How to take the rail journey from Milan to Paris

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Milano / Milan / Mailand to Paris by train

The route taken by these direct trains has been closed until at least summer 2024, due to damage caused by a landslide.
Replacement bus services have now made available for international journeys along the closed section of the route, from a train which departs Milano Porta Garibaldi station at 14:10.
The alternative route, involves travelling via Switzerland, with a journey time of more than 8 hours.

So the info below is not relevant until further notice!

Trenitalia has introduced its ultra smart Frecciarossa 1000 trains to this route.
So along with the existing and continuing TGV services, an unprecedented five daily trains are now available from the Milan to the French capital.

Though when looking up this journey on the ticket agents, you'll also likely see other daytime options with connections between trains in Basel, Geneva, Lausanne or Zurich.
If you'll be happy to change trains and the connections are easily timed (more than 30 mins ideally) and the price is competitive then these other options are definitely worth considering.
The journey from Milan to any of those Swiss cities will also be more scenic than this route.

The overnight train service from Milano to Paris has been withdrawn.

Routes you can take to go from Milano / Milan / Mailand to Paris

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

Option 1: taking the TGV trains from Porta Garibaldi station (currently not direct)
Travel Time (approx)

7hrs - 7hr 12min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

3 trains per day


Is the journey from Milan to Paris direct?
Yes, there is usually no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
Yes once the train leaves the high speed-line, see the Journey Information below


What other tourist locations are along the route from Milan to Paris?
Turin
and Lyon

How easy is it to get to the station in Milan?
Milano-Porta Garibadli is served by two metro lines, but neither serve the heart of the city by the cathedral - See the Station Guide above for more info.


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links to the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.n.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Milan to Paris 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 Milan to Paris trains?
Up to 6 months in advance, but it varies according to when / if SNCF has a promotion in place; see the Ticket Information.


What are the child ticket terms for these Milan to Paris trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
Children aged 4-11 pay half fare


Does the ticket for these Milan to Paris 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 Milan to Paris trains?
Yes - See the rail pass guide for France for info on the multiple booking options.


Is catering available on the Milan to Paris trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car.
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 French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

Route Information

Option 2: taking the Frecce trains from Centrale station (currently not available)
Travel Time (approx)

6hr 35min - 6hr 57min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

2 x trains per day
(the second train of the day is faster)

Is the journey from Milan to Paris direct?
Yes, there is usually no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
Yes once the train leaves the high speed-line, see the Journey Information below


What other tourist locations are along the route from Milan to Paris?
Turin
and Lyon

How easy is it to get to the station in Milan?
Milano Centrale is served by two metro lines - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighborhood


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links to the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.n.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Milan to Paris trains?
Yes


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Milan to Paris trains?
Up to 4 months in advance, but it varies according to when / if SNCF has a promotion in place; see the Ticket Information.


What are the child ticket terms for these Milan to Paris trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 15 and over.
Children aged 5-14 pay half fare


Does the ticket for these Milan to Paris 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 Milan to Paris trains?
Rail passes cannot be used on these trains on this route.


Is catering available on the Milan to Paris trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car.
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 French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

Route Information

Via stations: Basel SBB / Bâle CFF

Option 3: morning departure - connecting in Basel

Route Information

Via stations: Genève/Geneva-Cornavin

Option 4: afternoon departure - connect in Geneve
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