels like a hidden paradise.

Varese

4.  Varese

A one-hour train from Milan to Varese. 

Located 30 miles north of Milan, Varese is known as “Garden City” given the plethora of public parks and gardens that dot the cityscape. This, coupled with a robust representation of Art Nouveau works and 18th-century villas, gives the town a countryside-like feel. If sightseeing is not on the menu, you can indulge in shopping.  Baseblu , a multi-story boutique, has a vast selection of major and independent high-end fashion brands.

You have to ring a bell to access  La Perla , an added extravagance to the excellent seafood-forward menu and the room-facing, cloister-like inner courtyard that makes a meal here a relaxing and rewarding experience.

End your night in the charming outdoor area of  Ultimo , where, on top of a good selection of classic cocktails and beers on tap, the owners also offer their own eclectic creations, such as the very summery, celery-based “Celery Bastard,” and the tea-and-rum-based “Tea Bagging.”

After the obligatory stroll through the city centre, visit  Villa Panza Biumo , an 18th-century mansion housing an impressive collection of American contemporary art, including several installations by Dan Flavin.

Art Hotel  is a refurbished 18th-century villa located close to the city centre. Its sprawling garden is the ideal location for a post-sightseeing or pre-dinner aperitivo.

Climb Sacro Monte, originally a “holy road” dotted with chapels and sanctuaries that repentants had to climb during Lent to mirror Christ’s passion, but now a great excuse to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

Lake Garda

5.  Lake Garda

A one-hour train from Milan. 

Lake Garda is the biggest and cleanest of the local lakes, and its crystalline water will make you forget that you’re not on a secluded beach in Sardinia. Lake Garda is not just for beach bums, though. Surrounding the lake are charming towns such as Bardolino, with its two Romanesque churches, Sirmione, home to oh-so-awesome Roman thermal baths dedicated to poet Catullus and Gardone Riviera, with its over-the-top gardens and villas. 

Enjoy a menu that combines the Mediterranean and continental traditions at  Tancredi . Whether seated on the terrace overlooking the lake or in the indoor area with its floor-to-ceiling windows, the superb vista will delight you.

Italian poet, writer, and dandy Gabriele D’Annunzio (1863-1938) enjoyed lounging on the terrace of what is now Hotel Villa del Sogno, which he defined as “the most beautiful [in] the Garda area.” Its  American Bar , complete with a piano and an old-timey atmosphere, offers a wide selection of cocktails, including the house speciality Del Sogno.

Whether you’re in Desenzano, Salò, Sirmione or Gardone, all area towns, start your exploration by just taking a stroll on the  lungolago  (the lakeside promenade).

Lake Garda is a favourite family holiday destination for tourists from all over Europe, but if you want to enjoy a child-free stay,  AQVA Boutique Hotel  in Sirmione is a great option.

Visit the  Vittoriale , a hillside estate in Gardone Riviera, where poet D’Annunzio spent his twilight years. The over-the-top and kitschy décor might not be the quintessence of Italian elegance, but it’s indicative of the aesthetic of  fin-de-siècle viveurs .

Lake Como

6.  Lake Como

Its steep wooded shoreline and pristine sapphire water make Lake Como the most beautiful of the northern Italian lakes. The destination draws in visitors who are seduced by the ample opportunities for villa hopping, lavish lunches, and long boat rides – a jaunt in nature has arguably never been so luxurious. A day trip usually means either a day spent in the larger town of Como, located on the southern tip of the lake or a day that begins in smaller Varenna and involves hopping over to Bellagio on the ferry. 

Located in the backstreets of Como, Ristorante Sociale offers the best bang for your buck in this pricey region, with its home-cooked meals attracting a large crowd of locals. The restaurant’s interiors, not least its massive stone fireplace, make up for the fact that it’s not lakeside.

The outside terrace at Bar Il Molo in Varenna is the most sought-after spot come  aperitivo  hour, as it affords incredible views of the lake. 

Como has been Italy’s silk capital since the 16th century, and while the spun thread is now imported from China, the fabrics woven by Como’s artisans are still coveted. Stop by A Picci in Como, one of the last remaining silk shops in town, to get your own silk tie or scarf.

A lakeside hotel not far from Como,  Villa d’Este  was built as a summer palace in the 16th century and turned into a hotel in the late 19th century. It’s understandably pricey but a perfect spot for a romantic getaway. 

If you do just one thing…

Spend some time on the lake. This can be done on the cheap – riding one of the ferries between towns – or in a more upscale setting, like on one of the mahogany cigarette boats operated by Barindelli in Bellagio.

Turin

7.  Turin

A 45-minute train from Milan. 

Despite being the fourth largest city in Italy, Turin flies under the radar. The historic centre contains clues to Turin’s royal past (it was a seat of the House of Savoy and the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy): radiating from Palazzo Reale, one of two splendid House of Savoy palaces situated on Piazza Castello, are long porticoed arcades, allegedly instituted by the monarchy to keep the royals dry. It is also home to a world-class soccer team – Juventus – and boasts a distinguished culinary scene due to its location in Piedmont, a region famed for food and wine.  

The relatively simple interior of Ristorante Consorzio, reminiscent of an old country house, belies the wow factor of the menu, which pays homage to Piedmont producers. This is a place to be adventurous: try one of the raw meat dishes and order from the impeccable natural wine list.

The bar at Astoria is always a good spot for a drink with friends, but what makes this place special is the basement stage that attracts Turin’s hipsters with various live music and DJ sets.

Perhaps more exciting than its royal heritage is Turin’s past life as a hotbed of resistance during World War II. The wonderful Museo Diffuso Torino (Museum of the Resistance) charts the history of the defiant groups that opposed the occupying German forces and the Italian Fascist regime.

The excellent staff at Tomato Backpackers Hotel gives this spot, which offers both dorms and private rooms, an inclusive and relaxed feel.

Visit one of the city’s historic cafés, which were revolutionary and literary hotbeds in the 19th century. The refined Baratti & Milano, complete with crystal chandeliers and bow-tied bartenders, is a prime example of Turin’s unique café heritage.

Cremona

8.  Cremona

In the Middle Ages, musical activities in the town revolved around the 12th-century Cremona Cathedral, which contributed to its rise as a musical centre in the 16th century – it was here that the modern instrument was invented and Antonio Stradivari made his world-famous violins, making Cremona a must-visit for music lovers. Just over an hour south of Milan by train, the town boasts one of the most beautiful piazzas in northern Italy – the Piazza del Comune – and is mostly off tourists’ radar. So even if you don’t have a passion for stringed instruments,  Cremona  is worth a visit for its quiet scene, all-around impressive architecture and vibrant food scene.

Cremona has several local specialities, such as  marubini  (stuffed pasta) and gnocchi vecchia Cremona (giant, sausage-stuffed gnocchi). The best place to get all things local is Osteria La Sosta.

Centrally located on the Piazza Della Pace, Hobos Cocktail Bar whips up a mean pisco sour, and its outdoor terrace is popular in the warmer months. 

Museo Civico “Ala Ponzone” is the town’s best art gallery with a fine collection of excellent paintings dating from the 15th to the 19th century. If your interest in stringed instruments lies beyond the violin, the collection of guitars and mandolins is sure to delight you. 

Cremona Hotel Impero  is close to the historic centre of Cremona and within easy walking distance of many of the town’s sites. The rooms are spacious and simple, but it can get noisy on weekend nights.

Visit the  Museo del Violino . Opened in 2013, this high-tech museum allows visitors to get up close and personal with some gorgeous Cremona-made violins. Be sure to ask about recital dates and concerts in the auditorium.

Verona

9.  Verona

A one-hour-15-minute train from Milan. 

The stomping ground of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, Verona is so much more than the setting of a Renaissance ill-fated romance. It boasts quaint architectural wonders such as the Castelvecchio fortress, the quintessentially Italianate garden Giardino Giusti (a favourite of Mozart and Goethe), the second-century-AD arena and Piazza delle Erbe, with its town hall (complete with a tower, Torre dei Lamberti), its baroque masterpiece Palazzo Maffei and its baroque fountain, whose statue called  Madonna Verona  dates to the fourth century AD. 

Pizza is not a typical Veronese dish, but chef Simone Padoan devised a gourmet pizza with top-quality ingredients and natural yeast that will delight your taste buds. His pizzeria  I Tigli , located on the outskirts of Verona, is both a local favourite and a destination eatery.

Verona is nestled in a wine region, so suggesting craft cocktails would be pointless. Instead, go to  Enoteca Segreta . As its name suggests (“secret wine bar”), it’s difficult to spot, but it offers a curated selection of both local and national wines in addition to some solid food options, too (remember: Italians never drink on an empty stomach).

Romance might be saccharine, but Juliet’s balcony does deserve a visit, especially because Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story takes inspiration from a local, historically-documented family rivalry. Nearby is Piazza delle Erbe, the town's forum during the Roman Empire era.

Eager to pair your downtime with wine tasting?  Massimago Wine Suites  offers just that.  

Make sure you visit the  Arena di Verona  during the summertime opera season, where famous works by Verdi, Rossini and Puccini are performed  en plein  air.

Lake Maggiore

10.  Lake Maggiore

A one-hour train will take you to Stresa, where you can catch a 20-minute ferry to the islands.

The main draw of  Lake Maggiore  is its three distinct islands:  Isola Bella , Isola Madre and Isola Superiore. The centrepiece of Isola Bella is the baroque Palazzo Borromeo: while the interiors are sumptuous, the 10-tiered garden is a true masterpiece of Baroque garden design that has miraculously remained intact. Isola Madre is also home to a fabulous palace and gardens, while Isola Superiore harbours a quaint fishing village. 

Isola Superiore is home to some excellent seafood restaurants, of which Restaurant Casabella is the best.

The swanky  Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees  in Stresa was the backdrop for part of Ernest Hemingway’s novel  A Farewell to Arms , making it a well-known name all over the world. Room prices are astronomical, but you can always get a drink on the terraces overlooking the lake.

Embrace all the relaxation you can find. Get comfortable with a good book (the aforementioned  A Farewell to Arms,  maybe) and let the majesty of the lakes do the rest.  

La Palma Hotel , a lakeside property, has an old-school façade but modern interiors. Amenities like the Sky Bar and the panoramic spa will have you feeling like you’re in the lap of luxury.

Go on a search for the Borromeo family’s flock of white peacocks that are roaming the grounds on Isola Bella. It isn't every day you can peep a white peacock, is it?

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

  • Press office
  • Investor relations
  • Work for Time Out
  • Editorial guidelines
  • Privacy notice
  • Do not sell my information
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms of use
  • Manage cookies
  • Advertising
  • Time Out Market

Time Out products

  • Time Out Worldwide
  • Android app

Save A Train

5 Day Trips From Milan By Train

It is hard to choose only 5 Easy Day Trips From Milan By Train to share with you. Italy’s fashion capital is resplendent with options for visiting tourist. Not only is it filled with fashion, but it has an incredible history, architecture, and beautiful scenery to write home about.  

  • Rail transport is the most environmentally friendly way to travel. This article was written to educate about Train Travel and was made by Save A Train, The Cheapest Train Tickets Website In The World .

1. 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train: Lake Como

Our first Easy Day Trip From Milan is to Italy’s third largest lake for the day by train, and experience a luxurious cruise around its waters. What better way to experience the stunning alpine scenery from the bow of the boat, as well as getting the chance to take a sneak peek at the beautiful waterside properties on its shores.

The central area of Lake Como is the most visited part of the lake, and although the north and south areas of the lake also have their places of interest these are generally less impressive: of course, having all the main attractions quite close together is also convenient for visitors with limited time.

Note that sometimes towns are close together, but separated by the lake! No problem, there are regular ferries across the lake so traveling around is easy (car ferries are less frequent and operate from fewer ferry terminals than passenger ferries).

Florence to Como Trains

Milan to Como Trains

Turin to Como Trains

Genoa to Como Trains

Lake Como is the best Day Trips From Milan By Train

2. St. Moritz, Switzerland

You might be surprised to learn that Switzerland is just a day trip away from Italy’s capital. Hop on the Bernina Express from Tirano and you will be there in just two and a half hours.

The journey itself is worth it: this is the steepest rail journey in the world, ascending from 429 meters up to over 1800 in the Swiss mountains.  The stunning alpine scenery viewed from the train window will mean you will not want to leave the train.

You will end up in the Swiss town of St. Moritz, one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts. This is where the rich and famous spend their holidays or own a chalet. 

St. Moritz is not the typical scenic alpine town. We feel that luxurious is a more appropriate description than beautiful . The surrounding area is beautiful though and combined with the special atmosphere of the town, a wonderful vacation is absolutely guaranteed.

St. Moritz makes a perfect base to explore the south of the canton of Graubunden . It is not a good base for day trips to other parts of Switzerland, as that would take too much travel time . It is, however, one of our top 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train though! Apart from the nightlife in town, the main activities here are the outdoors. If you like hiking, biking, or winter sports , you can enjoy yourself for weeks in this stunning region.

Zurich to St Moritz Trains

Zermatt to St Moritz Trains

Basel to St Moritz Trains

Bergamo to Tirano Trains

3. 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train: Bergamo

A visit to Bergamo is often combined with a trip to Lake Como, but it is well worth its own place on our 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train list! 

With historic walls stretching for five kilometers to encircle the old town, and plentiful medieval architecture to look at, it holds significant intrigue for tourists wanting a pretty place to spend the day.

Ride the funicular from the bottom to the top of the town, and take a look at Bergamo’s significant monuments, such as the St. Maria Maggiore Cathedral and the Colleoni Chapel.

Last, but not least, do not forget to take a moment to appreciate Bergamo’s incredible surroundings, with hills stretching for miles, all the way down to distant Lake Como.

Milan to Bergamo Trains

Mantua to Bergamo Trains

Como to Bergamo Trains

Cremona to Bergamo Trains

Bergamo is one of the Day Trips From Milan By Train

4. Franciacorta

The Franciacorta region offers some spectacular, award-winning wines for you to sample, in amongst splendid Italian scenery.

Get the chance to meet the wine producers themselves! Ask questions about the process of winemaking, and what makes their particular brand so delicious.

The Franciacorta DOCG area is comprised of about 3,000 hectares of vines covering some wonderfully scenic rolling territory just south of Lake Iseo in the Italy Lombardy region. This is within spitting distance of numerous other famous Italian wine regions , such as Piedmont to the west and Conegliano Valdobbiadene (home of super premium Prosecco) to the east. 

This prime location makes Franciacorta a perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a well deserved wine trip, just an hour’s trip from Milan, it is accessible and beautiful in equal measure. 

The boutique wineries of Franciacorta really do offer something special, but the shopping is also great too! The Franciacorta design outlet has plenty of bargains to offer a savvy shopper, so make sure to get your hands on the goods here.

Cremona to Brescia Trains

Bergamo to Brescia Trains

Milan to Brescia Trains

Treviglio to Brescia Trains

Franciacorta is one of the Day Trips From Milan By Train

5. 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train: Venice

Our list of 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train would not be complete without including Venice! What could be better than taking a day trip from Milan to one of Italy’s most prized romantic cities, Venice? Though it is hard to fit all of Venice’s delights into just one day, you can certainly try.

Wander its cool, cobbled streets . Have a coffee in the famous Piazza San Marco. Perhaps even stretch to riding a gondola through the canals for a truly special experience. 

You will no doubt be suitably charmed by the sparkling lagoon. Enjoy the fantastic architecture that characterizes one of Italy’s most popular cities for tourists.

If you still have time, head over to one of Venice nearby islands. Murano is famous for glass blowing traditions, and perhaps purchase a trinket to take back home.

Milan to Venice Trains

Padua to Venice Trains

Bologna to Venice Trains

Rome to Venice Trains

Venice Italy

Ready to experience 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train? Head on over to Save A Train Now! No hidden fees, no hassle! 

Do you want to embed our blog post “5 Easy Day Trips From Milan By Train” onto your site? You can either take our photos and text and give us credit with a link to this blog post. Or click here: https://iframely.com/embed/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saveatrain.com%2Fblog%2Fday-trips-milan-train%2F%3Flang%3Den  ‎- (Scroll down a little to see the Embed Code)

  • If you want to be kind to your users, you can guide them directly into our search pages. In this link, you will find our most popular train routes – https://www.saveatrain.com/routes_sitemap.xml . Inside you have our links for English landing pages, but we also have https://www.saveatrain.com/zh-CN_routes_sitemap.xml , and you can change the /zh-CN to /fr or /de and more languages.

day trips from milan italy by train

Laura Thomas

Related posts.

Cheers over a glass of wine

Best Wineries In Europe And How To Get There

10 Charming Castles in France and How to Get There by Train blog

10 Charming Castles In France By Train

Wedding couple in the nature

10 Amazing Wedding Destinations In Europe

Translation flags, search blog, search hotels and more..., destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Booking.com

Recent Posts

  • Digital Visa for Freelancers: Top 5 Countries for Relocation
  • 5 Platforms To Explore Volunteer Programs Worldwide
  • New EU Rail Regulations: Better Protection for Passengers
  • 7 Amazing Spring Break Destinations In Europe
  • Traveling To Europe During Bank Holidays

The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Day Trips from Milan

15 Best Day Trips from Milan

Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, is resplendent with options for the visiting tourist.

With its chic high-end shops, myriad winding streets to explore, and plentiful beautiful buildings to admire, there is a lot to keep you occupied.

Don’t venture further afield before you’ve climbed up to view the city from the roof of Milan’s Duomo, sampled a rainbow of flavours from one of the many gelato vendors around the city, and of course, snatched a peek at Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper – after elbowing your way through all the crowds.

Only then can you think about exploring the best day trips from Milan :

1. Lake Como

Lake Como

Head to Italy’s third largest lake for the day, and experience a luxurious cruise around its waters.

You’ll admire the stunning alpine scenery from the bow of the boat, as well as getting the chance to take a sneak peek at the beautiful waterside properties on its shores.

Combine the lake visit with a tour around Como city at its southern tip, whose historic centre is sure to charm you.

Spend a relaxed couple of hours meandering through its pretty streets, and perhaps take a ride on its funicular, taking it all in before you return to the bustle of Milan.

2. St. Moritz, Switzerland

Lake St. Moritz

You might be surprised to learn that Switzerland is just a day trip away from Italy’s capital.

Hop on the Bernina Express from Tirano and you’ll be there in just two and a half hours.

The journey itself is worth it: this is the steepest rail journey in the world, ascending from 429 metres up to over 1800 in the Swiss mountains.

The stunning alpine scenery viewed from the train window will mean you won’t want to leave the train.

You’ll end up in the Swiss town of St. Moritz, one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts.

There’ll be time enough to fully explore before you head back down the mountains on the train.

Bergamo, Italy

A visit to Bergamo is often combined with a trip to Lake Como, but it’s well worth a day of exploration in its own right.

With historic walls stretching for five kilometres to encircle the old town, and plentiful medieval architecture to look at, it holds significant intrigue for tourists wanting a pretty place to spend the day.

Ride the funicular from the bottom to the top of the town, and take a look at Bergamo’s significant monuments, such as the St. Maria Maggiore Cathedral and the Colleoni Chapel.

Finally don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate Bergamo’s incredible surrounds, with hills stretching for miles, all the way down to distant Lake Como.

4. Franciacorta

Franciacorta

The Franciacorta region offers some spectacular, award winning wines for you to sample, in amongst splendid Italian scenery.

Get the chance to meet the wine producers themselves, and ask questions about the process of wine making, and what makes their particular brand so delicious.

The boutique wineries of Franciacorta really do offer something special.

And of course, what would a visit to Milan be without setting aside time for shopping? The Franciacorta design outlet has plenty of bargains to offer a savvy shopper, so make sure to get your hands on the goods here.

Venice

What could be better than taking a trip to one of Italy’s most prized romantic cities, waterway-crossed Venice? Though it’s hard to fit all of Venice’s delights into just one day, you can certainly try.

Wander its cool, cobbled streets, have a coffee in the famous Piazza San Marco, and perhaps stretch to riding a gondola through the canals for a truly luxury experience.

You’ll no doubt be suitably charmed by the sparkling lagoon and fantastic architecture that characterises one of Italy’s most popular cities for tourists.

If you still have time, head over to one of Venice’s nearby islands, such as Murano with its famous glass-blowing traditions, and perhaps purchase a trinket to take back home.

6. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre

The picture-perfect Cinque Terre is a brilliant place to visit, especially for those who might want to get that perfect Instagram shot.

With layer upon layer of rainbow-hued houses perched upon hillsides, the five villages of Cinque Terre are sure to surprise and delight visitors.

Keep your camera out for this visit: you certainly won’t regret it.

These UNESCO World-Heritage listed lands are certainly one of the most picturesque sights in all of Italy.

You likely won’t have time to explore all five, but there’ll be time enough to wander round Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza, grab an ice cream and watch the fishermen at work.

Pure bliss.

7. Lugano and Bellagio

Bellagio, Italy

Often referred to as the ‘pearl of Lake Como’, it’s easy to see why Bellagio merits a spot on the list of best day trips from Milan.

Simply sit back and enjoy the ambience of this wonderful city, sampling its best food and drinks.

Afterward, head over the border to Lugano, and enjoy the fabulous scenic delights of the Swiss Alps along the way.

This is your chance to sample world-renowned Swiss chocolate, and perhaps buy some as a souvenir for friends and family back home.

Or keep it to yourself…

8. Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore and its cluster of pretty islands is certainly worth a day away from Milan.

Grab a hop-on, hop-off ferry pass and spend the day jumping from island to island across the sparkling water.

Start from Stresa, on the shore, and make your way slowly to Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori to check out their individual charms.

With the sun in the sky there could hardly be a more tranquil way to spend some time on your Italian holiday.

Be sure to take a look at the Palace Museum and Gardens on Isola Madre, and spend some time browsing for souvenirs on Isola dei Pescatori.

9. Lake Garda

Lake Garda

You could hardly take a trip to Italy without paying a visit to its largest and most famous lake, Lake Garda.

Travel by train through the beautiful Lombard countryside to reach it, and enjoy its Mediterranean climate on arrival.

You’ll be able to spend some time out on the water on a quick cruise, as well as travelling to the gorgeous lakeside towns of Sirmione and Desenzano.

The ‘pearl’ of the lake, Sirmione has much to offer tourists: a fortress, a Roman villa, and the Catullo caves.

The port of Desenzano also has a spectacular medieval castle.

Verona

Shakespeare’s fair Verona certainly merits an excursion – and it is surely just as pretty as he described.

Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous lovers, Romeo and Juliet, through the streets immortalised in his play.

You’ll get the chance to see the very balcony from which Juliet wondered ‘wherefore art thou Romeo?’

Beyond Shakespeare, Verona has other strings to its bow.

Check out the fantastic Roman amphitheatre, built in the first century AD, or head downtown to take a look at the Piazza Mercato.

11. Genova and Portofino

Genoa

This day trip away from the busy city sees you explore the gorgeous Ligurian coast.

Genova, Italy’s largest port, holds much delight for tourists, with many important monuments and an old town which has in part been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

While you’re exploring the coastline, move further along to spend some time in the colourful village of Portofino and its neighbour Santa Margherita Ligure.

Take in the picturesque sight of fishing boats bobbing along the water, and breathe deeply in the salty air, before you head back city-wards.

12. Interlaken & the Swiss Alps

Interlaken, Switzerland

Who’d have thought that just a few hours’ journey from Milan lay the glorious Alpine scenery of Interlaken? After a journey on the ‘Green Train of the Alps’ you’ll find yourself in a different world from the busy city: mountain lakes and lofty peaks and gorgeous green countryside.

Interlaken is a great place simply to get lost, but if that’s not tempting enough for you, how about a sample of that famous Swiss chocolate?

13. Maranello Ferrari tour

Maranello Ferrari

One of Italy’s most well-known and well-loved appeals is the Ferrari brand.

If high-speed cars zipping round race tracks is your thing, this day trip will certainly be high up on your list.

Spend the day immersing yourself in all things Ferrari, with a trip to Maranello.

Check out the test track where factory-fresh cars are put through their paces, learn more about the brand and its history in the Museo Ferrari, and glory in the exhibits of old-style cars in the gallery.

For more Formula 1 fun, head to the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari to learn about its 40-year history.

14. Florence

Florence

Beautiful Florence is certainly a must visit on an Italy adventure.

It’s a brilliant place just to spend a few hours wandering round, but it also has a whole host of important cultural attractions, such as the famous Uffizi art gallery and the impressive Duomo offering panoramic city views from the top.

Make sure you check out the Ponte Vecchio, where the Medici family once trod, and the jewellers who set up shop along its length.

Turin, Italy

Italy’s first capital, Turin, is of course most famous for its shroud depicting the face of Jesus.

However, there’s a lot more to it than a length of cloth.

During your visit you should certainly make time for the baroque church of San Lorenzo and the cathedral, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

Even just strolling along Turin’s tree-lined boulevards is a highly enjoyable way to spend your day, or sitting back to relax in one of its many cafes.

15 Best Day Trips from Milan:

  • St. Moritz, Switzerland
  • Franciacorta
  • Cinque Terre
  • Lugano and Bellagio
  • Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands
  • Genova and Portofino
  • Interlaken & the Swiss Alps
  • Maranello Ferrari tour

An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

lake como with coastal village

12 weekend trips and day trips from Milan you will love

Great weekend trips and day trips from Milan, for a relaxing getaway in some of the most beautiful destinations in northern Italy.

Milan is a wonderful base to discover the north of Italy . Close to lake, mountains and pretty cities, Milan is well connected to the rest of Italy by roads and trains.

These are some of the best day trips from Milan you can take on your own or by private tours and some weekend getaway ideas for Milan, for when you feel like a proper break from the city.

This is our round up of the best day trip and day tours from Milan.

Trip idea: combine one day in Milan and a day trip to one of the destinations below for a fantastic long weekend!

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission.

Day trips from Milan Map – our top picks

Our favorite day trips from Milan, Italy

Lake como – the most popular day trip from milan.

Lake Como is the most popular day trip from Milan for locals and visitors alike.

Nestled at the bottom of the Italian Alps, the lake has the shape of an upside-down Y, with its arms framed by beautiful mountain peaks.

Lake Como appears in the incipit of the famous Italian novel ‘The Bethroted’, which opens with the dreamy description of the Southern arm of the lake, and it is easy to see why this place has such an important role in Italian literature.

This place is simply idyllic. Whether you are here for boating, strolling along the lakes or visiting villas, it is hard to resist its charm.

Famous locations along the lake are glamorous Bellagio and Varenna, regularly featuring among the best day trips from Milan and Como itself, which is a pretty town with a relaxing city center and promenade.

In the good season, it is possible to enjoy lake Como from the water too, joining a lake cruise , swimming, or trying out watersports such as kayaking , SUPping and canoeing.

Tip for families with kids : do not miss ‘Jungle raider park’ in Bellagio, a fun adventure park for kids of all ages!

You can get to Lake Como by car or train or join an organized tour like the following:

Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna day tour from Milan

Lake Como and Bellagio Day trip from Milan

Day trip from Milan to Lake Como, including a visit to Bellagio and Lugano , in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.

Lake Maggiore – great day trip from Milan in spring and summer

To the West of Lake Como and a short drive to the North West of Milan lies stunning Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore), one of the most beautiful lakes in northern Italy .

Isola bella lake maggiore Italy

Glamorous, elegant and plain beautiful, Lake Maggiore is a great day trip from Milan if you like architecture and enjoy strolling around elegant gardens overlooking a placid lake scenery.

The places to see here are pretty Stresa, the impressive Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (museum and terraces) and the Borromean islands , in particular Isola Bella, about which Dickens said ‘For however fanciful and fantastic the Isola Bella may be, and is, it still is beautiful’.

Tip for families with small kids : bring the kids to Parco Zoo di Villa Pallavicino and enjoy the beautiful gardens and wildlife park (flamingoes, foxes, alpacas, raccoons and more!) or treat them to a day at the local adventure park for an afternoon of guaranteed fun!

Stresa is about 1h by car from Milan. Once in the area, you can use the local hop on, hop off boat to explore islands and gardens at your leisure.

Bernina Express – best day trip from Milan for mountain lovers

If you love trains or mountains, then the best day trip from Milan for you is a trip on the Bernina Express!

