Let's imagine a 'classic' European long week end break. You need to get yourself to the airport, roughly 2 hours before your flight, fly for between 1 and 3 hours, get out of the airport at the other end, and make your way to the centre of the city you are visiting. That takes between 5 and 7 hours. And your carbon footprint for 3 days away from home will be quite high.
But if you are based in Torino, the airport doesn't have to be your departure point for a long weekend escape abroad.
Torino's beautiful train stations of Porta Nuova and Porta Susa don't just connect you with the rest of Italy. They can get you to incredible places in other European countries, even for a weekend, without generating a sky-high carbon footprint.
Many great French cities and villages, the French Riviera, Switzerland, and some stunning off-the-beaten track European gems are within easy reach of Torino by train, city centre to city centre!
20 long weekend destinations you can reach from Torino by train
Ready to plan a flightless long weekend somewhere in Europe?
The Trainline and Trenitalia are great places to start researching your options. If you need more flexibility in designing your break, make sure to check the national rail operators of France and Switzerland as well as the Italian high speed operator Italo,
To get you started, here are 20 destinations you can reach from Torino by train in under 6 hours. I have chosen six hours as the cut-off because the time is comparable to what you'd spend travelling somewhere else in Europe by plane. So without further ado, here are my weekend trips by train departing from Torino.
1. Lyon
"The Weight of Oneself" Sculpture on the banks of Saone River © Alps2Coast
Thanks to the new services from Trenitalia and SNCF, you can travel from Torino Porta Susa to Lyon Part-Dieu directly in under 4 hours!
Lyon is a stunning city which deserves to be better known. Check out my post on a long weekend in Lyon for ideas on what to do.
2. Paris
Notre Dame © Hannah Reding/Unsplash
Getting to Paris from Torino by train could not be easier. The journey from Torino Porta Susa to Paris Gare de Lyon is direct and takes just under 6 hours. Explore a world-famous museum, stroll along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to the Latin Quarter (One of my favourite activities in Paris), hop into stunning churches and elegant palaces.
If you catch one of the early morning services on a Saturday and an afternoon service on the Sunday, even an overnight can get you a pretty good feel for the centre, It is very easy to explore Paris on foot, using the Seine as your beacon. You can still fit in one or two famous attractions, or explore smaller museums not so crowded but equally fascinating.
And of course if you have time to stay longer, you can explore in depth. You can book tickets to the top attractions on line at Paris Je t'aime.
3. Zurich
The Altstadt © Viespire/Unsplash
A quick change in Milano Centrale is all it takes to get from Torino porta Nuova to Zürich Hauptbanhof.
Italo's high speed trains take 1 hours and 10 to reach Milano; Trenitalia's Regionale Veloce takes 1 hours 50. Both connect well with the direct Milano Centrale to Zürich trains (3 hours and 17 minutes). Between Milan and Zürich there are additional options with a second change in Arth. Depending on time of the day and changes, the journey takes between 4 and a half and five and a half hours,
When you step off your train in the elegant Hauptbanhof, you will soon appreciate that Zürich is far more than a financial centre and the largest Swiss city. there. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town (Altstadt, take a stroll along the peaceful shores of Lake Zürich, visit the Kunsthaus, one of Switzerland's most important contemporary art collections, or the FIFA Football Museum. If the weather's nice you can go hiking on the Uetliberg, Zürich's mountain, and reconnect with nature.
It is a city for all seasons too. There is a lovely Christmas market, foliage in autumn, and glittering waters all around you.
If you are looking for culture, relaxation, and a proper break from the hustle and bustle of Torino, Zürich has it all.
4. Bern - and the Bernese Oberland
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a pearl where culture merges with nature at every step. Its size makes it the perfect weekend destination, and it between 4 and a half and 5 and half hours from Torino, depending on the connections.
The fastest options include an Italo fast train between Torino Porta Nuova and Milano Centrale, followed by a single change there. There are numerous and only slightly slower options with an additional change in Zürich or Brig, Whichever option you choose, the journey will be a holiday for your eyes. You will be coasting Lake Maggiore before travelling through pristine Swiss peaks and lakes.
The Aar river and the rooftops of Bern © Carol Jeng/Unsplash
And when you get there, you will discover a capital city you would not expect, lively and yet relaxed, cultured and adventurous. From admiring the views from the Rosengarten, to strolling through the medieval arcades, to swimming in the green waters of the Aare river like the locals love to do, from visiting Einstein's house to bear spotting in the Bärengraben, your weekend will be full and refreshing at the same time.
