With its position right in the middle of northern Italy, Milan is well-connected by train to many European cities, be it France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Milan's largest airport, Malpensa, is far from the centre, and the nearby Bergamo airport used by low-cost airlines even further away. So, if you are based in Milano, a journey by train is often only marginally longer than one by plane - and much kinder to the planet.
If you need another reason to travel from Lombardy's capital by rail instead of plane...here it is.
Train trips from Milan to other European countries inevitably means crossing the Alps, and in some cases even skirting the Italian and Swiss lakes. Trains heading north follow some spectacular rail routes.
Your reward for choosing the train over the plane will be one of the most scenic train rides in Italy, and the whole of Europe!
22 European weekend train trips starting in Milan
Below is a list of destinations you can reach from Milan. For daytime travel, I stick to durations of 6 hours and under (equivalent to the time it takes you to travel to an airport, flying, and reaching the city centre at the other end. I also suggest a few night train journeys. They take longer, but you spend the first night on the train and arrive refreshed at your destination the next morning.
In terms of resources, I normally use the Trainline and Trenitalia to start researching your travel options. But I also check check the national rail operators of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and France, if I need more flexibility in designing my break, or want to benefit from some special offers.
So, without further ado, here are my recommended train trips from Milan, suitable for a short break.
1. Colmar, Strasbourg, and Alsace
Colmar © Aswathy N/Unsplash
You can get from Milan to the quintessential and delightful Alsatian village of Colmar in just under 6 hours. Colmar, is surrounded by other equally interesting villages such as Eguisheim. (16 minutes by bus).
If you love medieval history, you will be in heaven. An 11-minute train ride to Sélestat, plus a 30-minute bus ride, will take you to the 900-year old Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, perched on top of a mountain overlooking the Rhine valley.
Haut Koenigsbourg in winter © Ronan Potier/Unsplash
And in under 30 minutes you can visit the medieval wonders of Strasburg.
Strasbourg © Harvid Heidahl/Unsplash
Alsace is a great year round destination. Both Strasbourg and Colmar host renowned Christmas markets, so this is part of Europe is a wonderful winter destination too.
2. Munich
Daytime connections between Milan and Munich have always been complicated, although the route is incredibly scenic. But the introduction of the
The Munich city centre is very compact, and you could squeeze in a decent amount of sightseeing even in a day: Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the elegant Konigsplatz, with its green expanse surrounded by neo-classical buildings. If it is relaxation you are after, you can lunch in a historic brewery, go for a stroll and a nap in the vast Englischer Garten, watch the surfers catch a wave on the Eisbach river, and then stock up for Bavarian delicacies and relax in the beer garden at the Viktualienmarkt.
Marienplatz © Ian Kelsall /Unsplash
You will definitely need more than a day if you plan to visit any of its grand buildings and museums. I enjoyed the sprawling Residenz, the former royal palace gradually developed by the kings of Bavaria from the Renaissance to, and the nineteenth-century, and the delightful Nymphenburg, the king's summer residence surrounded by a delightful formal garden. There are 18 museums in the art district alone, and if you are into science and technology the Deutsches Museum is a must! And you do not need to be a car lover to enjoy the BMW Welt.
3. Zurich
The Altstadt © Wix
There are direct trains between Milano Centrale and Zürich and the journey only takes 3 hours and 17 minutes). If you are happy to contemplate a change in Arth, you will have plenty of additional options, with journey times of 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.
Culture, relaxation, and a proper break from the hustle and bustle of Milan, Zürich has it all.
If you have an extra day, you could also organise a day trip to Schaffhausen. You will travel one of Switzerland's most scenic rail routes, as your train will ride by the Rhine Falls!
4. Bern
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 you can get there direct from Milano Centrale, in just over three hours! 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 Aare river and the rooftops of Bern © Carol Jen/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. 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 Milano Centrale to Lyon Part-Dieu directly in under 5 hours!
