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How to travel from Zürich to Milan by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Zürich to Milan? Look no further.
There are around 27 trains per day running between Zürich and Milan, which usually take 3 hours 24 minutes to complete the 136 miles (218 km) journey. It can take as little as 3 hours 12 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available. Hop on a train operated by either Trenitalia or Regiojet to reach your destination in no time. These train companies are the main operators of services on this route and run modern comfortable trains to make your journey as relaxing as possible.
You can save money on train tickets from Zürich to Milan if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £23.32. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Zürich to Milan by train
It takes an average of 3h 24m to travel from Zürich to Milan by train, over a distance of around 136 miles (218 km). There are normally 27 trains per day travelling from Zürich to Milan and tickets for this journey start from £23.32 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:05 | |
| Departure station | Zürich | |
| Arrival station | Milan | |
| Journey time | From 3h 12m | |
| Distance | 136 miles (218 km) | |
| Frequency | 27 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £23.32 | |
| Train and bus operators | Regiojet, Marino, BlaBlaCar Bus, Trenitalia, Flixbus, Calanda Viaggi (Bus), Onebus |
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.
Are there direct trains from Zürich to Milan?
What's the distance between Zürich and Milan by train?
Who runs the trains from Zürich to Milan?
Can you travel from Zürich to Milan without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Milan from Zürich?
What time is the first train from Zürich to Milan?
What time is the last train from Zürich to Milan?
How often do trains go from Zürich to Milan?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Zürich to Milan?
Is there a return trip from Zürich to Milan?
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
RegioJet and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Zürich to Milan
Compare the different travel classes offered by RegioJet and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Zürich to Milan.
RegioJet
Trenitalia Eurocity
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
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Economy class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power sockets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- 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, comfy leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business
Travel in RegioJet’s Business class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet carriage and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Second Class
From spacious armchairs to at-seat power sockets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
First Class
In addition to all the services available in Second Class, you’ll get to enjoy extra-wide and comfier seats, more legroom, and an at-seat catering service in EuroCity’s First Class:
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
Onboard services on RegioJet and Trenitalia Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zürich to Milan.
RegioJet
Trenitalia Eurocity
There are no weight limits when it comes to luggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it by 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.
Pushchairs should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your pushchair at the front or back of the carriage.
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 carriages or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage 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.
Children 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 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.