Private car transfer
from Milan to Zurich

Along the way, you can stop in a few genuinely captivating places. There is Lugano, a lakeside city with picturesque views; Bellinzona, a scenic valley city that is heavily fortified; and the Sasso San Gottardo tunnels, which used to be a secret Swiss military base. Your private English driver will tell you all about these stops as you make your way to Zurich.

However, whether you arrive in the early morning with enough time to squeeze in a hike at Uetliberg or late at night to enjoy Zurich's lively nightlife, you can trust your time in Zurich will be memorable. So book with Daytrip today to secure your spot to enjoy these sights along the way and your escape into an urban landscape in the heart of nature.

From towering architecturally pleasing buildings and churches to staggeringly beautiful landscapes, lake views, and hiking trails, one can get lost in Zurich and simultaneously feel like they've found home.

Zurich is an ancient city that was founded by the Romans in 15 BC. During this time, it was known as Turicum. Over the years, it has evolved from a medieval trading hub into a European financial hub. It has become Switzerland's largest city, which is known for its cultural institutions and global banking. When you visit Zurich, you can expect to wander through the Old Town and enjoy brunch at a cozy cafe or cross over into the hip district alongside the Old Town for a bit of shopping at luxurious stores along Bahnhofstrasse and art galleries.

After a day of shopping and eating your way through Swiss local cuisine, you can visit one of the many parks to take in the views of the lake or river while planning your next tour destination in the city. While planning, consider a river cruise on Lake Zurich, where you can expect to see spectacular views of the Alps, or why not journey to a local waterfront pub and enjoy a pint or glass of wine?

There is also no shortage of landmarks to visit, from picturesque alleyways and historic buildings to places like the Karlstrum Tower, the Fraumunster Church, and the Grossmunster Church. So, with nature and urban convenience at your fingertips, it's about time you visit Zurich to enjoy cosmopolitan flair while indulging in the great outdoors.

Always arrive on time

When traveling from Milan, it can be easy to retain the easygoing nature you're used to when it comes to dining, bookings, and timeliness. Unfortunately, the Swiss take matters of time seriously—far more seriously than Italy.

Switzerland is known for its punctuality, and Zurich isn't an exception. This means that if you plan on stopping along your designated route with Daytrip in places in Switzerland, you need to arrive on time for appointments, reservations, and bookings.

Be on the lookout for petty crime

Every country has crime, and although crime is less prevalent in Milan, Zurich, and the places in between, it's important to be on the lookout for thieves and take safety precautions. So, if you're traveling by public transportation like a plane, bus, or train, you must keep a very close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. If this sounds like a hassle you want to avoid, look into traveling with a private door-to-door transfer service like Daytrip instead.

Consider booking accommodation in advance

Milan, Zurich, and the cities and towns in between become popular during peak seasons, so it's a good idea to book your accommodation in advance if you plan on traveling during this season.

You should also consider booking hotels in the northern reaches of Zurich, in Oerlikon, or near the lakeside. These locations might be farther from the city center, but they often have accommodation deals that can help you save money for other activities.

From Milan to Zurich by bus

If you look at a map, it might seem like the route from Milan to Zurich is more or less a straight line, but this isn't the case. This means that choosing to travel by bus can be a long, arduous, and uncomfortable journey.

On average, bus travel takes between four to five hours. During this time, you could spend every moment regretting your decision if the cabins are crowded with like-minded individuals eager to explore everything Zurich has to offer.

However, it isn't all doom and gloom. The bus is economical, and multiple trips are offered daily by companies like Flixbus, with tickets costing between $20 and $40 (€19-€37). You will just need to decide if it's the right mode of transportation for your travel needs.

From Milan to Zurich by train

Train travel is likely the most popular way to travel from Milan to Zurich, but depending on whether you book a regional or high-speed train, it can be costly and time-consuming.

If you travel with a regional train line, you can expect the trip to take between four and five hours since these trains are slower. However, the pricing makes up for the slowness, with tickets costing between $50 and $80 (€47-€75). Another perk is that the train route is incredibly scenic, and you can see more of it since you're traveling slower.

On the other hand, if you book with a high-speed train line like Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia, you will only be traveling from Milan to Zurich for three to four hours. These trains cost between $70 and $120 (€65-€112), if not more, and are more comfortable.

From Milan to Zurich by flight

Flying is another option for those who want to get to Zurich quickly. This option is best if you're on a time crunch and have a bigger budget for a day trip. Airlines like Swiss Air and Alitalia usually offer flights multiple times daily.

On average, a flight will take about one hour to travel from Milan to Zurich, but if you include airport transfers, customs checks, and busy airports, you can expect the trip to take about three hours – not much faster than driving and far more hassle.

Cost-wise, a ticket will set you back between $100 and $200 (€93-€187), which might be out of budget, considering Zurich is not one of the cheaper travel destinations.

From Milan to Zurich by private car service

Driving from Milan to Zurich with a private car transfer service like Daytrip will afford you many more luxuries and benefits than flying, taking the bus, or the train.

When you travel with Daytrip, you can choose when you travel and the type of car you will use to complete the trip. You can choose a premium-class luxury vehicle with comfortable seating and a private driver. You can also speak with your driver about local sights you want to explore along the way, like Devils Bridge, Mount Rigi, and Zug.

Driving with Daytrip also eliminates typical travel hassles like learning to read a map, translating road signs, and navigating foreign roads. Plus, prices start at only $102 (€95), making it a bargain!

Lindenhof

If you want to relax after exploring Bahnhofstrasse, enjoy a game of chess with a stranger, or take in the truly spectacular views of the Old Town, the Limmat River, and the Grossmunster, you can do so at Lindenhof.

Lindenhof is an elevated plaza that used to be the location of the fourth-century Roman fort. This plaza is now home to giant chess sets, benches perfect for idle sitting to bask in the available views, and linden trees for ambiance.

During your visit, we recommend snapping a few pictures of the view and the city's shingled medieval rooftops and timbered structures. You also might want to enjoy a picnic while looking out at distant alpine views. Just remember that it is quite a climb to get to the plaza, but it's well worth the effort.

Minster of Our Lady

It might not be the biggest or most decorative church in Zurich, but the Minster of Our Lady, or the 'Fraumunster,' is still worthy of a visit. This church has deep historical value to Zurich and was built on the remains of a convent that Emperor Ludwig founded in the 9th century.

Even if you're not particularly religious, you can enjoy the magnificent architecture of the church, which has distinctive spires and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. These iconic green spires make the church one of Zurich's most famous landmarks, and the windows compensate for the lack of opulent decor and ornamentation.

Uetliberg

Adventure junkies and outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss visiting Uetliberg, which impressively stands 2,858 feet (871 m) above sea level. This mountain offers travelers unparalleled views of Zurich and the surrounding areas, making it the best place to be if you want to enjoy the city's best view and the nearby Alps.

After you've ascended the mountain, there are numerous trails through dense and ancient yew tree groves. Extreme mountain biking and sledding are also possible, as is paragliding from the top of the mountain peak. So even though it can take about an hour to get to the top of this local attraction, its many activities make it worth the effort.

However, some prefer to visit during the winter off-season from December to February because Zurich is close to the Swiss Alps ski slopes. If this is your plan, beware of price hikes, as accommodation is much more expensive during these months.

We recommend visiting between March and May, as you'll encounter fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation. The city is truly beautiful in the spring, with its blooming flowers and warm weather.