The best way to get to St. Moritz from Milan is by a door-to-door private car service like Daytrip. You get to travel in the most flexible and comfortable way through beautiful roads without worry. You can enjoy the stops along the way and your driver will be happy to help you with tips and wait for you while you are exploring.
How do you get to St. Moritz from Italy?
To get to St. Moritz from Italy, you can drive, book a private car service, take a train, or use a combination of train and bus. The most scenic route is either by car or by taking a train from Milan to Tirano and then boarding the Bernina Express to St. Moritz, crossing the Swiss Alps.
How do I get from Milan to Bernina Express?
To get from Milan to the Bernina Express, you first take a train from Milano Centrale to Tirano, which is available frequently throughout the day. Once in Tirano, you can hop on the Bernina Express. Book tickets for the Bernina Express in advance, as it's a popular route known for its unique travel experience.
Is there a direct train from Milan to St. Moritz?
No, there is no direct train from Milan to St. Moritz. You must first take a train from Milan to Tirano. After arriving in Tirano, you'll need to transfer to the Bernina Express or a regional train operated by the Rhaetian Railway for the journey through the Alps to St. Moritz.
Is St. Moritz, Switzerland expensive?
Yes. St. Moritz is the second-most expensive winter resort in the world, with top-tier accommodation costing around $5,700 per night. That said, you can find cheaper hotels and hostels for under $200 a night, and local restaurants with reasonable food prices.
What is so special about St. Moritz?
St. Moritz is the original winter tourism destination, while its mineral springs established it as a summer resort town centuries ago. Along with being a premier alpine resort town, thereâs its natural beauty, 300 days of sunshine, and itâs hosted the Winter Olympics twice!
Taking a car trip from the cosmopolitan Milan to the luxurious alpine resort town of St. Moritz is simply a feast for your eyes and all your cravings for adventure. Despite being only a 3-hour drive the two cities couldn't be more different. Covering approximately 109 miles (175 km), this route will take you through the Italian Lakes District and directly into the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Your journey starts with amazing lake views as the winding roads pass by lakeside villages and mountains. Then, youâll approach the Swiss border and ascend into the Alps, and thatâs when the real adventure begins. Youâll pass through steep inclines and breathtaking vistas on the Maloja Pass, one of the most scenic routes in Switzerland with sweeping views of the Engadin Valley below.
Daytrip's private car service lets you make this route even more interesting than it already is by giving you the option to add stops to your itinerary. Take a break at the charming village of Varenna on the shores of Lake Como. Then continue to Orrido di Bellano to walk through a deep gorge to an impressive waterfall, surrounded by the eerie howling of wind and rushing water.
About St. Moritz
Your trip from Milan to St. Moritz will feel like youâre making a pilgrimage to a storied Alpine town that enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. And, in fact, youâre following a time-honored tradition. St. Moritz was first mentioned in the 12th century, and its miraculous spring waters have been attracting pilgrims for centuries.
St. Moritz rapidly developed into a luxury winter destination starting in 1864 after hotelier Caspar Badrutt invited four summer guests to visit the town in winter. The town has had a sun as its logo since 1932âthe oldest still-used tourism trademark in the world! St. Moritz is truly blessed with its location; it sits about 1,800 meters (5,910 ft) above sea level on the shores of a large, pristine alpine lake, surrounded by mountains, and near-daily sunshine. What more could you ask for?
St. Moritz is a very popular luxury ski resort town in the Upper Engadine, the long Alpine Valley region. And it doesn't shy away from the "luxurious" title. To start with, St. Moritz boasts one of Europeâs most expensive shopping streets, Via Serlas. Here, youâll find world-famous brands like Versace, Cartier, Hermes, Bulgari, but also local Swiss craftsmen like Lamm Cashmere.
It's also home to some of the world's best upscale ski resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Treat yourself to a day at the spa before dining at two-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio St. Moritz. Before you go, load up on handmade chocolate, and teas from Glattfelder made from local mountain herbs and flowers.
Along with St Moritzâs snow, sun, and luxury, it also has a surprisingly robust art scene. Check St. Moritzâs official website for all the museums, galleries, and exhibitions you can enjoy between shopping and skiing.
From Milan to St. Moritz: travel tips
When you are riding in a private car with Daytrip, your trip from Milan to St. Moritz will be just as luxurious as your destination. This means that you wonât need to take care of any details other than booking your car beforehand, adding the sightseeing stops to your itinerary, and maybe deciding what temperature you'd like the car AC set to. Regardless, here are some tips if youâd like to be 100% prepared and in case you are opting for a different mode of travel:
Go for a Swiss Travel Pass if using public transport
If you are not traveling with Daytrip, consider the Swiss Travel Pass for a smooth trip from Milan to St. Moritz. Though the journey starts in Italy, the bulk of your travel from the border to St. Moritz will be within Switzerland, where the pass is valid. It offers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, including trains and buses, so itâs a quite cost-effective and flexible option.
Be prepared for the weather
Pack warm, comfortable, and waterproof clothing if you are traveling to St. Moritz in the winter. The skies may be sunny, but the snow on the ground is still cold and wet.
Stay up to date with the current climate conditions and check if the resort you are staying in announced any news regarding the weather. Check here to see how the weather will be during your stay.
Plan for cross-border travel requirements
Make sure you have all your documents, such as passports and any necessary visas for the international border crossing from Italy to Switzerland. Be aware of any customs regulations, especially if you're carrying significant amounts of cash or valuable items. Keep in mind the potential for mobile roaming charges and consider a travel SIM card or roaming plan to stay connected. Take a look here to choose the best option for you.