Bern prides itself on being one of the sustainability capitals of Europe too, and thanks to the Bern ticket, tourists travel free on public transport!
5. Lugano and Bellinzona
Lugano and its lake © Antonio Sessa/Unsplash
A train journey from Torino Porta Nuova to the Lugano region, the southernmost tip of Switzerland, takes 3 or 3 and half hours - less than a high speed trip from Torino to Rome. Lugano is at the same latitude as Lake Como and mixes Swiss charm and Italian levels of sunshine, as well as views to die for. There are plenty of options with a swift change in Milano Centrale, and you'll catch glimpses of Lake Como from the train.
Lugano's lake © Nashrin Babashova/Unsplash
Like all glacial lakes Lugano has a very irregular shape that makes for incredible views. You can swim, get yourself on a boat tour, climb Monte Tamaro, and hop on train to nearby Bellinzona. Or you can choose Bellinzona as your base to visit Lugano from there. Regular fast trains connect the two cities in under 20 minutes.
Bellinzona is a fortified medieval town with three castles, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Throughout history it held strategic importance as a gateway between Italy and transalpine Europe, and despite being smaller than Lugano it is actually Ticino's capital.
Three days is enough to get a feel for both cities, although the charm of the lake may tempt you to stay longer!
6. Avignon and Provence
The famous Pont d'Avignon © Xuan Nguyen/Unsplash
From Torino Porta Susa, you can get to Lyon in under 4 hours. From there, a high speed train SNCF train gets you to Avignon in 1 hour and to Aix en Provence in 1 and half. So both of these classic Provence destinations are within easy reach of Torino. And once you get to Provence, if you stay more than a couple of nights, you can reach some of Provence's most charming village by local train.
Aix en Provence © Delfina Galani/Unsplash
7. Annecy
Annecy's Palais de l'Isle © Yongs/Unsplash
In less than three hours and 40 minutes you can reach the delightful Savoyard town of Annecy, with a change at Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux.
Wander the cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and charming buildings of the Old Town, such as the 12th-century Palais de l'Isle, take a boat cruise or a walk around the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy, or along the banks of the Thiou River, criss-crossed by bridges, and take your selfie on the Pont des Amours (Lover's Bridge), across the Vassé Canal.
And don't forget to treat yourself to a Savoyard fondue or raclette. If in Rome...
8. Nice and the French Riviera
Nice's port © Lottie Griffiths/Unsplash
Nice's palm-fringed Promenade des Anglais and Baie des Anges are only 5 hours and 40 minutes away from Torino Porta Nuova, thanks to a change in Ventimiglia. Journeys on this line are all by regional trains. While these trains may not be as fast and slick as their high-speed relatives, they are clean, airconditioned, and generally reliable. The journey through Piedmont and Liguria takes 4 hours and 20 minutes, and the Ventimiglia-Nice SNCF service 55 minutes.
Depending on how many days you have got, you can explore Vieux Nice, the viibrant Old Town, with its narrow winding streets, and the Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate, enjoy a lunch of local specialities such as Salade Niçoise or Ratatouille, or just relax on one of the pebble beaches. On a rainy day, the city's museums, such as the Musée Matisse and the Marc Chagall Museum will provide a different kind of inspiration.
And if you stay longer than a couple of days, you can organise day trips by train or boat to surrounding areas, such as the picturesque hilltop village of Èze, or take the magical coastal walk between sea, gardens and rocks around the stunning Cap Ferrat, former home of the likes of Picasso and Matisse, and now a jet set hangout.
The hilltop village of Eze © Chelsea Essig/Unsplash
9. Montreux and and Lac Leman
Montreux castle © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
You'll be surprised by how easy it is to get to the shores of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) from Torino. With the usual quick change in Milano Centrale, you can be in Montreux, one of the pearls of the lake, in four and a half hours.
The elegant resort of Montreux oozes old-world charm, It has several musical connections. It was loved by Freddie Mercury, who recorded a number of Queen albums at Phoneix Studios, where Bowie, Stones and Iggy Pop also recorded. Freddie Mercury's statue take place of honour in one of the lakeside squares. The Jazz Festival in July is world-famous. As for historical sights, Chillon Castle, situated on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland's most iconic and well-preserved medieval landmarks.