The Bernina Express is a train serving the Bernina pass, a beautiful Alpine pass between Italy and Switzerland and holds the record for being the steepest railways in the world.

The train connects Tirano to St Moritz, in Switzerland, and is a great way to spend a day in this glamorous resort town. Organized day tours from Milan take the planning stress away: have a look at tickets and prices here .

Lake Garda is the biggest lake in Italy and a popular summer vacation destination for locals and tourists alike. People usually spend anything between a weekend and a week here however, you can also easily visit it from Milan for a day or an overnight stay (recommended).

Sirmione on Lake Garda

From Milan, the easiest and best places to visit on Lake Garda to visit are Desenzano and Sirmione , where you have the stunning Castello Scaligero, Aquaria (thermal baths) and of course the lake itself with its beautiful shores.

The best way to visit Lake Garda from Milan is by car since this allows you to explore several town in one go.

Once you are in the area, a cool way to enjoy the lake is by joining a lake cruise or participating in a wine tour . If you can, stay the night to make the most of this wonderful area.

Verona -best weekend getaway from Milan for couples and history lovers

Verona is world famous and can be easily reached from Milan on a day trip or, better for a weekend getaway.

View of Verona italy

The city has a wonderful historical center, a stunning position along the river Adige and two main landmarks, that attract visitors from all over the world: the Roman amphitheater and the so called Juliet’s balcony.

Verona is easy to visit independently so if you don’t mind making your own way there, I would advocate allocating a couple of day for the visit and allowing yourself to get lost in its center and soak up the atmosphere.

The city center has enough attractions and shops to keep you busy for a couple of days or you can combine a visit to Verona with an extra stretch to the countryside around Verona, for instance joining a wine tour in the production area of Amarone wine.

Trains depart from Milan at regular intervals during the day (sometimes as often as 3 times per hour) and take between 1 and 2 hours to reach Verona.

Bergamo – great day trip from Milan for UNESCO site lovers

Lovely Bergamo is one of the easiest and most pleasant day trips from Milan if you love charming old towns, beautiful architecture and sweeping views.

Bergamo develops at the bottom and a top of a hill: the lowest part of town is Bergamo Bassa (bassa=low) and the one on top is Bergamo alta (alta=high), the ancient part of the city, still surrounded by Bastions now UNESCO World Heritage.

The city is medieval in architecture and a delight to discover on foot. Piazza Vecchia and Piazza Duomo are among the most beautiful corners of the city but the best way to explore Bergamo is to allow yourself to get lost and let its medieval street take you.

If you prefer a guided tour, have a look a this private guided our of the old city and this fun Bergamo food tour , perfect for foodies!

Regular trains connect Milano Centrale to Bergamo in about 50 minutes.

Genoa – fantastic day trip from Milan to the coast by train

Genoa is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and one that is easy to visit from Milan.

day trips from milan italy by train

Good train connections allow you to reach Genoa city center in less than two hours and, from there, you can easily visit the main Geona attraction on foot.

There are two main areas worth visiting in Genoa: the historical city center, which is right outside the main station, and the Old Port, a short stroll downhill from the town center. Both can easily be visited in one day, but you need an itinerary as there are a good few attractions you don’t want to miss. Find our recommended one-day Genoa Itinerary here.

Tip for families with kids : The area of the Old Port is a paradise for small kids. It is home to a children’s museum, a pirate ship, a submarine, a panoramic lift and one of the biggest Aquariums in Europe, all in the same place! You can find our tips for visiting Genoa with kids here.

Weekend trip from Milan to Cinque Terre

If you have a couple of days and are looking for a weekend getaway from Milan on the coast, then you should do to Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Italy.

View of Manarola town in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre are a series of 5 villages , perched on vertical cliffs plunging into the sea. They are famous for their scenic and colorful villages and they can easily be visited from Milan by train.

Getting there takes a bit of effort since there i snot direct train, but once you are there, moving around is easy and the views worth it.

Stay the night to have the time to train hop between all of them, hit the trails and admire the sunset from pretty Vernazza – unforgettable!

If you don’t have a weekend, you can also visit the area by joining a day tour from Milan such as this one : it is worth it but it is a long day, so be prepared for staying out morning to evening.

Top tip for families with kids : Cinque Terre are not easy to visit with a stroller. If you are planning on visiting with small kids or toddlers, first read our guide to Cinque Terre with kids .

Bologna – city day trip from Milan by train

International tourism mostly ignores gorgeous Bologna but ask any Italian and they are likely to launch in extensive praise for this city.

Home to the oldest university in Europe and famous for giving the world the sauce visitors call ‘Bolognese’, Bologna is a delight to visit and a very easy day trip from Milan.

The two cities are connected by the high-speed train Italo and it takes a little over an hour to get from one to the other.

The train leaves you in the center of the city and you can easily discover Bologna on foot. Not to be missed here are the city’s main landmarks such as Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio and Torre degli Asinelli, and of course, the city’s legendary food, which you can get to know by joining a traditional food tour such as this one .

Parma – the best day trip from Milan for foodies

Parma is mostly known abroad for its food, namely Parmesan and ham, and indeed if you are into food and produce, there is hardly a better place to be than this quaint and cute Italian town.

Piazza Duomo Parma: cover photo of parma with kids travel guide

However, there is more to Parma than just restaurants and cellars: the city is home to an old University, has beautiful churches and gardens and is home to composer Giuseppe Verdi, still celebrated in Parma opera house, worth visiting.

Parma is easy to enjoy on your own but to tap into the culinary tradition of the city, there is no better way than by joining a traditional food tour such as this one . If you have a couple of days, you can also join a factory tour, perfect if you love parma ham and parmesan in particular.

Top Tip for families with kids : Parma has a child friendly side. Discover what to do in Parma with kids in this guide!

Pavia – historical university town

Pavia is a university town along the river Ticino, less than an hour South of Milan.

The city was the capital of the Longobard kingdom between 572 to 774 and is home to thee second most ancient university in Italy after Bologna.

This long history means that Pavia still retains a lot of interesting and beautiful medieval sights (the duomo, the Basilica di San Michele and the city’s ancient towers are just some examples) and mixes them with a cool, university town type of vibe.

Just outside the city also lies the Certosa di Pavia, famous for being a beautiful example of Italian Reinassance architecture.

Pavia can be easily reached from Milan with a 40-minute drive or you can check out this day tour from Milan that also allows to you visit the Certosa and the Oltrepo Pavese countryside

Turin – an elegant city with Umbertine charm

Turin is very different from other Italian towns and has a distinctive Northern charm heavily influenced by nearby France.

The city has a quiet, elegant atmosphere and has impressive buildings in Umbertine architecture, churches and museums. I personally love it and find it an unmissable city, even a hidden gem!

Some non to miss spots in Turin are la Mole Antonelliana, towering above the city, Palazzo del Valentino and the famous Turin Duomo.

As well as impressive sights, Turin is also a city of indulgence and a trip here wouldn’t be complete without some foodie stops.

Turin is famous for chocolate, meat and truffle and not many realize it is also the birthplace of Italian aperitivo ! When visiting, make sure you have enough time for this early evening tradition.

To make the most of your time in Turin, you can consider the city’s hop-on hop-off bus tour or you can join a historical walking tour and learn about Turin as first capital of Italy.

Top tip for families with kids : the Egyptian museums of Turin is world-famous and very impressive for kids, with mummies and papyrus. If your kids love cars, they will love to know Turin, home of Fiat, has an automobile museum which you can visit at a discounted rate when buying the hop-on, hop-off bus tour

I hope you enjoyed this selection of day trips from Milan. Safe travels!

12 fantastic short trips from Milan – Pin this!

Photo collage of Lake Garda, Lake Como and Parma with text: 12 fantastic short trips from Milan, weekend trip and day trip ideas

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

vineyard in tuscany

You May Also Like

View of Minori from the path of lemons

The Path of Lemons: all you need to know about this scenic Amalfi Coast hike

Amalfi town view from the water

Visiting Amalfi town: all you need to know for a perfect day in Amalfi

sperlonga italy view

Sperlonga: the best things to do + tips for visiting one of Italy’s prettiest towns

PlanetWare.com

12 Top-Rated Day Trips from Milan

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Milan's position in Western Lombardy puts it within easy reach of several rewarding day trip destinations. The Alps are so close that you can see them from the roof of the Duomo. Fabled Lake Como is less than an hour by train, and there are several towns near Milan with magnificent churches and cathedrals.

The beautiful cities of Verona and Bergamo are easily accessible, as is Lake Garda. Because Milan is the rail hub of northern Italy, getting to any of these places by train is easy, and high-speed trains make it possible to take a day trip from Milan to Venice or even to the Cinque Terre. Packaged day tours often make it even easier to explore beyond the city.

You can choose the best places to visit by referring to our handy list of the top day trips from Milan.

1. Lake Como

2. verona and lake garda, 3. bernina express to st. moritz, 5. florence, 7. cinque terre, 8. lake maggiore and the borromean islands, 9. bergamo's citta alta, 10. brescia's roman treasures, map of day trips from milan.

Lake Como

Direct trains from either Milan's Stazione Nord or Stazione Centrale take about 30 minutes to reach the small city of Como, at the southern shore of Lake Como. From here, boats leave regularly, stopping at one after another of the lakeside towns, each prettier than the last and each with its own attractions for tourists .

Within a few minutes' walk of the landings are beautiful gardens and villas, art-filled churches, and narrow lanes of smart shops. One of the prettiest towns on Como is Bellagio , set at the tip of a peninsula that divides southern Lake Como into two long arms.

Como itself is worth some time to see its cathedral; the rare frescoes in the 11th-century Basilica of Sant'Abbondio ; and the views from the top of the Brunate funicular, which climbs from the lake shore near the boat landing.

You can easily see Como's Roman origins by the neat grid of streets; one impressive Roman gate survives. The fact that Como was once a major center for silk production makes shopping for silk neckties, scarves, and clothing one of the most popular things to do here.

You can combine a guided walking tour of the town of Como with a scenic lake cruise on the nine-hour Lake Como Day Trip from Milan . The tour varies seasonally, with a stop in lovely Bellagio from April to October and a funicular ride up to Brunate for sweeping lake and mountain views November through March.

  • Read More From Milan to Lake Como: Best Ways to Get There

Verona and Lake Garda

The happy blend of Roman antiquities, medieval streetscapes, and the romance of Shakespeare's tragic (though fictional) heroine Juliet puts Verona near the top of everyone's best places to visit in Italy list . In the center of the historic district stands one of Italy's best-preserved Roman arenas , the site of a major summer opera festival .

A few streets away, the riverside castle has been brilliantly repurposed into an art museum, with fine views of the castellated bridge below. At least four of the city's churches are landmarks of Italian architecture and decorative art. There are several Roman gates and subterranean excavations from the same period to explore, but few of Verona's attractions get as many tourists as Juliet's house and balcony.

The two-hour train ride from Milan to Verona passes along the southern shore of Lake Garda , Italy's largest lake. The well-kept town of Sirmione , at the tip of a peninsula that extends into the lake, is worth a stop for its moated castle and the extensive remains of Grotte di Catullo, a Roman villa and spa.

Or you can combine romantic Verona with a visit to Sirmione on a full-day Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan . The two-hour guided walking tour of Verona is highlighted by visits to the Roman arena and the house commemorating the story of Romeo and Juliet. There is plenty of time to explore Sirmione and its castle before the coach ride back to Milan.

Bernina Express to St. Moritz

It's a long day, but you can get a taste of the magnificent Alpine scenery north of Milan by making the two-hour train ride to Tirano and boarding the scenic Bernina Express. In two and a half hours, you'll cross 196 bridges, go through 55 tunnels, and cross breathtaking gorges as you climb the Bernina Pass and descend into Switzerland .

The "Little Red Train" has wide vista windows for full views and good photography from every seat. The Bernina Express ends in the legendary Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz , overlooking a lake and the Engadin Alps. The train runs year-round, and the views are equally good in summer or winter.

On the guided Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan , you can travel by coach to board the train in Tirano, with time to explore not only that Alpine town but chic St. Moritz as well.

Venice

Venice is only 2.5 hours from Milan, and it would be a shame to visit northern Italy without seeing this fabled city, one of the most popular places to go in all Italy. On a day trip, you can easily see the highlights of Venice , including St. Mark's Square , the Basilica of St. Mark , the Grand Canal , the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace , and Rialto Bridge, and wander in the maze of streets and along the colorful canals.

You can get here by train or travel by coach on a Venice Day Trip from Milan , with a guide who will add historical insights to your visit. The 14-hour trip includes a guided walking tour and a visit to a glass-blowing workshop, along with plenty of free time to sample Venetian restaurants and take an optional gondola ride.

Read More: From Milan to Venice: Best Ways to Get There

Florence

Because of Italy's high-speed train lines, you can whizz from Milan to the Renaissance city of Florence in just two hours, leaving plenty of time for seeing the main tourist attractions .

Several of the top sights are an easy walk from the train station: Piazza del Duomo , with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Baptistery; Santa Maria Novella; Michelangelo's magnificent Medici tombs in San Lorenzo; Piazza della Signoria ; and the Palazzo Vecchio .

An easy and time-saving way to get from one attraction to the next is with a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket, included in a Florence Day Trip from Milan by Train tour. This tour not only stops at the attractions in the old Centro Storico (historic center) but will take you across the Arno to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens and up to the scenic overlook of Piazzale Michelangiolo. If art is on your agenda, you can add a skip-the-line admission ticket to the fabled Uffizi Gallery to this tour package.

The Mole Antonelliana in Turin

In only 1.25 hours from Milan by train, you can spend a day in the city that the Dukes of Savoy designed as the Paris of the South . This elegant city of broad avenues and piazzas lined by arcades is a pleasure just to stroll around, but the sightseeing opportunities include a sumptuous Royal Palace , a heart-stopping ride in a glass elevator to the top of The Mole for views of the snowcapped Savoy Alps, and one of the world's foremost collections of Egyptian antiquities .

Turin is known for its cafés, where you'll feel as though you'd stepped back into the city's Golden Age as you sip a bicerin - Turin's own signature coffee/chocolate drink - and nibble delectable pastries.

For those who feel they must include something of ancient Rome in their Italy trip, there is an impressive Roman gate within sight of the church that houses the legendary Shroud of Turin (which is not on public display).

Cinque Terre

The trip between the five villages known as the Cinque Terre , whether by boat, train, or on foot, is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Italy. The tiny towns are separated by stretches of steep cliffs and connected by a narrow and often precipitous walking trail, and by a train line that tunnels through the rocky headlands between towns.

The colorful villages ooze charm, and although they are clearly not undiscovered, they still look much as they did before they became one of the most popular destinations in Italy.

While exploring the Cinque Terre in one day on your own is more complicated, from April through October you can take a 12-hour Cinque Terre Day Trip from Milan to see the highlights of this beautiful coast. The five villages of this UNESCO-listed region sit on a steep, cliff-lined shore south of Genoa , and after a scenic coach ride along the Mediterranean coast, you'll travel between them by boat and train.

There's free time to explore Monterosso and Manarola, have lunch in your choice of local restaurants, or to take a walk on the coastal path for even more breathtaking views. The trip between the five villages, whether by boat, train or on foot, is one of the top itineraries in Italy.

  • Read More: From Milan to Cinque Terre: Best Ways to Get There

View over Isola Bella, Borromean Islands

One of the favorite things to do on Lake Maggiore , north of Milan, is island hopping among the three islands near the holiday town of Stresa. After a ride as short as 1.25 hours by fast train, you can take a boat to visit all three islands, their gardens, and palaces - and have time for a lakeside dinner in Stresa before boarding the train back to Milan.

Go first to Isola Bella , entirely filled by the sumptuous 17 th -century summer palace of Count Vitaliano Borromeo and his over-the-top terraced gardens. Citrus and cedar trees, cork oaks, and camellias overlook manicured beds of colorful flowers, with the lake and mountains as a backdrop.

More gardens and a less elaborate palace are on Isola Madre , and the small Isola dei Pescatori is a quaint fishing village with - as you might expect - restaurants serving lake fish. A good way to see all three on your own schedule is on a Lake Maggiore Isola Bella Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Tour from Stresa, spending as much time exploring the palace and gardens as you like.

Bergamo's Citta Alta

On a steep hill, directly above the tidy street grid of new Bergamo, the old city is a tangle of narrow, stone-paved streets lined by buildings dating to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Reach it by a funicular or by streets that wind upwards to the impressive gates in the 16th-century bastions .

Inside this atmospheric walled village lie most of Bergamo's artistic and historic attractions , many of them clustered around the sloping Piazza Vecchia .

The 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione, with its triple-arched loggia and impressive stone staircase, joins with the tall tower, Torre del Comune , to form the upper side of the square, which is bounded on the other sides by noble houses and a Renaissance palazzo.

At the top of the city, just behind the Palazzo della Ragione, are the Duomo and Santa Maria Maggiore , a Romanesque basilica begun in the early 1100s. The latter church is sumptuous inside and out, with Gothic entrance porches, Baroque stucco work, and beautiful Renaissance choir stalls.

Adjoining it is the Cappella Colleoni , an early Renaissance funeral chapel decorated inside and out with multicolored marble inlay, and a ceiling painted by Tiepolo. Opposite the chapel is an unusual octagonal Baptistery dating from 1340. About 40 kilometers from Milan, Bergamo is on a direct train line.

Tempio Capitolino in Brescia

Brescia is in good company – too good, in fact. Surrounded by some of Italy's top places to visit – Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona, Milan – many tourists seem to hurry past without stopping. That's a shame because Brescia is only an hour from Milan by train (half that on a fast train) and has the finest collection of Roman remains in northern Europe .

You can stand in the forum and look down into the ancient street with its excavated shop fronts; above rise the impressive columns of the first-century Tempio Capitolino , which you can tour to see its remaining chambers and colored marble floors. Next to it is the 3rd-century Teatro Romano.

But the highlight of Brescia's Roman treasures is the Civici Musei d'Arte e Storia Santa Giulia , a complex that includes an original Roman villa and other homes with stunning mosaic floors. Walkways allow you to admire the fine detail at close range, and artifacts of this and later eras are beautifully displayed and interpreted. But this is only part of the museum that contains entire Lombard and Romanesque churches, a frescoed Nuns' Choir, and a treasury filled with gold work.

This is no ordinary museum, and you won't be sharing the experience or the rest of the attractions in Brescia with a lot of other tourists.

Pavia

From its prominence as a major Roman capital, Pavia grew into an important university city, known today for its medieval and Renaissance buildings, and for the remaining examples of its original 100 medieval towers.

The impressive 14th-century Castello Visconti retains two of its immense towers and now houses history and art museums. Emperors, including Charlemagne, were crowned in the Romanesque Church of San Michele , and Pavia's cathedral is based on the designs of da Vinci and Bramante.

To see the remaining medieval watch towers , head for Piazza di Leonardo di Vinci, where there are several. The Ponte Coperto is an arched covered bridge over the Ticino River, rebuilt after World War II bombing destroyed the 14th-century bridge. That one was itself a reconstruction of the original Roman bridge.

The crowning attraction of Pavia lies eight kilometers to the north, the Certosa di Pavia , whose monastery is one of the finest Renaissance buildings in all Italy, showing the transition from late Gothic to Renaissance styles. The facade is a riot of marble inlay, friezes, delicate columns, and statues of saints.

Designed as the mausoleum for Milan's ruling Visconti family (you can see the magnificent tomb of the founder, Gian Galeazzo Visconti), it used many of the same artists and architects that created Milan's Duomo. You can tour the church on your own, but to see the exquisite small cloister and the artistic highlights of the monastic buildings, you must join one of the frequent free tours given by the monks.

Varese

Sitting at the foot of Mount Campo dei Fiori, Varese is best known for the Sacro Monte di Varese , a series of 17th-century chapels with frescoes and larger-than-life figures depicting Biblical scenes. The tradition of the Sacro Monte is unique to Italy's northern Piedmont and Lombardy, and Varese's joins eight other hillside pilgrimage sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Unlike the others, Varese's is surrounded by a village that climbs the steep hillside, surrounding the chapels with tree-shaded streets and villas in the Art Nouveau style - called Liberty style in Italy. In the center of Varese, Palazzo Estense is the richly decorated former villa of the d'Este family, built in the 1700s below a hillside park and terraced formal gardens.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

image

Where to Go from Milan : Italy shares both Lake Maggiore and the smaller Lake Lugano with Switzerland, and this Swiss region known as the Ticino is an appealing blend of Swiss and Italian cultures. Winter sports enthusiasts will find Milan a perfect base for reaching Italy's top ski resorts , as it is close to the Dolomites, the Savoy Alps, and Europe's highest Alpine peaks along the Italian/French border.

image

Exploring More of Italy : After seeing the beautiful gardens around northern Italy's three major lakes, you may want to visit more of the most beautiful gardens in Italy . For suggestions of other places to visit, see our page on the top things to do in Italy .

instagram logo

More on Italy

Italy Travel Guide

12 best day trips from Milan

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

  • roughguides.com
  • best-day-trips-from-milan

written by Joanne Owen

updated 6.02.2024

facebook

In welcome news for travellers who want more from their city breaks, Milan offers easy access to a host of handsome destinations. Interest piqued? Read on to discover the 12 best day trips from Milan. From exploring some of Lombardy's lakes , and discovering Bologna’s gastronomic delights, to revelling in Verona’s romance, this rundown might just leave you longing to extend your trip.

1. Lake Como

2. lake garda.

  • 9. Lake Maggiore

11. Bergamo

12. brescia, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

8 days  / from 2646 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

Enchanting Italian Lakes

8 days  / from 3289 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

16 days  / from 3289 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Florence: A Trip Back In Time

5 days  / from 1615 USD

Florence: A Trip Back In Time

Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.

Eternal Rome for the Weekend

4 days  / from 1026 USD

Eternal Rome for the Weekend

Welcome to this whirlwind tour of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

Wine and food in Tuscany

6 days  / from 2700 USD

Wine and food in Tuscany

Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town half way between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this itinerary - several wine and food pairings await. All hand-picked by your local travel specialist.

Fascinating Southern Italy: Naples, Sorrento and Capri

10 days  / from 3078 USD

Fascinating Southern Italy: Naples, Sorrento and Capri

Southern Italy is the dream of many: charming towns to explore on the Amalfi Coast, crystal clear waters around the island of Capri, a heaven for foodies in Naples and surroundings as well as historical sights such as Pompeii are at your fingertips to discover.

Trieste - a combination of hiking and culture

5 days  / from 853 USD

Trieste - a combination of hiking and culture

Experience Trieste, not just visit it! Discover this reality from another angle, the local one, made up of small daily rituals and places hidden from tourists. Keeping you company along the routes will often be the blue of the Adriatic and the wonderful views of the Gulf of Trieste.

Best of South Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

10 days  / from 2862 USD

Best of South Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Colourful villages draped over steep cliffs, cities steeped in culture and history, crystal-clear warm waters and cities frozen in time – South Italy has a lot to offer. Experience it for yourself with this exciting trip.

From Country to Coast: A Driving Tour of Sardinia

12 days  / from 3348 USD

From Country to Coast: A Driving Tour of Sardinia

Sardinia has a long history dating back to the late 6th century. Buildings remain from various eras and can be found across the island. Add to this the raw beauty of the limestone rocks and the rustic coastal beaches, and this island will not leave you wanting.

Legend and Legacy: A Tour of Sicily

11 days  / from 2700 USD

Legend and Legacy: A Tour of Sicily

A picturesque Mediterranean island just off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, Sicily was once the centre of the known world. Today, the island’s winding coastal roads, charming towns, and picture-perfect scenery make it ideal for exploring by car.

Lakes and mountains for the whole family in Italy & Switzerland

7 days  / from 2700 USD

Lakes and mountains for the whole family in Italy & Switzerland

Spend your first 3 nights at Lake Como in Italy, discovering the area by boat or foot, before heading to Zermatt in Switzerland. Zermatt with its peaceful nature is the ideal backdrop for strolls, hikes and other activities with the whole family.

Romantic Venice

4 days  / from 1566 USD

Romantic Venice

Enjoy a weekend getaway in the most romantic of cities. This compact trip features a pleasant walking tour, which provides a unique insight into the history, art and architecture of Venice, and a gondola ride. You will also have some free time to explore this labyrinthine city.

Dive into Apulia - cuisine & culture

10 days  / from 2700 USD

Dive into Apulia - cuisine & culture

Explore Apulia in a rental car. From Gargano to Salento, Puglia is a treasure trove of priceless wonders. Lecce, Bari and Taranto together with Ostuni, Polignano and Alberobello are just some of the delights you will find in Puglia.

Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast

8 days  / from 2317 USD

Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast

From the narrow streets of Rome to the colourful houses perched on the Sorrento Peninsula, the charm and elegance of Italy are seductive. On this unique trip, you will experience spectacular sites and breathtaking views in both iconic destinations.

Piedmont Discovery

10 days  / from 3456 USD

Piedmont Discovery

Piedmont is a culinary heaven, with world-class wines and truffle waiting to be discovered. The capital city Turin is a cultural center with a picture perfect skyline. Afterwards, continue to the countryside around Alba, with wine tastings, cooking classes and enjoying the mountains and nature.

A gastronomic journey in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast

11 days  / from 3521 USD

A gastronomic journey in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast

This is truly a trip that gets all your senses tingling. Taste the most wonderful and freshly made Italy food in Naples one day and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast the next. Experience the smells, taste, feels and sights of Italy when traveling from Florence to the Amalfi Coast.

Italian Cities of the Renaissance

8 days  / from 3235 USD

Italian Cities of the Renaissance

Enjoy a week in Italy, discovering the historical landmarks that the country's top cities have to offer; from the ancient sites of Rome, to the waterways of Venice and the cobbled streets of Florence.

An Italian dream trip: Rome, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast

11 days  / from 5346 USD

An Italian dream trip: Rome, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast

Savour la dolce vita on this fantastic trip to the real Italy. Discover ancient history and take a cookery class in Rome, before marvelling at Baroque architecture and iconic Mount Etna on the island of Sicily. Exploring the rugged scenery on the Amalfi Coast and Capri concludes a wonderful trip.

Exploring Vatican City and Assisi

6 days  / from 1561 USD

Exploring Vatican City and Assisi

Soak up sights and delights of Ancient Rome, with this week-long trip, including visits to the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica, before journeying to the home of St. Francis of Assisi, Eremo delle Carceri.

Treasures of Italy: Venice, Florence and Rome

9 days  / from 3181 USD

Treasures of Italy: Venice, Florence and Rome

From the charming waterways of Venice, to the Renaissance-imbued streets of Florence, to the historic city of Rome, Italy's top three cities are as unique as they are unmissable. Experience them all on this fascinating trip.

Highlights of Italy - Rome, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and more

16 days  / from 4860 USD

Highlights of Italy - Rome, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and more

This trip is nothing but short of highlights: spend the first few nights in the capital city of Rome before moving down south to Naples. From here, you will discover the Amalfi Coast before heading to Florence. Tuscany and Cinque Terre await and finally - the fashion capital Milan.

Classic Italy - Rome, Florence & Venice

13 days  / from 4104 USD

Classic Italy - Rome, Florence & Venice

A trip for everyone - learn how to cook pasta in Rome, sample the best gelato in Florence, hike Cinque Terre and explore Venice on your own. This trip is packed with highlights for the whole family.

Medieval Towns & Outdoor Fun - Switzerland and Italy Combo

14 days  / from 8586 USD

Medieval Towns & Outdoor Fun - Switzerland and Italy Combo

Paraglide over Switzerland's landscape, join a night watchman on a mythical tour through Lucerne, explore Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, as well as cosmopolitan Zurich and Milan. This trip leaves nothing to be desired!

Supercars in the heart of Northern Italy

12 days  / from 10260 USD

Supercars in the heart of Northern Italy

Discover the world’s finest sports cars in the Italian cities of Bologna and Modena, as well as see beautiful Venice and Florence. You’ll visit the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati factories and museums, and take a Ferrari out as part of this luxury automotive experience.

1 hour from Milan by train

Surrounded by lush, green woodland, with shimmering waters to traverse on romantic boat trips, there’s a reason Lake Como is widely considered to be one of the loveliest Italian lakes.

