The best way to travel depends on your priorities. If you want to savor the trip and experience the Alpine towns and nature, take a private car. If you need to be in Milan fast, take a flight. And if youโre on a tight budget, take the bus.
How long is the high speed train from Zurich to Milan?
4 hours and 17 minutes! Trenitalia operates this route with high speed trains and has departures from Zurich Hbf every hour starting from 6:33 AM. The train will whisk you through the Alps and south into Italyโs Lombardy region. Once you arrive at the Milano Centrale Railway Station, youโre free to enjoy Milan!
Is the train ride from Zurich to Milan pretty?
Yes! You canโt go wrong with scenic views of the Swiss Alps and northern Italian foothills. This is one trip you definitely donโt want to make at night. Have your camera ready, since that beautiful shot will be gone just as soon as it arrives.
What is the cheapest way to get from Zurich to Milan?
Flixbus tickets can be priced as low as $25 (โฌ23), but fares average between $35 to $50 (โฌ33-โฌ46.50). Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage and one personal item. The trip takes about 4 to 5 hours and ends at the Milano Lampugnano bus station.
Are there direct flights between Zurich and Milan?
Yes, SWISS has direct flights between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) . Round-trip tickets are priced between $250 and $500 (โฌ233-โฌ466), and the flight takes 55 minutes. To get to Milanโs city center from the airport, the Malpensa Express train or a taxi will get you there quickly.
Is there a border check when entering Italy from Switzerland?
In general, no. Italy and Switzerland are both in the Schengen Zone, so they have a border agreement that includes the free movement of people between the borders. Just in case, always have your passport or EU ID card close by for quick access.
Northern Italy and Switzerland share a border in one of the most scenic regions on the map. The Alps, one of the largest mountain ranges, attracts 140 million visitors annually for activities like skiing, hiking, and swimming. Experience it firsthand on your drive from Zurich to Milan as you meander through valleys and alongside crystal-clear lakes and rivers.
The journey spans 175 miles (282 km) and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Due to the Alpsโ topography, the route has many tunnels and winding country roads. Your view will include tranquil mountain villages and rolling hills with snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Visit the shoreside towns of Zug and Lugano for art, shopping, and unobstructed views of the Alps as they reflect off the water. For military history buffs, the secret Swiss military base, Sasso San Gottardo, is open for tours. No matter your interests or tastes, this road trip promises an unforgettable experience through some of Europe's most stunning scenery.
About Milan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital of the Lombardy region. It is located in northern Italy, just south of the Alps. Millions visit each year for its profound Renaissance influence and thriving fashion and art industries.
Your transfer from Zurich to Milan will take you across gorgeous landscapes and along paths that scholars and artists alike have traveled for centuries.
### Two millennia of Milan
Milan's history stretches back to ancient times when it was initially inhabited by Celtic tribes before becoming part of the Roman Empire in 222 BC. During the Middle Ages, it rose to prominence as a powerful city-state under the Visconti and Sforza families.
Their wealth and influence attracted artists and scholars from across Europe who contributed to the Renaissance. Milan also played a crucial role in Italy's unification in the 19th century and saw significant industrial growth in the post-war era.
### Milan as an industrial powerhouse
Milan wholeheartedly embraced industrialization and established itself as an economic center for luxury goods. Iconic brands like Armani, Versace, and Prada got their start in Milan, and today, Milan is synonymous with high fashion. As a global fashion capital, it hosts prestigious events like Milan Fashion Week.
Milan is also a major financial center, housing Italy's stock exchange and numerous banking institutions. Its thriving design sector extends beyond fashion, encompassing architecture, furniture, and industrial design.
### Why we canโt get enough of Milan
Milan is art! Milan is home to the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) and Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, "The Last Supper." The city also has world-class museums like the Pinacoteca di Brera and you can find works by da Vinci and Michelangelo preserved throughout the city.
Milanโs streets are always buzzing with activity. The cityโs year-round social calendar is packed with cultural events and music festivals. From classical concerts at La Scala Opera House to hip bars in the lively Brera district, thereโs something for everyone to enjoy after dark, no matter your musical tastes or dress code.
From Zurich to Milan: travel tips
These travel tips will help get you safely and comfortably from Zurich to Milan!
Dress for the forecastโand then some
Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable! You may start the day in a warm sweater for that mountain chill, then be sweating by lunchtime. Dress in layers to stay prepared for whatever the Alps may bring your way!
If your itinerary includes any hiking or tours, check the clothing requirements and wear comfortable shoes.
### Have space in your luggage for shopping
As one of the world's fashion capitals, Milan's shopping districts have some of the most coveted luxury brands you won't find elsewhere. If you're planning to shop, ensure you account for extra space when arranging your transportation and luggage for the trip. Who knows? A new designer suitcase might be just what you need!