10. Lucerne and its lake
Luzern by night © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
Another super easy Swiss escape from Torino. In roughly 4 hours, with a change in Milan, you can reach the picturesque city of Luzern, The centre is quite compact. In one day you can easily visit the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a covered wooden bridge adorned with paintings, which offers fantastic views of the Reuss River, and wander through the cobbled streets of Lucerne's Old Town,
In a long weekend, you will also have the time for a boat cruise the lake, gliding past stunning mountains and picturesque villages., and for a climb or a cable car up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. And if it is summer make sure join in the Swiss ritual of a day at the lido, swimming and enjoying the lakeside nature. You can get a list of Luzern's lidos here.
11. Mâcon & Burgundy
The abbey of Cluny © Is@Chessyca/Unsplash
Burgundy is one of France's most fascinating historical regions, a former duchy and before that an independent kingdom! Fancy a Burgundian getaway? Be it wine, food, culture or cycling, you have plenty of options from Torino.
Catch a train from Torino to Mâcon-Loché (4 hours). The TGV station is out of town, but you can get a bus or a taxi into the centre. You can use Mâcon as your base, exploring the town centre, the stunning gothic Saint-Vincent Cathedral, the picturesque Saone riverfront crossed by stone bridges, sip the local Chardonnay, hiking through rivers, woodland and vineyards.
From Mâcon centre you can get on a bus to the legendary abbey of Cluny, or on a train to stunning Beaune (50 minutes), wander through the half-timbered houses of the Old Town, admire the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu): The Hospices de Beaune and visit some wine cellars on the 'route des grand crus.'
You can also make Beaune your base by taking a different route via Lyon. The journey from Torino to Lyon is 4 hours, and from Lyon to Beaune 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Beaune's toit bourguignon © Herve' Marmillot/Unsplash
And if you have 3-4 days, make the most of SNCF and combine the two!
12. Antibes
A view of Antibes © Jane Ackerley/Unsplash
Antibes is just over 6 hours from Torino, changing in Ventimiglia.
A long weekend gives you the time to wander through Vieil Antibes (the Old Town, sample local produce at the Provencal Market, catch a view of the Côte d'Azur from the Fort Carré, and go for a swim at Juan-les-Pins. The painter Picasso, who certainly knew how to live well, worked in Antibes for a while, and some of his work is on display at the Picasso Museum.
If you are feeling active, there are plenty of hiking opportunities, such as the breathtakingly scenic walk to Cap d'Antibes. Only slightly further is the hilltop village of Biot, famous for its glassblowing workshops and art galleries.
13. Basel - the crossroad of Switzerland, France and Germany
The Rhine in Basel © Johannes Siebler/Unsplash
The journey between Torino and Basel takes roughly 6 hours, depending on the connection in Milan. The city itself is extremely interesting, and you can easily spend a day or two visiting the city centre, the museums, and swimming in the Rhine. Its setting adds a while layer of additional possibilities.
In 45 minutes you can yourself in Colmar, the most famous village on the Alsace wine route. Germany is just across the other side of the Rhine. In just over an hours you can be in the beautiful university city of Freiburg, or book a day trip to the Black Forest.
Colmar © Aswathy N/Unsplash
14. Lausanne and Lac Leman
The roofs of Lausanne © Cricrimo/Pixabay
With the usual quick change in Milano Centrale, you can be in Lausanne in less than five hours. With its lively Old Town, Swtizerland's finest gothic cathedral, and elegant houses on the hills sloping down Lac Leman, Lausanne is a lively yet relaxed city. If you are a sport aficionado, the city is the seat of the International Olympic Committee and you can visit the Olympic Museum.
And wherever you are in Lausanne, you are never far away from the largest freshwater body in Europe, so you can make the most of it!
Lac Leman by Lausanne © Samuel Dorsaz/Unsplash
15. Thun - lakes, rivers and mountains
Thun, a Swiss gem © Hattie Lacye/Unsplash
Depending on the connections, Torino is between 4 and 5 hours from this Swiss jewel, A small but lively city, in the Bernese Oberland, Thun is the perfect mix of culture and activity. It is literally surrounded by water. If you prefer to immerse yourself in water with a green hue, you can swim and even surf on the Aare river; If you fancy a blue hue, you can try the waters of Lake Thun, or hike alongside it And if you are after the thrill of history, the 12th-century Thun castle will charm you.