On a day trip from Milan, your best bet is to focus on its southern area. Conveniently, Lake Como’s principal towns, Como and Lecco, are at the southernmost tips of their own branches of the lake — Ramo di Como and Ramo di Lecco. 

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como, Italy — one of the best day trips from Milan © Shutterstock

Set around a small bay at the southernmost tip of the lake’s western fork, Como is an affluent, ancient town. Much of its wealth comes from outlying factories that produce luxury silk items for the fashion houses of Milan, Paris and New York.  

At the centre of the bay, lakeside Piazza Cavour is bounded by hotels. However, it takes only a few steps to find yourself among historic churches and atmospheric streets.

After wandering Como’s once-walled quarter, with pedestrianized cobbled lanes reflecting their Roman origins, visit the Duomo. With an enchanting mix of fairy-tale pinnacles, classical statues, and Renaissance tapestries, this is esteemed as Italy’s best example of Gothic-Renaissance fusion.

Next up, stroll the lakeside promenade that curls through a park to Villa Olmo, a Neoclassical pile with glorious (free) gardens. Then ride the funicular railway past nineteenth-century villas to Brunate. This small hilltop resort has plenty of places to eat and drink while you take in gorgeous views of the lake.

Como city cathedral and city skyline © Shutterstock

Como city cathedral and city skyline © Shutterstock

With the Grigne mountain range as a broodings backdrop, Lecco is at its most atmospheric in the morning, when mists shroud the lake.  

Love literature? Visit Villa Manzoni, the childhood home of Alessandro Manzoni, author of the great nineteenth-century Italian novel Promessi Sposi (“The Betrothed”). Today this houses the Museo Manzoniano, a local art gallery, and library. 

Another Lecco highlight is the lakefront Basilica, where you can climb the second highest bell tower in Italy for soul-stirring views of the city, lake and mountains

Lecco colorful square view, Como Lake, Lombardy region of Italy © Shutterstock

Lecco colorful square view, Como Lake, Lombardy region of Italy © Shutterstock

At 52km long and 17km wide, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy’s largest lake. In fact, Lake Garda actually alters the local climate. As a result of a specific pattern of lake breezes, it’s milder here, and often sunnier than might be expected. 

Of all Italy’s lakes, Lake Garda also draws the most visitors, and comes recommended as one of the best day trips from Milan. Take your pick from these two beauties:

At the bottom of Lake Garda, the long, narrow promontory of Sirmione is lined with hotels leading up to a very pretty village that’s accessed through ancient castle walls.  

Sirmione’s picture-postcard charm owes much to the fairy-tale castle at its entrance. Built when the Della Scala/Scaligeri family of Verona expanded and fortified their territory in the thirteenth century, the Rocca Scaligera is almost entirely surrounded by water.  

At the far end of the promontory, a mere fifteen-minute stroll from the castle, you’ll find the remains of a first-century BC/AD Roman villa — the Grotte di Catullo. Scattered among ancient olive trees, the ruins offer superb views across the lake.  

Partway along the route to the Roman ruins, a path heads to a shingle beach, the Lido delle Bionde. Here you can eat, drink, swim in the lake, or sunbathe on the pontoon.

 Sirmione, popular travel destination on Lake Garda in Italy © Shutterstock

Sirmione, popular travel destination on Lake Garda in Italy © Shutterstock

Desenzano del Garda

At Garda’s southwest extremity, Desenzano is a good access point to the lake, and is also within easy reach of Milan. Its attractive waterfront squares – Piazza Malvezzi and Piazza Matteotti – are lined with bars and restaurants. 

Nearby, the Roman villa on Via Crocifisso boasts marvellous mosaics, while the castle looming over town offers spectacular views.

Love the sound of the lakes? You'll fall head over heels in love with our customisable Enchanting Italian Lakes itinerary. You'd also do well to get  The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes .

Porto Vecchio in Desenzano del Garda, Italy © Shutterstock

Porto Vecchio in Desenzano del Garda, Italy © Shutterstock

45-minutes from Milan by train

For some respite from Milan’s bustle, head to the small, ancient city of Pavia. Here architectural wonders are served with fine wine, best enjoyed along the banks of the winding Ticino River. 

The main reason people are pulled to the Pavia area is to visit the Certosa di Pavia (Charterhouse of Pavia). Set among the rice fields around 40km south of Milan, this is one of the most extravagant monasteries in Europe. Commissioned in 1396 by the Duke of Milan as the family mausoleum, it took a century to build.

As a work of art, the Certosa di Pavia is one of the most important testimonies to the transformation from late-Gothic to Renaissance and Mannerist styles. However, Pavia also boasts a range of Romanesque and Gothic churches, and a plethora of pretty places to eat.

Aerial View Pavia, Italy Certosa di Pavia © Shutterstock

Aerial view of Pavia, Italy - Certosa di Pavia © Shutterstock

Mad about music? Cremona is definitely one of the best day trips from Milan! 

A cosy provincial town in the middle of the Po plain, Cremona is famed for its violins. Andrea Amati established the first violin workshop here in 1566, followed by his son, grandson, and pupils Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari. 

Today the city is home to an internationally esteemed school of violin making, and the fascinating Museo del Violino. Add to that some fine Renaissance and medieval buildings, the splendid Piazza del Comune and Duomo, plus plenty of scenic spots to sip wine and people watch, and your day trip from Milan will amount to a richly rewarding experience.

Cremona panorama © Shutterstock

Cremona panorama © Shutterstock

2 hours from Milan by train. Fast train: 1h 27m

Exhilaratingly eclectic, “La Superba” — as Genoa was known at the height of its powers — exudes undeniable vibrancy and intrigue. As such, it’s one of our favourite day trips from Milan. 

Stretching behind the revitalised old port, Genoa’s old town is an alluring labyrinth of medieval alleyways. Here you’ll find food shops tucked housed in former palaces, carpenters’ workshops jammed between designer furniture outlets, and no shortage of charming places to sample local seafood.  

Aside from soaking up the city’s cosmopolitan buzz, don’t miss the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi, which contain the best of Genoa’s art collections. 

If it’s art you’re after, you’ll also want to visit the Gesù. Located on the corner of Piazza de Ferrari and Piazza Matteotti, this was designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi at the end of the sixteenth century. Today it houses a marvel of marble and gilt stucco and some fine Baroque paintings. Higlhights include Guido Reni’s Assumption, and two works by Rubens — The Miracles of St Ignatius, and The Circumcision.

genoa-old-town-shutterstock_437970853

Genoa's old town © Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

View of Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain from Corcovado view point, Brazil © galaro/Shutterstock

45-minutes from Milan by train

Turin  is the perfect place to devour hearty, rich  Piemonte  cooking at its finest. Given that  it is a top  destination for foodies , visiting this heritage-rich city might just turn out to be your favourite day trip from Milan.  

Chocolate production in Turin began more than 500 years ago. As a mark of the city’s chocolate credentials, even Swiss chocolatiers train here. It is also worth metioning that Turin’s Pepino gelataria claims to have created the first choco ice, with them patenting their “pinguino” in Turin in 1939. In other firsts for Turin, the city created Vermouth back 1786, and also claims to have invented the Italy-wide tradition of aperitivo.     

With Baroque avenues, opulent palaces and splendid art, Turin also has plenty to keep culture vultures happy. Don’t miss visiting the incredible Egyptian Museum and Royal Palace. While the museum is second only to Cairo’s Egyptian museum, the Royal Palace was the most opulent residence of Italy's House of Savoy royal family. 

Rough Guides tip: Food figure high as a travel priority? Browse our customisable Wine and Food in Tuscany trip, or talk to our local Italy experts to curate your perfect food-focussed experience.

turin-piedmont-shutterstock_692991079

Turin, Italy © Shutterstock

1 hour 15 minutes from Milan by train

Famed for being the home of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a romantic gem. Think pink-hued medieval buildings, ancient bridges crossing the broad curves of the Adige River, and more pretty piazzas and palazzos than you can wave an opera glove at. On that subject, visit in August for Verona's world-famous opera festival. 

With a bounty of Roman attractions, and historic sites that are only second in number to Venice, unlike Venice, Verona is never overwhelmed by tourists. In addition, despite being the largest city of the mainland Veneto, Verona invites easy immersion. With cars and buses prohibited from many squares and medieval lanes in its historic centre, it’s a place to amble at leisure. 

Don’t miss the remarkable Roman amphitheatre, red-and-white-striped Duomo, 14th-century Arche Scaligere market, Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza dei Signori.  

If you’ve been drawn by the city’s Shakespearean connections, the Casa di Giulietta is the foremost of Verona’s Romeo and Juliet attractions. You can also visit “Romeo’s house”, a private dwelling at Via Arche Scaligere 4, and the Tomba di Giulietta, in the southeast of the city.

Verona-italy-shutterstock_662035609

Verona © Shutterstock

As with Turin, if you love your grub, bella  Bologna  is one of the best day trips from Milan. Capital of  Emilia-Romagna , Bologna’s restaurants are said to be the best in Italy. It’s not for nothing that the city is known as La Grassa — “The Fat One”. 

To start getting stuck into Bologna’s cuisine, head to the Mercato di Mezzo, where you can buy fresh salads, calamari, platters of ham and cheese, plus wine and beer. We also recommend taking a food-themed walking tour of the city to sample the region’s incredible cheese, tortellini and mortadella. 

Once you’ve had your fill, meander the city’s impossibly pretty medieval streets and the grand central square of Piazza Maggiore. An attractive mass of red brick buildings and balconies, Piazza Maggiore is also a magnificent place to drink decadent hot chocolate while watching the world go by.

The Rough Guides to Italy and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Pocket Rough Guide Walks & Tours Italian Lakes

Home to Europe’s first university, Bologna boasts museums and galleries galore. Top of the tree sits the Museo Civici d’Arte Antica, which is home to the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte, the Museo Davia Bargellini, and the Museo Civico Medievale.

Bologna-italy-shutterstock_419143885

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italy © Shutterstock

9. Lake Maggiore 

1 hour by train to Stresa by train, plus a 20-minute ferry to the Borromean Islands

Characterised by crystalline, blue waters, and surrounded by green hills, with palms and oleanders lining the lakeside promenades, Lake Maggiore has a marvellously serene air. At 66km, it’s also Italy’s longest lake. 

Most day-trippers from Milan take the high-speed train to the genteel, sleepy scenic resort town of Stresa. From here, the glorious gardens and villas of the Borromean islands — Bella, Madre and Pescatore — are within easy reach via a 20-minute ferry ride. 

Famed for being a favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, this trio of beauties are known for their palatial villas, lush parks, and vibrant endemic flora. Romantics will be especially bowled over by Isola Bella. As well as exploring its sumptuous Baroque gardens, don't miss the island’s opulent palazzo. This boasts a banqueting hall, ballroom and throne room, with mirror- and shell-encrusted grottoes down at water level.

Elegant, charming and out-of-this-world enchanting, it’s fair to say that visiting Lake Maggiore makes for an unforgettable day trip from Milan.

Isola Bella is one of the Borromean Islands of Lago Maggiore © Shutterstock

Isola Bella is one of the Borromean Islands of Lago Maggiore © Shutterstock

1.5 hours by train from Milan

Located in the Swiss canton of Ticino , taking a day trip from Milan to Lugano can't come more highly recommended. And the reason? With its compact cluster of Italianate piazzas and tree-lined promenades, Lugano is the most alluring of Ticino’s lake resorts. Which is really saying something. 

Basking on a south-facing bay of Lake Lugano, the city is framed by wooded hills that rise sheer from the water. Less famous than its Italian near-neighbour Como, Lugano is smaller, sassier and even more stylish. 

From its old alleys and winding lanes, to its up-market delicatessens, boutiques, and villa-style hotels, Lugano invites visitors to enjoy the good life. It's also a place to explore churches and galleries, and indulge in strolls under lakeside palms.  

For breath-taking views, take a two-stage funicular to Monte Brè from Cassarate — ten minutes’ walk east of the centre of Lugano. Rising directly above the city to a height of 660m, the vista from the summit showcases the lake and surrounding mountains in all their jaw-dropping glory.

lugano-switzerland-shutterstock_210903979

Lugano, Switzerland © Shutterstock

1 hour by train from Milan. 45-minute fast trains also available

50km northeast of Milan, Bergamo looks and feels much closer to the mountains. As such, to mix up your experience, it’s the perfect place to head to on a day trip from Milan. 

A real beauty, Bergamo owes much of its magic to the Venetians, who ruled the town for over 350 years. They gave the city its ring of gated walls. You’ll also see facades and open spaces adorned with the Venetian lion. 

Another unique element of Bergamo is the way it comprises two distinct parts — Bergamo Bassa, the lower town, city centre on the plain, and medieval Bergamo Alta, 100m above. With charming medieval cobbled quarters rubbing shoulders with late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century buildings, Bergamo Bassa is an architectural delight. 

Meanwhile, Bergamo Alta, the upper town, is one of northern Italy’s loveliest urban centres. Attractive and easy-going, in appearance Bergamo Alta remains pretty much as it was in the Middle Ages. The main public spaces – Piazza Vecchia and Piazza del Duomo – combine medieval austerity with the elegance of later Renaissance design.

bergamo-italy-shutterstock_389191504

Bergamo, Italy © Shutterstock

36 minutes from Milan by train

Boasting a scenic backdrop of vine-covered hills, wealthy Brescia has much to offer travellers who love the allure of ancient attractions, art and contemporary verve. 

Overlooked by its Castello, which has been perched on a hill overlook town since the fifteenth century, Brescia boasts Roman remains, Renaissance squares and a magnificent medieval centre. Here you’ll find the marvellous Santa Giulia museum complex.  

Visit the Castello to see one of the most extensive collections of arms and weaponry in Europe, or visit in May for Brescia’s legendary Mille Miglia car race. This sees hundreds of stunning classic cars set off from the city centre to Rome. 

Into art? Housed in a historic sixteenth century building, the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo has been the home of Brecia’s impressive art collection since 1908. The exhibition kicks off with works from the fourteenth century, followed by Raphael’s Christ Blessing and Angel, before moving to sixteenth century Brescian paintings.

Meanwhile, the Parco Archeologico di Brescia Romana reveals the remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of ancient Brixia. Built in the first century, the Santuario Repubblicano here showcases wall paintings that are the only surviving monumental example of Republican Roman painting in northern Italy.

Brescia-italy-shutterstock_99557597

Brescia, Italy © Shutterstock

For more inspiration, browse our customisable  Italy itineraries , or talk to our local  Italy experts .

Joanne Owen

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

  • History Culture Heritage
  • Architecture
  • Train Journeys
  • Inspiration
  • See & Do
  • Travel Tips
  • Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Italy

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Italy

  • Eating and drinking in Italy
  • How to get to Italy
  • Getting around Italy: Transportation Tips
  • Shopping tips for Italy
  • Sports and Outdoor activities in Italy
  • Travel Tips Italy for planning and on the go
  • Best time to visit Italy
  • How to spend 7 days In Italy - 8 unique itineraries
  • How To Spend 10 Days In Italy - 8 Unique Itineraries
  • How To Spend 14 Days In Italy - 5 Unique Itineraries
  • How to get from Rome to Florence

Find even more inspiration for 35 here

Ready to travel and discover italy, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

  • Itineraries
  • Travel advice

The 8 best day trips from Milan to experience the Lombardy life

Feb 25, 2021 • 8 min read

Woman admiring the village of Bellagio during a winter afternoon.

Attractions around Milan range from medieval townships to stunning vantage points overlooking Lake Como © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

Milan may be Italy's capital of fashion and glamor, but it's also the gateway to a whole region of rich culture, fine food and even finer scenery. Within a few hours of the city, you can splash or boat on gorgeous lakes, scramble over rugged mountain ranges, wander the laneways of medieval towns and gape in awe at Unesco-listed hill villages, ancient relics and sacred sites.

Tear yourself away from Milan's chic events, fine dining and cosmopolitan nightlife, and the rewards are many and varied. Whether it's a stroll through the medieval alleys of Bergamo or a boat trip on Lake Como, a day trips from Milan will broaden your experience of this wonderful corner of Italy, and it's a beautiful region to explore in spring, before the summer crowds arrive. Here are eight of the very best day trips from Milan.

Why go?: To experience la bella vita

Studded with lavish villas and backed by the dramatic scenery of the Italian Alps, languid Lake Como was a playground for the rich and famous long before George Clooney showed up on the scene. Perhaps the best way to experience the lake is by renting a boat (no boat license is required) to cruise from one charming town to the next.

Highlights include touristy but beautiful Bellagio , with its sweep of terracotta-tiled rooftops, and the pretty towns of Varenna, Menaggio and  Como . Take time to admire imposing villas such as Tremezzo's Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianiello in Lenno – you might recognize the latter from movies including Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale .

How to get to Lake Como:  Trains leave regularly from the Cadorna, Porta Garibaldi and Centrale train stations in Milan, stopping at Como Nord Lago. The trip takes up to 90 minutes (depending on whether the train is direct or not). Alternatively, you can drive here in about an hour from central Milan via the E62 and A9 highways.

Cruise around the beautiful Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

Why go?: For an island escape

While less celebrated than Lake Como, Lake Maggiore is no less beautiful, and it's home to the three treasured Borromean Islands. Named for the aristocratic family who acquired these lovely specks of land in the 16th and 17th centuries, the islands each have their own distinctive charm, and it's worth taking time to explore all three.

Isola Bella is famous for its luxurious baroque palace and romantic Italian-style gardens, while Isola Madre has 20 acres of landscaped botanical gardens complete with exotic plants and birds, part of the elegant Palazzo Madre. Finally, Superiore (also known as Isola dei Pescatori, thanks to its origins as a humble fishing village) was largely left to its own devices. It has 25 or so residents today, who continue to follow a simple, traditional way of life. 

How to get to Lake Maggiore: Take a train from the Porta Garibaldi or Centrale stations in Milan and get off at Stresa (worth a visit in its own right), where you can arrange a boat trip to the islands. The trip to Stresa takes about 90 minutes whether you travel by train or by car. The prettiest road routes hug the lake's west bank, climbing up through the Val Cannobina and then down to Locarno.

View of Bergamo, Italy in the sunset light

Why go?: For the historic architecture

With the rugged mountain ranges of the Alps in the distance, Bergamo is blessed with stunning views, and that’s not all. Divided into upper and lower districts, the lower  Città Bassa shows off Bergamo's modern face, while the upper Città Alta sprawls across the hillside and has a beguiling fairytale-like charm.

Nestled inside 3 miles (5km) of 16th-century Unesco-listed Venetian walls is a timeless world of winding medieval alleys and elegant Renaissance buildings. Wander the streets or walk along the walls and soak up the history. Devote some time to exploring the Piazza Vecchia , lined with elegant palazzi, and the baroque Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

How to get to Bergamo: Trains for Bergamo leave every hour from Milan's Porta Garibaldi and Centrale stations, and take around an hour. If you're driving from Milan, take the A4 motorway and follow the Bergamo exit signs. Traffic is restricted in the Città Alta, but you can find limited parking outside the city walls.

Family enjoying a view over Lake Garda, Italy

Why go?: For the lake views

Covering 370 sq km (143 sq miles), Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is the largest of the Italian lakes, straddling the border between three Italian regions. It's visited by nearly one in ten visitors to Italy, for its views, fine food, flanking vineyards and cultural cachet. Like an Italian lunch, exploring this region is something to be savored slowly. Many drive, visiting the lake as a stop en route to Verona , but it pays to narrow down your expectations and devote a day to exploring parts of the lakeshore in depth.

The western Lombardy-facing shore of Lake Garda is the most beautiful, lined with historic towns, stately villas, mountain-backed roads and frothing flower-filled gardens. Oriented toward the Veneto , the eastern shore has a different character, with silvery olive groves lining the shoreline. On a day trip from Milan, maximize the experience by homing in on a town such as Sirmione  or  Desenzano del Garda  for a focused taste of the larger region.

How to get to Lake Garda:  Desenzano del Garda is on the Milan–Venice train line with a fast train service that takes about an hour (and it's another half hour to Verona). The drive from Milan to Lake Garda takes approximately two hours.

An aerial shot of a river running through the center of a medieval city

Why go?: For the romantic mood

Verona  is best known for its Shakespeare associations, attracting a multinational gaggle of tourists to its pretty piazzas and knot of lanes. Most come in search of Romeo and Juliet associations, which the city is very happy to provide, but it's the city backstreets rather than the touristy sights that leave the longest-lasting impression of this attractive Veneto city.

Verona's heart is dominated by a mammoth, remarkably well-preserved amphitheater from the 1st century CE, plus countless churches, a couple of architecturally fascinating bridges over the Adige River, regional wine and food from the Veneto hinterland and some impressive art galleries . It's just a short hop from Lake Garda, so the two can be combined in a long (but rushed) day trip if you're not planning to linger at the sights. 

How to get to Verona: It's just over an hour on the fast train from Milan, but the trip takes closer to two hours by car. The trip between Verona and Lake Garda takes about 25 minutes.

A medieval hilltop town surrounded by a valley

Why go?: For art without the crowds

Varese is a prosperous provincial capital with a pretty old town and some grand villas that are worthy day trip material. On a hill overlooking the town sits the glorious 18th-century  Villa Panza  with its impressive collection of contemporary American art. Donated in 1996 to the Fondo Ambiente Italiano not-for-profit organization, the mansion holds a collection that Count Giuseppe Panza began amassing in the 1950s.

Elegant rooms decorated with Renaissance furniture provide a grand setting for modern works, many of which explore the concepts of light and color. Dan Flavin’s dazzling neon lights are just some of the works transforming this interesting space. Once you’ve had your fill, take a scenic amble through the Italian-style gardens, complete with views and scattered outdoor installations.

How to get to Varese: From Milan's Porta Garibaldi and Cadorna stations, you can take a train that stops at Varese. Continue on Bus A from Piazzale Trieste (just outside the station) to its final stop at Piazza Litta, close by Villa Panza. The whole journey takes over an hour. It's faster to drive here via the A8 motorway from Milan; just follow the signs to the parking station at Piazza Repubblica.

The ceiling of the main nave of the Certosa di Pavia; it is domed and vaulted, and covered in detailed and colourful frescoes and tilework.

Why go?: For compact grandeur

Pavia combines the youthful buzz of a university town with the historic grandeur of a medieval township, and its small size makes it easy to explore. A stop at the University of Pavia , one of the oldest universities in Europe, is pretty much mandatory – founded in 1361, the campus has hosted such illustrious students as Ugo Foscolo, Alessandro Volta and some say even Christopher Columbus.

The Romanesque Basilica di San Michele , the 14th-century castle and the main cathedral with its massive dome are also worth a peek. Just outside the city, Certosa di Pavia is one of the oldest monasteries in Italy; built in 1396, it’s an impressive sight, blending Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Some say Pavia is worth a trip just to eat  La Torria degli Aquila – the sensational cooking in this medieval tower is highly creative while still rooted in tradition.

How to get to Pavia: Trains for Pavia depart from Milan's Centrale and Rogoredo stations and take around 30 minutes. The drive is longer, at around an hour.

Formula One cars drive around the Monza race track

Why go?: For the thrill of the race

For motoring enthusiasts, the  Autodromo Nazionale Monza racetrack needs no introduction. Constructed in 1922, it’s best known for hosting the Formula One Italian Grand Prix almost since the race’s inception. With its long straights and fast corners, it has a reputation as the "Temple of Speed," and watching a race here is an experience not to be missed.

Non-professional drivers with deep pockets can realize the dream of cruising in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Gran Turismo or Formula 3 car on this hallowed stretch of tarmac. Those less inclined towards adrenaline and g-forces can experience the track in a minivan or by bike.

How to get to Monza: Trains from Milan's Centrale and Porta Garibaldi stations are the best way to travel to Monza, and the trip takes around 15 minutes. From Monza station, jump on Bus Z221 towards Carate/Mariano and disembark at Vedano al Lambro, which is walking distance from the racetrack's Porta Vedano entrance.

You might also like: The top 22 free things to do in Milan Milan's must-see museums: a design for life The best things to do in Milan, from divine churches to cathedrals of fashion

This article was first published July 2019 and updated February 2021

Explore related stories

day trips from milan italy by train

Art and Culture

Feb 28, 2024 • 8 min read

With its iconic monuments and irresistible food, planning an Italy trip can feel overwhelming – here's our guide for first-timers.

Waldorf-Astoria-Amsterdam.jpeg

Jan 29, 2024 • 17 min read

day trips from milan italy by train

Jan 27, 2024 • 15 min read

day trips from milan italy by train

Nov 30, 2023 • 12 min read

day trips from milan italy by train

Nov 19, 2023 • 11 min read

day trips from milan italy by train

Nov 16, 2023 • 7 min read

NJnGReisende-am-Bahnsteig2.jpg

Nov 1, 2023 • 4 min read

day trips from milan italy by train

Oct 27, 2023 • 6 min read

Sunrise in Tuscany

Oct 24, 2023 • 7 min read

World's 50 Best Hotels

Sep 22, 2023 • 4 min read

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Shopping in Milan

Performing Arts Guide

Must-Try Food in Milan

Milan's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Milan

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Neighborhoods to Know

Milan's Airports

Public Transportation

48 Hours in Milan

Day Trips From Milan

Best Day Trips From Milan, Italy

day trips from milan italy by train

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Best known for being a hub for high fashion, Milan is also a good base from which visitors can travel to a lake and other parts of Italy's Lombardy region. Many of the spots on the list below can be easily reached by public transportation, and make fine one- or two-day trips for tourists staying in Milan.

Most of these places can be reached by train from Milan's central train station.

The towns of Como, on the southwest shore of Lake Como , and Lecco, on the southeast shore, are easily reached by train from Milan in less than an hour.

Como is a walled town with a historic center, lively squares, good restaurants and a funicular that goes up above Como for hiking trails and beautiful views. If you want to visit other towns on the lake, there are buses and ferries from both Como and Lecco. 

Cristian Ricciardi/EyeEm/Getty Images

Cremona is home to the famous handmade Stradivarius violins and it has a beautiful, compact center that's pleasant for walking and easily reached on foot from the train station. Trains from Milan take a little over an hour.

Most of the sights are centered around the main square including the Romanesque cathedral, baptistery, and the Torrazzo, the 13th-century bell tower with the world's largest astronomical clock. Climb up the tower for fantastic views of the city and countryside.

The old city, Bergamo Alta, sits on a hill above Bergamo Bassa, the modern city. It's about an hour by train from Milan. Bergamo Alta is a medieval walled hill town with old squares, beautiful monuments, and buildings and great views.

Book a Guided Tour of Bergamo, Franciacorta and Lake Iseo with transportation from Milan from Select Italy . In addition to the city of Bergamo, you'll visit a small, charming lake and the Franciacorta sparkling wine region.

Pavia is a university city on the Ticino River 35 km south of Milan. It's about half an hour by train from Milan's central station. Pavia is known as the city of 100 towers but only a few remain intact today. Its interesting historic center has good examples of Romanesque and Medieval architecture. Nearby is the impressive Certosa di Pavia that can be reached by bus from Pavia.

Brescia is a city often overlooked by tourists but it's well worth a visit, for its Roman remains, its castle, its Renaissance squares, and its interesting medieval city center. Be sure to check out the City Museum in the Monastery of Santa Julia if you make the trip. Trains from Milan take 45 to 90 minutes and a local bus connects the station with the city center.

Lake Garda, Peschiera del Garda

John and Tina Reid/Getty Images

Peschiera del Garda, on the southern shore of Lake Garda , can be reached in a little over an hour from Milan. The train station is within walking distance of the town center and the lake. Peschiera has a small historic center with shops and restaurants inside 16th-century walls built in the shape of a pentagon.

There are small pebble beaches and walks along the lake. Desenzano del Garda, a little closer to Milan, also has a train station. From either town, ​there are ferries and buses to other Lake Garda towns.

Lake Maggiore, Stresa and Arona

Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

Stresa has a small walking center with tourist shops and restaurants, a lakeside promenade, gardens, villas and a harbor where you can get a ferry to Isola Bella and other places on the lake.

Arona is a little closer to Milan and a little larger than Stresa. It has very good restaurants and shops but fewer tourist facilities. By train, Arona is under an hour and Stresa is just over an hour from Milan. Both stations are right by the towns.