How to get from Milan to St. Moritz
Thanks to the fact that Italy and Switzerland share a border, it is quite easy and convenient to travel from Milan to St. Moritz. Take a look at the several ways you can to St. Moritz and pick the one that suits you best.
Milan to St. Moritz by rental car
Driving from Milan to St. Moritz is manageable if you are a good driver and are confident driving along the bending roads of Maloja Pass. You'll need to make sure your rental car is well-prepared for more demanding conditions, especially if you drive during the winter months.
Your trip without the stops will take around three hours, but you'll be passing some of the prettiest views youâll ever see, so will likely stop for a photo or two. And youâll have the flexibility to stop by villages and towns to explore.
The downsides of a rental car are tolls on Italian motorways and a Swiss motorway vignette. And once you reach St. Moritz, you won't really need to drive!
Milan to St. Moritz by train/Bernina Express
One of the most popular ways to get to St. Moritz from Milan is going on a quite amazing train ride. To hop on your seat with panoramic windows in Bernina Express, take a train to Tirano from Milan, then transfer to the Bernina Express. Only several cars of the train offer panoramic windows and they need to be reserved in advance, to travel in the rest of the train is possible without reservation. Itâll take around four to five hours with the transfer in Tirano, but youâll have experienced the beauty of the region without driving.
Milan to St. Moritz by bus
Getting to St. Moritz by bus or coach is probably the worst option. Mostly because you'll need to take two trains before you get to a town with a bus connection to St. Moritz. Buses and coaches generally depart from Chiavenna. Postauto and Trenord offer services from Milan to Chiavenna. Then by SBB services, you can get to St. Moritz.
Milan to St. Moritz by private jet
If money is no object, you can travel from Milan to St. Moritz by private jet. Departing from Milan Linate Airport, the private terminal provides ease of access and streamlined check-in procedures that commercial flyers could only dream of. The flight to Samedan Airport, just a stone's throw from St. Moritz, lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Milan to St. Moritz by private car service
Booking a door-to-door private car service from Milan to St. Moritz offers the most direct and comfortable experience. Even a private jet still requires you to take a taxi to and from the airport. But with Daytrip, your English-speaking driver will pick you up right at your accommodation.
They can share local tips and insights along the way, right up until they drop you off at your accommodation in St. Moritz and offload your bags. You can make the entire journey without worrying about driving, tolls, border crossings, fuel costs, and transfers. Youâll be able to relax and enjoy the trip to the fullest.
Things to do when you get to St. Moritz
After finally getting from Milan to St. Moritz safe and sound, the only thing left will be to enjoy everything this spectacular Alpine town has to offer. Here are some things not to miss:
Walk through art at the Segantini Museum
The Segantini Museum is a must-visit in St. Moritz if youâd like to see the cultural side of the town. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of Giovanni Segantini, an artist known for his realistic and panoramic depictions of the Alpine landscape and it houses the most comprehensive collection of his works. The museum itself is architecturally significant, for it was designed to resemble a pavilion with a dome, creating the ultimate calm space for visitors to immerse themselves in Segantini's interpretations of the surrounding nature. Visiting this museum provides a deep understanding of the region's artistic heritage.
### Walk around Lake St. Moritz
Lake St. Moritz is one of the most âeventfulâ lakes in the world. Eventful, for in the winter when it freezes, which happens around January and February, horse races are held on the lake. Skijoring was also invented in this location so we can say that it is quite famous for unusual sports. If you are not into any, Lake St. Moritz is still a beauty to gaze at, walk around, or sail with a rental sailing, even to take sailing lessons at. Check here for your options.
### Hike in the Engadin Valley
Summer in St. Moritz transforms the snow-covered slopes into lush, green landscapes, and has the perfect conditions for hiking. The Engadin Valley, with its network of well-marked trails, provides opportunities for all levels of hikers to explore the Alps. One of the most popular (and scenic) routes is the hike around the Muottas Muragl. The trails lead through alpine forests, past sparkling lakes, and up to vantage points. Along the way, you can stop at traditional Swiss mountain huts for refreshments and a taste of local cheese and charcuterie.
When is the best time to visit St. Moritz
St. Moritz shines across all seasons. Summer, from June to mid-October, is peak season, and it offers mild weather for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and various water sports, alongside year-round ice-skating and climbing options.
Shoulder seasons in spring and autumn present quieter, cooler periods with fewer visitors, which is ideal for peaceful exploration and benefiting from lower rates.
Winter, from December to March, transforms St. Moritz into a center for adventurers and skiing enthusiasts, featuring 217 miles (350 km) of pristine pistes and attractions like the Corviglia and Piz Nair for unmatched skiing experiences, alongside extensive cross-country trails. Each season unveils a different side of St. Moritz, so plan your trip according to your precise preferences.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Basilica of San Pietro and San Paolo of Agliate
This 10th century church maintained its ancient aesthetic even after extensive renovations. Preserving the Middle AgesÂ
Varenna
A perfect destination with sublime weather, Varenna is a village along Lake Como with relaxation as its number one promise. Lakefront for the wealthyÂ
Orrido di Bellano
Named for the eerie howling noises made by the rushing water, this scenic gorge is anything but horrid. Horrific BeautyÂ
Corenno Plinio
The tumbling houses and cobbled streets of this tiny hamlet offer medieval atmosphere on the shores of Lake Como. Lakeside JumbleÂ
Bellinzona
Strategically positioned and heavily fortified, this scenic valley city has been enthralling visitors for centuries. Key to the AlpsÂ
Mesocco Castle
Over the course of five centuries, a small fortified church built on a hill-top was slowly transformed into one of the largest castles in Switzerland. An Impregnable Swiss FortressÂ
