travel from milan to switzerland

How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train

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If your trip to Europe includes stays in both Italy and Switzerland, traveling between the two countries by train is a convenient option, especially if you don't want to rent a car. While the process of getting from Italy to Switzerland, or vice versa, is mostly straightforward, there are a few things you should know before undertaking your journey.

There are essentially two main corridors for train travel between Italy and Switzerland. Almost all trains entering Switzerland from Italy begin in either Milan or Tirano, a small town on the Swiss border. Likewise, trains from Switzerland to Italy terminate in one of these two locations. The one exception is a single daily, direct train that runs between Venice, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland.

Milan is connected to the rest of Italy by high-speed or slower regional trains. If you're planning to travel from elsewhere in Italy on the same day you go from Milan to Switzerland, keep an eye on those schedules. Allow yourself at least an hour to connect in Milan, especially if you're arriving in Milan on an Intercity or Regionale train. Your train might be late reaching Milano Centrale, meaning you'll miss your connecting train to Switzerland. Not only will you have to wait several hours for the next train, but you may also have to buy a new ticket, pay a stiff change penalty, and miss out on your first choice of seats or carriages. Some of us have learned this lesson the hard way.

Travel Between Switzerland from Milan

From Milano Centrale, Milan's large, main train station, direct trains depart for the Swiss cities of Geneva, Basel, and Zurich. Routes and travel times are as follows, and we highlighted some of the major cities on these routes:

• EC 32 or 36 Milan to Geneva: 4 hours, with stops in Stresa (Lake Maggiore), Domodossola, Brig, Sion, Montreux, and Lausanne
• EC 50, 52 or 56 Milan to Basel: 4 hours, 12 minutes, with stops in Stresa (Lake Maggiore), Domodossola, Brig, Visp, Spiez, Thun, Bern, and Olten (EC 56 also stops in Liestal)
• EC 358 Milan to Basel: 4 hours, 46 minutes, with stops in Monza, Como S. Giovanni (Lake Como), Chiasso, Lugano, Bellinzona, Arth-Goldau, Rotkreuz, Lucerne, and Olten
• EC 310, 312, 314, 316, 320, 322. 324 Milan to Zurich: 3 hours, 40 minutes, with stops in Monza, Como S. Giovanni (Lake Como), Chiasso, Lugano, Bellinzona, Arth-Goldau, Rotkreuz, and Zug (EC 312 does not stop at Monza)

These trains are part of the EuroCity network, which are international trains connecting major cities across Europe. EuroCity trains run under the jurisdiction of whatever country they're in. This means you can purchase EuroCity train tickets from both the Italian (Trenitalia) and Swiss (SBB) national train services. When the train is in Italy, you are traveling with Trenitalia. When the train crosses into Switzerland, you're traveling with SBB.

EuroCity trains are labeled EC on train schedules. To function as an EC train, trains must meet specific criteria. Among them, they must be high-speed and only stop in train stations in or near major cities. They must have first- and second-class carriages, all cars must be air-conditioned, and there must be dining services aboard.

Seat reservations are required on all EuroCity trains (unless you're traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass). While second-class carriages are perfectly comfortable, first-class carriages tend to be less crowded, quieter, and they generally have cleaner bathrooms. Still, if you're traveling on a budget, you'll be perfectly comfortable in second-class train cars, especially for shorter trips.

In Milan's sprawling station, you'll be asked to show your printed, PDF, or e-ticket before you can access the train platform. Once onboard, a conductor will recheck your ticket. Once you cross into Switzerland, SBB conductors may take over and again ask to see your ticket—they may also request your passport or other official identification. If you're making the trip from Switzerland to Milan, expect more or less the same process in reverse.

If you're traveling during the day and the weather is clear, you can expect some lovely scenery. Depending on the route, you may catch glimpses of Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, the Italian and Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva, or Lake Lucerne. Trains traveling between Milan and Lucerne, Zurich, and Basel pass through the Gotthard Base Tunnel. At around 35 miles long, it is the world's longest and deepest train tunnel. Opened in 2016, it shortened travel time between Milan and points in Switzerland by up to an hour, since it goes through—rather than up and over—the Alps.

Traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass , which makes travel by train, bus, boat, and even cogwheel rail so easy and convenient in Switzerland, complicates things just a little when traveling to or from Italy. If you're going from Milan to anywhere in Switzerland and you have already purchased a Swiss Travel Pass, you only need to buy a ticket that's good as far as the first city across the Swiss border. For example, for travel from Milan to Geneva, you'd purchase a ticket as far as Brig, the first stop in Switzerland. Then just stay on the train, and when the SBB train conductor checks tickets, present your Swiss Travel Pass. If you bought second-class tickets for the Italian portion of your trip, but your Swiss Travel Pass is for first-class travel, you can change train carriages once you're in Switzerland—though it's not necessary to do so.

Likewise, holders of the Swiss Travel Pass who are leaving Switzerland bound for Italy need only purchase a ticket for the Italian portion of their trip. Seat reservations are compulsory for the Italian leg of the journey but are not required on most Swiss trains. So the trick is to reserve the Italian ticket with seat reservation in Switzerland, board the train and not have to change seats once you cross into Italy. We've found the easiest way to do this is in person at an SBB ticket office. The SBB staff person will give you a seat assignment for the Swiss leg of your journey (which you usually wouldn't need) that's valid to Milan. You'll pay a service fee of a few Swiss francs for the seat reservation within Switzerland.

Travel Between Tirano and Switzerland and Venice and Switzerland

Two other routes also connect Italy to Switzerland. The first is one of the most spectacular train rides in Europe—the Bernina Express from Tirano, Italy to St. Moritz, Switzerland. The scenic train climbs from Tirano up to the Bernina Glacier, then down into Pontresina and St. Moritz. Trains are run by the Rhaetian Railway . For more information, read our complete guide to the Bernina Express .

From Venice's Santa Lucia Station, there is one daily train to Geneva, Switzerland. The EuroCity 42 train leaves Venice at 4:18 p.m. and makes a lot of stops before arriving at Geneva at midnight. Stops are Venezia Mestre, Padova, Vicenza, Verona Porta Nuova, Peschiera Del Garda, Brescia, Milano Centrale, Gallarate, Domodossola, Brig, Sion, Montreux, and Lausanne. The seven-hour EuroCity 37 leaves Geneva at 7:39 a.m. and makes the same stops in reverse, arriving at Venice at 2:42 p.m.

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

Switzerland Travel Guide

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

The Lakes of Northern Italy

How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation

Lake Como Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Milan: The Complete Guide

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

The Top 9 Scenic and Novelty Train Rides in Switzerland

A Guide to Airports in Switzerland

Ticino, Switzerland Map and Travel Guide

10 Budget Travel Tips for Visiting Venice

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In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Milan to Zurich was $81 for a one-way ticket and $128 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between Milan and Zurich?

Which airlines offer wi-fi service onboard planes from milan to zurich.

Air France, KLM, Delta, flydubai, and Lufthansa offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Milan to Zurich flight route.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Milan to Zurich?

The Airbus A320-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Milan to Zurich flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Milan to Zurich?

Star Alliance is the only airline alliance operating flights between Milan and Zurich.

On which days can I fly direct from Milan to Zurich?

There are nonstop flights from Milan to Zurich on a daily basis.

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KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Milan to Zurich.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Milan to Zurich?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Zurich from Milan is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Milan to Zurich?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Zurich with an airline and back to Milan with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Milan to Zurich?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Zurich from Milan up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Milan to Zurich

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $148 or less one-way and $380 or less round-trip.

Prefer to fly non-stop from Milan to Zurich?

Find which airlines fly direct from Milan to Zurich, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Milan to Zurich

Air Canada, Ethiopian Air, LATAM Airlines, +1 more

Air Canada, Ethiopian Air, +2 more

Air Canada, LATAM Airlines, SWISS, +1 more

Air Canada, LATAM Airlines, +2 more

Air Canada, Ethiopian Air, SWISS, +1 more

Nonstop returns

Zurich to Milan

Air Canada, LATAM Airlines, SWISS

Air Canada, LATAM Airlines, +1 more

Air Canada, Ethiopian Air, SWISS

Air Canada, Ethiopian Air, +1 more

Top airline flying from Milan to Zurich

Super friendly crew. Leg space and entertainment system are below average

I guess just the food, but besides, amazing experience flying with swiss

The Zurich airport is a disaster with to small trains running between the terminals, the trains was overfilled (not good in Corona times). It was no directions in the airport with proper lines so you did not know if you ere standing in the right line. They checked your passport 3 times in the airport = a lot of standing in line. Service on the plane could be a lot better, The cabin crew could have offer more to drink (water, coffee, tea), the food sucked.