Parma , in the Emilia-Romagna region , has a compact historical center with several good attractions. Its Romanesque cathedral is covered with beautiful frescoes and the 12th-century Baptistery is one of Italy's most interesting buildings.

As it's the home of the famous Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, Parma has great cuisine and excellent restaurants. Trains take between 60 and 90 minutes from Milan and the center is about a 10-minute walk from the station.

While it's a little farther from Milan than most of the other places on this list, the high-speed train takes just over an hour (and costs about twice what the slower two-hour train does).

Bologna , also in the Emilia-Romagna region, is a beautiful old university city with lavish porticoed walkways and squares, fine historic buildings and a medieval center. It's also known for its excellent cuisine.

Turin or Torino

Julian Elliott Photography/Getty Images

Turin , or Torino, is the largest city in the Piedmont region. Turin has Baroque cafes and architecture, arcaded shopping promenades, large squares and museums including a large Egyptian museum.

The Mole Antonelliana is a tall tower that houses the cinema museum and has a lift you can take for views of the city. Trains from Milan take close to two hours. Turin's Porta Nuova station is in central Turin but some trains only stop at Porta Susa, from where you can take a bus into the city.

Mantua or Mantova

Walter Zerla/Getty Images

Mantua is a Renaissance city with pretty squares, a good historic center and a huge Ducal Palace with more than 500 rooms, making it the largest residence after the Vatican.

Although it takes almost two hours to get there by train, you can take the Mantua: Lombardy's Sleeping Beauty guided tour that includes transportation from Milan, lunch, and guided tours of the Ducal Palace and other parts of the town.

Lombardy Cities Map and Travel Guide

A Guide to Airports in Italy

The Best Small Cities to Visit in Italy

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Cremona, Italy, Travel and Tourist Guide

Lake Como Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

Your Trip to Milan: The Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Castles in Italy

Pavia, Italy Travel Guide

Brescia, Italy Travel Guide

Siena Guide: Planning Your Trip

Get to Know Lake Garda in Italy

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

Parma Travel Guide

How to Save Money on Your Italian Vacation

An Adventurous World

Home » Blog » Europe » Italy » 13 BEST Day Trips from Milan, Italy

13 BEST Day Trips from Milan, Italy

By Author Georgie Cunningham

Posted on Last updated: February 14, 2024

Whether the Italian lakes or the Bernina Express, the seaside charm of Portofino or the romance of Verona, these are the best day trips from Milan!

day trips from milan

Welcome to Milan, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Italy.

This city is famous for all sorts of reasons. Its impressive architecture – it’s home to both the Duomo Cathedral, the 5th largest in the world, as well as the mediaeval Sforza Castle.

There’s also the art – Leonardo Da Vinci spent 18 years of his life in Milan and his legacy is recognised throughout the city with museums, statues, and a dedicated art trail.

But to me, a main highlight is the location. There are some seriously cool day trips from Milan just moments away. It’s a really good base for exploring more of northern I t aly and Switzerland too.

best day trips from milan

There’s the famous Italian lakes – Como, Garda and Maggiore are all easily reachable – to coastal towns like Rapello and Portofino. 

Not to mention that you can easily make it to parts of Switzerland (catching picturesque views of the Swiss alps on the train along the way). There are so many Milan day trips it’s hard to choose which one to do first!

That’s what this blog is for though, to help you decide which one is for you. I’ve also listed some of my favourite tours too so you don’t need to worry about a thing.

Right, that’s enough chit chat. Let’s get to it!

Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy

milan to lake como day trip

Italy’s biggest lake, and one of the most famous in the country, Lake Garda is an awesome place to spend your day.

It’s a pretty simple journey: a two hour journey by car, or just under an hour by train (the most convenient station is Peschiera del Garda). 

At Lake Garda you can enjoy the views of the pristine lake and the mountains that surround it, though in my humble opinion the best way to experience the lake is via boat tour. If you’ve got kids, take them to Gardaland , one of Italy’s best theme parks.

Otherwise, spend some time strolling around the beautiful nearby town of Sirmione. There’s tons to see here, from the Medieval Scaliger Castle and thermal baths to the Roman ruins.

Bernina Express

day trips from milan by train

If you want the best views of the mountains, the Bernina Express is the experience for you.

This is one of my favourite day trips from Milan by train, and it’s not even entirely in Italy. You’ll start out in the Swiss alpine town of St Moritz before boarding one of Europe’s most picturesque and panoramic train rides. Finally, you’ll finish in the Italian city of Tirano.

One of the simplest ways to do this trip is to take a guided tour. It’ll save you lots of hassle; otherwise you’ll need to drive 2 hours to Tirano to kick things off. I’d recommend this one as it’ll give you free time to explore both locations.

lugano

Want to spend a day in another part of Switzerland? Head to Lugano .

This is one of the prettiest Swiss cities. Sitting on the northern shore of Lake Lugano , there’s tons to see and do here. First up, there’s obviously the lake – a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or boat rides. 

There’s also Monte San Salvatore, a mountain with incredible views at its peak. Be sure to head to the top for a look at the views, you can either hike or take the funicular. 

Otherwise, stroll around Old Town or wander around the Parco Ciani gardens for the best lake views.

Cinque Terre

day tours from milan

Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in Italy so it’s well worth a day trip from Milan.

This is a series of 5 colourful, coastal villages, standing on cliffs overlooking the sea. Cinque Terre is about 3 hours from Milan by car, and there’s no direct train, so I’d recommend taking a guided tour . 

On this particular trip you’ll get a guided tour of Monterosso al Mare, the largest village, as well as a boat trip to La Spezia. That easily makes it one of the best Milan tours in my book.

lake como

This is one of the most famous lake in Italy, and the Milan to Lake Como day trip is as popular as they come.

On the shores of the lake sit vibrant, colourful villages and sweeping luxury villas, and surrounding it all are scenic views of the mountain.

You can explore the city of Como and its gothic architecture, have fun on the promenade, or take a boat cruise along the lake. 

Alternatively explore some of the surrounding villages – I’d recommend Bellagio and Varenna the most. A guided tour like this one will take you to both.

day trips from milano

If lakes aren’t your thing, head to the Italian coast instead. Genoa (sometimes known as Genova), is just the place.

One of the highlights is the ancient city centre, Centro Storico. In this neighbourhood you’ll find historic architecture plus landmarks like the bronze fountain on the Piazza de Ferrari, plus churches and Gothic cathedrals that have been standing for centuries. 

Don’t forget to check out the palaces or the iconic Porto Antico where you can spot ships along the water. 

Genoa can be reached by train (1.5 hours), by car (2 hours) but there are lots of Milan tours that’ll take you here too. On this one you’ll also get to visit Portofino!

Rapallo and Portofino

milan to portifino day trip

You don’t have to visit Genoa to visit Portofino though. Instead, combine with a trip to Rapello for a proper day on the Italian coast.

Rapallo is a town on the Italian riviera, reachable in just two hours by direct train from Milan. As well as enjoying views of the water, check out the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro on the hilltop (take the cable car up for the best riviera views), as well as Rapallo castle on the shore.

From Rapallo, take a boat to Portofino and soak up the riviera. 

Bologna 

bologna 

Bologna is everything you’d want from a classic Italian city: pretty, historic, and home to some pretty incredible food. I mean, it’s literally the birthplace of Bolognese sauce. 

It’s also home to the oldest university in the world, dating back to the 11th century. 

Anyway, I’d highly recommend a day trip to Bologna. Explore Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno (the latter of which is home to the incredible Fountain of Neptune). Head up one of the many towers to take in breathtaking city views and whatever you do, don’t skip lunch.

To get to Bologna, board a direct train from Milan. The journey will take just under an hour and a half. Alternatively, it’ll take two hours in the car. 

If you’re planning a trip to the city, then you can check out some of the best free things to do in Bologna here which should save you some £££.

Lake Maggiore

lake maggiore

Lake Maggiore is another one of Northern Italy’s famous lakes. But that’s not the main draw of this location as a day trip from Milan.

Actually, the Borromean Islands are usually the main enticer. This is a group of islands right in the middle of the lake, famous for their biodiversity, though the most popular for visits are Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. 

There’s tons to see on these islands, from grand palaces to botanical gardens. If you’ve got extra time, explore the town of Stresa, or take the scenic train ride on the Centovalli Railway – this will take you through the Hundred Valleys where you’ll see waterfalls and picturesque villages.

To visit Lake Maggiore, take the train to Stresa – it takes just under an hour.

Bergamo 

bergamo 

Bergamo is one of the quickest and easiest trips from Milan; it’s just 40 minutes on the train, or an hour by car.

Surprisingly, despite being an incredible city in its own right, Bergamo isn’t as popular with tourists as others. It’s a bit of a hidden gem actually.

Bergamo is divided into two sections: Lower Town and Upper Town. Upper Town is my favourite part – it’s ancient and the funicular up there almost acts as a time machine. Step through the iconic Porta San Giacomo gate and you’ll be greeted with historic Venetian walls, Palazzo della Ragione, and the bell tower. 

Explore Piazza Vecchia, the Accademia Carrara, and much more (I genuinely could go on and on).

turin

Another super easy Milan day trip is Turin. Again, it’s just 40 minutes on the train, and there’s tons to see and do here. 

A city set with the picturesque alps on the horizon, Turin is home to striking neo-classical and Art Nouveau architecture. 

In terms of what to see, there’s the Royal Residences, including the Palazzo Reale, and museums like the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art and the Egyptian Museum . There’s also the landmark of Mole Antonelliana, which is home to the National Museum of Cinema, plus an observation deck over the city.

varese italy

Nestled at the foothills of the alps, you’ll find the city of Varese. One of the main appeals of this day trip is the Sacro Monte di Varese , a collection of 14 ornately decorated chapels which are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Other things to see around Varese include Villa Panza, an 18th century villa, as well as museums, ancient churches, and of course Lake Varese.

Varese can be reached in 50 minutes by train or an hour by car. 

Verona 

milan to verona day trip

Finally we have Verona , probably best known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You can even visit Juliet’s house – Casa di Giulietta, thought to be the house that inspired Shakespeare – complete with its famous balcony.

There’s tons to see in this city even if you’re not a fan of 16th century tragedies: Arena di Verona (a preserved Roman Amphitheatre), the Ponte Pietra bridge, the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. There’s also the Piazza della Erbe, Verona’s busy and bustling centre, where you can find shops and restaurants housed in Mediaeval buildings.  

Verona is just over an hour away by car or two hours by train. Alternatively, take a guided tour combined with a trip to Lake Garda. 

Those are my favourite day trips from Milan, but what are yours? Tell me all about them in the comments!

If you’re heading to the big capital city, then check out my guide to the best food tours in Rome . This is perfect for eating your way through the city!

Like this blog post? Then Pin it for the future!

13 BEST Day Trips from Milan, Italy

About the Author

View all posts

  • 2024 TRAVEL UPDATE
  • Work with us
  • Beyond Bologna
  • Regions of Italy
  • Travel books
  • Best group tours
  • Itineraries
  • Accommodation guide
  • Italian phrases for travel
  • Rocket Italian review: 2024 update
  • Ultimate Italy Travel Planner
  • City Planners
  • Essential Guides
  • Italy themed gift ideas
  • Trip planning services

Best Day Trips from Milan

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Milan is a fantastic base for a day trip thanks to its prime position within the central region of northern Italy. Whether discovering the rolling Swiss and Italian Alps or the stunning lakes nearby, extend your stay in Milan by adding an unforgettable day trip.

Thanks to the country’s nifty transport system, traveling by train in Italy means the best day trips from Milan are easy and affordable. So, prepare for some unforgettable experiences, from a food-inspired visit to Bologna to a historic trip to Turin.

Article contents

Day tours from Milan to Lake Como are fairly straightforward. It costs around €5 to ride from Milan Central Station to Como Lago on a 40-minute train journey.

READ: our full guide on How to get from Milan to Lake Como . 

Enjoy Lake Como by visiting some of its stunning villas. Some must-sees include Villa Carlotta, Villa Olmo, and the famous movie location of Villa del Balbianello .

Taking a boat cruise along Lake Como is a glorious way to explore the attractions. Snap tons of photos along the shores of Bellagio, walk the quaint cobblestone streets of Brienno, and eat your heart out near the colorful buildings of Varenna. 

TOP TIP: Take the funicular railway from Como to Brunate for majestic hillside views of Lake Como. 

Lake Como Day Trip From Milan

If you’d like to have transport arranged for you, then it’s a great idea to join this Lake Como day trip from Milan . It’s an excellent way to experience the best of Bellagio and Varenna without having to worry about travel logistics. The tour also includes a lovely cruise along Lake Como.

Tour Details: Lake Como day trip from Milan

The Lagoon City is one of the most iconic destinations in Italy. For independent travel, take the train from Milan Centrale to Venezia Santa Lucia. This is a roughly 2.5-hour trip. Tickets start at around €17, and the train will drop you right in the heart of Venice.

As for the top things to see in Venice , be sure to stop by the Basilica di San Marco to admire some stunning architecture. You can also visit the Palazzo Ducale and photograph the iconic Rialto Bridge. 

Consider escaping the crowds with a short ferry ride to the bright streets of Burano. Or, stay in the heart of Venice and visit the flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria or the Il Fenice Opera House .

Venice Day Trip From Milan

Although traveling alone offers a lot of freedom, this full-day Venice tour is also a great option. The tour covers some Venice itinerary staples, like a breathtaking Grand Canal gondola ride and a glass-making workshop. It also travels past all the famous attractions in the city, like Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and the Riva degli Schiavoni.

Tour Details: Venice day trip from Milan

It’s a short hour train ride from Milan Centrale to Bologna Centrale, with tickets costing around €20 per person. Piazza Maggiore is the cultural hub at the city center and is a fantastic starting point for your day in Bologna .

Visit the tenth largest church in the world at Basilica di San Petronio, walk the world’s longest portico to Monte della Guardia, and climb the medieval tower of Prendiparte. While all the sights around the city are magical, its true attraction is the fantastic dishes of Bologna .

Bologna Tasting Tour

There aren’t many day-trip tour options from Milan to Bologna, but there are many tours available in the city. On this tasting tour of Bologna , dig into 10 delicious delicacies popular in this foodie destination. Indulge in the classic flavors of tortellini fritti and formaggio bianco, or meats complimented perfectly with a glass of Lambrusco.

Tour Details: The 10 tastings of Bologna

If traveling solo is your style, then it’s about an hour-long trip from Milan Centrale to Torino Porta Nuova. Tickets tend to start around €27, but you can often find some fantastic deals on Omio .

Wonder at human and animal mummies and the massive Sethi II Statue at the expansive and world famous Egyptian Museum . After your ancient history fix, stop by the UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal residence, La Venaria Reale .

Turin Day Trip From Milan

This full-day guided tour of Turin offers hotel pick-up and drop-off in Milan and includes a walking tour that covers the highlights of Turin. You’ll also have free time to sample local cuisine and explore on your own. 

Tour Details: full-day guided tour of Turin

TOP TIP: Read our Piedmont travel guide if you intend to venture beyond Torino.

Getting from Milan Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova takes about one hour and 15 minutes when using Frecciarossa, with tickets starting at €18.

The ancient Roman Arena — which is actually older than the Colosseum — should be one of your first stops. You can also stop by the 14th-century Castel San Pietro for epic views of Verona. 

Head to the Castelvecchio Museum to admire glorious sculptures and paintings or visit Juliet’s House , once home to the Cappello family. For some shopping, head to Via Giuseppe Mazzini. 

READ: Our guide to the Best things to do in Verona .

Verona Walking Tour

Organized day trips from Verona to Milan are limited, so your best option is to travel independently. 

Join this guided walking tour of Verona to see its top sights. Discover everything from the Roman Amphitheater to the breathtaking frescoes at the Piazza delle Erbe. There’s more, with visits to the gothic-style Arche Scaligere and some fantastic local restaurants all included on this private tour. 

TOP TIP: Get 5% off Livtour experiences with the code UntoldItaly .

Tour Details: Private tour of Verona

St Moritz and Bernina Express to Switzerland

Pretty much the entire day will be spent on a train, but this day trip is more for the stunning scenery than anything else. 

If taking this trip independently, take a three-hour train ride from Milan Centrale to Tirano for around €14. From there, the breathtaking Bernina Express train takes you through northern Italy and into Switzerland. St. Moritz is the halfway point on this iconic four-hour panoramic train ride from Tirano to Chur, with tickets costing €51.50 one-way.

St Moritz and Bernina Express Day Trip From Milan

Alternatively, avoid the hassle of planning the entire journey by joining this Bernina Express experience from Milan . Enjoy a scenic bus ride through the countryside and straight to St. Moritz. From there, enter the world-famous scenic train journey from St. Moritz to Tirano, and discover the beauty of Switzerland.

Tour Details: St Moritz and Bernina Express panoramic tour

Interlaken and Swiss Alps

As fantastic an idea as it is, taking a day trip to Interlaken from Milan without a guide may not be worth the effort. 

The quickest route has one changeover in Spiez, with an average travel time of four hours. The fastest train tickets cost roughly €89, and even then, there will be a lot of time wasted waiting between trains, so tours are much easier.

Interlaken and Swiss Alps Day Trip From Milan

Skip the transport arrangements by booking a convenient day excursion to Interlaken from Milan instead. On this day trip, you can expect a scenic two-hour ride from Domodossola to Spiez. 

The journey takes you through the lush valleys of Simplon Pass on the Green Train. Spend some time admiring Spiez before jumping on a gentle boat ride across Lake Thun to the charming town of Interlaken.

The Swiss Alps are in full view during the boat tour, with Jungfrau, Mönch, and Elger all within view. After arriving in Interlaken, spend some time admiring the bespoke architecture, and don’t forget to visit the stunning Lake Brienz as well. 

Tour Details: Interlaken and Swiss Alps day trip

Milan to Lake Garda is a trip that can easily be paired with a visit to Verona. Catching a train from Milan Centrale to Desenzano del Garda is quick and affordable, with a 50-minute travel time and tickets costing around €18.

Visiting Castello Scaligero at Sirmione port is a great idea as this iconic castle dominates the picturesque town. You’ll also love a cruise along Lake Garda to explore sights like the Villa Canossa and Lazise Castle. 

Taking a dip in the emerald waters of Lake Garda is also worth a try, especially in the summer months. Or head to Bardolino to sample the delights of Bresca wines at places like Lenotti Cellars or Winery Costadora.

Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip From Milan

Join this combined tour of Verona and Lake Garda from Milan to enjoy the convenience of arranged transport along with enough freedom to explore on your own. An expert tour guide will take you to some of the highlights of both destinations while giving you free time to wander about, do some shopping, and take a boat cruise on Lake Garda if you wish. 

Tour Details: Tour of Verona and Lake Garda from Milan

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a region on the Italian Riviera teeming with colorful villages and breathtakingly clear water along the Ligurian coast. Each town has its own unique character, and traveling between each is easy with the Cinque Terre Express . 

Simply put, venturing out to Cinque Terre is too long a trip to do on your own from Milan as the average train travel time is over four and a half hours to La Spezia. It is however cost effective with train tickets available from around €23.

The best option is to join a guided tour, as this will help you cover the highlights of each village in a day. 

Cinque Terre Day Trip From Milan

To experience possibly the best day trip from Milan, Italy, without tiring yourself out, join this full-day Cinque Terre guided tour . An air-conditioned coach will collect you at your hotel in Milan and drive you to Monterosso al Mare. Enjoy a guided tour of the town before hopping aboard a boat cruise along the Italian Riviera and ending off in La Spezia.

Tour Details: Cinque Terre full-day guided trip

Lombardy Wine Tasting

The perfect Milan day trip does exist, and it’s in the form of a wine-tasting tour through Lombardy. If traveling alone, head to the city of Bergamo, which lies an hour away from Milan, by train. Train tickets cost around €6 per person, making it a great option for a day trip.

The best way to experience this region, however, is with a guided tour. This will cover transport, and you’ll get to learn about the region and the wine-making process from a knowledgeable guide

Lombardy Wine Tasting Day Trip From Milan

This fantastic Franciacorta wine tour from Milan takes you to the humble Italian city of Bergamo for a lovely lunch before exploring the Franciacorta wine route. The sommelier and knowledgeable guide will show you every aspect of the wine-making process before you sample the golden nectar at a wine tasting. 

Tour Details : Franciacorta full-day wine experience

Lake Maggiore

Get to Lake Maggiore independently by train from Milan Centrale to Stresa. Tickets are reasonably affordable at about €10, and the trip lasts just over an hour.

If independent travel is your preferred option, you can try this Lake Maggiore hop-on hop-off boat ticket . This will allow you to explore Stresa and the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori) in your own time.

Stop by the Borromean Islands on Isola Pescatori and Isola Madre. The latter is known as one of the prettiest park spaces in Italy, while Pescatori is an iconic fishing village. It’s then a short journey across the lake to glorious Isola Bella, which hosts the elaborate Palazzo Borromeo .

End the day in Stresa, where you can enjoy a drink at the Sky Bar in Hotel La Palma or visit the picturesque Park Villa Pallavicino.  

LISTEN: to our podcast for more on Magical Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore Day Trip From Milan

This Lake Maggiore day trip is one of the best day excursions from Milan. The tour starts with a lovely cruise from Lago Maggiore, where you can admire the idyllic villas and lush lakeside garden. The tour also stops by the three main Borromean Islands of Isola Pescatori, Isola Madre, and Isola Bella, where you can explore each one.

Tour Details: Lake Maggiore day trip from Milan

Summary: Best Day Trips from Milan

No matter the journey, a day trip from Milan will always be an unforgettable experience. The choice is yours, from sipping wine in Franciacorta to admiring the stunning scenery on a day trip from Milan to Switzerland.

So, what will your next epic adventure be?

NEXT READ: If you’re planning on taking any day-trips independently, this in-depth guide to transportation in Italy will come in handy.

Planning a trip to Italy?

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy travel planning community . Our 115,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

Sign up for our news and podcast updates where we share mini guides, tips, exclusive deals and more and we'll send you our Italy Trip Planning Checklist to say grazie ! >> click here to subscribe

Italy City Guides

Latest italy travel podcasts and articles, best things to do in bari, italy, best things to do in lecce, episode #205: best ever tips for your 2024 italy trip, best italy itinerary ideas to copy for your trip to bella italia, lake como or lake garda, best towns in the dolomites, best things to do in puglia, 11 perfect puglia towns to discover.

Please share if you found this article useful

She Goes The Distance

12 Can’t-Miss Day Trips From Milan (& How To Reach Them)

12 Can’t-Miss Day Trips From Milan (& How To Reach Them)

Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Michela

Milan is the perfect Italian city to make your home base, due to its wide array of transportation options and proximity to some of the most beautiful spots in the northern corners of the country. Plus, planning day trips is one of the best ways to make the most out of your trip to Italy itinerary. Make good use of those extra couple days in your trip plans to explore beyond the city and venture into famous and hidden gem spots alike in northern Italy with these day trips from Milan .

Milan is the financial capital of Italy, situated in the wealthiest region of Lombardy. The region features all types of geography – from shimmering lakes to the fields of the Po River Valley to the beginning of the Italian Alps.

There are so many beautiful places in Lombardy, but Milan is also easily connected to other regions like Veneto or Liguria. If you don’t mind a longer drive or train ride, you can still make places in these regions doable day trips. Reference my complete guide to using trains in Italy so you’re prepared before embarking on your day trip.

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

The Best Day Trips from Milan

In this travel guide, you’ll find not only a description of each place, but also a breakdown of your best options for transportation from Milan according to each destination.

Some are more easily reached by car , while others are more cost-effective trips using trains. The furthest ones (at the bottom of the list) are more easily accomplished by booking a tour!

Whatever your mode of transportation, they’re all covered in this guide. I hope you are inspired by these ideas for day trips from Milan and are able to incorporate some into your northern Italy itinerary!

Bergamo Città Alta Skyline: Perfect Day Trip from Milan

The second-largest city in the Lombardy region is nothing like Milan – which is why it’s an incredible day trip.

While Milan’s historical structures weave themselves between the modern office buildings and designer shops, Bergamo showcases its place in history more boldly. Entering Città Alta, or the Upper Town, transports you into the past. This hub of historical piazzas, palazzos, and castles are all confined within the 16th century Venetian Walls, once built to protect the city from intruders.

The contrast between past and present is so stark, from the dramatic Medieval hilltop of the old town, with the bustling financial district of Città Bassa below.

I’m lucky to call this beautiful city home, so I compiled the ultimate list of things to do in and around Bergamo if you’re thinking about doing this easy day trip.

How to Reach Bergamo from Milan

Bergamo is one of the easiest day trips from Milan to make, which is why it tops the list.

You can take a regional train from Milan to Bergamo for around 10 euros roundtrip, with the journey lasting 45 minutes to an hour, based on what kind of train you take. I recommend the route from Milano Centrale to Bergamo Stazione , as these stations are the main stations in their respective cities, therefore centrally located so you can waste no time exploring!

Flixbus also connects Milan and Bergamo for as little as 5 euros roundtrip. Plus, you can always travel by car using the A22 Highway. Just remember you’ll have to pay tolls and parking fees if you choose that option.

Lakeside town with mountains on Lake Como, Italy

Everyone has Lake Como on their bucket list – and it’s easy to understand why. Between the luxury villas, the brightly colored towns, the mountains framing each curve of the lake, every detail of this part of northern Italy is magical.

It’s exactly what you picture Italy to feel like, and while it can be a luxurious destination, there are ways to do Lake Como on a budget . You can do everything from renting a boat if you’re a water baby or stick to exploring the small, yet popular, towns nestled on the shoreline.

The towns of Varenna and Bellagio have to be high on your list – both boast stunning views and aren’t too far from each other, so you can fit them into one day.

How to Reach Lake Como from Milan

Lake Como is north of Milan. The journey is about 50 minutes to the southernmost part of the lake and one of the main cities, Lecco.

If the train is your transportation of choice, I recommend the Milan to Lecco route as the easiest starting point for traveling around the lake. In my opinion, Lecco is also a prettier city that’s less trafficked by tourists than Como.

From Lecco, you can take a ferry to reach towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Tickets will be from 5-8 euros one way, depending on which season you are traveling in.

If you navigate Lake Como by car, keep in mind that parking can be limited in small towns . Plus, you will be restricted to just one side of the lake – unless you pay to take your car on the ferry transport.

I would suggest also starting your journey in Lecco with a car, as there will be more parking options available. Then you can take the ferry around the lake from there. However, overall, this day trip is probably more suitable to a combination of train and ferry for budget-friendly and easy transport.

And if all that transportation information gives you a headache, you can leave it up to the professionals and book a day trip tour from Milan to Lake Como!

Parco di Monza

Villa Reale, Monza

If you want to get outdoors but aren’t much of a sportsman, then a relaxing day at Parco di Monza , or Monza Park, could be a perfect day trip or afternoon break from the bustling city of Milan.

Parco di Monza is twice the size of central park – it’s HUGE!

With beautiful little lakes, wide tree-lined promenades, and the grand Villa Reale, Parco di Monza has a lot to offer. It’s particularly ideal for families to let their kids explore or couples looking to take romantic strolls throughout all of the greenery.

I recommend this day trip for those looking for something light and carefree to do – the park if beautiful, but it’s not a bucket list destination to visit. It’s also ideal if you’re spending an elongated time in Milan, for example, studying abroad or working.

How to Reach Monza from Milan

Monza is actually the closest out of all the day trips from Milan. The city is the next major city outside of Milan. In the next years to come, it will conveniently be connected to Milan’s metro, but for now the easiest way to reach Monza from Milan is by car or train.

Lugano park near the city in Switzerland

Why not go to a different country for a day if you have the chance? One of the coolest things about being in northern Italy is realizing how close you are to the countries of France, Switzerland, and Austria. Switzerland is especially close to Milan – only one hour away.

The southernmost part of Switzerland is the Ticino canton, or region. It’s actually Italian-speaking, so even if it says you’re in Switzerland, you may still feel that Italian energy from the scenery and people around you!

Lugano is one of the main cities of this region, on the banks of Lake Lugano (which also stretches into the Italian border.)

