Related Content
Content
Milano to Zurich - Europe's Epic Express Train Journeys
Discover why making the train journey from Milano to Zurich is such a special travel experience
Simon HarperShare
Why you should take this trip:
This route between northern Italy and northern Switzerland is the most travelled railway journey between the two countries which is fortunate as it is a fabulous train ride.
Although the opening of the world’s longest railway tunnel, The Gotthard Base Tunnel, has taken these trains away from what had been the most spectacular part of this route, namely the journey through the Gotthard Pass.
However, this remains one of Europe's most incredible express train journeys, with numerous highlights that can be seen from both sides of the train.
When heading north from the first of these highlights comes around an hour into the journey as the train approaches Lugano and then sweeps into the town across the lake with great views both sides of the train (when the weather is right).
(The video were taken from a train travelling in the opposite direction).
Once the train has crossed Lake Lugano the railway line runs by its western shore and provides for fabulous vistas across the water, on the RIGHT.
The seats on this side of the train also provide for a fabulously panoramic view of Lugano, to the south of this beautiful town.
The railway is at an elevated position as it travels through town of Lugano and arrives in Lugano station....
This route isn't now as scenic as it was until recently because between Lugano and Belliznona these trains on the Milano to Zurich route now travel through the Ceneri Base Tunnel.
Once the train has departed from Bellinzona it heads through the valley towards the Gotthard Base Tunnel, but the views are still spectacular on this south side of the tunnel.
The train will spend around 15 mins travelling through the tunnel and the highlights continue soon after the train has emerged back into the daylight
After the train has passed through Fluelen station, there are some fleeting views on the LEFT over the Luzernsee between the many tunnels on this part of the line; though the northbound line has fewer tunnels so offers more views.
Then around five minutes later, also look out on the left for the views over the Lauerzersee
(the video was taken from a train travelling in the opposite direction)
The parts of the journey north of here also showcases that this remains a frequently fabulous journey, despite the lengthy tunnels which the trains now travel through.
Then after departure from Arth-Goldau station, if the window conditions are right, comes what is now the highlight of this journey - the views over Lake Zug,
If you're lucky you'll be able to see across the lake from the left-hand side of the train.
The first two occasions on which SMTJ made this journey, mist had settled on the lake and we had no idea of the stunning spectacle which can be seen on a good day!
Then after departure from Zug comes the dramatic conclusion to the journey, as the train descends to the shore of Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) between Zug and Thalwil and again the views are on the right.
How to make this journey:
All the practical information you need to know about making this incredible journey - including details of the tickets, trains and stations...
The other epic express train journeys:
click on the journeys listed below to discover why they are so fabulous:
London to Cornwall
Please support ShowMeTheJourney
This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.
We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.
Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.
So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please go here to say thank you.
Simon Harper
I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.
This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.
This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.
We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.
Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.
So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.