Thun, Castle © Marcreation/Unsplash
16. Valence - between Provence and the Cote Du Rhône
The city of Valence lies 5 and half hours away from Torino, changing train in Lyon. This charming city on the Rhône river, with an elegant historical centre, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire) with stained glass windows, Renaissance mansions and beautiful Parcs such as Champ the Mars, would be a delightful getaway in itself.
Valence is also the gateway to the Côte du Rhône wine area. Over a long weekend, you can combine a day in Valence with a day trip to Tournon sur Rhône and Tain l'Hermitage.
Tain is home to gourmet chocolatier Valrhona, who offers free tastings in its shop and runs workshops and demonstrations at Valrhona’s École du Grand Chocolat. Tain is also the start of the Hermitage wine area. The train journey is only 30 minutes.
Valence Cathedral © Wikipedia
Alternatively, head 30 minutes south to Montelimar, for a different gourmet treat. Surrounded by lavender fields, with buildings of pale stone and lovely castle, it has a distinct Provencal feel, Montelimar is also the nougat capital of France.
17. Monaco and Montecarlo
Montecarlo's famous harbour © Victor He/Unsplash
Fancy living the high life for a day? The principality of Monaco, playground of the rich and famous, perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, is just over four hours from Torino.
Step into the Belle Époque Casino of Montecarlo, featured in numerous movies, walks through the streets where F1 holds the legendary Montecarlo Grand Prix, admire the elegant hotels and the superyachts in the harbour, visit the State Apartments in the Prince's Palace (summer months only).
If you want some peace, visit the serene interior of the Romanesque-Bizantine cathedral of Saint Nicholas, take a stroll through the rare cacti paradise that is the Exotic Garden, or hike along the Sentier du Littoral.
The iconic Casino © Satvik/Unsplash
18. Villefrance-sur-Saone and the Beaujolais villages
The Église Notre-Dame des Marais of Villefranche sur Saone © George Elermann/Unsplash
The pretty Villefranche sur Saone is the capital of the Beaujolais region and a great base for exploring the area's picturesque villages and landscape. It is 5 hours and 30 minutes from Torino, with a swift change in Lyon.
The area's stunning villages and delicious wines are the ingredients for a wonderful break to recharge your batteries. Once there, the Tuscany-like Val d'Oingt, and the delightful Beaujolais historical heart of Beaujeu are both reachable by bus, as are many other Beaujolais villages.
19. Interlaken and Jungfrau
Interlaken © Tucker Monticelli/Unsplash
A medieval pilgrimage centre, and celebrated for its mountain scenery since the days of Goethe, Interlaken is a gem for nature lovers. It is also the perfect place to experience alpine Switzerland at its best over a short break.
Interlaken is the departure point of the train journey to Jungfraujoch or the “Top of Europe”, a railway station built high in the mountains at 3,463 metres above sea level, overlooking Jungfrau and the Aletsch glacier. You may need to book the Jungfraujoch train journey in advance, especially in high season. If you love mountains, you'll treasure the memories for the rest of your life!
Interlaken is only between 4 and 5 and half hours from Torino, depending on connections.
20. Sion and Valais
The twin mountains of Sion, with a castle each © Fabrice Smet/Unsplash
Dominated by not one but two mighty medieval fortresses, the town of Sion is the perfect base to visit the Valais, the sunniest region of Switzerland.
The first time I rode through this area, en route from Milano to Geneva, I could not believe my eyes. Vineyards, castles, the turquoise waters of the Rhône River (whose source is the Rhône Glacier). You can hike, you can eat, you can drink, visit the castles, and even an Underground Lake. All this is is four and half hours from Torino, through stunning lakeside and mountain scenery.
The growing opportunity for weekend trips from Torino by train
As mentioned, I have shared some recommendations to get your started. There are many more train trips you can organise from Torino, that will take you to your destination in under 6 hours.
Just take that first weekend trip by train from Torino Porta Nuova or Porta Susa. It will give you the train travel bug. And if you are willing to spend a bit longer on the train, the list grows significantly, For example I have travelled from Torino to London and it was very enjoyable!
Over to you. Design the train escape of your dreams!
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