You will fall in love with the glitz and glamour of Lugano, from its beautiful lakeside promenade to the high-end stores and casinos. Make sure to make the short (but steep) walk to the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence for a beautiful view over the city.

Also consider day tripping to the Swiss Alps using the Bernina Express. This iconic red panorama train has routes that start in Italy that go through the Swiss Alps and then return within the day! Find out everything you need to know in my guide to riding the Bernina Express train .

Also check out Locarno, Switzerland , another beautiful city in the Ticino region and easily reachable from Milan!

How to Reach Lugano from Milan

To reach Lugano from Milan, you will obviously have to cross the border. Check ahead of time that you have the right documentation to enter Switzerland .

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, so they are in agreement with other European countries to not have border controls. There still is border control, but they likely won’t stop you when crossing over because of this agreement.

Things get much more expensive when traveling in Switzerland, so it’s more cost-effective to take a train. You can travel from Milano Centrale Station to Lugano starting at 15 euros.

You would definitely spend more on gas money and parking fees!

But driving in Switzer land has its ups too, as you can personalize your itinerary more.

If you are really strapped for time, you can actually visit Lugano and multiple towns on Lake Como in one day with a tour! It’s a more expensive option, but it’s a stress-free way to travel that guarantees you’ll see a lot in one day.

Val Brembana/The Italian Alps

Branzi, Italy - Italian Alps mountains with large waterfall

One of the wonders of the northern regions of Italy is being set at the foot of the Alps.

The truth is, there are many areas to explore the Italian Alps that are reachable from Milan. Even Lake Como is technically part of them!

But if you really want the feeling of exploring the mountains, then my favorite spot is Val Brembana .

This valley is north of Bergamo and features towns like San Pellegrino Terme , famous for the San Pellegrino water, and Branzi , famous for its local cheese.

But there are also tiny hidden gem mountain towns like Cornello dei Tasso and the Laghi Gemelli, two lakes that you can hike to high up in the peaks. You’ll even see tons of waterfalls!

How to Reach Val Brembana from Milan

Val Brembana is about a two-hour journey from Milan by car, which would be how I recommend you get around.

The valley is obviously mountainous and as you venture further into the Alps, the towns are small and hard to reach.

Therefore, traveling by train is not a viable option!

It may be one of the more difficult day trips from Milan to make, but the scenery is well worth it.

Torre dei Lamberti, Verona, Italy

Venture into a new region on one of your day trips from Milan, Veneto. One of the most beautiful cities in this region of romance is Verona.

Coined Italy’s City of Love, Verona is the home of opera and the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. There are so many amazing things to do in Verona – from visiting the Casa di Giulietta and seeing Juliet’s balcony to exploring the vibrant squares of Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe .

My personal favorite is making the climb up to Castel San Pietro on the other side of the Adige River and taking in the panoramic view over the rose-colored city. It is a must-do!

How to Reach Verona from Milan

Verona is a two-hour drive from Milan. This drive is all highway, so it’s a nice and easy day trip to navigate. Park at Parcheggio Porta Palio, which is free – unlike most parking in Italy’s cities!

The two major cities are also connected by train and bus if you don’t have a car at your disposal.

A unique way to visit Verona and the next destination I’m about to mention all in one day is to book a tour! While booking tours can be more expensive than DIY-ing your day trips from Milan, they can be way more time-effective. You won’t have to worry about navigating the roads yourself or dealing with multiple public transportation changes.

This tour takes you to Verona and Lake Garda in one day from Milan, maximizing your itinerary.

Pro Tip: Verona is a walkable city, but still wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking on lots of uneven cobblestones in the historic center!

Limone sul Garda, Italy rooftops

Because Lake Como boasts the Insta-fame for its gorgeous villas and the celebrities who flock there on vacation, Lake Garda happens to be underrated. It’s the largest lake in Italy and while there’s no shortage of visitors or tourists in the high season, the extra space still makes it comfortable to explore and enjoy.

The lake is so large that it is in three regions of Italy – Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino Alto-Adige. The closest towns to Milan are those in the Lombardy region – Limone sul Garda or Salò, for example.

I’ve already covered the best towns to visit on Lake Garda , so reference that post if this spot is on your bucket list. However, the ones I would recommend as must-visit spots are Sirmione and Limone sul Garda .

How to Reach Lake Garda from Milan

Due to the mountainous terrain, there are only a few spots that you can reach Lake Garda by train . On the southern end of the lake, you can arrive at the stations Desenzano del Garda Sirmione or Peschiera del Garda .

On the northern end is Rovereto , but arriving here is still quite a distance from the lake itself. As a day trip from Milan, you can maximize your time better by exploring the southern end of the lake. In either case, you will probably still need to take public buses or the ferry ( timetables here ) to reach nearby towns.

If you have a car, you can be much more flexible with your itinerary. You can drive up the western coast of the lake to visit towns like Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, or Gardone, where there is Mussolini’s villa (for the history buffs!)

Castle on an Island in the middle of a lake - Isola di Loreto, Lake Iseo, Italy - Day Trip from Milan

There are quite a few lakes on this list, but that’s because this is Italy’s lake region! They are all uniquely beautiful and if you’re one to go off-the-beaten-path, then you’ll adore Lake Iseo.

See my full travel guide on Lake Iseo for planning your visit!

Being that it’s a smaller lake than the others, you can maximize your time and explore a lot in one day. What makes Lake Iseo extra special is that it has a massive island in the middle of the lake – the largest island in a lake in all of Europe, called Monte Isola .

The best way to explore Lake Iseo is by boat , so if you can rent one for a day, go for it! It’s a magical moment to drift right up to the tiny communities on Monte Isola and take in the size of this natural mountain formed in the middle of the lake. Plus, there is the Isola di Loreto nearby, an island with a castle.

Towns like Sarnico and Lovere are wonderful starting points at each end of the lake, south and north respectively.

If you can fit it in, I also recommend ending your day with an aperitivo at a unique bar that’s on a dock, Darsena21. The hanging lanterns glow against the sunset as you sit beside the water enjoying a Spritz – it can’t get more Italian than that!

How to Reach Lake Iseo from Milan

Lake Iseo is most easily accessible by car . The drive takes up to two hours, depending on which town you want to stop in.

Sarnico, the southernmost point, is the closest to Milan, but not connected by ferry. If you plan to ferry around the lake rather than drive, then consider Predore as a starting point.

Without a car, you can take a combination of train and bus to reach Lake Iseo. The journey could take up to 3 hours, so I would suggest skipping a Lake Iseo day trip if you don’t have a car this time and fit it in on the next trip!

Crespi d’Adda

day trips from milan italy by train

Forty-five minutes from Milan, in the province of Bergamo, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and hidden gem of northern Italy. Add the town of Crespi d’Adda , a municipality of Capriate San Gervasio, to your list of day trips from Milan.

Crespi d’Adda is an Industrial Age town built in the early 1900s by Cristoforo Benigno Crespi, a cotton manufacturer. The town was designed to host the workers at his factory, providing them housing, community buildings and more.

Today you can visit the old buildings of the Industrial Age-style designed by architect Gaetano Moretti and the surrounding areas of the Adda River valley, like the Taccani Hydroelectric Plant and Castello Visconteo in Trezzo sull’Adda.

How to Reach Crespi d’Adda from Milan

The only way to reach Crespi d’Adda from Milan is by car. The nearest train stop is in the town of Treviglio, but you still have a ways to go before reaching Crespi d’Adda.

Crespi d’Adda is conveniently close to the A4 highway, so you just take that road east and exit at Capriate.

Between Le Due Torri of Bologna, Italy

As the list of day trips from Milan nears the end, these last few destinations are a bit further from the city but so worth seeing they must be on the list!

Bologna is the food capital of Italy. All the pasta, cured meat, and delicious cheeses come from the fertile region. of Emilia-Romagna.

Bologna also boasts so much beautiful architecture and interesting history, appealing to anyone who visits. The Basilica di San Petronio is a gorgeous cathedral in the main square, complementing many other beautiful churches like the Basilico di Santo Stefano .

You must also admire the famous “ Le Due Torri ” in the city center and stroll to the University of Bologna , the oldest university in Europe.

Consider taking a walking tour to make sure you visit all the can’t-miss sites. Plus, the city is so full of history that having a guide explain the many historical structures to you allows you to fully experience and understand the city!

How to Reach Bologna From Milan

Bologna to Milan is nearly a three hour drive. While six hours driving in a day is pretty tough, it can still be feasible.

However, I suggest taking the train from Milan to Bologna. The tickets are cheap and you can take a high-speed train and arrive in Bologna in just over an hour!

I researched tours from Milan to Bologna, but I didn’t find any that I felt confident in suggesting. In this case, the best transportation option for this day trip is clear – go by train!

Cinque Terre

Colorful houses on a cliff with sea below - Cinque Terre Village of Manarola, Italy - Day Trip from Milan

The Cinque Terre, or Five Towns, are world-famous as the most picturesque colorful cliffside villages of the Italian Riviera.

Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia , and Monterosso al Mare , all have something special to offer. You can swim at the beach in Monterosso, enjoy the easy-to-reach viewing point at Manarola, or take in the sunset on the rocks in front of the Riomaggiore harbor.

Read my Cinque Terre One-Day Itinerary to know exactly how to make the most of your time!

Being that Cinque Terre is one of the top tourist attractions in Italy, you may want to consider places less popular but still on the sea. Visit lesser-known towns in Liguria for a day trip – Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and my personal suggestion, Porto v enere , a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Cinque Terre, and one of the most romantic places in Italy .

How to Reach Cinque Terre from Milan

One of the easiest ways to make Cinque Terre a feasible day trip from Milan is to book a tour. With transportation and guides sorted out, you will avoid all the stress of driving or navigating the multiple stops of public transportation to reach Cinque Terre. Therefore, spending more time enjoying it!

That being said, you can also DIY your trip by driving the three hour journey. However, you have to keep in mind that most of the towns are car-free zones. You will have to either hike or take the local train between them.

Journeying by train means arriving at Monterosso station and then choosing to hike or take the local train from there. The first leg of your journey can cost upwards of 60 euros per person and you’ll have to buy a ticket of 16 euros per person for the local train.

So, the costs can add up on the train journey or car journey when considering the cost of gas (double what it is in the USA, for example. This is why I believe a tour is the way to go if you only have one day to visit the Cinque Terre from Milan.

It may be one of the further day trips from Milan, but everyone knows the Cinque Terre are worth it.

day trips from milan italy by train

To wrap up this epic list of day trips from Milan is one of the most iconic spots in all of Italy, Venice.

Venice is a must-do on any Italy trip. From St. Mark’s Basilica to the Rialto Bridge to the islands of Burano and Murano , there is so much to see and do in Venice.

The best thing about Venice is that outside the touristy neighborhood of San Marco, you feel like you have the whole city to yourself. You can find many of the narrow streets empty between the maze of canals.

And if you want to go off-the-beaten-path, there are unique things to do in Venice too, from rooftop views to an incredible piece of architecture, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo .

It’s also one of my favorite cities in Italy to take photos, as the landscape feels so magical in every picture. Check out my Instagram guide to Venice if you love taking beautiful travel photos too!

How to Reach Venice from Milan

The last one is the longest one – the trip to Venice from Milan is just over three hours. Being major cities, they are easily connected by both bus and train. The fastest train takes about 2 and a half hours, so it saves a little bit of travel time.

Although it’s a long drive, it’s a very easy one. You will virtually just use the A4 Highway. The only thing to keep in mind is that the actual center of Venice has no cars. You will have to park either at the edge of the historic center in one of the parking garages or on the mainland and take a ferry, bus, or train to the center.

I found this thorough and helpful article about parking in Venice if you plan to travel by car.

However, to get the most bang for your buck and explore as much as possible with only one day, I suggest going with a tour. For 129 euros, you can get a guided tour through the city, a boat ride, and stress-free transportation to Venice.

You can also check out my guide to Venice on a budget so you save as much as possible.

Final Thoughts and Tips for Taking Day Trips from Milan

Taking day trips is one of the best ways to make the most of your itinerary. It eliminates the stress of changing accommodation frequently and increases the potential of taking advantage of long-stay discounts!

Here are some extra tips to consider when embarking on your day trips from Milan:

Always factor in extra little costs – or at least expect them!

Often when planning a trip, especially on a budget, we underestimate how much we actually will spend. Consider the money you may spend on gas, tolls, parking fees when traveling by car. If traveling by public transportation, think about snacks or magazines you might buy for the journey. Little costs add up!

Always validates your ticket on public transportation!

Italy’s trains, buses, trams, cable cars – basically any kind of public transportation have a little machine where you insert your ticket and it’s stamped with the date and time. If you don’t do this and an officer comes around to check, you’ll be charged with a fine!

Leave as early as possible when taking a day trip with a long travel time!

Especially if you are taking public transportation, utilize the opportunity to catch up on sleep during the journey and leave early in the morning so you have tons of time to explore further destinations!

Consider buying a one-way ticket if you are unsure of what time you want to leave!

Again referring to public transportation, whatever time you choose to depart back home is the only time that ticket is valid. So, if you decide at the moment that you want to leave earlier or later, you have to buy a whole new ticket! I made this tourist mistake and it cost me an extra 50 euros to switch tickets.

Use Via Michelin to Estimate Fuel and Toll Costs

I just found out about this tool while planning my last road trip and I can’t believe I didn’t know about it before!

Via Michelin helps you not only plan your route but will also tell you based on the make and model of your car how much fuel you can expect to use and how much it will cost. This is a perfect way to create an accurate budget if you decide to use your own car or rental car to reach these destinations!

Those are my extra tips to take into consideration when planning your day trips from Milan!

Which one of these day trips from Milan are on your bucket list?

Save these ideas on Pinterest!

day trips from milan italy by train

I hope your Italy itinerary is coming together and that these ideas for day trips from Milan are just what you needed to decide what’s on the top of your bucket list!

day trips from milan italy by train

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

Planning one day in volterra, italy here’s what you need to …, how to enjoy amsterdam on a budget: 10 ways to save, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Website URL

Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library!

Check this out

  • The Travel Library
  • Privacy Policy

BUY ME A COFFEE

I love creating free resources for your travels and personally responding to your questions over chat and email.

Follow on Pinterest

Looking for Something?

day trips from milan italy by train

Riding the Rails: Six Day Trips from Milan by Train

lake como

Perhaps it’s not fair on the city itself to write this, but one of Milan’s great strengths is how easy it is to get to other places. Lakes, mountains, towns, and cities are within easy reach even for those who can’t or don’t want to use a car thanks to the spindly tracks that reach out from the railway stations of northern Italy’s great metropolis.

The Italian rail network is efficient and includes several high-speed routes, meaning even faraway cities like Rome and Naple

Elevate your experience by becoming a Premium Member today and unlock limitless access to our exclusive Italy intelligence along with a host of members-only perks:

Unlimited access to premium digital content

Weekly newsletters exclusively crafted for members

Bellissimo quarterly digital magazines

Buongiorno monthly newsletters

Access to a collection of eBooks and mini-guides

Exclusive monthly offers and downloads

An ItaliaPass Primo membership providing savings of $249+ on your Italy trip

Immerse yourself in the richness of Italy with unparalleled benefits and insights for less than the cost of a cappuccino per week!

Already a member? Sign in here .

You may also be interested in...

porretana

Latest property in Lombardy

AC99-149-1305 1

What to do in Lombardy

Dining Al Fresco

The Jetsetter Diaries

Day trips from Milan under a two hour train ride away

by Asdghik Ashley Melkonian

Milan Duomo Italy

Table of Contents

Verona, Italy

Genoa, italy, lugano, switzerland, lake como, italy, bologna, italy, parma, italy, turin, italy.

Milan is a great base for visiting the beautiful lakes and neighboring regions in Italy and Switzerland. Hop on a short train ride to enjoy amazing day trips at one of these cities that are reachable in under 2 hours:

Travel time from Milan: 1hr 30min                    

The medieval city of Verona is best known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In fact, you can visit Juliet’s house and climb up the stairs to reach her famous balcony overlooking a small courtyard. I must warn you, it’s usually so overcrowded with tourists and not as impressive as you would imagine. Legend has it that if you rub Juliet’s breast, you will have tremendous luck in your love life, so I just had to try it myself!

My favorite part of visiting Verona was getting lost in the little streets and eating the best Italian food I have ever had in my life. I stumbled across a small restaurant called  “Enoteca Cangrande” and I still dream of their pasta everyday.

Don’t leave Verona without watching one of their world-famous operas in the 1st century arena. The opera is in fully in Italian, but even if you don’t understand a word the experience is well worth it.

Juliet's Courtyard Verona

Juliet’s Courtyard Verona

Verona Arena

Verona Arena

Verona Italy

Travel time from Milan: 1hr 40min

The port city of Genoa is famous for its baroque architecture and cozy alleyways. You can spend your day in one of the many cute cafes, go for a boat ride or visit one of Europe’s biggest aquariums. You must try some of their seafood dishes and of course Pesto sauce which originated from Genoa.

Genoa Italy

Related article: Bergamo Travel Guide

Travel time from Milan: 1hr 10min

Cross the border into Switzerland to visit one of the prettiest towns in the area. Lugano is a small city with colorful buildings and a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. The best part is that you can see all of it by foot. After you exit the train station, walk downhill towards the lake and enjoy a drink at the cozy cafes. If you pass any of the chocolate shops, you can’t but go inside. With hundreds of flavors to choose from, you will end up getting your sugar fix for quite some time, but don’t worry you will burn all the calories on your way back up to the train station. If the weather permits, rent one of the small paddle boats on the lake to catch the best views of the city.

Lugano Switzerland

Hotel recommendations in Milan

Budget hotels: Ramada Plaza Hotel ,  AC Hotel Milano, a Marriott Lifestyle Hotel

Mid-Range hotels:  Crowne Plaza Milan City ,  LaGare Hotel Milano Centrale – MGallery by Sofitel

Luxury hotels: Armani Hotel Milano , Mandarin Oriental Milan , Bulgari Hotel Milano

Lake Como is a spectacular lake popular for its fresh air, mountains, luxurious properties and great weather. Bellagio is the most famous village (with good reason), best known for its world-class hotels and restaurants. The best way to see some of the impressive properties is by taking a boat ride around the lake. Some of the celebrities that own houses in Como include George Clooney and Richard Branson.

Lake Como Italy

Travel time from Milan: 1hr

The historical city of Bologna is a must-visit for food lovers. It’s named “Italy’s gastronomical capital” and is famous for producing some of the most delicious pasta and sausages in the world. Wandering along the medieval streets of the city, you will come across museums, art galleries and cafes.

Bologna Italy

Imagine the perfect combination of art, music and gastronomy… that’s what you will find in Parma. If you think the word Parma sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve heard of Parma ham or Parmesan cheese, which both originated from this beautiful city. You can do a pit stop in Parma on your way to Bologna.

Parma Italy

Travel time from Milan: 50min

Turin is an elegant city with charming wide streets, but quite often overshadowed by its neighboring well-known cities. Two things that stand out in Turin are sports cars and chocolate. Head for a stroll around Piazza Castello and you will get to see most of the famous sites.

Turin Italy

solosophie

15+ Best Day Trips From Milan You Must Take

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 4th February 2022

Categories Italy

Last Updated on 4th February 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

When heading to Northern Italy, Milan is a perfect place to base yourself. After all, it’s the capital of Lombardy region, has some of the best transport links in the boot-shaped country and is a perfect starting point for plenty of excursions. Here are 15+ day trips from Milan worth taking (and I’m sure you’ll find one you’ll like, there’s enough for each day of an entire fortnight!):

The Best Day Trips from Milan, Lombardy, Northern Italy: Here are the very best excursions from Milano; UNESCO train rides, secret medieval Italian cities, foodie experiences, and more!

#1 University town of Pavia

#2 pretty town of padua/ padova.

  • #3 Lake Como (towns of Como and Lecco)

#4 Alpine city of Turin/ Torino

#5 hilltop town of bergamo, #6 the historical town of brescia, #7 certosa di pavia, #8 city of parma, #9 sleeping beauty town of mantua/ mantova, #10 the town of lodi, #11 romeo and juliet’s verona, #12 the canals of venice/ venezia, #13 the seaside resort of genoa/ genova, #14 art nouveau city of varese, #15 the five lands of the cinque terre, #16 the unesco bernina express, #17 lake maggiore, #18 university town of bologna, things to know before visiting milan, enjoyed reading about the very best day trips from milan you simply must take pin it now, read it again later:.

Book now: From Milan Full-Day Pavia & Oltrepo Pavese Tou r

Designated a UNESCO world heritage site, the city of Pavia has a Duomo Da Vinci had a hand in designing, plenty of cobbled lanes and one of the oldest universities in Italy. As such, it is packed with historical things to do (including plenty of university museums), and a covered bridge that finds its roots in medieval times.

Milan to Pavia: The easiest way to get to Pavia is by train. After all, the city of Pavia is located on the tracks between Milan and Genoa and Pavia takes just over forty-five minutes to reach from Milano. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour.

Best things to do in Pavia, Lombardy, Italy: Medieval towers

Famously known as the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, Padua is located in the province of Padua in Italy’s Veneto region. Some of the best things to do in Padua include visiting the city’s huge Byzantine basilica, visiting the University of Padua (the place of learning dates all the way back to 1222) , and enjoying some of the city’s café culture.

Milan to Pauda: The best way to reach Padua is by a train which takes just under two hours. Get up earlier in the day to make the most of your time in the city.

Best day trips from Milan: postcard from Padova/ Padua

#3 Lake Como (towns of C omo and Lecco)

Book a tour now: Lake Como and Bellagio day trip

Glistening lakes overlooking snowy peaks: no, this isn’t the opening scenes of a Disney movie. It’s real life and you can find these fairytale scenes on the fringes of Lake Como in Northern Lombardy.

Best visited in the late spring, summer, or early autumn (you’ll want warm, sunny weather to best enjoy the lakes of Italy), highlights of Lake Como include plenty of castles, as well as the beautiful towns of Como and Lecco.

Milan to Como: Reaching the lakes of Lombardy from Milano is much easier than you might expect. You’ll want a car if you want to explore some of the Italian countryside on the way to Como.

However, if you’re sticking with public transport, then there’s a direct train from Milan to Como and it takes just under an hour each way. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from Milan.

Lake Garda: the lakes, Lombardy, Italy

Located in the Piedmont region of Italy, Turin is surrounded by mountains and filled with history. Often dubbed the chocolate capital of Italy, you can’t go wrong by dedicating a day of your Italian adventure to exploring the city’s many attractions.

Highlights of Torino include visiting the cathedral where the Turin Shroud is housed (the Shroud itself is only placed on display once every decade or so for preservation purposes) , ascending the Mole Antonelliana (often dubbed the ‘Eiffel Tower of Italy’) and sampling some local Piedmontese cuisine. Turin is also home to one of the most important Egyptian collections housed outside of Egypt.

Milan to Turin: You can reach Torino in just over an hour from Milano if you opt for one of the regular high-speed trains that will whisk you from the city centre to city centre. While this option is admittedly faster, if you want to budget, then you can take a slow train that is half the price of the speedy one.

Itinerario Superga, Strada dei Colli,

Book now: Bergamo Bus Transfer to/from Milan City Cente

Of all the cities near Milan, the city of Bergamo should top your list as one of the best places to visit in Italy. After all, one of the biggest mistakes people planning a trip to the North of Italy make is that they miss out on the beautiful town of Bergamo!

When booking budget flights to Bergamo’s international airport, people often assume that this underrated gem of Italy is not worth a visit, and so they skip the city entirely. However, Bergamo is beautiful, filled with historical sites and is a must-see for architecture lovers.

Milan to Bergamo: Just under an hour. That’s all you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy Milan life and straight into the time warp that is Bergamo. The easiest way to reach Bergamo is by train and tickets cost just 6 or 7 euro each way. Alternatively, you can get a bus between the two Italian cities.

Why you should visit Lombardy: Bergamo

The Celtic turned Roman town of Brescia is located in the Lombardy region of Italy, just like Milan. Highlights of this historically rich settlement include a castle, museums filled with Roman aretefacts, and ecclesiastical buildings filled with frescoes dating back centuries.

Milan to Brescia: If you want to reach Brescia, then the easiest way to do so is by train. One single train takes just thirty-five minutes and so Brescia makes an easy day trip from Milano. A trip to Brescia can easily be combined with a visit to nearby Lake Garda. After all, the beautiful town lies on the shore of the iconic lake.

Best day trips from Milan: Lake Garda and Brescia

Often cited as one of the best examples of Italian Renaissance architecture, the Certosa di Pavia is one of those must-see Lombardy attractions on any trip to Northern Italy. Located 8km North of Pavia, admire the unique blend of Renaissance Architecture meets Gothic style in this family mausoleum turned monastery.

Milan to Certosa di Pavia: A visit to the beautiful monastery of can be taken in conjunction with a trip to the nearby town of the same name, Pavia, or can be done just on its own. After all, if you head there in the early afternoon or early morning, there is rather a lot to see!

Certosa di Pavia Monastery and Church, Lombary, Italy: Is this the most beautiful monastery in Europe, and a look at amazing Italian Renaissance architecture.

The city of Parma, located in Emila-Romagna is named like the ham (yes, really!). Although this city is most famous for its prosciutto meat cuts and cheese, there’s plenty to see for the non-meat eating traveller as well!

From Parma’s beautiful architecture to its extensive collection of Caravaggio’s work located throughout the city including inside the Duomo and in the city’s impressive National Gallery.

Milan to Parma:  Milano to Parma takes an hour and a half if you choose the more expensive train (though fast trains often cost double the price of their slower counterparts, you’ll save oodles of time, ensuring that you can get the most out of your Italian trip!)

Parma day trip from Milan: see Caravaggio's works

If you’re looking for a glimpse into what an Italian city must have been like centuries ago, then head to Mantua. Often dubbed the ‘sleeping beauty town of Italy’ thanks to little change in architecture and pace of life over the centuries, Mantua is well worth a visit and totally worth your time!

Milan to Mantua:  In order to reach Mantova from Milano, you’ll need to take a train (or two depending on times) . If you take just one train and don’t need to change, the trip will take around an hour and fifty minutes. Opt for the slower choice and take two trains, and Milan to Mantua will take over two and a half hours!

Mantua 1907 main town square

Located just 19km south of Milan, the pretty town of Lodi is an easy day trip from Milan. Oh, and if you’re a fan of parmesan, then you’ll love Lodi. After all, it’s said to have some of the best cheese in all of Italy. Once a Celtic village known as ‘Laus Pompeia’, the city has seen plenty of changes over the years, and has a rich history spanning centuries.

Highlights of Lodi include the Piazza della Vittoria (one of the most beautiful town squares in Italy), Visconti Castle (a partially destroyed medieval fortress), and plenty of Baroque churches. Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find plenty of cobbled lanes and some great Italian food. You can even book a hot air balloon ride.

Milan to Lodi:  Head to Lodi if you want to embark on one of the fastest day trips from Milan. After all, if you catch a fast train you’ll end up in the city centre within half an hour. Lodi makes for the perfect trip for those pressed for time and searching for a quirky Italian adventure.

Book a tour now: Verona and Lake Garda day trip from Milan

At two hours away from Milan, Verona is a little further from the Lombardy capital than other day trips from Milan on this list. However, the beautiful city of love, made famous by Shakespeare’s play, is totally worth a visit and is totally worth your time.

Stroll around the city in search of Juliet (Juliet’s tomb and the Casa di Giulietta are both tourist hotspots) , enjoy the architecture and be amazed by the city’s central Roman amphitheatre that has truly stood the test of time.

Milan to Verona:  Train times from Milano to Verona vary depending on the time of day you travel. Journey times to Verona typically take between an hour and a half and two hours. Opt to visit the city earlier in the day to avoid the inevitable crowds you’ll find in Verona later in the day. Alternatively, you can book a guided trip to Verona like this one.

Piazza delle Erbe, Verona, Italy

Book a tour now: Venice day trip from Milan

If you’re looking to go a little further afield from Milan yet again, then it’s possible to take a day trip from Milan to Venice. The world famous canals and floating houses are iconic throughout Europe and beyond for their beauty and sheer structural genius.

Highlights of Venice include a wander through Piazza San Marco (the city’s main square has plenty of architectural gems), the Doge’s Palace (a gothic style museum), and Saint Mark’s Basilica (one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe).