Flight was delayed for 4 hours and they misplaced my luggage too. Appalling.

Everything was on time and efficient - expected from a Swiss crew. But the entertainment system was pretty bad - the display was old. Food was pretty bad and a couple of times they started serving drinks and then just skipped past my row (and likely several others)

Overall a good experience, the flight was on time, the crew very attentive and friendly. However the seats are too cramped, there is no space, and as soon as the person in front reclines the seat, it's literally in your face.

Bag lost. Lost bag recovery process is an unsatisfying customer experience. Because 1) bag is still lost but also 2) the process is outdated and form-heavy and 3) in our case also involved a long line.

They went out of their way. It was very clean and friendly.

I was pleasantly surprised with the whole experience. Thank you

Wheelchair was the excellent service. I didn’t have any food or used entertainment. Overall for my trip experience was excellent. Thank you very much and keep up good work. Best regards

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Road trip from Milan to Switzerland

Set off on an amazing journey from the stylish city streets of Milan to the gorgeous Alps and historic castles of Switzerland on this road trip, which takes you from Italy's most ornate city to the beautiful town of Basel, celebrated for its artistic offerings and beautiful riverside landscape.

The 490 km road trip from Milan to Switzerland will take 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete. You will get to visit Lake Como, Zurich, St. Moritz, Bern and Chur, and the picturesque towns of Saas-Fee, Gruyères and Montreux, nestled in the Swiss Alps.

Keep scrolling to find out what routes you can choose from, where to stop for an overnight stay and what you should expect to see on this fabulous trip.

How far is Switzerland from Milan, and how long will the road trip take?

We've picked two of our favourite routes to get you from the stunning city of Milan through Switzerland to Basel. So, whether you'd prefer a leisurely drive through the mountains or a city-forward trip through Zurich, we've got you covered.

Our first suggested route is the Quick Route, which will take you on a relatively direct track past Lake Como. This route should take you about 7 hours and 30 minutes, traversing just under 500 kilometers.

The Alpine Route is a more leisurely trip that puts focus on getting the full Swiss Alp experience throughout the 770 kilometers, which should take you just over 11 hours to cover.

No matter which route you choose, we recommend sparing at least 3 or 4 days for this incredibly picturesque road trip.

Best road trip route from Milan to Switzerland

You really can't go wrong with picking between the Alpine Route and the Quick Route (via Zurich); both have tons on offer when it comes to attractions and natural beauty, and the cities along both routes make for wonderful exploration destinations.

Both routes offer some options for detours; for example, you could add a visit to Liechtenstein, one of the smallest and wealthiest countries in the world, if you take the Quick Route. And for both routes, you could add a Lake Como cruise that takes you to the stunning town of Bellagio—an unforgettable experience!

The Quick Route is shorter and more direct, so it's ideal if you're feeling a little pressed for time but still want to discover all the beauty that Switzerland and Northern Italy have to offer.

You'll have a stop in Lake Como as well as the Palazzo Pestalozzi, before crossing into the eastern side of Switzerland, where you'll make stops in fabulous St. Moritz, historic Chur and bustling Zurich.

If mountains and nature are more your thing, you might enjoy the Alpine Route for all the gorgeous views you'll get of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a stop in gorgeous and quaint Bern, as well as visits to smaller but beloved towns like Gruyères, Saas-Fee, Montreux and Como, on the Italian side.

This route is really the ultimate way to discover the beauty of Switzerland's mountain region.

The Quick Route (via Zurich)

Shorter and more city-centric, the Quick Route will take you out of Milan via the A9 (also known as the Motorway of the Lakes), which you can follow until you've reached Lake Como, at which point you'll hop onto some smaller, lake-side roads towards Palazzo Pestalozzi.

At that point, you'll enter into Switzerland, with the first stop being St. Moritz. Once you've explored this beautiful town, you'll hop onto Route 3 and merge onto the A13, which you can take to Chur, the oldest town in all of Switzerland.

From Chur, take the A3 and Route 4 to Zurich; we recommend spending a night in this wonderful city, after which you can hop onto the A1 and A3 and continue driving until you've reached Basel.

