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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.
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Looking for a cheap price?
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Travel from Zürich to Milan by train
Last updated: November 11th 2024
If you want to know more about the journey from Zürich to Milan by train, look no further!
The fastest journey time between Zurich and Milan by train is just 4 hours 12 minutes. You'll usually find 27 trains per day traveling the 218 km between these two destinations. Direct trains are usually available every day on the route to Milan. During your journey, you'll most likely be traveling with Trenitalia, as they are the main operator of services on this route.
Book train tickets from Zürich to Milan in advance instead of buying them on the day and you could save money. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including:
Zürich to Milan by train
It takes an average of 3h 49m to travel from Zürich to Milan by train, over a distance of around 136 miles (218 km). There are normally 29 trains per day traveling from Zürich to Milan and tickets for this journey start from $28.72 when you book in advance.
| First train | 6:05 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:05 pm | |
| Departure station | Zürich | |
| Arrival station | Milan | |
| Journey time | From 3h 12m | |
| Distance | 136 miles (218 km) | |
| Frequency | 29 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $28.72 | |
| Train and bus operators | Marino, Trenitalia, Flixbus, Calanda Viaggi (Bus), Regiojet, Onebus |
Trenitalia trains from Zürich to Milan
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 and Regiojet classes from Zürich to Milan
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenitalia Eurocity and Regiojet when traveling from Zürich to Milan.
Trenitalia Eurocity
Regiojet
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
Low Cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Low Cost Class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power outlets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax Class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business Class
Travel in RegioJet’s Business Class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet car and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Onboard services on Trenitalia Eurocity and Regiojet
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zürich to Milan.
Trenitalia Eurocity
Regiojet
- 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.
There are no weight limits when it comes to baggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Strollers should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your stroller at the front or back of the car.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
Cheap train tickets from Zürich to Milan
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 Zürich to Milan 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.
How to get from Zurich Airport to Zurich HB
You can travel directly from the airport to Zurich’s main station by train.
If you’re flying into Zurich Airport, you will need to travel to Zurich HB to catch your train.
You’re in luck! You can get a direct SBB train from the train station in Zurich Airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB). The fastest trains take around 10 minutes, so you can get going as soon as you land.
SBB trains between these two places are very frequent, so it’s likely you won’t have to wait around long. Plus, make your airport transfer even speedier by buying your tickets on the Trainline app! That way, there’s no need to wait in line for the ticket machines at the station.
All about Zurich HB train station
How to get to Zurich HB
Switzerland has great public transport, and Zurich is no exception! If you’re in the city and need to get to Zurich HB, here are your options:
- Bus: There are many buses that serve stops outside Zurich’s main train station, which could be useful if you are coming from the outskirts of the city.
- Trams: There is a tram network in Zurich, with many trams stopping outside Zurich HB.
- Taxi: It is possible to get a taxi to the station, though this is likely to be more expensive than public transport options.
- On foot: If you’re in the city center, you can walk to Zurich HB.
What’s available at Zurich HB station?
Zurich HB is Switzerland’s largest train station. There are many facilities available if you’re waiting to catch your train, including:
- Food and drink outlets such as Dunkin’ and Mövenpick
- Stores such as Lush and Pandora
- Baggage lockers (fees apply)
- Toilets
- ATMs
- Currency exchange.
Arriving in Milan from Zürich
Traveling from Zurich to Milan by train means you’ll arrive at Milano Centrale train station.
When you arrive in Milan at Milano Centrale station, you can expect to find a wide range of cafés, restaurants and shops (including an impressive food market), as well as baggage storage (fees apply) and free WiFi.
From Milan Central station, you can easily get to the city center with one of the following modes of transport:
- Metro lines M2 and M3
- Buses 42, 60, 81, 82 and 87 and night buses NM2, NM3, N6, N4
- Tram lines 5, 9 and 33
- Trolleybuses 90, 91, 92, N90 and N91
- Other regional trains operated by Trenitalia.
Exploring Milan by using public transport
Milan has an extensive public transport network, including trams, buses, trolleybuses, and a metro system. Keep reading for more information.
On ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) services within Milan, you can use a contactless debit or credit card to pay for your travel. It’s also possible to buy tickets at metro stations using the automated ticket machines.
We’ve handpicked a few places that you might want to see when visiting Milan. Here's how to get there on public transport:
- Duomo di Milano: Milan's Duomo is world-famous, and it’s easy to see why. Visit this stunning cathedral by hopping on metro line 3 (towards San Donato) from Milano Centrale station, and you’ll be at the Duomo metro station in minutes!
- Parco Sempione: There's plenty to see as you walk around this beautiful park. Jump on metro line 2 (towards Abbiategrasso) from Milano Porta Garibaldi and get off at Lanza. Then, it’s a short walk to the park.
- Santa Maria delle Grazie: This church houses Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting, so it’s worth a visit for art fans. Take the metro (line 2, towards Abbiategrasso) from Milano Centrale to Cadorna, then it’s a short stroll to the church.
Top things to do in and around Milan
Milan is one of the most unique cities in Italy and Europe! With so many things to see and do in and around Milan, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To help inspire your trip, view our round-up below:
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Milan, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
Where should you travel next after Milan?
Sure, you might have had a good time in Milan, but your European adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips below?
Take the train from Milan to Como
Want to hop over from Milan to Lake Como? It’s easy to do by train. No wonder it’s one of our top day trips by train fom Milan.
Whether you’re looking to do some celeb spotting in Lake Como, stay in some of Como’s finest hotels or you just want to peruse a list of things to do in Lake Como, we’ve got you covered.
The best part? You can get a direct train from Milan to the glorious Lake Como in around 40 minutes. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets from Milan to Como San Giovanni now.
Hop on a train to Rome from Milan
If you want to see another part of Italy, why not take the train from Milan to Rome?
We’ve got recommendations for seeing Rome in three days, tips to find the best gelato in the Italian capital, and some fun facts about the Trevi Fountain.
Hop on a train from Milan and you could be in Rome in around 3 hours – leaving you plenty of time to find some pizza for dinner. What are you waiting for?
Speed away from Milan to Nice
If a bit of French flair is more your thing, you’re in luck! You can travel from Milan to Nice by train in around 5 hours, with just one transfer in Ventimiglia.
Wander round Nice’s Old Town, visit its museums or head to the shops – there's something for everyone in Nice, France.
It’s also easy to travel around the Côte d'Azur by train thanks to Nice’s three train stations, so you can make the most of your French getaway. Why not think about exploring even more of France with a Eurail Pass?
How to get from Milan city center to Milan Airport
If Milan is the last stop on your tour of Europe, you might be heading back home by plane. Read on for more information on how to get to each of Milan’s three airports by train and bus.
There are three airports in Milan:
- Malpensa Airport, which is the main airport of the city
- Linate Airport, the third busiest airport in Lombardy
- Bergamo Airport, which is 3.1 miles away from Bergamo city center.
How to get to Milan Malpensa Airport from the city center
How to get to Linate airport from the city center
How to get to Milan Bergamo airport from the city center
FAQs about the train journey from Zürich to Milan
Want to know more about your journey from Zürich to Milan? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Is there a direct train from Zürich to Milan?
How far is Milan from Zürich by train?
Which trains run from Zürich to Milan?
Can I get from Zürich to Milan without flying?
What is the best way to get from Zürich to Milan?
When is the first train from Zürich to Milan?
When is the last train from Zürich to Milan?
How often do trains run from Zürich to Milan?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Zürich to Milan?
Looking for a return trip from Zürich 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.