Your driver will meet you at your address in Milan.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 3 hours.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Lucerne.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
244 km3 hours
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Milan to Lucerne
How long is the train from Milan to Lucerne?
The length of the train trip from Milan to Lucerne depends on the train you book and how many changes you must make. For example, if you travel from Milan to Lucerne and only encounter one change, you can expect the trip to take about four hours and 40 minutes. In contrast, if your train has two changes and the stopover times are lengthy, your train trip could take as long as ten hours to complete.
Is it expensive to stay in Lucerne?
Staying in Lucerne can be incredibly expensive since the city is known for its high standard of living. This means that accommodation, attractions, and dining can be expensive year-round but this doesn’t mean you can’t get by on a budget.
How do you get to Lake Lucerne from Milan?
To get to Lake Lucerne from Milan, you can take a flight and train, a bus, or a private car with Daytrip. The flight is the most expensive option, while the bus is the most affordable. However, the most convenient, cost-efficient, time-efficient, customizable, and trustworthy option is to use Daytrip's private door-to-door service.
Is the train from Milan to Lucerne scenic?
The train trip from Milan to Lucerne is incredibly scenic, especially if you have a window seat with unfettered access to the panoramic views you'll get to enjoy as you travel from Italy to Switzerland. However, the one downside is that you won't be able to stop and sightsee.
How far is it from Milan to Lucerne?
There is a high-speed train from Milan to Switzerland. To book it, you'll need to book with Eurocity, a train line operated by Trenitalia in conjunction with Swiss Federal Railways. However, if you want to take a high-speed train, you should note that it is usually not a direct train. You'll need to change trains once in Switzerland.
Is there a high-speed train from Milan to Switzerland?
There is a high-speed train from Milan to Switzerland. To book it, you'll need to book with Eurocity, a train line operated by Trenitalia in conjunction with Swiss Federal Railways. However, if you want to take a high-speed train, you should note that it won't take you all the way to Lucerne in most instances. You'll need to change trains once in Switzerland or switch transportation modes to get the rest of the w
How can I get from Milan to Lucerne?
For your journey from Milan, you can take a direct bus, hire a driver, or take a train ride from Milano Centrale with at least one connection.
Where should I go next after I travel from Milan to Lucerne?
The Alps are the perfect place to see a variety of natural landscapes and charming cities with ancient old towns. Basel, Zurich, Bern, and Lugano are great additions to your journey through Switzerland and a base for hiking, skiing, and swimming.
What is the quickest way to get from Milan to Lucerne?
Hiring a private driver or renting a car are the fastest. Only rent a car if you're confident in your driving skills on mountaintops, through tunnels, and in windy or snowy conditions (in winter).
How long does it take to get from Milan to Lucerne by car?
This drive takes about three hours through the Alps but can take longer if road conditions are poor in the winter or if there is a traffic jam on the winding mountain roads.
What is the best way to get from Milan to Lucerne?
Daytrip makes your trip a relaxing experience, with chances to sightsee along the way. Door-to-door service, custom trips, and safety considerations like child seats set us apart from public transit options.
What is the cheapest way to get from Milan to Lucerne?
The bus is the cheapest way to make this journey, but it might not be very relaxing. For the cheapest tickets, order online in advance and look out for seasonal sales.
What can I see along the way from Milan to Lucerne?
Daytrip is designed for sightseeing! Add one or more stops to your journey to must-see towns like Como City and Bellinzona. You can also cross the Devil's Bridge, tour the Sasso San Gottardo, or learn regional crafts at the Alfa Romeo Museum and Glasi Hergiswil Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
A car trip with Daytrip from Milan in Italy to Lucerne in Switzerland will transport you through two spectacular countries. As you leave behind the cosmopolitan city of Milan, with its history, art, delicious food, and architecture, you'll cross the Italian-Switzerland border and experience fairytale sights.
While driving with Daytrip's door-to-door professional car service, you can visit some of the region's most beautiful attractions and landmarks. You can tour the Alfa Romeo Museum, with its six floors and scale models, or visit Como City, found on the southern shores of Lake Como, and snap a few pictures of the classic architecture.
If cars and architecture aren't to your liking, there's the Sasso San Gottardo museum, which used to be a secret Swiss military base that you can tour, or you can walk the Devil's Bridge for stupendous views.
Once you've seen all you need to along the way and reach Lucerne, expect to be welcomed by a pristine lake known for its stunning beauty, soaring majestic mountains, flavorful food, colorful traditions, and historical treasures. Centrally located, this lakeside location is the perfect starting point for a Switzerland vacation.
About Lucerne
Lucerne is a compact city in Switzerland near Italy. It's well known for its impressive mountainous panorama, beautiful lakeside location, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Those visiting Switzerland often begin their journeys in Lucerne because of its location to some of the best natural landscapes in the world, such as the often-visited Stanserhorn, Rigi, and Pilatus mountain ranges.
