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There are many reasons why you should make the journey from Milan to Parma by train. One of the best is to sample the amazing array of food and drinks each city has to offer.
From the tasty cotoletta alla milanese of Milan to the famed Parmesan cheese and Parma ham of its namesake city, you can take a culinary journey in so many ways.
The train from Milan to Parma can take less than an hour on the fastest services, with thirty options a day operating from breakfast through to late evening. Although it takes the same time as driving, you won’t have to worry about parking, or getting a permit to drive into the ZTL congestion zone when you travel by public transport.
The Trenitalia service is one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy the ride, with large comfy seats and an impressive onboard entertainment system. Needless to say, the buffet cart isn’t bad either! If this has left you hungry for more, read our handy FAQs below.
First train | 05:37 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 22:13 | |
Departure station | Milan | |
Arrival station | Parma | |
Journey time | From 47m | |
Distance | 72 miles (115 km) | |
Frequency | 35 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From £8.65 | |
Train and bus operators | Autolinee Federico, Marino, Itabus, Trenitalia, Flixbus, Simet Bus S.P.A. |
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, free WiFi connection and 4 levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). You can now also travel with Frecciarossa between Milan and Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The new Frecciarossa trains have 4 levels of service – Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room – and two types of carriage: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
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.
Trenitalia's Intercity trains run on standard lines outside the high-speed network, offering more than 90 trains a day that guarantee long and medium distance connections, ensuring wide coverage of the rail network. All Intercity trains are modern and comfortable with plenty of seats, retractable tables, power sockets, air conditioning, courtesy lights and plenty of luggage space. Intercity Night trains allow you to travel overnight in cabins with beds, berths or seating.
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi, but at a cheaper price.
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and luggage space, as well as a welcome service offering a complimentary sweet or salty snack and drink. You can also order your meal via the EasyBistrò paid service available on board.
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, EasyBistrò meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free foodbox containing a fresh product, a snack and a drink is also served to your seat.
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, an exclusive open bar and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with fold-down tables, power sockets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
If you're travelling on a budget, buy a ticket for a basic seat - you'll find a spacious and comfy seat with a fold-down table, as well as a minibar service.
This couchette can host up to 4 people and offers plenty of amenities, including a toiletry kit, bedding, and breakfast served in the morning.
In this cabin, you'll enjoy a whole breakfast menu, a wake-up service and a comfier bed. Single, double or 3-berth compartments are available.
The Excelsior cabin Superior can host up to 2 people. Enjoy the perks of the Deluxe cabin Relax, as well as a welcome drink and a private bathroom with washbasin, shower and mirror.
Enjoy your journey with Trenitalia's regional trains. A First Class service may be available on some routes.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call: the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets you can find at your seat.
You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in coach 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.
A minibar trolley service is available on all Intercity Notte trains – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
Unfortunately, free WiFi is not available on Intercity Notte trains.
Intercity Notte trains have a coach with designated spaces for 2 passengers with a wheelchair and 2 companions. You’ll find a wheelchair symbol outside the coach.
Depending on the class you’ll be travelling in, you’ll get to enjoy additional perks, including a wake-up service, breakfast, bedding and more.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenitalia's regional trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenitalia's regional trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on Trenitalia's regional trains.
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 Parma by booking early.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Milan and Parma is 1 hour and 33 minutes, with around 35 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Milan to Parma is 47 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Milan to Parma can start from as little as £8.65 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Milan to Parma without having to change trains. There are 18 direct trains from Milan to Parma each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Milan to Parma leaves at 05:37. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Milan to Parma leaves at 22:13. 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.
Trains travelling from Milan to Parma cover a distance of around 72 miles (115 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Parma to Milan.