How to get from Zurich to Milan
A vacation over the Alps offers breathtaking views all year round. The only choice left is whether you want to take in those sights from the window of a car, train, or bus.
### Zurich to Milan with a private driver
A private driver brings you all the convenience of a rental car with none of the hassle. Leave the driving on winding, mountainous roads and dark tunnels to the experts! Customize your departure time to suit your plans and discover the hidden castles and lakeside towns nestled in the mountains on your schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will pick you up directly from your address in Zurich and assist with your luggage. With someone else behind the wheel, you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty at every turn.
You can reach Milan in under four hours, but whatโs the rush? With a car, you have the flexibility to visit places like Mount Rigi and Sasso San Gottardo, which are much easier to access by driving than public transit. Spend your vacation exploring these magnificent castles instead of waiting for a regional bus.
After your sightseeing adventures, youโll be safely dropped off at your address in Milan. With no rental car to return, you and your family can start touring Milan immediately. Secure your seat for just $193 (โฌ180).
### Zurich to Milan by bus
Traveling from Zurich to Milan takes between 4 and 5 hours with Flixbus. Fifteen buses are scheduled for this route every day during the height of summer, and tickets range from $25 to $50 (โฌ23-โฌ46.50). Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage and one personal item, but more luggage can be purchased at the online checkout.
### Zurich to Milan by train
Trenitalia has direct trains every day between Zurich and Milan, with average fares of $90 (โฌ84) per passenger. Trains are scheduled to leave every hour, starting at 6:33 AM, from Zurich Hbf to Milano Centrale Railway Station.
The trip takes 4 hours and 17 minutes. It goes through the Gotthard Tunnel, a 9.3-mile (15-km) long tunnel that was the longest in the world when it first opened in 1882.
Things to do when you get to Milan
Once you've completed your Zurich to Milan transfer, get the Milan Pass to cover your public transportation costs and get discounts on popular exhibits!
### See da Vinciโs The Last Supper
One of the quintessential Milan activities is seeing da Vinciโs The Last Supper. Witness one of the worldโs most renowned artworks in person at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the late 15th century, this masterpiece depicts the biblical scene of the Last Supper with Christ and his disciples.
Tickets for The Last Supper sell out months in advance, so book your tickets immediately as soon as you finalize your dates in Milan if this is a must on your itinerary. Itโs housed in a church, not a museum, so modest dress is required. Both men and women must cover their shoulders, knees, and chests.
### Explore the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
If you miss out on tickets for The Last Supper, or if youโre eager for more of da Vinci, head to the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. Dive into the life and works of this Renaissance genius at an interactive museum that features a vast collection of his designs, from flying machines to military inventions and anatomical studies. The museum also offers hands-on activities and educational workshops for guests of all ages.
### Have retail therapy at Milanโs Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrangle)
Indulge in luxury shopping in Milanโs prestigious fashion district! The Quadrilatero della Moda is home to designer boutiques and upscale fashion houses. Get ready to explore Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, and Via SantโAndrea, where youโll discover the latest trends in clothing, handbags, and shoes.
### Walk Downtown Milan
Many of Milanโs main attractions are just a short distance apart, so a paper map may be all you need. Start with a visit to Milanโs Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and climb to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city!
Next on your list should be a guided tour of the La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala), just around the corner. If you book performance tickets in advance, you can catch a world-class opera, ballet, or classical concert.
When is the best time to visit Milan
Like a well-made designer outfit, a trip from Zurich to Milan is fashionable every day of the year, but summer is the most popular time to visit. However, if you prefer smaller crowds and fewer lines at popular attractions, plan your trip for spring or autumn.
Milan Fashion Week occurs biannually in spring and autumn. While many of the shows are reserved for industry professionals, a few are open to the public. The Italian sun is also less intense during the shoulder seasons than in summer (temperatures around 74ยฐF/23ยฐC).
The weeks leading up to Easter are an especially nice time to come, as Milanโs magnificent Catholic cathedrals hold special religious ceremonies and processions in the streets. Stalls of vendors line the town squares for spring markets full of local food, gifts, and religious items.
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Zug
Hugging the shores of Lake Zug, this medieval market town has become a tax haven maintaining its historic landmarks.ย Historic Havenย
Mount Rigi
Europeโs oldest alpine railroad take visitors up this massive massif, which provides panoramic views all the way into France and Germany.ย Queen of the Mountainsย
Devil's Bridge over Schรถllenen Gorge
According to legend, building a bridge over the Schรถllenen Gorge was so difficult, it took the Devil himself to make it.ย You Shall Not Passย
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.ย Swiss Secretย
Bellinzona
Strategically positioned and heavily fortified, this scenic valley city has been enthralling visitors for centuries.ย Key to the Alpsย
Lugano
This lakeside city isnโt just rich in history and culture, itโs also an important commerce center.ย Liquid Assetsย