The Alpine Route

Our Alpine Route is slightly longer than the Quick Route, but it starts much the same way, with a trip down the Motorway of the Lakes towards Como. From the lake, you'll cross directly into Ticino, the southernmost and largely Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland.

Taking Route 2, you'll drive past Lucerne and several pristine lakes until you've reached Lauterbrunnen, which is known for its gorgeous waterfalls, cliffs and winter sports offerings.

From there, you'll continue weaving through the beautiful Swiss mountain range, stopping in Saas-Fee, Montreux and Gruyères, smaller but no less picturesque towns.

Your final stop, reached via the 12, is Bern, a wonderful town and perfect to grab lunch before continuing on your journey to the beautiful city of Basel.

Best places to stop between Milan to Switzerland

We highly suggest stopping for an overnight stay regardless of what route you end up choosing because while both could be traversed in a day's drive, you'll get to enjoy beautiful Switzerland all the more if you plan for at least one overnight stop. Luckily, we've got a couple recommendations for the best cities and hotels for a rest along your route. Keep scrolling for our top picks!

Enjoy a luxurious stay at Zurich

If you're taking the Quick Route, there's really no better spot to stop for a night or two than in the beautiful city of Zurich, Switzerland's largest and boasting tons of unique attractions and sights.

The city of Zurich is known as a European and worldwide financial hub, home to dozens of banks as well as a celebrated financial district; the downtown area is absolutely stunning, well-maintained and boasting several stunning gilded churches.

As Zurich is such a financial powerhouse with a lot of business traffic and tourists passing through, you'll find no shortage of luxurious hotels, restaurants, and spas to enjoy.

While it's hard to narrow down what exactly to see in a day's visit, we recommend starting with the Kunsthaus, Zurich's leading fine art museum that boasts a jaw-dropping collection of artworks, ranging from modern creations to centuries-old masterworks.

Near the museum, you'll find Zurich's Opera House, located along the Zurichsee and dominating the large central square. Try to catch a ballet, theatre or opera performance at this gorgeous theatre. And close by, you'll find the Chinagarten Zurich, another signature attraction of this city that showcases traditional Chinese architecture and garden designs.

If you're looking for a place to stay during your visit, we've got you covered with the Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, located close to the Opera House and Kunsthaus , and practically on the lakeside.

This luxurious hotel with charming décor and an on-site restaurant, offers stunning views from the outdoor terrace, and after-theatre drinks in the intimate bar. It's ideally located, near most of the city's attractions and the beautiful outdoor spaces for which Zurich is celebrated.

Admire the views of Lake Geneva in Montreux

If you're choosing the Alpine Route, we recommend stopping in the beautiful town of Montreux, nicknamed the Jewel of the Swiss Riviera. The Montreux Riviera is perfect for an overnight stay, where you can enjoy the gorgeous mountains and nearby Lake Geneva before heading out on the final leg of your journey to Basel.

Montreux is known for being a haven for artists; Chaplin, Mercury, Stravinsky, and Prince all frequented this town. It's famous for the Montreux Jazz Festival amongst several other festivals and offers tons when it comes to natural landscapes.

The city doesn't skimp on attractions either, including the beautiful medieval Chillon Castle, gorgeous views from the top Rochers de Noye (reachable by train) and the immersive Chaplin Museum, Chaplin's World.

When it comes to finding a good hotel, we recommend the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace . Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this fabulous and luxurious hotel is a once-in-a-lifetime accommodation experience, dating all the way back to 1906.

The Hotel Fairmont offers refined dining spaces as well as gourmet food at one of its many restaurant options; the hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast buffet.

When it comes to relaxation, you needn't look anywhere but this hotel, which offers an impressively luxurious spa, a fitness and health center, which also comes with a fabulous outdoor pool, open during the summer.

Best of all, the hotel is located in the heart of Montreux, close to most of the town's attractions and close to the highway you'll take out of town when you continue towards Bern and, further, Basel.

Where to stay when you reach Switzerland

It might be hard finding a place to stay for a longer period in Basel, which we hope you'll take a few days to explore!

Our recommendation is Hyperion Hotel Basel , located in Basel's tallest habitable building close to the Old Town and next to the Basel Messe trade fair center. The hotel boasts a sauna and fitness center, a celebrated restaurant as well as two bars, and has been highly rated and reviewed.

