How to take the journey by train from Milan to Frankfurt (Main)
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Milano / Milan / Mailand to Frankfurt by train
One of the most welcome additions to the European rail timetables of recent years was the re-introduction of the direct train from northern Italy to central Germany.
Though it has now been re-routed to travel via Zurich instead of Bern, which has added around 45mins to the journey time
Routes you can take to go from Milano / Milan / Mailand to Frankfurt (Main) / Francfort sur le Main
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
Choose one of the following options:
Route Information
Travel Time (approx)
8hr 25min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
1 x direct train per day
Is the journey from Milano to Frankfurt (Main) direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Though there are multiple options for taking an indirect journey by making connections in Basel and Zurich.
Is the journey scenic?
Yes - See the Journey Information below for images and videos captured by ShowMeTheJourney on this route.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Milano to Frankfurt (Main)?
This train also calls at Lugano and Bellinzona and Zurich and Basel and Freiburg and the station which serves the Europa Park amusement park
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Frankfurt (Main)?
There are regular local (S-Bahn) trains which provide the fastest route to the city centre - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.
How easy is it to get to the station in Milano?
Milano Centrale is served by two Metro lines, the M2 and the M3.
There are also typically 2 x trains per hour from Malpensa Airport.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Milano Centrale.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Milano to Frankfurt (Main) trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in France, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Milano to Frankfurt (Main) trains?
Typically up to 4 months ahead of the travel date; though this period of time can be shorter, particularly when searching for journeys more than three months ahead during October and March.
What are the child ticket terms for these Milano to Frankfurt (Main) trains?
Children aged 6 -15 receive a 20% discount, those aged 5 and under aren't charged for a ticket.
Note that these terms are different to the national child ticket policies in Italy and Germany
Does the ticket for these Milano to Frankfurt (Main) trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Milano to Frankfurt (Main) trains?
Yes - See the rail pass reservation guide for info on the multiple booking options.
Is catering available on the Milano to Frankfurt (Main) trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant service can also be available.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Italian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Italy.
What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.
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