By Train from Zürich / Zurich (Switzerland) to Milano / Milan (Italy)

Until Dec 9th 2020, the railway line between Zug and Arth-Goldau is closed for renewal, so the trains are being diverted to travel around the western shore of Lake Zug.

This has added 14 mins to the usual timings, so until then the journey time will be 3hr 40mins.
There has been no change to the stations that these trains will call at.

Final Destination: Milano Cle or Venezia S.L

These trains also call: Como San Giovanni station

Type of Scenery: Mountain, Lakes

Star Rating: ***

These trains may be faster than ever, but now that they use The Gotthard Base Tunnel, this journey is also less scenic than it used to be.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel is now the world's longest railway tunnel, so long that it takes trains more than 15 mins to travel through it.
An announcement is made on the train just before it enters the tunnel.

However, This is still one of Europe's most epic express train journeys.

From the LEFT of the train (when facing the direction of travel) the first highlight to look out for is the view over Lake Zurich, as the train ascends up from the shore.

On departure from Zug, until Dec 9th 2020, these trains are being diverted from their usual route to travel along the western shore of Lake Zug and during this time they will REVERSE direction in Rotkreuz station.

So between Rotkreuz and Arth-Goldau the views over Lake Zug will be on the left.

The next beautiful vista to look out for comes after departure from Arth-Goldau station, when on the right, the train will pass by the Lauerzersee.

Then just to the south of here, look out on the right for glimpses of the Luzernsee.

And then, also on the right, after departure from Bellinzona, there are some fabulous panoramic views over the valley - a spectacle which won't be available from these trains once the start to use the Ceneri Base Tunnel.

Next shortly after departure from Lugano there are views over the lake, back over on the LEFT.

The final wow moment comes after departure from Lugano station when the train will cross the lake.

Don't be surprised if these trains spend up to 10 mins at stations, these fairly lengthy stops are a feature of the timetable.