Best of all – the hotel provides all guests with free public transport tickets for guests, perfect for if you're tired of driving and don't want to worry about driving your car in the city.

Things to see on a road trip from Milan to Switzerland

There are endless attractions along both the Quick Route and the Alpine Route; here's a selection of some of our favourites.

The Quick Route

• Segantini Museum - Located within the city of St. Moritz, the Segantini Museum is nestled in the mountains and home to the largest Segantini collection in the world.
• Parc Ela - The largest nature park in Switzerland, Parc Ela offers an unparalleled experience exploring the stunning Swiss Alps and gorgeous green valleys of this region.
• Aargau Jura Park – Explore this wonderful regional park, which is known for its many hiking and biking trails, taking you through signature Swiss forests.
• Swiss Museum of Transport – Take in this interactive museum, featuring a celebrated façade and known for its extensive Hans Enri collection.
• Liechtenstein - Cross Liechtenstein off your bucket list; the world's wealthiest country offers picturesque views of the Rhine and the Alps and is located right along your route.
• Zurich Succulent Plant Collection - For the plant fans, make sure to stop at the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection, which boasts dozens of adorable cacti, on your way into the city.
• Habsburg Castle - This colossal medieval fortress is located in Habsburg and was recently transformed into a museum offering tours, exhibits and more.

• Lauterbrunnen - Boasting glacial waterfalls, dozens of hiking trails and adorable villages, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is a must-visit along this route.
• Gruyères - Perhaps best known for their cheese, the town of Gruyères also offers a gorgeous medieval center and historic museums.
• Diemtigtal Nature Park – Discover this gorgeous park, located within the stunning alpine valley and best known for its many winter and outdoor sport offerings!
• Zentrum Paul Klee – Take in the art of Paul Klee, a celebrated painter, at this art museum offering two exhibition halls dedicated to the artist.
• Museum of Fine Arts Bern – This museum on the banks of the Aare river boasts a wonderful collection of works by household-name artists like Oppenheim and Picasso.
• Käfigturm – This tower, dating back to 1644 and measuring just under 50 metres, features a stunning clock and bell and is found right in Bern's center.
• Chateau de Chenaux - Stretch your legs with a visit to this beautiful chateau, located on the banks of the Neuchatel Lake. Adds about an hour to your route!

Both Routes

• Lake Como - Discover the celebrated blue waters of Lake Como, the most profound lake in Italy and home to dozens of stunning villas. Best explored by cruise!
• Bellagio - You can get to Bellagio via cruise or by car; we recommend the water route, so you can see the stunning town from Lake Como.

Best time to go on a road trip from Milan to Switzerland

One of our favourite things about Switzerland is that it's great to visit any time of year. The country is celebrated for its many natural offerings, including stunning alpine landscapes and valleys; these areas are just as beautiful in the winter, covered in ice and snow, as they are in the summer when the snow melts to reveal gorgeous greenery.

If you're visiting in the summer, you'll be in for relatively mild temperatures, ranging between and rarely exceeding 18 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Summer happens to be one of the busiest for this country when it comes to tourism, so be ready for higher accommodation costs in some of the bigger cities during this time. If you're not a fan of crowds, we recommend visiting in the winter or fall!

Visiting Switzerland in the winter is truly a unique and special experience. While the winters can be cold, ranging between -2 and 7 degrees Celsius (depending on the city and altitude), the beautiful snow makes it all worth it.

Because the country is a favourite travel destination for winter sports fans, prepare for an influx of tourism during this season in the skiing villages within the Alps.

Spring and fall are wonderful seasons to visit Switzerland, as the temperatures are milder than in the summer or winter, and the tourism rates are generally lower. Temperatures during these periods range between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius, region and altitude depending.

If you're looking for a festival or event during your visit, fear not: there are tons! Some of our favourites include the ZüriCarneval, Bern International Jazz Festival and Zurich Spring Festival in the spring, the Caliente and Bol D'Or Mirabaud in the summer, and the Bern Carnival in the winter and spring.

Regardless of when you visit, or which you route you choose, we're sure you'll have a fabulous time exploring the gorgeous country of Switzerland.

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How To Make A Perfect Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 22 mins read
• Post last modified: January 30, 2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Do you have enough city vibes and are ready to experience the  beautiful nature of the Swiss Alps ? You’re right here. I’ll explain everything for your perfect Milan to Zermatt day trip.

