How to take a rail journey from Milano/Milan to Zurich

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Milano / Milan / Mailand to Zürich / Zurich by train

The fastest journeys by train from Milano to Zurich exploit both the new trains which have been introduced to the route and the recently opened Ceneri Base Tunnel, which has enabled the quickest ever journey time between the two cities.

This route taken by the direct trains, which also includes travelling through Europe's longest rail tunnel - the Gotthard Base Tunnel, remains a journey which showcases the best of European rail travel.
The smart new trains have restaurant cars, the engineering achievements to enable the journey time are phenomenal and despite the epic, recently opened rail tunnels, most of the journey is still fantastically beautiful!

Though the Gotthard Base Tunnel does take the trains away from the most scenic section of the older Gotthard Route, and making the most of those scenic highlights is still easily done - with only one connection between trains required.

However, for those who have time on their side, it's also possible to ride what is arguably Europe's most scenic rail route between two cities!

Routes you can take to go from Milano / Milan / Mailand to Zürich / Zurich

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: the direct EC trains
Travel Time (approx)

3hr 17min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

8 x trains per day from Milano Centrale


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


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 Zurich?
Lugano and Bellinzona


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Zurich from Milano Centrale on this journey option?
Before 11:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Zurich?
The station is located by the heart of the city centre,
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Milano Centrale to Zurich on this journey option
Around 19:20 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


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 Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Switzerland.


Does the ticket for these Milano to Zurich 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 Zurich trains?
Yes - See the rail pass reservation guide for info on the multiple booking options.


Is catering available on the Milano to Zurich trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant.
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 Switzerland.

Route Information

Via stations: Cadenazzo

Option 2: more scenic - and rail pass users can also save
Travel Time (approx)

5hr 10min approx

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

1 x connection every other hour

Route Information

Via stations: Tirano, Pontresina, Samedan and Chur

Option 3: Taking Europe's most scenic rail route!
Station Guides
The central roof span of Milano Centrale viewed from the departure concorse
Milano Centrale Rail Station Guide
Tirano Guide Coming soon...
Changing trains at Pontresina
Pontresina Guide Coming soon...
Samedan Guide Coming soon...
Chur Rail Station Guide
The frontage of Zurich Hb station by the Bahnhofplatz tram stops
Zürich HB / Zurich main station Rail Station Guide
Travel Time (approx)

8hr 5min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

up to 8 x connections per day

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