Milan to Venice:  As it takes roughly the same amount of time to reach Venezia by car or by public transport, the easiest way to reach the city is clearly by train! Trains from Milan to Venice typically take three hours (a long time to be sitting on a train when there are so many beautiful Italian attractions much closer to Milan!) Alternatively, you can book a guided day trip to Venice.

Best day trips from Milan: the canals of Venice

Book a tour now: Genova and Portofino day trip from Milan

If you were to pick just one place to visit in the Liguria region of Italy, then you should choose the pretty seaside resort town of Genoa. As the capital of Liguria, the city is best known for its maritime history and is the sixth-largest city in the boot-shaped country, meaning that there are plenty of things to see and do!

Must-see Genoa attractions include impressive fountains, the expansive city walls that were once the longest walls in Italy, and an impressive mountainside fort by the name of ‘Forte Begato’. Other Genova highlights include many a museum and plenty of pretty streets!

Milan to Genoa: Milan has a direct train line running through Pavia to Genoa. Trains from the centre of Milan take approximately an hour and a half to reach Genoa if you choose the high-speed train. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour to Genova like this one.

Vintage map of Italy: Genoa/ Genova

Obscure map of Genoa, dated 1800

Located to the North of Lombardy, in a place where . the alps meet the glittering lakes, the Art Nouveau city of Varese is characterised by its many beautiful villas, nestled in the hills surrounding the city.

Of particular note is the rather impressive ‘Sacro Monte di Varese,’ a sacred calvary comprising of 14 fresco chapels, and a sacred path, culminating in a breathtakingly beautiful chapel at the top of the hill.

Milan to Varese: From Milan to the city of Varese it takes just one hour on the train. Alternatively, it takes just one hour to drive between Milano and Varese, and so the choice is totally up to you! Should you choose to take a car, you’ll soon discover that the countryside surrounding Varese is just as pretty as the city itself.

La Provincia di Varese Travel Guide: Lake Maggiore & Beyond, Lomardy, Northern Italy. Here are the very best things to do in Varese Province.

Book a tour now: Cinque Terre day trip from Milan

Beautiful and popular among tourists and locals alike, Cinque Terre (literally translated as ‘five lands’ in English) is a set of five stunning coastal towns set alongside the Western coast of Italy. Populated by pretty houses and interconnected by winding mountainous pathways.

Milan to Cinque Terre: It’s perfectly possible to take yourself on a self-guided day trip from Milan to the five lands via train. However, the journey takes between three and four hours by train. Even if you rent a car, you’ll be looking at a three hour journey time, making this one of the longest Milan day trips. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour to Cinque Terre like this one .

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: Your ultimate Italian Highlights 14 day travel guide for where to go and when. The best Italian cities and towns to visit during just a couple of weeks in Europe!: cinque terre

Book a tour now: Bernina and St Moritz day trip from Milan

Truth be told, of all the Milan day trips you could take, venturing out onto the Bernina Express for a day of sightseeing from the comfort of a train is one of the best experiences you could hope to have.

The Bernina train is essentially a picturesque train track that connects Switzerland with Northern Italy, passing through mountainscapes as it wends its way past glaciers and ancient towns.

Bernina Express Review: A bucket list journey from Chur Switzerland to Tirano Italy on a UNESCO world heritage train ride.

Though slightly less famous than Lake Como, one of the most beautiful day trips from Milan is that of Lake Maggiore, a stunning body of water in the province of Varese to the Northern part of Italy. Once there, some of the best things to do include exploring the Borromean Islands and visiting the many lakeside towns dotted across Maggiore.

Milan to Lake Maggiore: The easiest way to get from Milan to Lake Maggiore is by renting a car as this will allow you the flexibility you need (and without time constraints) in order to see the many different towns and villages and other attractions around the body of the lake.

A guide to the best things to do in Ascona, a beautiful Swiss town in Southern Switzerland (Ticino). Here's what to do, where to stay, and attractions in the Italianate town of Switzerland.

If you’re looking for one of the very best day trips from Milan with oodles of history, then you’ll find all this and more if you hop on a train to Bologna. The city of Bologna is the oldest in its entire region and has a metropolitan area of around one million people.

Once an Etruscan city, Bologna’s university was established as early as 1088. Asides from wandering the cobbled lanes, checking out Italy’s coffee culture and sampling local cuisine, some of the best things to do in Bologna include climbing to the tops of the Torre Asinelli (medieval towers) , and visiting the stunning Basilica of San Luca (a church which resides on a hill overlooking the entire city). 

Milan to Bologna: To reach the town that’s home to the oldest university in the world, you’ll need to just take one train from Milan, that takes exactly an hour to reach Bologna! This is easily one of the best day trips from Milan as you can soak up some history directly under the Emilia-Romagna sun.

Bologna Italy

The stunning Northern Italian city of Milano is best-known as being the fashion capital of the boot-shaped country. Mode aside, the capital of Lombardy is also home to an impressive Duomo, beautiful canal district, and even a bar designed by Wes Anderson, Bar Luce. Even if you only have one day in Milan itself, you’ll soon discover that there’s more to this Northern Italian city than meets the eye.

With this being said, Milan has seen a real surge of popularity and an increase in tourism over the past decade or so. This means that even if you visit during the European shoulder season, you’ll likely find that most hotels and B&Bs get booked up pretty quickly.

As such, I highly recommend booking well in advance (as in, as soon as you’ve booked your flights to visit)! Check the best Milan accommodation rates here.

Finally, you’ll soon discover that everyone speaks great English, especially in the tourism industry. However, it’s only polite to learn some basic Italian . I personally recommend learning how to say ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ ‘hello,’ and ‘sorry’ to get you started.

Otherwise, you might want to bring along an Italian phrasebook like this one . For travelling around Europe, a universal adapter like this one is a must, so you can keep your essentials (phone, kindle, tablet) charged as you travel.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration about the boot-shaped country, then be sure to check out our best travel  quotes about Italy . And if you need to know more information before heading to the South of Europe, check out our  top Italy travel tips.

Best things to do in Milan: Piazza del Duomo

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Friday 25th of May 2018

in Parma, it is the works of Corregio not Caravaggio that one can see.

Train advice from the Man in Seat 61...

The Man in Seat 61

Share on Facebook

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in italy.

  • Buy train tickets
  • Buy ferry tickets
  • Book a hotel
  • Privacy & cookies
  •   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia.

Book your hotels at Booking.com

Ride the trains in Italy from €9.90

There's no better way to see the cities of Italy than by train, trains link almost every town & city of any size, centre to centre.  Driving & parking in Italian cities is not recommended.  The high-speed trains are now faster, more convenient & more relaxing than flying (between 2008 & 2018, the airlines' share of the Milan-Rome market dropped from 50% to just 14%!).

Rome to Florence takes just 1h32 at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) & costs from €19.90, Rome to Venice 3h45 from €29.90, Rome to Naples 1h12 from €19.90, Rome to Milan 2h55 from €29.90.

No check-in, no need for transfers to/from out-of-town airports, no baggage fees or weight limits.  There are even trains to Sicily !

  Buy tickets online

small bullet point

How to reach specific places

Station guides

City maps showing stations

International trains to & from Italy

Other useful information

Useful country information

How to check train schedules & fares.

Check train times & fares within Italy using any of the websites shown here .

Some major cities have more than one main station, see which station to use in which city .  If you're not sure, most websites allow you to select the plain city name, or any station .

Maps of the Italian rail network

How to buy tickets, do you need to buy in advance.

Regional trains, no

For example, Pisa to Florence, Florence to Lucca or Siena, Milan to Como or Tirano, Venice to Trieste.

There's no need to buy in advance and no cost advantage in doing so as the price is fixed, buying online or in an app just saves time at the ticket office.  There are no assigned seats, you sit where you like.  In most cases tickets are sold in unlimited numbers so the train can't sell out, although regional trains on a few routes now have limited numbers.  More about regional (R) & regional express (RV) trains and how they are ticketed .

Long-distance trains, yes

For example, Venice to Florence or Rome, Rome to Naples or Turin, Milan to Venice.

All seats on Frecciarossa , Frecciargento , Frecciabianca & InterCity trains are reserved, so they can in theory sell out.  However, as there are so many trains each with hundreds of seats there are almost always places available on most trains even just before departure. So you can buy at the station on the day if you want. The issue is price.  Trenitalia ditched the old fare-per-kilometre approach to pricing in 2009 and adopted airline-style dynamic pricing for advance-purchase fares whilst increasing the fully-flexible Base price.  So on the day of travel you'd pay the Base fare, Rome-Florence €55, Rome-Venice €99, but if you book in advance you can buy a cheap Economy or Super-Economy fare from as little as €19.90 Rome-Florence or €29.90 Rome-Venice, assuming you're OK with limited or no refunds or changes to travel plans.  It's your call!

When does booking open?

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, but this varies

It can shrink to as little as 30 days for dates immediately after Europe-wide timetable changes on the 2nd Saturday in June and the second Saturday in December.

If some trains are shown, but others are missing...

Trenitalia loads trains in blocks, usually high-speed trains first and regional, InterCity & sleeper trains later.  I've seen high-speed trains loaded, but not regional trains.  I've seen regional trains loaded, but not high-speed trains.  Intercity trains to Sicily and ICN sleeper trains usually get loaded last, after other trains.  The Milan-Sicily night train usually gets loaded last of all!

So if you don't see all the trains you expect to see, don't assume that the missing trains have all been mysteriously cancelled, assume they haven't been loaded yet.  Wait!

Types of fare

This is the fully-flexible fare for Trenitalia's high-speed Frecce & intercity trains, it's what you'd pay at the station on the day.  Refundable, only valid on the train booked but can be changed before departure or at the station up to an hour after departure.  The Base fare was originally one fixed price for a given journey, but since 2017 the Base fare for Frecciarossa & Frecciargento trains can vary slightly by day of the week or the popularity of each particular train.

Economy & Super-Economy

These are cheaper advance-purchase fares for Trenitalia's high-speed Frecce & intercity trains, only valid on the train booked, limited refunds & changes, limited availability, these are the fares you want for cheap travel if you are certain what time train you want.  The price varies like air fares, cheaper in advance and on less popular dates, more expensive close to departure and on busy days or times of day.

Speciale Frecce

An ultra-cheap advance purchase fare for Trenitalia's high-speed Frecce & intercity trains, must be bought at least 14 days ahead.  No refunds, no changes, use it or lose it.  But it's cheap!

A small group fare for 3-5 people.  Limited availability, price varies.  No refunds, no changes, use it or lose it.

Senior & FrecciaYoung

These can only be bought if you have Trenitalia's Cartafreccia railcard which you probably haven't, so ignore these.  When you select them it immediately asks for your Cartafreccia card number, so you can't buy them by mistake!

This is the normal fare for regional trains.  It's fixed-price, you can buy a ticket at that price even on the day.  As of 2023, online regional tickets are only good for the specific train you've selected, but you can change the date or time of departure free of charge up to 23:59 on the day before departure, and you can change the time of departure until 23:59 on the day of travel.  Ordinaria tickets are available in unlimited numbers on most regional trains, although there are now some regional trains where the ticket numbers sold are limited, see more information about how regional (R) & regional express (RV) trains are ticketed .

Option 1, buy at Italiarail.com

You can buy Trenitalia tickets at www.italiarail.com in €, £, $, Ca$ or Au$ - to book in US$ click here .

ItaliaRail are a well-established US-based agency who link directly to Trenitalia's ticketing system.  They don't sell tickets for Italo .

Italiarail books the same trains as Trenitalia's own website, but in plain English with no quirky translations.  You can use familiar English place-names such as Venice or Florence.

Italiarail shows a whole day's trains in the search results and can book up to 20 people at a time.  Trenitalia's own website only shows a couple of hours-worth of trains at a time and can only book up to 5 people at a time.

For en extra €2 you can choose your seats from a seat map on Trenitalia high-speed & intercity trains, making sure you all sit together.

Italiarail can be cheaper than Trenitalia for 2 or more people travelling together as it is capable of combining (for example) the last remaining €19.90 ticket with a ticket at the next price level up, say €29.90.  Trenitalia.com cannot mix & match price levels within the same booking, so will offer 2 x €29.90 even if there is one €19.90 fare left.  For family groups the cost saving can be significant.

High-speed & intercity trains are ticketless, you simply print your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For regional trains you print your own ticket, show them in an app or in some cases collect it from the self-service machines at a Trenitalia station.

Tip:   Italiarail charge a €3.50 booking fee, but they'll refund this if you email them at [email protected] quoting your booking reference.

Option 2, buy at Thetrainline.com

Thetrainline also connects to Trenitalia's system to sell tickets in plain English at the same prices as Trenitalia, in €, £, $, Ca$ or Au$, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.

For an extra €2, you can choose your seats from a seat map on Trenitalia high-speed & intercity trains.

Thetrainline.com has two key advantages:

First, it sells tickets for Italo as well as Trenitalia, so you can compare times & prices for both operators.

Second, it also links to the French, Spanish, Swiss, German, Austrian & Benelux national ticketing systems so you can book train tickets across much of western Europe together all in one place.

High-speed & intercity trains are ticketless, you simply print your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For regional trains you print your own ticket, can show them in an app or in some cases collect them from the self-service machines at a Trenitalia station.  Who are Thetrainline.com?

Option 3, buy at Raileurope.com

You can also buy Trenitalia & Italo tickets at www.raileurope.com , also in plain English with prices in €, £ or $, small booking fee.  It also connects to the French, German, Austrian, Spanish, British ticketing systems (but not the Swiss) so can sell train tickets for much of western Europe all in one place.  Again, high-speed & intercity trains are ticketless so you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone, for regional trains you usually print your own ticket or collect tickets from the self-service machines at any main Trenitalia station.  Who are Raileurope.com?

Option 4, buy at Trenitalia.com

You can of course buy Italian train tickets direct from Italian Railways at www.trenitalia.com , English button at the top, only in €, no booking fee.  It's pretty easy to use but you'll need to use Italian-language place names and it has a few quirky translations & processes especially when booking sleepers or international trains so see the step-by-step guide below .

High-speed & intercity trains are ticketless, you print your booking reference or show it on your phone, other tickets can be printed or collected at any main Italian station from the self-service machines .  It also offers seat selection for €2 on high-speed & intercity trains.

For 2 or more people travelling together, you may find ItaliaRail cheaper, see option 1 above.  Obviously, they don't sell tickets for their competitor Italo , or for other European trains outside Italy.

Buying tickets at the station

It's easy to buy tickets at the station on the day of travel, even if you don't speak Italian.  Simply go to one of the Fast ticket machines installed at all main stations, these have a touch screen with an English language facility, see an illustrated guide to using the ticket machines .

The machines will sell both regional and long-distance tickets, including seat reservations for long-distance trains, for any date you like within the next 90 days.  They take Visa and MasterCard credit cards, but your card needs to have a PIN code.

Trains seldom sell out, finding tickets even on the day of travel isn't a problem unless you hit a major holiday period.  If one train is full, the next will have seats.  Just remember that high-speed & Intercity trains are cheaper booked in advance, just like flights.  If you buy on the day, you will have to pay the 'Base' fare , in other words the top tier flexible price.

How to buy international tickets

The easy way

The easiest option is to use either www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com as they can book most international journeys to/from Italy.

Both sites connect to the Trenitalia, SNCF (French), SBB (Swiss), ÖBB (Austrian) and DB (German) ticketing systems so they can book most routes to/from Italy including any Italian domestic connecting trains.

They're very easy to use, you can book in €, £ or $, international credit cards are no problem.  There's a small booking fee.

Thetrainline.com allows you to select seats from a seat map on Trenitalia's high-speed & Intercity trains, and on French TGVs in 1st class.

For more specific information on international trains from Italy to other European cities and how to book them, click on your starting city:

Rome   Naples   Florence   Venice   Milan

The advanced way

Alternatively, you can book with the relevant operator, usually with no booking fee, but you need to know which operator runs which route.  You'll often need to book any connecting trains separately, as most operators can't book each other's trains.

To/from Switzerland

The direct EuroCity trains between Milan and Brig, Lausanne, Geneva, Lugano, Luzern, Bern, Basel & Zurich can be booked at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  Italiarail will refund their small booking fee if you email them at [email protected] after booking.

Both sites can book from anywhere in Italy to any Swiss station that is directly served by the EuroCity trains from Milan.  But they can't book onward tickets within Switzerland such as Brig to Zermatt, Arth-Goldau to Luzern or Spiez to Interlaken, so buy those separately from Swiss Railways at www.sbb.ch .

To/from Paris

The Frecciarossa trains between Milan/Turin & Lyon/Paris can be booked at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  Both sites can book from anywhere in Italy to Lyon or Paris.  However, they can't book onward French trains to other French cities (or to London or Brussels) so you'll need to book those separately at www.sncf-connect.com .

The French TGV trains between Milan, Turin & Paris can be booked at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com with no booking fee.  It allows you to choose a seat from a seat map in 1st class, too.  However, it cannot book connecting Trenitalia trains within Italy, so you'll need to book those separately at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .

To Nice, Cannes, Monaco or Marseille

First book from anywhere in Italy to Ventimiglia (on the French border where Trenitalia's trains terminate) at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  Trenitalia can't sell an onward French ticket, so buy your onward ticket from Ventimiglia to any French destination at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  There's more information about the Italy-Nice route on the Italy to Nice page .

To Innsbruck, Munich & Germany by daytime trains

The EuroCity trains between Bologna/Venice/Verona and Innsbruck or Munich can be booked at the German Railways website int.bahn.de with no booking fee, this can book tickets from the EuroCity train's starting stations to anywhere in Germany, but it cannot book connecting Trenitalia trains within Italy (at least not in their main system with through fares), so book those separately at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .

To Vienna by daytime trains

The railjet trains between Venice and Vienna can be booked at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at with no booking fee, this can book tickets from Venice to anywhere in Austria, but it cannot book connecting Trenitalia trains within Italy, so book those separately at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .

To Munich & Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train

The Nightjet sleeper trains between Rome, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Venice and Munich or Vienna can be booked at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at , but this can't book connecting trains within Italy, so book those separately at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .

Back to top

Railpasses for Italy

Interrail & eurail passes.

Global & one-country passes

You can buy an Interrail pass (if you live in Europe, including the UK) or a Eurail pass (if you live outside Europe) giving unlimited travel on all Trenitalia trains all over Italy.  An Interrail/Eurail global pass covers most of Europe including Italy, a cheaper one-country pass only covers Italy.

Interrail & Eurail passes cover all Trenitalia trains, high-speed, intercity, Intercity Notte and regional.  They don't cover Italo trains , or some small railways such as the Circumvesuviana Railway Naples-Sorrento.

Reservation fees

Interrail & Eurail passholders must reserve seats to travel on Frecciarossa , Frecciargento & Frecciabianca trains, this costs €13 in addition to the cost of the pass.  The reservation fee for Intercity trains is €3.  For Intercity Notte sleeper trains , see the reservation fees here .

You can make passholder reservations online as explained in the Italy section of the Interrail & Eurail reservations page .  You can also make them at stations, but at  the staffed counters only, not the self-service machines.  Passholder reservations cannot be made at Trenitalia.com.

Pass or point-to-point tickets?

The cost of reservation fees must be factored into the cost of a pass when comparing with point-to-point tickets.  All the point-to-point prices that you see online include any necessary reservation.

You must then realise that there are two types of point-to-point fare:  Cheap advance-purchase fares and the more expensive fully-flexible Base fare.

If all your dates and journeys are set in stone a month or two ahead, it's usually cheaper to buy advance-purchase Super-Economy or Economy fares.  For example Venice to Florence starts at €19.90, Venice to Rome starts at €29.90, seat reservation included.  A typical Interrail or Eurail pass might work out as €55 per day + €13 reservation fee = €68.

But advance-purchase fares vary like air fares, rising as departure date approaches, higher for busy or popular days or dates.  So you'll only know for sure if you go online and see what the point-to-point prices are for your specific journeys on your specific dates of travel.

Then remember that these cheap advance-purchase fares commit you to a specific train with limited or no changes to travel plans or refunds.  A pass gives you the flexibility to go wherever and whenever you like, you should really compare the pass with the fully-flexible Base fare you'd pay at the station on the day.

Even so, if you only plan to make relatively short hops such as Venice-Florence one day, Florence-Rome next day, Rome-Naples the next, the Base fare is often still cheaper than the per-day cost of a pass.  You basically need to be doing longer trips such as Venice-Rome or Milan-Naples every day, or multiple trips per day such as Rome to Florence and back again, to make a pass pay.  However, passes get cheaper if you are under 28 and children get free passes, so it's still worth doing the maths.  Youth passes can indeed make financial sense for a typical tour of Italy.

More about Interrail passes, with prices .  More about Eurail passes, with prices .  More about what these passes cover .

The Trenitalia Pass

Trenitalia also sell their own railpass called the Trenitalia Pass.  It can be bought by anyone resident outside Italy.

How is it different from a Eurail or Interrail pass?

Unlike Interrail & Eurail, it only covers Trenitalia high-speed, Intercity & Intercity Notte sleeper trains.  It doesn't cover regional trains. 

Unlike Interrail & Eurail it doesn't give you unlimited travel, you buy a specific number of journeys (3, 4, 7 or 10 trips) to be made within a set period of days, where a journey = one ride on one train.  If you went Rome to Florence in the morning and back in the evening, that's 2 trips on a Trenitalia Pass, but would be covered by just one day on an Interrail or Eurail pass.

However, unlike Interrail & Eurail there are no extra fees to pay for reservations, it's all included.

Is a Trenitalia Pass cheaper than a Eurail or Interrail pass?

A Trenitalia Pass for a given number of trips is significantly cheaper than a global Interrail or Eurail pass covering the same number of days.

A Trenitalia pass is about the same price as a one-country Interrail or Eurail pass for Italy covering the same number of days, but as you don't need to pay €10 for every reservation, the Trenitalia pass works out cheaper.

That's assuming you only want to use one train per day.  A 4-journey Trenitalia Pass gives 4 individual train rides, but a 4-day Interrail/Eurail gives unlimited train rides, as many as you care to cram in over 4 days .   If you're going to use multiple trains per day, an Interrail/Eurail pass is a better deal.

Is a Trenitalia Pass cheaper than point to point tickets?

A Trenitalia Pass saves money over the fully-flexible Base fare even for a series of short hops such as Rome-Florence, Florence-Venice, Venice-Milan, especially if you are under 28 so qualify for the youth pass.  But if you can book a few months in advance and don't need any flexibility, a no-refunds no-changes advance-purchase Super-Economy fare can still be cheaper than using a Trenitalia Pass, so check prices before buying a pass.

Trenitalia passes are available in 4 sizes:

3 journeys within 7 consecutive days;

4 journeys within 7 consecutive days;

7 journeys within 15 consecutive days;

10 journeys within 30 consecutive days.

Trenitalia passes come in 3 classes:

Easy - good for 2nd class, standard class on Frecciarossa , seats or couchettes on Intercity Notte trains .

Comfort - good for 1st class, business class on Frecciarossa , seats, couchettes or double or triple sleepers on Intercity Notte trains trains.

Executive - for executive class appears to have been discontinued in 2024.

Trenitalia passes come in 3 passenger types:

Adult - up to 2 children aged 4 but under 12 can be added to an adult pass for free (infants under 4s go free anyway)

Youth - anyone under 28 on day of purchase.

Senior - anyone over 60 on day of purchase.

For more details and all the small print, see www.trenitalia.com and look for Trenitalia Pass .

To buy a pass , go to the www.trenitalia.com home page and switch it to English top right.  Then click Others/Best Price just below the journey planner.  Then select Subscription & Carnet .  Then select Trenitalia Pass .  Then select Purchase .

Tip:   I strongly recommend registering for an account at Trenitalia.com before buying a pass. Log into your account before buying.

How does the pass work?

You don't need to specify travel dates when you buy a Trenitalia Pass, you can buy one and activate it any time in the next 11 months.

After buying the pass, you are emailed your pass number.  The pass is entirely electronic.

Warning: DO NOT ACTIVATE YOUR PASS UNTIL YOU WANT TO START USING IT!!

Activating the pass triggers the start of the 7, 15 or 30 day pass validity period.  You can then start booking trains.

You cannot book trains before you activate, but activation automatically starts the 7, 15 or 30 day pass period.  Once you activate, activation cannot be cancelled, the start date cannot be changed, your pass becomes non-refundable and Trenitalia will not help.

Many people have mistakenly activated their pass months before they travelled to Italy, thinking they could choose a pass validity start date later in the process, but activation triggered the pass start date and they burned through their 7/15/30 pass days before they even got to Italy and wasted their money.  So DO NOT ACTIVATE your Trenitalia pass until you are actually in Italy and ready to travel!

How to activate, if you've registered for a Trenitalia account

When you're ready to activate the pass, log in to your Trenitalia account.  Go to the Customer Area , choose the Activate tab.  You can then go to the booking page where you can book your seats.  You must activate the pass within 11 months of buying it, and the first day of travel must also be within 11 months of buying it.  Feedback appreciated .

How to activate, if you've bought a pass without registering

Go to the www.trenitalia.com home page and switch it to English.  Then click Others/Best Price just below the journey planner.  Then select Subscription & Carnet .  Then select Trenitalia Pass .  Then select Activate .  Fill in name, pass number, and click Confirm.  You must activate the pass within 11 months of buying it.

You can only book trains after activating the pass

But activating the pass starts the 7/15/30 day validity period.  Has that sunk in?  So you cannot book all your trains 2 months in advance as you can with Eurail or Interrail, or with normal tickets.  To book trains with a Trenitalia pass, you first need to activate it, and activating it automatically triggers the 7, 15 or 30 day validity period.  You should only activate a Trenitalia pass when you get to Italy and are ready to travel, so you'll be booking trains for today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, not months ahead.  That's not a big deal as there are always places, and if one train is full there will be others before or after with seats, but no, with a Trenitalia pass you cannot book all your trains months or weeks in advance, only days ahead at most, after the pass is activated and the 7/15/30 day validity period has started.  Got that?  Good!

To book trains online using a Trenitalia Pass

Seat reservations are still needed on each train, but they are free and can be made online at Trenitalia.com or at stations.  Go to the www.trenitalia.com home page and switch it to English.  Then click Others/Best Price just below the journey planner.  Then select Subscription & Carnet .  Then select Trenitalia Pass .  Then select Book .

Reservations have the same change conditions as a Base fare.  So you can cancel or change a reservation any time up to 60 minutes after the departure of the train.  If you don't do that, 60 minutes after departure that journey is considered 'used up' even if you missed the train.

When travelling, the pass can be shown on your phone or printed out.

Tours of Italy by train

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour of Italy for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  On their website you'll find a range of suggested tours which can be varied or customised to your own requirements.  And as you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.  They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

UK flag

Tailor Made Rail can arrange tours of Italy by train based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461 .  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/italy .

Expert individual trip planning & advice

DiscoverByRail.com offers expert help in planning trains in Italy & around Europe, with suggestions for routes, trains, hotels to your own specification.  They charge a small fee, around £35 per trip.

What are Italian trains like ?

Frecciarossa:  see the frecciarossa guide.

Trenitalia's top high-speed trains are the Frecciarossas (red arrows) , mostly operated either by the original 300 km/h (186 mph) Frecciarossa 500 trains or the latest Frecciarossa 1000 trains introduced in 2015.  Some are operated by 250 km/h (155 mph) Frecciarossa 700 & Frecciarossa 600 trains.

Frecciarossas have 3 or 4 classes of accommodation, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seas & free WiFi, s ee the Frecciarossa page for more information .

Tickets for all Trenitalia's long-distance trains include a seat reservation and are only valid on the specific date & train you've booked.

Principal Frecciarossa routes:   Turin-Milan-Bologna-Florence-Rome-Naples-Salerno ( Frecciarossa 1000 & 500 );  Venice-Florence-Rome-Naples ( Frecciarossa 1000 & 500 );  Turin-Milan-Verona-Venice (usually Frecciarossa 700 );  Milan-Ancona-Bari-Brindisi-Lecce ( Frecciarossa 500 ).  See seat maps .