It’s simple to make a day trip from Milan to Zermatt. The best, fastest, and most comfortable way is  by train . So let’s see how to get to Zermatt from Milan in a day.

I lived in Switzerland for 3 years and visited all the beautiful places, including Zermatt. Once, I also sent a client on a travel itinerary from Milan to Zermatt . So it’s possible. Here is how.

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

How To Make A Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt

You have two options for a day trip to Zermatt from Milan: by train or private transfer .

The train journey from Milan to Zermatt  takes 3 hours and 31 minutes . From Milan to Visp, you’ll take the  EC speed train . Then, change in Visp to a  local Swiss train  that takes you directly to the heart of Zermatt.

Another option, more convenient but way more expensive , is booking a private transfer from Milan to Zermatt . It takes the same time as the journey by train (3 hours & 30 minutes). Additionally, you’ll still have to take a train for the last 12 minutes . Zermatt is a car-free village, so you can’t get to the center by car. Your driver will leave you in Täsch , and you must take the train to the center of Zermatt anyway.

➡ Book your private transfer from Milan to Zermatt here.

In this article, we’ll focus on getting from Milan to Zermatt by train .

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train

How To Make A Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt By Train

Start your day trip  early in the morning , around 7 a.m. This way, you’ll have enough time in Zermatt to do a  mountain excursion  and walk around the village. Zermatt is a small village, yet its mountains offer many activities, so plan your trip accordingly.

First, you’ll take the EC Train from Milano Centrale to Visp . Then, change to a local Swiss train from Visp directly to Zermatt . The entire journey takes 3 hours and 35 minutes .

The last train you can take from Zermatt to Milano Centrale leaves at 7:08 p.m . from Zermatt and will arrive in Milan at 10:40 p.m. With this connection, you’ll have to change train twice , in Visp and in Brig.

PRO TIP: Download  the SBB App  to navigate your trip. It’s an official Swiss train app showing all train connections with departure times and platforms.

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

Is there a direct train from milan to zermatt.

Unfortunately, no. There isn’t a direct train from Milan to Zermatt. Yet there is only 1 change in a small Swiss town called Visp .

However, you don’t have to be afraid. Before arriving at Visp, the announcements on the train will tell you from which platform your next train to Zermatt leaves. Visp has a small train station, so there is nowhere to get lost.

Is The Train Ride From Milan To Zermatt Scenic?

Yes , the train ride from Milan to Zermatt is scenic. You’ll enjoy stunning scenery from the window seat, especially on the last train section from Visp to Zermatt.

Glacier Express Between Milan & Zermatt

If you want to take one of the panoramic trains in Switzerland from Milan to Zermatt, you can take the Glacier Express . It covers the section from Brig to Zermatt .

However, the train only runs once per day and arrives in Birg at 4:50 p.m . So it would no longer be a day trip to Zermatt , as you would have to stay overnight.

But if the Glacier Express ride is the purpose of your trip and you don’t mind staying overnight in Zermatt , you can take it. So get off the EC train in Birg and make a reservation for Glacier Express from Birg to Zermatt .

Bernina Express Between Milan & Zermatt

There is no Bernina Express on the route between Milan and Zermatt. You would have to go to Chur and travel to Tirano , which is further away from Milan. So the only scenic train you can take between Milan and Zermatt is the Glacier Express.

Is A Day Trip To Zermatt Worth It?

Yes , it’s worth making a day trip to Zermatt. While I think the best time to spend in Zermatt is 3 days, you can still make the most of it if you only have one day . Milan is the perfect place to make a day trip to Zermatt as it’s the closest major city. So take the earliest train in the morning, then enjoy Zermatt, and take the last train from Zermatt back to Milan.

👉 READ ALSO: Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel In Switzerland

What To Do In Zermatt In One Day

Once you’re in Zermatt, you can do a couple of activities . Firstly, I recommend following the crowds and walking through the village . Get a unique atmosphere, see the stunning Matterhorn , and have some nice coffee or Fondue for lunch .

After, head up to the mountains. I recommend you choose one of the following activities:

• Take a cogwheel train to Gornergrat
• Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
• Do 5 lakes hike
• Go paragliding

1. Take A Cogwheel Train To Gornergrat

Taking a cogwheel train to Gornergrat is an unforgettable experience. The train ride itself is spectacular. From Gornergrat, you’ll get the  best views of Matterhorn .

