Private car transfer
from Florence to Milan

Upon leaving Florence, you'll start your trip by winding through the Tuscan countryside, characterized by lush vineyards and olive groves. As you go further north on the Italian peninsula, the landscape will gradually change to fertile plains and farmland. As you approach the Apennine Mountains, you’ll cross through mountain passes and tunnels with views of rugged peaks and dense forests. The view of the forests is especially beautiful during the autumn months when foliage is ablaze with vibrant hues of red and gold.

Descending from the Apennines, you'll enter the Lombardy region, with its rolling hills and expansive plains. The Lombardy region is in between the Apennine and Alps mountain ranges but is relatively flat. As you get to Milan, the landscape will transform once again, with modern infrastructure and urban sprawl signaling your arrival in this bustling metropolis.

Leave the driving to the experts and enjoy this trip to the fullest by booking your private driver through Daytrip. You will be able to fully enjoy the scenery and the excursions on the way to your destination. Take a private car and you’ll arrive in Milan refreshed and ready to explore!

Milan Through the Ages

Milan's history dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by Celtic tribes before becoming part of the Roman Empire in 222 BC. During the Middle Ages, Milan emerged as a powerful city-state under the Visconti and Sforza families. This wealth and influence brought artists and scholars from all over Europe to help form what would become the Renaissance. Milan also played a pivotal role in Italy's unification in the 19th century and witnessed significant industrialization during the postwar era.

Popular Industries in Milan

Milan took industrialization to heart and became an economic center of commerce for luxury goods, with iconic brands such as Armani, Versace, and Prada calling the city home. It serves as a global fashion capital, hosting prestigious events like Milan Fashion Week. As a global fashion capital, Milan offers unparalleled shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques in the Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrangle) to trendy neighborhoods like Brera and Navigli. You can explore designer stores, concept stores, and vintage markets. Don’t get caught up in last season’s fashion trends!

Additionally, Milan is a financial powerhouse, housing Italy's stock exchange, and numerous banking institutions. The city's thriving design sector extends beyond fashion, encompassing architecture, furniture, and industrial design.

Reasons to Visit Milan

Milan boasts an impressive cultural heritage. You’ll recognize iconic landmarks such as the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), and Leonardo da Vinci's famous mural, "The Last Supper", housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. The city is also home to world-class museums, including the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museum of the Twentieth Century. Scholars of the Renaissance will appreciate the preserved works of da Vinci and Michaelangelo found all over Milan.

There is always something going on in Milan’s streets. It has a full social calendar year-round, with a diverse array of cultural events, music festivals, and vibrant nightlife venues. From classical concerts at La Scala opera house to trendy bars in the lively Brera district, there's something for everyone to enjoy after dark regardless of their music taste or dress code.

Stop for Sightseeing

The drive from Florence to Milan brings you through some of Italy's most famous landscapes. The duration of the trip without stopping is 4 hours, so you have plenty of time to fill your day with stops at elegant sites like the Torrechiara Castle or the Rocchetta Mattei Castle. You may not be arriving in Milan driving a Ferrari, but you can still visit the Ferrari Museum during your transfer! Take photos with your favorite model of Ferrari and learn about the background of this iconic Italian brand.

Part of the Daytrip experience is having control of the kind of vacation you would like without the added logistics of renting a car and driving yourself. Remember that while Daytrip is responsible for your transfer, you will have to make reservations for tours and museum visits on your own! Some attractions sell out ahead of time, so book your stops early! Even if a stop does not require a reservation, make sure it will be open on the day of your trip. Some places may be closed on Mondays or national holidays.

Depart Florence Early

Traffic on the road can be unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to be late for a planned excursion! Leave Florence before 7:00 or after 10:00 to avoid just sitting in rush-hour traffic. While Daytrip drivers are experts at finding detours and are locals to the area, it’s best to air on the side of caution. Buffer time in your schedule for road closures, longer-than-expected toll waits, and a bathroom break.

Leave Room for Souvenirs

Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and the shopping districts have some of the world’s most well-loved luxury brands offering exclusives not found in other places. If you plan on shopping, make sure you account for that when booking transportation for luggage for the duration of your trip. Maybe a new designer suitcase is in your future?

Get to Know Your Driver

Daytrip drivers are locals, so feel free to ask them about life in Italy during your ride. Maybe you are trying to brush up on your Italian? Our drivers speak both English and the native language, so find out what dishes are a must-try when you get to Milan, and fun anecdotes about living in central Italy.

