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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Make the break from Milan to Basel by train
Fancy a chance of scenery? Then trade your backdrop from modern to medieval, with a swift transfer from Milan to Basel SBB. In just over four hours you’ll be transported by high-speed train to the epicenter of Switzerland and its thriving cultural scene - not forgetting its annual art fair, Art Basel.
Direct EuroCity trains are a convenient way to travel cross border from Milan to Basel, making it easy to spend the morning in Italy before enjoying an afternoon in Switzerland. Swiss EuroCity trains usually offer free WiFi, so you can stay connected during your journey.
Arriving into Basel SBB station in the city center means you can hit the ground running – or perhaps that should be cruising – as the famous Rhine River just minutes away from the station. If that’s whet your appetite, cast your eyes below for more information about the journey from Milan to Basel, including FAQs, train times and ticket prices.
Milan to Basel SBB by train
It takes an average of 5h 4m to travel from Milan to Basel SBB by train, over a distance of around 163 miles (262 km). There are normally 39 trains per day traveling from Milan to Basel SBB and tickets for this journey start from $53.12 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:39 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:34 pm | |
| Departure station | Milan | |
| Arrival station | Basel SBB | |
| Journey time | From 4h 13m | |
| Distance | 163 miles (262 km) | |
| Frequency | 39 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $53.12 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Trenitalia trains from Milan to Basel SBB
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Milan to Basel SBB
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenitalia Eurocity when traveling from Milan to Basel SBB.
Second Class
From spacious armchairs to power outlets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
- Seat reservation
- Power outlets
- Hanger
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- More legroom
First Class
Start your journey by train and continue by bus to reach your destination. Enjoy some of the most beautiful Italian views on modern and comfortable buses.
- Seat reservation
- Power outlets
- Hanger
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- More legroom
Onboard services on Trenitalia Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan to Basel SBB.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
- A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.
Cheap train tickets from Milan to Basel SBB
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Milan to Basel SBB by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Milan to Basel SBB
Want to know more about your journey from Milan to Basel SBB? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Milan to Basel SBB take?
The average journey time by train between Milan and Basel SBB is 5 hours and 4 minutes, with around 39 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Milan and Basel SBB by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Milan to Basel SBB is 4 hours and 13 minutes.
How much does the train from Milan to Basel SBB cost?
Train tickets from Milan to Basel SBB can start from as little as $53.12 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Milan to Basel SBB?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Milan to Basel SBB without having to change trains. There are 5 direct trains from Milan to Basel SBB each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Milan to Basel SBB leave?
The first train from Milan to Basel SBB leaves at 05:39. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Milan to Basel SBB leave?
The last train from Milan to Basel SBB leaves at 23:34. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Milan and Basel SBB by train?
Trains travelling from Milan to Basel SBB cover a distance of around 163 miles (262 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Basel SBB to Milan.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.