In addition, you can walk to the famous Riffelsee lake reflecting Matterhorn  and get the best photos. If you have more time, I recommend staying one night in the  hotel at Gornergrat , the highest hotel in the Alps.

You can buy a  skip-the-line ticket  with Get Your Guide. This way, you’ll avoid the crowds and save time during your day trip.

➡ Get ticket for the Gornergrat Cogwheel Train here.

2. Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise  doesn’t offer the best views of Matterhorn . Yet the views of the surrounding mountains are amazing. You can even  see Italy and France  from the top.

To get there from Zermatt, you’ll take a cable car, Europe’s  highest cable car station . Once on the mountain, you can eat in a restaurant, visit an ice cave, and see beautiful ice sculptures.

➡ Get tickets for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise here.

3. Do 5 Lakes Hike

I did the 5 lakes hike when I visited Zermatt and didn’t regret it. Firstly, you’ll take an underground  funicular  from  Zermatt to the Sunnega  station. Then, from the Sunegga station, you’ll take a  cable car to Blauherd  station. You can buy the tickets at the funicular station in Zermatt.

Then, start following a pathway surrounded by mountains. Signs are everywhere on the way, so you can’t get lost. You’ll  visit 5 lakes  altogether before getting back to Zermatt village.  Matterhorn will constantly be in front of you . It’s a wonderful and moderate hike.

The entire hike is 9.8 km long and takes about 3 hours complete. The train ride takes about 15 minutes, and the cable car ride is about 10 minutes.

4. Go Paragliding

If you fancy seeing everything from the top, go paragliding. Just imagine being  above the Swiss Alps . You’ll see Switzerland, France, and Italy. This is the only activity enabling you to see the famous  Matterhorn from every angle .

After, they’ll also give you a  memory card with all the photos and videos  from your jump.

Allocate approx. 2 hours for this activity in Zermatt.

➡ Book your Paragliding slot by clicking this link.

BONUS: 5 Best Day Trips From Milan To Switzerland

Alternatively, you can visit another part of Switzerland on a day trip from Milan. Lugano and its surroundings are closer , and it only takes 1 hour & 15 minutes to get there from Milan.

You can visit stunning mountains around and enjoy beautiful lake views. Or explore the medieval castles in Bellinzona .

Click on the image below to learn about this day trip from Milan to Switzerland :

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your day trip even more. Check them out below:

What Is The Most Beautiful Train From Milan To Switzerland?

The most beautiful train from Milan to Switzerland is the Glacier Express . It rides from Brig to Zermatt and is one of the Swiss panoramic trains with panoramic windows, commentary, and food with drinks on board.

What Is The Closest Swiss Village To Milan?

Chiasso is the closest Swiss village to Milan. It’s located 56 km/34 miles from Milan , and you can get there easily by bus in an hour (Flixbus is the best) or by train in 45 minutes.

What Is The Best City To Visit In Switzerland From Milan?

Lugano is the best city to visit in Switzerland from Milan. It’s the closest, most beautiful city. You’ll enjoy the stunning scenery of a lake, mountains, and a charming city full of delicacies. The train ride from Milan to Lugano only takes an hour, so it’s worth a day trip.

WRAP-UP: Visiting Zermatt From Milan

This is the best way to get from Milan to Zermatt . I hope this article gave you a great overview and suggestions for how to make this day trip. While I believe you should spend at least 2 to 3 days in Zermatt, it’s still worth making this journey from Milan if you only have a day.

If you have more questions or need a customized travel itinerary, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you with planning.

Happy travels!

More Tips For Switzerland & Italy Travel

Looking to visit more places in Switzerland? Check out my related articles:

Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train

Best Of Northern Italy Itinerary: 10 Days With Tips

Milan To Amalfi Coast: Ultimate Guide

How Far Is Paris From Italy? Ultimate Guide

5 Best Panoramic Trains In Switzerland

Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel In Switzerland

8 Best Mountains In Switzerland To Visit

22 Amazing Day Trips From Interlaken

23 Incredible Things To Do In Jungfrau Region

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

SWITZERLAND : Interested in more articles for Switzerland? Check out my Switzerland Travel Page .

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