Florence to Milan by Bus

Traveling from Florence to Milan by bus offers a budget-friendly option with various operators providing daily services. Buses depart from Florence's main bus station, usually taking around 4 to 5 hours to reach Milan. FlixBus and MarinoBus are among the popular bus companies offering this route, providing comfortable coaches with amenities like Wi-Fi and onboard restrooms.

Florence to Milan by Train

Taking the train is the fastest way to travel between Florence and Milan. High-speed trains operated by Trenitalia and Italo depart frequently from Florence's Santa Maria Novella station, reaching Milan's Centrale station in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. For best results, it is recommended to book your tickets ahead of time and to make sure it is the high-speed direct train service. Remember though, taking the train means missing out on the many excursions you could take with a car.

Florence to Milan by Plane

While both cities have airports, there are no direct flights between Florence and Milan. Instead of dealing with layovers or traveling to another city to catch a direct flight, it's best to skip the airport altogether!

Follow da Vinci’s Footsteps in Milan

One of the first things you should plan to see is da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Experience one of the world's most famous works of art firsthand 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. It has captivated audiences for centuries.

Tickets to see The Last Supper sell out months in advance, so the second you figure out your dates in Milan, you need to book tickets. It is housed in a church, and not a museum, so it is necessary to dress modestly. Shoulders, knees, and chests need to be covered for both men and women. There are also multiple measures in place to protect it from further deterioration. For example, no flash photography is allowed and visitors can only stay for 15 minutes.

If you weren’t able to get tickets to The Last Supper, or if you just want more of da Vinci, visit the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. Explore the life and works of the Renaissance visionary at this interactive museum. It houses a vast collection of da Vinci's innovative designs, including flying machines, military weapons, and anatomical studies. It even has hands-on activities and educational workshops.

Shop in Milan’s Fashion Quadrangle (Quadrilatero della Moda)

Indulge in luxury shopping (or window shopping) along Milan's prestigious fashion district! Quadrilatero della Moda is home to renowned designer boutiques and upscale fashion houses. Prepare your wallet as you explore Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, and Via Sant'Andrea to discover the latest trends in outfits, handbags, and shoes.

Take a Boat Tour on the Navigli Canals in Milan

Experience Milan from a unique perspective with a scenic boat tour along the Navigli canals. These canals used to be vital to the economic trade of Milan, but now they line beautiful districts of cafes, restaurants, and nightlife. Enjoy sunset views and live music aboard a traditional barge while sipping cocktails and savoring Italian snacks.

Grab a Bite of Milanese Cuisine

Speaking of snacks- as if Milan couldn’t get any more decadent! A trip to Italy is going to involve a lot of eating, and Milan is no exception. Whether you are cruising on the canal, or sitting out on a restaurant patio overlooking the canals, try classic risotto alla milanese (saffron-infused risotto), osso buco (braised veal shanks), and panettone (sweet bread).

Explore Downtown Milan

Many of the main points of interest are located in the downtown Milan area within walking distance of each other. To start, visit Milan’s Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). This iconic Gothic masterpiece has intricate spires, statues, and stunning stained glass windows. Climb to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city!

Next on your itinerary needs to be a visit to the La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala) right around the corner. If you book tickets ahead of time, you may be able to attend a world-class opera, ballet, or classical concert at this historic theater. During the day, take a guided tour to learn about La Scala's history and bask in its luxurious interior.

The next impossible-to-miss downtown landmark is the Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco). Here you can immerse yourself in Milan's history at this imposing medieval fortress. Explore its museums and art collections, including works by Michelangelo and da Vinci (he really is everywhere in Milan!) Relax in the castle's expansive gardens or visit the nearby Parco Sempione for a leisurely walk to round off your day.

Summer in Milan

The Milano Summer Festival and Milano Latin Festival bring the streets to life with outdoor performances and markets full of food and gifts. Summer is the peak season in Europe, and Milan is no exception. July and August have the highest temperatures, reaching a scorching 86 F (30 C).

Autumn in Milan

The Milan Film Festival attracts cinephiles from all over the world with screenings of independent and international films. Milan Fashion Week returns in September for its autumn showcase. Like in spring, the city fills up for the event and prices can skyrocket. Come in October and you'll find the prices lower, the crowds are mostly gone, and the weather perfect for showing off your new fashion finds.

Winter in Milan

Winter brings the La Scala Opera Season, from December to February. Get out of the cold and attend performances at the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala.

And like in any European city, the Christmas markets come out with the snow. Stroll Milan's streets and squares and admire the festive decorations and stalls with traditional food, drinks, and crafts. Many museums and galleries will also host special exhibitions during the winter months, offering indoor cultural experiences away from the chilly weather.