Lucerne's history goes back centuries, with the Romans and Stone Age settlements leaving their traces in the area. However, the first mention of this city in historical texts appeared in 840. Beginning as a fishing village, Lucerne grew into a vital regional market town, supplying the hinterland for centuries.
Thanks to trade, Lucerne became a major commercial center around the 13th century and remained so until the 17th century. In 1798, it lost its independence to Napoleon, who transformed it into the Helvetic Republic, but this didn't last. Shortly after Switzerland became a modern nation-state, modernity reached Lucerne shores in 1859 with the railway expansion into the region, and ever since, the town has been a tourism haven.
Over the years, Lucerne has grown into a beautifully picturesque, quaint, and charming city that is simultaneously cozy and adventurous. When visiting this small Swiss city, be prepared to meander through antique cobblestone streets that spill into gorgeous squares adorned with hand-painted building facades and serenely trickling fountains. You'll see jutting alpine peaks no matter where you wander and come across breathtaking medieval bridges that crisscross the city's spectacular glassy greenish blue-hued lake.
So, take your time as you stroll from one place to the next. Pop into local shops for souvenir shopping, book a thrilling boat tour of the lake, enjoy a chocolate-tasting session at the chocolatiers, or bust out your skis on the mountain slopes. With so much to see and do, you'll be captivated by Lucerne's sublime surroundings.
From Milan to Lucerne: travel tips
Traveling from Milan to Lucerne can be challenging since you're going from Italy to Switzerland, but it doesn't have to be. If you keep in mind the following tips, you're more likely to have a seamless travel experience.
### Keep an eye on your belongings when traveling from the airport
If you're flying from Milan in Italy to Zurich in Switzerland and plan to travel by train or taxi from the airport the rest of the way to Lucerne, you need to keep an eye on your belongings at the airport. Although Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world, there are still thieves who prey on travelers at the airport.
So, to save yourself from becoming a prime target, keep your luggage in sight at all times, or why not drive from Milan to Lucerne directly with Daytrip? Driving with Daytrip is safe, and you won't need to worry about thieves or pickpockets at airports and train stations.
### Book accommodation well in advance
Since the distance between Milan and Lucerne isn't that far, you likely won't need to book accommodation unless you want to stay over in places like Bellinzona, Cosmo City, or Wassen along the way.
If you want to stay in any of these cities or plan to stay a day or two in Lucerne, you must book in advance. Since Switzerland is such a popular destination, accommodation at hotels and backpackers is booked well in advance—especially during peak season. So book your stay as soon as you know you'll travel to Lucerne.
### Be prepared to spend
Switzerland is pricey. That is the reality. So, if you are planning a trip from Milan to Lucerne, be prepared to spend. You might get away with being frugal on certain things – like your transport if you book with Daytrip – but everything from the food and accommodation to attractions is expensive. So keep this in mind and ensure you budget enough.
How to get from Milan to Lucerne
Milan and Lucerne are often visited destinations, so traveling from Milan to Lucerne isn't too difficult, considering several transportation options. Below, we've discussed a few of these options, but it's up to you to decide how you will travel the distance from one city to the next.
### From Milan to Lucerne by flight
Those who want to fly from Milan to Lucerne must know that no direct flight is offered. If you want to fly, you must take a train from Milan station to Milan airport, then fly to Zurich.
From Zurich, you must take a train or a taxi to Lucerne. The entire trip, with its changes, should take just under four hours, but it is incredibly pricey, with one-way tickets starting at $127 (€117) and going as high as $387 (€358). The cost is often not worth it considering there are cheaper and far easier ways to travel—like with the bus or Daytrip's private car service.
### From Milan to Lucerne by bus
The two most popular bus lines offering trips from Milan to Lucerne are Flixbus and RegioJet. The former offers trips four times a day, while the latter only offers trips twice weekly. Bus tickets cost between $23 and $44 (€21-€41), depending on the time you choose to travel.
For example, if you travel early in the morning with Flixbus and take a direct trip, you will pay more than if you travel mid-morning. It's also worth noting that Flixbus offers night buses, so that's worth considering if you want to explore Lucerne on a Daytrip.
However, the bus can be crowded and not as comfortable as other transportation options. You also won't get to see the great views as you take your journey from Milant if you take a night bus.
### From Milan to Lucerne by train
Those wanting to take the train from Milano Centrale must book with Swiss Railways. This train line offers a few trips between Milan and Lucerne daily, but none are direct trains. You will encounter one to two changes, which can make the trip frustrating and inconvenient.