Frecciargento :  See the Frecciargento guide

Next down the pecking order are Trenitalia's 250km/h (155mph) Frecciargento (silver arrow) tilting trains, although these are now rare as most are being rebranded as Frecciarossa.  Frecciargento services are operated by pendolino tilting trains, air-conditioned with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  The trains reach 250 km/h on the high-speed lines and use their tilt to cut journey times through curves when running on classic lines.

Principal remaining Frecciargento routes:   Rome-Bari, plus the odd Genoa-La Spezia-Pisa-Rome trains.  See seat maps .

Frecciabianca

One step down from Frecciarossa and Frecciargento are the Frecciabianca (white arrow) services, now getting very rare. The remaining Frecciabianca services on the Rome-Pisa-La Spezia-Genoa route are operated by older ETR460 tilting trains bumped off Frecciargento service.  They have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats & free WiFi.  Tickets include a seat reservation and are only valid on the specific date & train you've booked.

Principal remaining Frecciabianca route:   Milan-Genoa-La Spezia-Pisa-Rome.

Intercity trains :  See the IC guide

Next in the pecking order are the Intercity trains, fast trains hauled by locomotives at up to 160 km/h (100 mph), sometimes 200 km/h (125 mph).  Most Intercity cars are open-plan with a centre aisle, a few are classic side-corridor-and-compartment cars with 6-seat compartments, though you don't always get both sorts in both classes on a given train.  Some Intercity trains have a cafe counter, some just vending machines selling drinks and snacks.  You're free to bring your own food & drink, even a bottle of wine if you like.  See the Trenitalia Intercity page for more information .

Principal Intercity routes:   Rome-Naples-Sicily;  Rome-Livorno-Pisa-Cinque Terre-La Spezia-Genoa-Milan;  Milan-Genoa-Savona-Ventimiglia (for Nice).

Intercity Notte sleeper trains:   See the ICN guide

Comfortable Intercity Notte (ICN) overnight trains link Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples with Messina, Palermo, Catania & Siracuse on Sicily, see the Trains to Sicily page .

Intercity Notte overnight trains also link Trieste/Venice with Rome, Turin/Milan with Naples, and Turin/Milan with Bari, Brindisi & Lecce, see the Intercity Notte page .

Regionale & Regionale Veloce (R, RV)

Regional trains come in many different shapes & sizes, they operate all over Italy including Florence-Pisa, Florence-Siena, Florence-Lucca, Venice-Trieste, Rome-Civitavecchia.  On regional trains there are no assigned seats, you sit where you like.  Luggage goes on the racks or simply on the floor.  There's no catering, so bring your own food & drink.  Many are 2nd class only.

There's little point in booking regional trains in advance as there's just one cheap fixed Ordinaria fare that can be bought on the day at that price.  Buy a ticket from the ticket office or self-service machines or buy online or in the Trenitalia app.  Interrail or Eurail passholders can just hop on, nothing more to do or pay.

How tickets for regional trains work, from August 2023 onwards:

For tickets bought online, the old system of having to stamp your ticket in a validator is gone and so is the system of tickets being good for a 4-hour time slot.  From 5 August 2023, tickets for regional trains bought online or in an app are only good for train you have selected, but this can be changed free of charge as follows:

You can change the date and/or departure time free of charge using the Trenitalia app or website, as many times as you like, up to 23:59 on the day before departure. Tickets are also 80% refundable up to that time.

On the day of travel, you can change the departure time as many times as you like, free of charge, until 23:59 or the last train, whichever is sooner.

Before boarding the train you must 'check in' online using the app or the website link provided.  You can check in at any time on the day of travel, as long as it is before you board the train.  Checking-in validates the ticket for use on that train, your ticket is then considered used, it becomes non-refundable and no further changes can be made.

Remember you'll need internet access on your phone to check in.  If you can't rely on that, either check in before you leave your hotel using the hotel's WiFi (remembering that no changes or refunds can be made after you have checked in), or buy at the station instead, at least 5 minutes before departure.

Online regional tickets bought from a retailer such as www.thetrainline.com or www.italiarail.com also work in this way, you'll get a link to check in and make changes to the date & time.  You show the QR code on your phone or can print the confirmation email with the codes on.

Can regional trains sell out?

Tickets are usually available in unlimited numbers so regional trains can't sell out, for example Milan-Tirano, Florence-Siena or Florence-Pisa.  However, Trenitalia now have some regional routes such as Venice-Trieste where the number of tickets sold for each train is limited so they can in theory sell out and occasionally do - even though specific seats aren't assigned.  This devious practice started during the pandemic and has continued.  To check, find the train on www.trenitalia.com and click the 'i' symbol for details.  If it says non-prenotabile , you're fine, tickets are unlimited and can't sell out.  If it says prenotabile ticket numbers are limited, so bear that in mind.

A regional train of the sort that runs from Florence to Pisa, Livorno & Siena.

Italo high-speed trains:   See the Italo guide

Private operator NTV (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori) started operating its Italo high-speed trains on the Milan-Bologna-Florence-Rome-Naples route in 2012, and now competes with Trenitalia on the Turin-Milan-Verona-Venice and Venice-Florence-Rome-Naples routes as well.  Competition between Trenitalia and Italo has driven up quality, increased capacity and driven down fares.  It's well worth considering Italo for a journey between the main Italian cities.

See the Seat61 Italo information page for more information, an illustrated guide and the Italo video guide .

An Italo AGV train at Rome Termini .

Travel tips

1st or 2nd class?

2nd class (or standard class on Frecciarossas ) is absolutely fine.  It's very comfortable and there's plenty of luggage space, there's no need to pay for 1st class (or business class on Frecciarossas ) if you are on a budget.  There are very few peasants & chickens in 2nd class on European trains these days...

On the other hand, 1st (or business) class is nicer, with wider, plusher seats and a quieter environment with more laptops tapping and fewer noisy kids.  And with long-distance trains dynamically priced, it often costs only a little more to go 1st class if you book ahead. 

1st class seats are generally arranged 2+1 across the car width rather than 2+2, so you get solo seats (ideal for single travellers) and face-to-face tables for two on one side of the aisle, ideal for couples as you then face each other and both get a window seat that is also an aisle seat, the best of both worlds. 

On Frecciarossa trains you also get a complimentary glass of prosecco and a small snack box in business class.

Luggage arrangements:   See the luggage section .

Ticket validation

Language problems

First-time visitors often think this will be a problem, but it hardly ever is.  At stations, finding your platform & train using the various departure screens is no different from finding your gate & plane at an airport.  Signs are often in English as well as Italian, or pictograms are used.  On high-speed trains, announcements are usually repeated in English.

At ticket offices clerks have a pretty shrewd idea you want a train ticket not a packet of washing powder, in fact clerks in popular tourist cities will be used to dealing with Brits, Americans & Australians and will usually know the relevant words in English about one-ways & round trips, first or second class.  The ticket machines at every main station have a touch-screen with an English language facility.

The one thing that does help is knowing Italian place names:  Rome = Roma, Florence = Firenze, Venice = Venezia, Naples = Napoli, Milan = Milano, Turin = Torino, Genoa = Genova.

Food & drink on trains in Italy

Most high-speed trains have a cafe-bar, although most Intercity trains (and Italo trains) only have vending machines.  Feel free to bring your own food and drink with you, even a bottle of wine if you like, no rules against that on the rails!

You can take a bike with you on suburban, Regional & InterRegional trains if you buy a bike ticket costing about €4.  You can also pay to reserve a bike space on most Intercity trains .  However, on high-speed trains such as Frecciarossas you need to put your bike in a zip-up bike bag, front wheel & pedals removed and handlebars turned, see the bikes by train page .

Dogs & pets

Go to www.trenitalia.com and search under Services for Transport of pets .  You can take pets on many trains, but the rules vary slightly by type of train.  Very small dogs, cats & other pets in containers no bigger than 70cm x 30cm x 50cm are carried free on almost all trains & classes.  Larger dogs on a lead & muzzled are allowed on almost all trains but must have a ticket bought for them at 50% of the adult 2nd class fare (whatever class the owner is using) and they are not permitted in Executive or Premium classes on Frecciarossa trains, or in catering cars.  You can take a dog in sleepers or couchettes only if your party occupies the whole compartment.  Guide dogs are always free.

First class lounges at Italian stations

Executive class passengers & holders of Trenitalia's frequent traveller card can use the FrecciaClub lounges at stations in major cities.

Club class passengers on Italo , can use the Club Italo lounge at major city stations.  Prima class passengers can also use the lounge if they pay a €12 add-on when booking - though this may not be offered at busy times or with the cheapest tickets.

A train planner app for your phone

Railplanner is a free offline train timetable app that you can download onto your phone to check train times, station departures & train calling points on the move without the need to be on WiFi or to use mobile data .  It's blisteringly quick and covers not just Italy but most of Europe.  It highlights the reservation-required high-speed & InterCity trains in red and the no-reservation-required regional trains in green.  It's created with Eurail & Interrail passholders in mind, but is useful for anyone. Download for iPhone or Android at www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-trip/rail-planner-app - please let me know if the link stops working.

Are the trains running on time?

You can check real-time arrivals and departures at any Trenitalia station or the running of any train by train number at www.viaggiatreno.it .  Most regional trains run more or less on time, and so do most high-speed long-distance trains, with perhaps a 10 or 20 minute delay here and there.  However, make allowances for a typical 30 to 90 minute delay when catching the overnight sleeper trains to/from Sicily, for example.

Choosing your seat

Trenitalia.com , Italiarail.com & Thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seats from a seat map on Frecciarossa , Frecciargento , Frecciabianca and Intercity trains within Italy.

It's pretty self-explanatory, but as I'm often asked, yes, the grey bars are tables, and no, you can't tell which way seats face.  Indeed, most Naples-Rome-Venice and Naples-Rome-Milan trains change direction at both Rome Termini and Florence SMN station , both of which are dead-end terminus stations.

For a couple in 1st class I recommend a face-to-face table for two.

Choosing a seat on an Italian train

Luggage on trains in Italy

Luggage is no real problem on Italian trains, and it makes no real difference whether you go 1st or 2nd class, there's always room for bags.  You don't check your bags in and there is no baggage car.  You simply take whatever you like into the train with you, and stick your bags on the racks above your head or on the big luggage racks at the end of each car or between the seat backs.  On regional trains, it just goes on the floor next to you if there aren't any racks.

There are no baggage fees or weight limits to worry about, for most practical purposes if you can carry it you can bring it.  It's so simple, it hardly needs explaining, yet overseas visitors chase their tails worrying about it.  Don't over-think it, but don't travel with more than you really need.  Anything up to backpack-sized fits on the racks above your head, larger items such as bulky suitcases go on the racks at the end of the car, in the seating area, or between the seat backs.

Security is not a major problem, your bags full of clothing are no more likely to be stolen than airline checked baggage.  There's no need to chain your bag to the rack, any more than you'd chain you bags to the luggage bin on a plane.  Although I like to use a rack which I can see from my seat and I always keep cameras, passports and so on in my daypack at my seat.  But I thought that was obvious?

Porters are pretty much a thing of the past along with butlers, valets and ladies' maids.  However, Milan Centrale , Milan Porta Garibaldi , Venice Santa Lucia , Rome Termini , Florence SMN , Turin Porta Nuova are all termini with level access to and between all trains.  You can just pull your bag on its wheels from street or taxi rank across the station concourse right up to the train door, lift it two steps up into the train, and wheel it to a convenient rack or space between the seats next to your seat.  If you're elderly or pregnant, another passenger will almost always help you get your bags the two short steps into the train.

Luggage storage at stations

All main Italian stations including Turin Porta Nuova , Milan Centrale , Verona Porta Nuova , Venice Santa Lucia , Florence SMN , Rome Stazione Termini & Naples Centrale have left-luggage facilities, either lockers or a staffed facility.  Information on left-luggage prices & opening times .

Which station in which city?

Roma Termini is the main station in Rome, in the city centre walking distance from all the sights, see the Roma Termini station guide .

Roma Ostiense and Roma Tiburtina are on the outskirts of the city, you'll need a local train or taxi (around €15) into the city centre.  The Vatican has its own suburban station, Roma San Pietro, but it’s easy to reach St Peter’s from the Stazione Termini by bus or taxi.

Venezia Santa Lucia is the main station in Venice, in the city of Venice itself on the banks of the Grand Canal, 15-25 minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge & St Mark's Square.  See the Venice Santa Lucia station guide .

Venezia Mestre is on the mainland in an industrial area outside Venice itself, always book to Venice Santa Lucia unless you have a hotel in Mestre.

Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the main station in Florence, often abbreviated to SMN, in the city centre easy walking distance from all the sights.  See the Florence SMN station guide .  A few trains use Campo Marte or Rifredi stations outside the city centre, linked to SMN by frequent local trains.

Milano Centrale is the main station in Milan, a magnificent terminus in the city centre, served by most mainline & international trains.  It's a major Milan attraction in its own right, see if you can spot Mussolini .  See the Milan Centrale station guide .

Milan Porta Garibaldi is rather less magnificent, but still central, used by the French Railways TGVs to Paris and by some Trenitalia trains.  It's a 25 minute walk, 5 minute metro ride or 8 minute taxi ride from Centrale.

Some Malpensa airport trains arrive at Milan Cadorna, a small local terminus also located in the city centre, other Malpensa airport trains run to Milan Porta Garibaldi and Milan Centrale .  Milan Lambrate is much less central, and Milan Rogoredo is 5 km from the city centre.

Torino Porta Nuova is the main station, a large and historic terminus, see the Turin stations guide .

However, trains to & from Paris use Turin's other main station, Turin Porta Susa , and most trains to or from Rome, Milan or Venice call at Porta Susa before or after Porta Nuova .  Both stations are in Turin's city centre, walking distance from all the sights.

In Siena, the station is at the foot of the hill and used to be a steep trek up to the old town.  However, there's now a series of modern escalators and moving walkways that ferry you almost painlessly to the top of the hill, from where it's just a minute or two's walk to the Porta Camollia at the entrance to the old town.  From the Porta Camollia it's a pleasant 15 minute stroll to the famous Piazza del Campo.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Map of Pisa showing tower & railway stations .  Many people do Pisa as a day trip from Florence, using the frequent local trains.  Pisa Centrale is 2km from the Tower, a 30 minute walk, but if you take a train to Pisa S. Rossore station it's only a 5-10 minute walk to the Tower.  Some trains from Florence go direct to Pisa S. Rossore, 1 stop beyond Pisa Centrale, others require a change at Pisa Centrale.  Check train times using www.trenitalia.com or www.italiarail.com .

How to travel to Sicily

The train is a wonderful way to reach Sicily, an experience in itself.

There are two daytime InterCity trains from Rome & Naples to Palermo, Catania, Siracuse and time-effective overnight sleeper trains from Milan, Rome & Naples direct to Palermo, Catania & Siracuse.  See the timetable & information on the Trains to Sicily page .

If you use the daytime trains, bring a picnic and bottle of wine (as there's no catering car) and enjoy the ride, much of it along the Italian coast just a stone's throw from the sea towards the toe of Italy. 

All these trains are shunted onto a ferry at Villa san Giovanni for the short crossing of the Straits of Messina to Sicily.  It's the last remaining place in Europe where passenger trains go onto a ferry, a unique experience, watch the video .   Once the train is secured in the ship's hold, steps are placed next to the train doors, and you can either remain on board the train or get off and walk upstairs to the deck to take some sea air, returning to the train as the ferry docks on the other side.  Highly recommended!  You can book all of these trains to Sicily as shown here .

Or use an overnight ferry from Naples :  You can sail from Naples to Palermo by comfortable overnight ferry, with a  or shared cabin with en suite shower & toilet, and there are restaurants and bars for an enjoyable evening on board.  Ferries typically sail every day at around 20:00 and arrive around 06:30 in both directions.  See www.tirrenia.it & www.snav.it for times, dates, fares & online booking.

How to reach Herculaneum, Pompeii & Sorrento

Naples to Herculaneum, Pompeii & Sorrento by Circumvesuviana train

The railway from Naples to Herculaneum, Pompeii & Sorrento isn't run by Trenitalia, it's the privately-run Circumvesuviana Railway, www.eavsrl.it .  That's why you can't find trains to Sorrento on trenitalia.com or italiarail.com.  Map of Naples showing stations .

Simply buy a mainline ticket from Venice, Florence, Rome or wherever to Naples Centrale at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  On arrival at Naples Centrale, follow the signs to Circumvesuviana , these will take you downstairs to the Circumvesuviana station.

The Circumvesuviana station has its own ticket office, either buy a ticket to Ercolano, Pompeii Scavi or Sorrento there or use the ticket gate that allows you to touch in with a contactless bank card.  Go through the automatic ticket gates onto the platform and hop on the next train.

Trains run to Herculaneum (Ercolano), Pompeii and Sorrento every 30 minutes throughout the day, no reservation is necessary or possible.  Outside the weekday rush hours the trains are not crowded, there are plenty of seats and it's very easy to use.  Luggage goes on the racks or just on the floor, no problem.  This handy video shows you what to expect .

Naples to Pompeii costs around €3.20 one-way, journey around 40 minutes. 

Naples to Sorrento costs around €4.50 one-way, journey 55-65 minutes.

Naples to Sorrento by ferry

You can also travel from Naples Beverello ferry terminal to Sorrento by fast ferry with around 5 departures a day, journey time 45 minutes, fare around €13, bags €2.10, see www.alilauro.it .  You can buy online or just buy at the ferry terminal on the day.

To the top of Vesuvius

To visit the summit of Vesuvius, two morning buses run from Naples or a more regular bus service runs from Pompeii, both run by EAVBUS, see www.eavbus.it (Italian only) or (more usefully) www.unicocampania.it , click English top right and look for 'Vesuvio Fares' under 'Tourist Info'.

Day trip to Pompeii?   It's easy to arrange a trip to Pompeii yourself by train, see the guide here .

How to reach Capri

Buy a mainline ticket from Venice, Florence, Rome or wherever to Naples Centrale at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com . 

The island of Capri is just off Sorrento.  You have two options:  You can take a direct ferry from Naples to Capri, journey time around 45 minutes, fare €20.10, or you can take the Circumvesuviana Railway to Sorrento (55-65 minutes) then a shorter ferry crossing to Capri (around 25 minutes, fare €18.10).

If you choose the ferry from Naples, take a taxi (5-10 minutes) or walk (about 25 minutes) from Naples Centrale to Naples Beverello ferry quay.  Fast ferries taking just 45 minutes link Naples Berevello with Capri every hour or two between 07:00 & 18:00, see either www.snav.it or Omio.com for times & fares.  The ferry fare is about €20.10 plus a euro or two per item of large luggage.  You don't need to pre-book the ferry, just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on.  Map of Naples showing station & ferry terminals .

If you choose to take the local Circumvesuviana Railway to Sorrento, there are many ferries to Capri, no pre-booking necessary.  Just be aware that it's a longish steep walk from Sorrento Circumvesuviana station down the hill to the ferry terminal.

Ferries from both Naples & Sorrento arrive at Capri's busy Marina Grande, there's a funicular railway up the steep hillside to Capri town itself. Bring plenty of money to Capri, even a small beer costs over €7!

How to reach Ischia

Ferries link Naples with Porto Ischia, see either www.caremar.it (sailings every hour or two, crossing time 45 minutes fast ferry or 90 mins conventional ferry) or www.alilauro.it .

How to reach Amalfi, Positano, Praiano

Option 1, by bus from Salerno

There's no railway to these towns on the famous Amalfi Coast, but buses run from Salerno to Amalfi.  So buy a train ticket for one of the many high-speed trains from Milan, Florence and Rome direct to Salerno, then hop on a bus to Amalfi.  This Salerno bus option is the quickest way to Amalfi.

Buses link Salerno & Amalfi every hour or better between 06:00 & 22:30 on Mondays-Saturdays, slightly less frequently on Sundays, journey time 1h15, fare around €2.20 one-way, you buy a ticket at the tobacconists shop inside Salerno station.  The buses are operated by SITA, to check bus times see www.sitasudtrasporti.it (in Italian only, click 'Orari' then 'Campania').  To check fares, you'll need to use public transport site www.unicocampania.it , click English top right then 'Fares & Tickets'.

Option 2, by ferry from Salerno

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Salerno to Amalfi or Positano.  See www.coopsantandrea.com for a timetable of small coastal ferries from Salerno (Concordia dock, 800m from Salerno railway station) to Amalfi and Positano.  At the time of writing, they had departures from Salerno at 08:40, 09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 14:10 and 15:30, journey time to Amalfi just 35 minutes, but check their website for current timings.  This is a good option in summer when the narrow coast road is clogged with traffic.

Option 3, by bus from Sorrento

You can also buy a train ticket to Naples, hop on the Circumvesuviana Railway to Sorrento as shown above then take a bus to Positano, Praiano & Amalfi.  For buses linking Sorrento with Positano, Praiano & Amalfi, see www.sitasudtrasporti.it (in Italian only, click 'Orari' then 'Campania').  Sorrento-Amalfi takes 1 hour 40 minutes, buses run hourly or at certain times half-hourly 06:30 to 22:00, and the fare is around €2.90.  The journey along the coast road is dramatic, the bus hugging the cliff and it rear end swinging out precariously at every hairpin bend!

Option 4, a private transfer from Naples to Praiano, Positano or Amalfi hotels

If cost is no object, a private car transfer from Naples Centrale railway station to Positano or Praiano costs around €95 one-way for up to 3 people, or around €110 to Amalfi.  Try www.amalfishuttle.com or www.positanoshuttle.com (same people - click 'transfer' at the top).  I have not had any reports about them yet, so feedback would be appreciated.  They will also do transfers from Sorrento Circumvesuviana station, which reduces the cost.

How to reach Elba

Travel by train to Piombino Marittima.  Moby Lines ( www.mobylines.com ) sail every hour or so from Piombino to Portoferraio on Elba, crossing time 1 hour, foot passengers €7 one-way.

How to reach Lake Como

Como San Giovanni is the mainline station for Como, it's on the Zurich-Milan main line and linked to Milan Centrale by frequent regional train.  Check times as above .

Lecco, Varenna & Bellanoare on the eastern side of Lake Como, there is a station at Lecco & Varenna-Esino (for the ferry to Bellagio) and Bellano on the Trenord local line linking Milan Centrale with Tirano (near the Swiss border, for the fabulous narrow-gauge Bernina route to Chur & Zurich).  Check times as above

How to reach Lake Garda

There are two main stations for Lake Garda, Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione or Peschiera del Garda , both on the Milan-Verona-Venice main line.  As well as regional trains, some Milan-Verona-Venice Frecciarossas call at Peschiera or Desenzano.

Alternatively, take a train to Verona Porta Nuova .  Buses run frequently times an hour from outside the station to the eastern shores of Lake Garda including Lazise, Bardonlino & Garda, see the bus company website www.atv.verona.it .

How to reach San Marino

San Marino has no rail station, but can easily be reached by bus from Rimini.  Buses leave from outside Rimini railway station every hour or so between 08:10 and 19:25 in winter, between 06:45 and 20:30 in summer, less frequently on winter Sundays, journey time 50 minutes, fare around €5.00 one-way.  You can check bus times and fares at the bus company website, www.bonellibus.it .

How to reach Sardinia

Ferries to Sardinia

Ferries sail from Civitavecchia, Livorno, Naples & Palermo to various ports on Sardinia including Olbia & Golfo Aranci in the north and Cagliariin the south.  Operators include Tirrenia, Grimaldi Lines, Corsica-Sardinia Ferries, use Direct Ferries to check and book all ferry routes & operators .

The shortest ferry crossing is Civitavecchia (just north of Rome) to Olbia where the daily daytime ferry takes 5h30, and an overnight ferry with cabins takes 7h.  A daily ferry with cabins links Naples with Caligari overnight.

Trains on Sardinia

Regional trains run by a division of Trenitalia link the major centres and ports:  Golfo Aranci, Olbia, Sassari, Porto Torres, Oristano, Cagliari.  You can check train times at www.trenitalia.com although as trains are classed as regional you may as well just buy tickets at the station on the day.

In addition to the main Trenitalia routes, tourist services called the Little Green Trains run on two or three very rural routes, see www.treninoverde.com (in Italian only, use Google Chrome translation feature).  These trains are run by transport authority ARST, a company formed by merging the urban transport authority with Sardinian Railways.

Airport train connections

Milan malpensa airport.

There are regional trains from Milan Malpensa airport to Milan Centrale every 30 minutes, journey time 52 minutes, fare around €12, no reservation necessary or possible, just buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train.

Change at Milan Centrale for high-speed Frecciarossa & Frecciabianca trains to Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples or anywhere else in Italy.  You can check times & fares at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  Reservation is required for Italian long-distance & high-speed trains, make sure you read the tips below.

Rome Fiumicino airport

Leonardo Express trains run from Rome Fiumicino airport to Rome Termini in the city centre every 30 minutes, journey time 32 minutes, fare around €14, no reservation necessary or possible, just buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train.

Change at Rome Termini for high-speed Frecciarossa & Frecciargento trains to Venice, Florence, Naples or anywhere else in Italy - indeed, there's even a very occasional direct high-speed train from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence & Venice.   You can check times & fares at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com - Reservation is required for Italian long-distance & high-speed trains, make sure you read the tips below.

Pisa airport

A people-mover (driverless train) shuttles passengers from Pisa airport to Pisa Centrale in the city centre in just 8 minutes.  Change at Pisa Centrale for hourly regional trains to Florence, and regular regional, Intercity or Frecciabianca trains to Rome, La Spezia and Monterosso in Cinque Terre.  You can check times & fares at www.trenitalia.com selecting Pisa fermata Aeroporto for Pisa airport station - but read the tips below.

Bologna airport

A people mover links Bologna Centrale with Bologna airport, for more info see the Bologna Centrale station guide .

Tips for buying plane-to-train tickets

The regional trains from Malpensa into Milan, from Fiumicino into Rome or from Pisa to Florence are no problem - you can turn up, buy a ticket at the station & hop on the next train.  No reservation is possible and no pre-booking necessary.  They cannot sell out.

But if you intend to catch an onward high-speed train from Milan or Rome to (let's say) Florence, Naples or Venice, remember that Italian high-speed trains require reservation and tickets are only valid on the specific train you book .

Cheap advance-purchase economy or super-economy tickets become worthless if your flight is late and you miss your train.  Even a flexible 'base' ticket becomes worthless one hour after departure if you can't get to a Trenitalia ticket counter to change the reservation to a later train.

So when arriving by air at Malpensa or Fiumicino and going to Florence, Naples, Venice and the like, you must choose one of two strategies:

Option 1, prioritise your budget:  The money-saving option is to buy a cheap Super-Economy fare and commit to a specific train in advance at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com , but allowing a hefty 3-4 hours between flight arrival and train, to allow for any flight delays or long lines at immigration.

Option 2, prioritise your time:  The time-saving option is to just buy a ticket at the base price when you get to the airport station.  Then you can buy a ticket for the first train leaving after you have landed, collected your bags and are ready to go.  I know this goes against the grain for overseas visitors desperate to reserve every Starbucks cappuccino 6 months ahead, but unless it's Christmas Eve or the like, you'll always find places available even right before departure as there are so many seats on so many trains, this shouldn't be a concern.  You can check what the base fare is by running an enquiry on www.italiarail.com , clicking on a train then clicking the button marked '+ show flexible fares'.  The flexible fare is what you pay at the station on the day.

A compromise option?    You may find it cheaper to book cheap advance-purchase tickets on two trains - the train you should easily make if your flight is on time and a back-up train an hour or two later - than to pay the base fare for one train as in the time-saving option above.  Or book one train that you should normally easily be able to make, then just accept that if the plane is significantly late, you'll have to buy another ticket at the base fare.

How to use Trenitalia.com

The Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com is well worth getting to know.  It can sell:

Domestic Italian train tickets for any train journey within Italy, including couchettes & sleepers on overnight trains, at cheap prices with no booking fee.

International train tickets for most direct international trains starting in Italy heading for Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia, including couchettes & sleepers on overnight trains, again with cheap tickets if you pre-book.  Remember that ticket collection for trains to Austria & Germany is only possible at stations in Italy!

