The central roof span of Milano Centrale viewed from the departure concorse

How to take a rail journey Zurich to Milano/Milan

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Zürich / Zurich to Milano / Milan / Mailand by train

A long planned expanded service of trains between Milan and Zurich makes the most of the brand new trains that have been introduced to the route - and the relatively new Ceneri Base Tunnel.

Though this remains a journey which showcases the best of European rail travel.
The smart new trains have restaurant cars, plus the engineering achievements to enable the journey time are phenomenal. So despite the epic, recently opened rail tunnels, most of the journey is still fantastically beautiful!
Another recent innovation was the very welcome extension to the routes taken by some departures, so that Zurich now has daily direct trains to Genova/Genoa and Bologna; though these two services don't call at Milan's primary rail station, Milano Centrale.

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 Zürich / Zurich to Milano / Milan / Mailand

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 to Milano Centrale


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


Is the journey scenic?

The Swiss part of the journey has a wow factor, see the Journey Information for images and videos and insights on how to make the most of the views.


What other tourist locations are along the route from Zurich to Milan?
Lugano and Como


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Milano Centrale from Zurich on this journey option?
Before 11:00 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Milan?
Milano Centrale is served by two Metro lines, the M2 and the M3.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Milano Centrale.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Zurich to Milano Centrale on this journey option
Before 18:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to get to the station in Zurich?
Zurich HB is at the northern edge of the heart of the city, the old town area is within a 10min walk and more than a dozen routes / lines use the two sets of tram stops.
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.


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


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Zurich to Milan 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 Zurich to Milan 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 Zurich to Milan 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 Zurich to Milan trains?
Yes - See the rail pass reservation guide for info on the multiple booking options.


Is catering available on the Zurich to Milan trains?
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 Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.


What else is good to know about Italian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Italy

Route Information

Via stations: Cadenazzo

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

5hr 12min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

up to 6 x optimum connections per day

Route Information

Via stations: Chur, Samedan, Pontresina and Tirano

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

9hrs approx

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

up to 7 x connections per day

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