It's also worth noting that train tickets can be a little pricey, considering you won't get to stop and sightsee on your train journey. On average, a ticket can cost between $80 and $150 (€74-€139) one way. Order online instead of through the ticket office for the best price, and learn the local names (Milano and Luzern).
Train times also vary greatly, so a trip could take anywhere between four hours, 40 minutes, and ten hours. However, you'll see spectacular views from the window as the journey takes you through the Alps.
### From Milan to Lucerne by private car service
If you want to save time and enjoy a scenic trip between Milan and Lucerne, you should consider traveling with Daytrip. Not only is Daytrip's private door-to-door service affordable, with a trip starting at $76 (€82), but it's also safe, reliable, comfortable, and insightful.
Your private, professional, English-speaking driver can share local tips about many of the places along the route, which could help you while you travel. In addition, you won't have to worry about navigating the roads or the border crossing, as your driver will take care of that for you, much like your luggage.
You'll also get to choose when you travel so that your travel times best suit your needs. The trip will take about three hours, making it the fastest way to travel.
Things to do when you get to Lucerne
Lucerne might be best known for Lake Lucerne, but this city is far more than meets the eye. With a fascinating history, world-class museums, a lively music scene, and gorgeous medieval buildings, there's much to see and do in Lucerne. So, if you're planning to drive from Milan to Lucerne and you're looking for things to do, have a look at our suggestions below:
Sammlung Rosengart
Art enthusiasts will love visiting the Sammlung Rosengart Museum. This museum holds the private art collection of the Swiss art dealer, Siegfried Rosengard – and what a beautiful collection it is! Since the pair were friends with Picasso, it's unsurprising that the museum holds more than 40 examples of Picasso's imaginative and playful mind.
In fact, an entire floor is dedicated to Picasso's art. However, you won't only find Picasso's works at this museum but also pieces by classic modernists Monet, Cezanne, Miro, Matisse, and Chagall, alongside sketches by Swiss-born artist Paul Klee.
Inseli Park
There is something intrinsically different about being outdoors and breathing in deeply while visiting Lucerne, with its mountain ranges and crystalline lake. If you want to pause your busy wanderings for a breather, why not consider a visit to Inseli Park?
Inseli Park wraps around the lake and is near the esteemed KKL cultural center. Although you can bring along your own picnic, there are two small cafe bars serving light bites, soft drinks, cocktails, and beers that you can buy to go. So, when visiting, be sure to pull up a chair or sit by the lake on the grass while you take in the exquisite views and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Lucerne's Cold War bunker
If you're in the mood to do something different in Lucerne, head to Sonnenberg Hill, where you'll find Lucerne's Cold War bunker. This bunker was built in 1976 as a fallout shelter to protect a third of the city's population should the need arise.
Fortunately, it never did, but this bunker can be toured today. When visiting, you can check out the command center where operations would be conducted and learn more about how people would have eaten, slept, and used the toilet in a post-apocalyptic Lucerne.
When is the best time to visit Lucerne?
Depending on when you visit Lucerne, you'll see different sides of the ancient city, with summers offering an altogether different landscape than winters. But when is the best time to travel from Milan to Lucerne?
Although the best time to travel to this Swiss city will depend on your travel preferences and goals, we recommend avoiding the summer and visiting during the shoulder season. In Lucerne, peak season is during the summer months of mid-June to mid-September. This time of year is the busiest, with most travelers choosing to capitalize on the warmer weather. This means plenty of crowds and even higher prices for accommodations and activities.
Fortunately, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are far more affordable times of year to visit. The weather might not be as nice as in the summer, but there are fewer visitors to the city, and you can still get up to plenty— including skiing in March!
Visit these sights on the way
Alfa Romeo Museum
This historic car maker’s museum in its former factory is a delight for car lovers, and those who appreciate a slice of Italian culture. First Love
Como City
This small city on the southern shores of Lake Como offers classic architecture with a spectacular natural backdrop. Where History and Nature Meet
Bellinzona
Strategically positioned and heavily fortified, this scenic valley city has been enthralling visitors for centuries. Key to the Alps
Sasso San Gottardo
This once secret Swiss military base has been transformed into an enlightening museum, dedicated to the problems of the past and future. Swiss Secret
Devil's Bridge over Schöllenen Gorge
According to legend, building a bridge over the Schöllenen Gorge was so difficult, it took the Devil himself to make it. You Shall Not Pass
Glasi Hergiswil Museum
Learn about the art and history of glassmaking in one of Europe’s most beautiful museums. Formed by Fire
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
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traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We booked a car to take us from Lucerne to Milan after on tour ended and we were picking another one up in Milan. We asked to be picked up at 8:30AM and the driver was on time and very congenial. We would certainly use or recommend Daytrip to any future travelers.”
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traveler 824DebbieA
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