Or use Italiarail.com instead.   You may find www.italiarail.com easier to use than trenitalia.com for sleeper trains, international trains and passholder reservations.  ItaliaRail is a US-based agency who connects directly to the Trenitalia ticketing system to sell the same trains at the same prices as Trenitalia, but in plain English using English-language place names.  They charge a booking fee of around €3.50, but this will be refunded if you send them an email at [email protected] after you book.

How to use www.trenitalia.com

Base is the fully-flexible fare, it's what you'd pay at the station on the day.  Refundable, only valid on the train booked but can be changed before departure, or at the station up to an hour after departure.  The base fare was originally one fixed-price for a given journey, but as from late 2017 the base fare for Frecciarossa & Frecciargento trains can vary slightly by day of the week or the popularity of each particular train.

Economy & Super-Economy are Trenitalia's cheap advance-purchase fares, only valid on the train booked, limited refunds & changes, limited availability, these are the fares you want for cheap travel, if you are certain what time train you want.

Cartafreccia Special fares can only be bought if you have a Cartafreccia card, which you probably haven't.

Ordinaria is the regular fare for regional trains.  It's fixed-price, you can buy at that price even on the day.  In principle this fare is good for any train, but you now need to select a specific departure and check in online for it before boarding, see more information about how regional tickets now work .

Posto Doppio - Compart. Intero = books a whole private 2-bed sleeper for 2 people.  If there's 2 of you, this is what you select for both passengers.

Posto Doppio - Uomo = reserves a bed or beds in a shared 2-bed sleepers, male-only compartments.

Posto Doppio - Donna = reserves a bed or beds in a shared 2-bed sleepers, ladies-only compartments.

Posto Singolo = single-bed sleeper, books one private compartment for one person.

Cuccette C4 Comfort-Promiscuo = bunk in shared 4-berth Comfort couchettes, normal mixed sex compartment.

Cuccette C4 Comfort - Donna = bunk in shared 4-berth Comfort couchettes, in special ladies-only compartment.

Cuccette C4 Comfort-Compart. Intero = whole 4-berth Comfort couchette compartment (must have 4 passengers selected).

Compartimento 3 Letti - Uomo = bed in shared 3-bed sleeper, male-only compartment.

Compartimento 3 Letti - Donna = bed in shared 3-bed sleeper, ladies-only compartment.

Compartimento 3 Letti - Intero = 3-bed sleeper, whole compartment (need to have pre-selected 3 passengers).

To book 2 people together in a 2-bed sleeper you'd select Posto Doppio - Compart. Intero for both passengers.

On some international routes they use slightly different sleeper terminology:

Cabina A3 = 3-berth.  Cabina A2 = 2-berth.  Gran classe = deluxe with shower & toilet.

But again, Uomo means male, donna means female, intera means you want to book a whole compartment.

Other problems?   If you get stuck, you can contact Trenitalia's web team at [email protected]  to unfreeze frozen accounts and so forth.  They can handle emails in English.  Or you can call Trenitalia telesales on +11 39 06 6847 5475.

How to use Trenitalia ticket machines

It's easy to buy tickets at the station using the self-service ticket machines at all main Italian stations, as long as you have a credit card with a PIN (4-digit personal identification number).  They have an English language facility, and it's faster and easier than using the ticket office.  The machines are pretty self-explanatory, but to give you confidence and so you know what to expect, here's how to use them.

Incidentally, you'll sometimes find annoying types who hang around offering to 'help' foreigners, just be healthily suspicious of them and refuse all help, you don't need it as the machines are self-explanatory and you certainly don't need anyone near your wallet or pockets while you are distracted.  Italian stations are perfectly safe (I've spent literally hours hanging round them out of professional interest, without any problem whatsoever), but it pays to be streetwise!

To buy a ticket

Children under 4 go free with no ticket needed, children under 12 can use a child rate ticket on regional trains, children under 14 can use a child ticket on Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca, InterCity & InterCity Notte mainline trains.

Paying for a guidebook may seem an unnecessary expense, but it's only a fraction of what you spend on the whole trip.  If you have a decent guidebook, you see so much more and know so much more about what you're looking at.  I think the Lonely Planets or Rough Guides are the best ones out there for the independent traveller.

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Or buy in the usa from amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Traveller's Railway Map of Europe - buy online

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Recommended hotels

Here are my suggested hotels in key Italian cities, conveniently located for arrival by train and all with good or great reviews.  You are unlikely to be disappointed by any hotel scoring over 8.0 out of 10 on Booking.com .

There are lots of hotels near Milan Centrale , used by the Frecciarossa to/from Paris, the EuroCity trains to/from Switzerland and the majority of Italian domestic trains.

Affordable hotels & guesthouses with good or great reviews just outside the station include the Hotel Bristol , Hotel Bernina , 43 Station Hotel , B&B Hotel Milano Central Station , Guesthouse Teodora .

M ore upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel , Glam Hotel , Made to Measure Business , Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson .

At the top end, the 5-star Excelsior Hotel Gallia is just across the road, you won't go wrong with that if your budget will stretch!

Near Milan Porta Garibaldi (used by the TGV to/from Paris), the AC Milano Hotel (a Marriott Lifestyle Hotel) is just 350m from the station and gets good reviews.  Also try the Holiday Inn Porta Garibaldi , which offers family rooms.

Hotels near Verona Porta Nuova station with good or great reviews include the Corte Merighi Rooms & Breakfast , Novo Hotel Rossi , Guesthouse Verona or (a little closer to the centre, but with fab reviews) the Relais Empire .

Location, location, location!   Some people try to save money by staying on the mainland at Mestre , hotels in Mestre being naturally cheaper.  It's an option, but don't do it if you don't have to.  You want to be a resident in Venice, not a serial day-tripper, so try to find an affordable place in the historic city of Venice itself.

Venice Santa Lucia station is walking distance from everywhere in central Venice including the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, so a hotel near the station which you can easily walk to with your bags makes a lot of sense.

Relatively inexpensive places with good reviews near Venice Santa Lucia include Albergo Marin , Hotel Marte , La Loggia della Luna , Albergo ai Tolentini .

An excellent upmarket choice just 5 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia is the small and intimate Hotel Canal Grande - I've stayed there myself.  Also try the Abazzia De Luxe .

For the least expensive places in central Venice check www.hostelworld.com .  Use the map view to see places in Venice itself.

Of course, if you have the financial backing for a water taxi, then fine, stay near San Marco or wherever you like.  My son nagged me continually until I caved in and splurged €70 on a water taxi from Santa Lucia station to St Marks.  I have to say that it was the best thing I have ever done in Venice, and that includes a gondola ride!

If you do decide to stay in Mestre to save money and travel in & out of Venice by train every day, try the Hotel Cris which has great reviews 200m from Venezia Mestre station , and the Best Western Plus Hotel Bologna .

In Florence

For something fancy, try the Hotel Santa Maria Novella with a 9/10 review score and rooftop terrace overlooking the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.  It's a mere 5-minute 400m walk from Florence Santa Maria Novella station .

For something more affordable but also an easy walk from the station, try the Hotel Art Atelier .

Other hotels nearby with good reviews include C-hotels Club , 7Florence B&B , Hotel Lombardia .

There are many hotels near Rome Termini .  However, an affordable top choice with a 9/10 review rating is the Hotel Diocleziano , a 5-minute 400m walk from Roma Termini's main entrance, set in a 19th century building next to the Terme di Diocleziano ancient Roman baths.

An upmarket option near the station is Hotel Le Petit , an 8-minute 700m walk from the station, also with great reviews.

Other hotels near the station with good or great reviews include The Hive Hotel , Dream Station , The Republic Hotel .

There are lots of hotels near Naples Centrale .

The Starhotel Terminus is just across the road from the station, gets great reviews and has a roof terrace with views over the Bay of Naples.

The Hotel Potenza is only a little further into the Piazza Garibaldi, cheaper, also with good reviews.

The Unahotel Napoli is highly recommended, on Piazza Mancini overlooking Piazza Garibaldi, on the far side facing the station.

Also consider the Pit Stop Napoli Centrale .

Booking.com for hotels

I generally use Booking.com for hotels for 3 reasons:

(1) It keeps all my hotel bookings together in one place;

(2) I've come to trust Booking.com 's review scores;

(3) Booking.com usually offers a clearly-marked Free cancellation option.

Free cancellation means you can secure hotels risk-free even before trains open for booking, and if necessary change those bookings if your plans evolve.

If I'm only staying a night or two, I look for a hotel near the station to make arrival & departure easy.  You can enter the station name (e.g. Berlin Hbf ) as search location.  If staying longer, I look for a hotel close to the sights, entering the name of a city attraction as the search location, then using map view.

AirBnB:  Airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels:  Hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com offers online booking of dorm beds or cheap private rooms in backpacker hostels most European cities at rock-bottom prices.  It's one way to cut costs significantly compared to using a hotel every night.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

US flag

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

Back to 'Rail travel to Europe' general page

Back to home page

  • Italy Tourism
  • Italy Hotels
  • Italy Bed and Breakfast
  • Italy Vacation Rentals
  • Flights to Italy
  • Italy Restaurants
  • Things to Do in Italy
  • Italy Travel Forum
  • Italy Photos
  • All Italy Hotels
  • Italy Hotel Deals
  • Last Minute Hotels in Italy
  • Things to Do
  • Restaurants
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travelers' Choice
  • Help Center

Milan to Lausanne by train - Italy Forum

  • Europe    
  • Italy    

Milan to Lausanne by train

  • United States Forums
  • Europe Forums
  • Canada Forums
  • Asia Forums
  • Central America Forums
  • Africa Forums
  • Caribbean Forums
  • Mexico Forums
  • South Pacific Forums
  • South America Forums
  • Middle East Forums
  • Honeymoons and Romance
  • Business Travel
  • Train Travel
  • Traveling With Disabilities
  • Tripadvisor Support
  • Solo Travel
  • Bargain Travel
  • Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
  • Europe forums
  • Italy forum

day trips from milan italy by train

(see trenitalia.com for schedules and pricing, typical price I see for April about €38 for 2nd class)

more reading material

https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/switzerland-to-italy-by-train.htm

For the ultimate is scenery, nothing beats the slow train on a narrow gauge track from Tirano to Chur, thus:

Milan - Tirano - Chur, then using standard intercity Chur to Lausanne

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g188089-d609559-r434934782-Bernina_Express-Chur_Canton_of_Graubunden_Swiss_Alps.html

Chur to Lausanne is about 3 hours 40 minutes, while the Tirano to Chur narrow gauge train takes 8 hours. Staying overnight in Chur is recommended

Milan to Tirano: http://www.trenord.it

Tirano to Chur: http://www.sbb.ch

Bernina express reservation : http://www.rhb.ch

  • Reduced Ticket Cost for young people aged between 18 and 25 8:24 am
  • a week explorng the lakes- help with itinerary? 7:39 am
  • Taxi from FCO to Via Principe Eugenio, 51, 00185 7:38 am
  • 10 + 1/2 days in Sicily 7:35 am
  • Private Driver from Turin Hotel to LIN airport on May 25 7:30 am
  • Venice Biennale early bird tickets and other questions 7:30 am
  • ArteCard 365 Lite 7:28 am
  • St Peter Basilica 7:16 am
  • 8 days in Sicily 7:05 am
  • Herculaneum & Pompeii for Seniors 7:05 am
  • Varenna vs Bellagio- navigating ferries + nightlife 7:04 am
  • Travelling to Naples on Easter 29/03 - 01/04 6:59 am
  • Parking in Alghero old town 6:51 am
  • 6 nations pub 6:49 am
  • Best time of year to visit Italy 3 replies
  • What to Buy in Italy? 5 replies
  • BNL D'Italia Bank locations 35 replies
  • Train from Milan to Monaco 2 replies
  • train from Milan to Cinque Terre 13 replies
  • 5 Best Cities to Visit 48 replies
  • Frecciarossa vs Frecciargento 13 replies
  • simple explanation please for "allora....alora " 6 replies
  • Milan to Lucca 9 replies
  • Northern Italy - Lake Como & Switzerland 4 replies

Italy Hotels and Places to Stay

  • TIPS FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELLERS
  • How to use the trains in Italy
  • Thinking of renting a car? Read this first
  • Ultimate Guide to Driving in Italy
  • Tips for travellers to Italy (based on our recent travels)

day trips from milan italy by train

Condé Nast Traveler

The Best New Train Journeys Launching in 2024—From High-Speed Routes to Vintage Sleeper Trains

I t's official, 2024 is set to be a banner year for train travel , with new and exciting routes rolling out around the globe. Whether you’re interested in a luxury train that explores Vietnam’s coast or a glamorous sleeper train that meanders across Italy , there's a new train service this year for every type of traveler.

From high-speed options that will whisk passengers between cultural urban hubs in record time to vintage-inspired train cars that slowly meander rural coastlines, these new routes exemplify all the best reasons to travel by rail: the romance, the views, the access to once-in-a-lifetime destinations. Need we say more?

While rail may, at its core, be a means of transportation from place to place, these routes are a journey within themselves. Here are seven of the best train routes launching around the world in 2024 that are worth planning your next trip around.

Coastal Vietnam on the Vietage by Anantara

The Vietage train , operated by resort group Anantara, is known for its relaxing and opulent trips that meander through central Vietnam . This year, Vietage is launching a second carriage that will operate a brand new route between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon, two of Vietnam’s most popular beach towns. Launching on May 15, the five-hour route will offer a sumptuous afternoon tea service, “featuring local caviar, Vietnamese artisanal cheeses, a selection of premium Vietnamese teas from Epicurean Sao and a selection of cold cuts,” according to Vietage. If that’s not indulgent enough, the experience will also include free-flow wines and cocktails, plus a 15-minute head and shoulder massage . The car has just six private cabins with two seats each. Fares are $420 per person for a one-way ticket and can be booked directly online with Vietage .

Milan to Ljubljana, Slovenia, on Trenitalia

A new high-speed train route between northern Italy and the largest city in Slovenia is in the works to launch later this year. The route will connect Milan with Ljubljana, the romantic capital city that sits on the Ljubljanica River. According to Italian media , an agreement signed by Italy’s Trenitalia and Slovenia’s SŽ Passenger Transport says the new two-and-a-half-hour service could start operating as soon as April 2024. Along the way, riders will stop in some of the most dreamy cities in both countries, including Trieste, Venice , Padua, and Verona in Italy, and Divaccia, Sežana, and Postojna—a pastoral town known for its network of stunning underground caves—in Slovenia . The route will start with one daily train when it launches, with a plan to eventually up that to two trains per day.

Japan’s Fukui Prefecture on Hokuriku Shinkansen

Starting in March 2024, it will be easier than ever for tourists to explore more of Japan’s Hokuriku region, which is located on the northwest coast of Honshu, the country’s main island. A new extension on Japan’s Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train , which currently runs from Tokyo to Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku, will make it faster to visit the region’s outer reaches, which include peaceful villages, onsen (hot spring) resorts, and white-sand beaches along the coast of the Japan Sea. The bullet train will be extended 78 miles from ​​Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa Prefecture to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture. Thanks to the new route , passengers can be whisked from Tokyo to Tsuruga in as little as 2 hours and 51 minutes, according to the Japan Times . The extended route officially opens to the public on March 16. Tickets can be booked with Japan Rail West .

Italy’s gems on Orient Express La Dolce Vita

Italy is set to get a glamorous new sleeper train this year when the Orient Express La Dolce Vita launches in late 2024. The luxe train will operate overnight routes on six itineraries all throughout the country, including to Rome , Venice, Palermo , and Portofino, plus smaller towns in between. (Accor, which runs the train, plans to add international routes to the mix starting in 2025.) The train cars themselves are designed to transport passengers back to 1960s-era Italy, with private suites and cabins that evoke mid-century sophistication. In addition to guest quarters, the train will include a restaurant car, where lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea will be served. Expect gourmet Italian specialties like sea urchin and truffle dishes. In the bar car, travelers can start the evening with an aperitivo and antipasti buffet, and round out each night with limoncello, cocktails, and Italian wines. Pre-reservations are currently open for booking by calling the train’s reservations desk . Fares start at $2,700 per person per night in a deluxe cabin, and $4000 per person per night in a suite.

Singapore to Malaysia on Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express

After a years-long hiatus due to the pandemic, Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express train is making its triumphant return this February. The decadent sleeper train will be operating roundtrip journeys out of Singapore that weave through the dense and verdant landscapes of Malaysia , calling upon bustling cities and coastal retreats along the way. Stops include Kuala Lumpur, Penang , and Langkawi , known for its beaches and marine park. The three-night itineraries also include excursions in each of the cities, plus a variety of wellness experiences such as massages, tai chi, and meditation. On board, guests should expect live entertainment in the Piano Bar Car from local performers, gourmet Malaysian cuisine in the restaurant cars, and elegantly appointed cabins. All of the February journeys are sold out, but there is still availability on trips this March, April, and May, starting at $4,650 per passenger, based on double occupancy.

Paris to Berlin on NightJets—plus a high-speed option

Two European capitals will be more connected than ever this year, thanks to a couple of notable train route launches. Sleeper train outfit NightJets started a new overnight route between Paris and Berlin in mid-December 2023 which transports dozing passengers between the two cities overnight in about 11 hours. Later this year, a high-speed route between the two destinations is rolling out. France and Germany have agreed to launch a new route using France’s maglev bullet train, TGV, to whisk travelers between Paris and Berlin via Strasbourg in seven hours. Although there’s no firm start date for the high-speed service, the direct route is expected to begin by the end of 2024.

Paris to Portofino on the Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient Express

This June, tourists can travel to the Italian riviera in style. The Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient Express is launching a new route from Paris to Portofino that will offer some of the best coastal views of Europe. The first-ever route will sweep through France’s Burgundy and Provence regions before meandering along the Cote d’Azur, passing Cannes , Nice , and Monte Carlo before entering Italy and glimpsing its charming hillside towns on the way to Portofino. Three-course meals in the stately restaurant car and black-tie parties set to live music in the bar car round out the onboard entertainment. The journey also comes with a two-night stay in Belmond’s Splendido hotel in Portofino, the legendary property known for once hosting the likes of Humphrey Bogart and Elizabeth Taylor. The special route will run from June 20 to 23, 2024 and is available to book on Belmond’s site. Fares start at £7,920 (approx. $8,525.09 USD) based on double occupancy.

the Venice Simplon Orient Express passing through near Roppen, Austria

IMAGES

  1. A Guide to the Best Day Trips From Milan, Italy

    day trips from milan italy by train

  2. 8 Unmissable Day Trips From Milan 2020

    day trips from milan italy by train

  3. 6 Best Day Trips from Milan by Train or Car

    day trips from milan italy by train

  4. Riding the Rails: Six Day Trips from Milan by Train

    day trips from milan italy by train

  5. 15+ Best Day Trips From Milan You Must Take

    day trips from milan italy by train

  6. 15+ Best Day Trips From Milan You Must Take

    day trips from milan italy by train

VIDEO

  1. Italy train line

  2. ITALY MILAN TRAIN STATION

  3. Milano. Heritage and future of cycling

  4. Survived Italy Train Strike: Florence To Milan

  5. #milan day vizag #maritime security #mediolanum #navies of India

  6. Italy: Head-On Train Collision Leaves 17 Injured

COMMENTS

  1. 12 Gorgeous Day Trips From Milan By Train

    1h. € 6.80. 2. Lake Garda and Verona. Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and, therefore, is certainly a top-rated day trip from Milan. Bordering with Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino, Lake Garda offers beautiful panoramas and a wide range of typical products: from Lake Garda DOC wines such as Lugana DOC to DOP products like ...

  2. The train traveller's guide to the best day trips from Milan

    Milan to Alp Grüm. We will call this one a bonus location because this day trip from Milan to Switzerland requires a bit of extra planning and a sprinkle of adventure. This trip is ideal for the summertime, specifically June, as you will have longer days. Alp Grüm is a village with a train station along the scenic Bernina Express route.

  3. 10 Best Day Trips From Milan, Italy

    Hike the trail from Camogli to the 10th-century San Fruttuoso. The abbey is in a stunning location, abutting a small pebble beach and with a hillside forest as its backdrop. Only accessible by ...

  4. 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train

    1. 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train: Lake Como. Our first Easy Day Trip From Milan is to Italy's third largest lake for the day by train, and experience a luxurious cruise around its waters. What better way to experience the stunning alpine scenery from the bow of the boat, as well as getting the chance to take a sneak peek at the beautiful ...

  5. 13 Magnificent Day Trips from Milan (to Take in 2024!)

    Best Day Trips from Milan 1. Lake Como. Location: Lombardy Milan to Lake Como fastest train time: 40 minutes Milan to Lake Como driving distance: 1 hour, 46 minutes (84 kilometers) ️ LAKE COMO DAY TOUR. Lake Como is one of the most popular (if not THE most popular!) day trips from Milan.. You can either head to Lake Como from Milan independently or go there by organized tour!

  6. 15 Best Day Trips from Milan

    Pure bliss. 7. Lugano and Bellagio. Source: iryna1 / shutterstock. Bellagio. Often referred to as the 'pearl of Lake Como', it's easy to see why Bellagio merits a spot on the list of best day trips from Milan. Simply sit back and enjoy the ambience of this wonderful city, sampling its best food and drinks.

  7. 12 weekend trips and day trips from Milan you will love

    Genoa - fantastic day trip from Milan to the coast by train. Genoa is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and one that is easy to visit from Milan. Piazza De Ferrari main square in Genoa Italy. Good train connections allow you to reach Genoa city center in less than two hours and, from there, you can easily visit the main Geona ...

  8. 12 Top-Rated Day Trips from Milan

    Map of Day Trips from Milan. 1. Lake Como. Lake Como. Direct trains from either Milan's Stazione Nord or Stazione Centrale take about 30 minutes to reach the small city of Como, at the southern shore of Lake Como. From here, boats leave regularly, stopping at one after another of the lakeside towns, each prettier than the last and each with its ...

  9. 12 Best Day Trips From Milan

    1. Lake Como. 1 hour from Milan by train. Surrounded by lush, green woodland, with shimmering waters to traverse on romantic boat trips, there's a reason Lake Como is widely considered to be one of the loveliest Italian lakes.. On a day trip from Milan, your best bet is to focus on its southern area.

  10. The best day trips from Milan

    On a day trip from Milan, maximize the experience by homing in on a town such as Sirmione or Desenzano del Garda for a focused taste of the larger region. How to get to Lake Garda: Desenzano del Garda is on the Milan-Venice train line with a fast train service that takes about an hour (and it's another half hour to Verona). The drive from ...

  11. Best Day Trips From Milan, Italy

    Lake Garda, Italy. Peschiera del Garda, on the southern shore of Lake Garda, can be reached in a little over an hour from Milan. The train station is within walking distance of the town center and the lake. Peschiera has a small historic center with shops and restaurants inside 16th-century walls built in the shape of a pentagon.

  12. 13 BEST Day Trips from Milan, Italy (2024 Guide)

    Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in Italy so it's well worth a day trip from Milan. This is a series of 5 colourful, coastal villages, standing on cliffs overlooking the sea. Cinque Terre is about 3 hours from Milan by car, and there's no direct train, so I'd recommend taking a guided tour.

  13. 19 Best Day Trips from Milan (in 2024)

    The perfect list of 19 best day trips from Milan, Italy (in 2024). ... Located just over an hour north of Milan by train, Lake Maggiore is a nature photographer's paradise. It's a bit less touristy than other Italian lakes such as Lake Como, so it's good for avoiding summer crowds in Italy.

  14. Day trips from Milan

    But more easily manageable for Milan day trips is the "Top of Europe" train from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe at an altitude of 3,466 metres! The train chugging through metres of snow to an incredible viewpoint is a unique journey that literally feels like another world.

  15. 21 Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy

    Bernina Red Train. 4. Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a UNESCO-listed region, and although it is quite far both by car and train, it is a must-visit day trip destination from Milan. Cinque Terre consists of five stunning coastal villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

  16. Best Day Trips from Milan

    The Lagoon City is one of the most iconic destinations in Italy. For independent travel, take the train from Milan Centrale to Venezia Santa Lucia. This is a roughly 2.5-hour trip. Tickets start at around €17, and the train will drop you right in the heart of Venice.

  17. 16 Best Day Trips from Milan + Map & Tips

    Its Via Musei was part of a Roman road leading to the Lombard capital, Milan, and its ruins are seriously impressive. Apart from history, it's an elegant town with great shopping and is perfectly placed midway between Lake Garda and Lake Iseo. How Far: Around 1 hr 15 mins by car or 36 mins by high-speed train.

  18. 12 Can't-Miss Day Trips From Milan (& How To Reach Them)

    How to Reach Lake Como from Milan. Lake Como is north of Milan. The journey is about 50 minutes to the southernmost part of the lake and one of the main cities, Lecco. If the train is your transportation of choice, I recommend the Milan to Lecco route as the easiest starting point for traveling around the lake.

  19. Riding the Rails: Six Day Trips from Milan by Train

    Riding the Rails: Six Day Trips from Milan by Train. james.appleton | Thu, 02/17/2022 - 04:05. Perhaps it's not fair on the city itself to write this, but one of Milan's great strengths is how easy it is to get to other places. Lakes, mountains, towns, and cities are within easy reach even for those who can't or don't want to use a car ...

  20. 15 Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy

    Day Trips from Milan, Italy. Milan is a great place to be based during your visit to Northern Italy. So many beautiful towns with cobbled streets are easily accessible by short drives or train rides from Milan. Here are our top picks for Milan day trips! 1. Cinque Terre

  21. Day trips from Milan under a two hour train ride away

    Travel time from Milan: 1hr 10min. Cross the border into Switzerland to visit one of the prettiest towns in the area. Lugano is a small city with colorful buildings and a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. The best part is that you can see all of it by foot. After you exit the train station, walk downhill towards the lake and enjoy a drink ...

  22. 15+ Best Day Trips From Milan You Must Take

    Malbork Castle, a Glimpse of the Largest Castle in the World in Poland! Château de Vaux le Vicomte & Blandy les Tours Day Trip from Paris. in Parma, it is the works of Corregio not Caravaggio that one can see. When heading to Northern Italy, Milan, capital of Lomardy, is a great base. Here are the 15+ best day trips from Milan worth taking!

  23. 20 Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy (Lakes, Historic Cities, Swiss

    The high-speed train (or a guided tour) is really the only practical way to do a day trip from Milan to Venice. Suggested by us. Turin. Turin, the country's fourth largest city and also an erstwhile capital, makes for a wonderful day trip from Milan. The non-touristy feel of the city is a welcome change.

  24. Train travel in Italy, a beginner's guide

    About train travel within Italy How to check train schedules & fares Maps of the Italian rail network How to buy tickets ... You basically need to be doing longer trips such as Venice-Rome or Milan-Naples every day, or multiple trips per day such as Rome to Florence and back again, to make a pass pay. However, passes get cheaper if you are ...

  25. Milan to Lausanne by train

    Is there a more scenic route than the fastest? We do not want to spend a full day traveling but are there route choices? and who should we contact for tickets. Italy. Italy Tourism ... Milan to Lausanne by train - Italy Forum. Europe ; Italy ; Italy Travel Forum; Search. Browse all 552,506 Italy topics » Milan to Lausanne by train

  26. The Best New Train Journeys Launching in 2024—From High-Speed ...

    Italy's gems on Orient Express La Dolce Vita. Italy is set to get a glamorous new sleeper train this year when the Orient Express La Dolce Vita launches in late 2024. The luxe train will operate ...

  27. CALENDAR: The Italian transport strikes that will hit travel in March 2024

    Besides the airline, rail and public transport sectors, ferry services to and from Italy's major islands, Sicily and Sardinia, and as-yet-unspecified motorway services are also set to be affected, according to the latest reports.. March 13th - Nationwide railway staff strike. Train passengers around the country may experience disruption on Wednesday, March 13th as track maintenance staff ...

  28. TRAVEL PLANNER IN ITALY

    7 likes, 1 comments - sentiero_italiano_travel on October 1, 2022: "BOOK YOUR PLACE ⚜️⬇️ We invite you to enjoy an authentic journey through time surrounded..." TRAVEL PLANNER IN ITALY | TAILORED TRIPS | LAKE COMO PROPOSALS on Instagram: "BOOK YOUR PLACE ⚜️⬇️ We invite you to enjoy an authentic journey through time surrounded by ...