The journey through the western Alps with sights of the Mont Blanc is a real treat, and so is Lyon, a a stunning city that deserves to be better known as far more than the gourmet capital of France.
Check out my post on a long weekend in Lyon for ideas on what to do.
6. Annecy
Annecy's Palais de l'Isle © Yongs/Unsplash
From both Milano Porta Garibaldi you can reach the delightful Savoy 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 treat yourself to a Savoyard fondue or raclette. If in Rome...
7. Nice and the French Riviera
Nice's port © Lottie Griffiths/Unsplash
Nice's palm-fringed Promenade des Anglais and Baie des Anges are between 5 and 6 hours from Milano Centrale, thanks to a change in Ventimiglia. The final part of the journey will feel like a dream. Your train will snake through the hills of the French riviera, for one of Europe's most stunning train rides.
Depending on how many days you have got, you can explore Vieux Nice, the vibrant 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
8. Montreux and Valais
Montreux castle © Michal Matlon/Unsplash
The elegant resort of Montreux oozes old world charm, It has a number of 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 island on Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland's most iconic and well-preserved medieval landmarks.
The journey to Montreux is as great as the destination. The first time I rode through this area, en route from Italy to Geneva, I could not believe my eyes. The train coasts Lake Maggiore, then enters Switzerland and crosses the Valais region, the sunniest part of Switzerland, all alpine vineyards and castles perched on mountains towering above the turquoise waters of the Rhône River (whose source is the Rhône Glacier). This is by far one of the most memorable train rides in the whole of Europe.
Dominated by not one but two mighty medieval fortresses, the town of Sion is the perfect base to visit the Valais. .You can hike, you can eat, you can drink, visit the castles, and even an Underground Lake. If you have more than a couple of days, make sure you stop over in Sion and explore!
The twin mountains of Sion, with a castle each © Fabrice Smet/Unsplash
9. Luzern and its lake
Luzern by night © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
Another super easy Swiss escape from Milano: in roughly 3 and a half hour, you can reach the picturesque city of Luzern. Luzern's centre is quite compact. In one day you can easily visit the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a overed wooden bridge adorned with paintings, which offers fantastic views of the Reuss River, and wander through the cobbled streets of Lucerne's Old Town,
Hazy day on Lake Luzern © Alps2Coast
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.
10. 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 Milano.
Catch a direct SNCF InOui train from Milano to Mâcon-Loché (5 and a half hours), or change in Torino (despite the connection, this option can be 15-25 minutes faster). The Mâcon 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.'
Beaune's toit bourguignon © Herve' Marmillot/Unsplash
11. Antibes
A view of Antibes © Jane Ackerley/Unsplash
Antibes is between 5 and a half and 6 hours from Milano, depending on the change in Ventimiglia.
You will be travelling on one of Europe's most breath taking train routes, but it will not detract from the charms of Antibes itself!
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.
12. Basel
The Rhine in Basel © Johannes Siebler/Unsplash
The journey between Milano and Basel takes 4 hours and 12 minutes and is direct.
The city itself is extremely interesting, and you can easily spend a day or two visiting the city centre, the medieval cathedral, the cobbled Altstadt, Minster, the many museums, and make your way to Dreiländer Deck, where your gaze can span over three countries (France, Germany, and of course Switzerland). If you feel like an active break, with your tourist BaselCard you can hire a bicycle to explore the town centre for 20 CHF. Or you can hike the 5km Rehberger-Weg which connects Basel and Weil am in Germany.
Then there's the Rhine, the lifeblood of Basel. You can cycle or walk along it, book a boat tour, and in summer try that unique and unforgettable Basel - swimming in the Rhine!
13. Freiburg
The vibrant university town of Freiburg, under 6 hours from Milano Centrale thanks to a change in Basel, is a lovely year round destination, with fantastic medieval architecture, literary reminiscences, one of the best German Christmas markets, and its proximity to spa towns and the Black Forest.
The cathedral at night time © Kankan/Unsplash
You can spend a weekend exploring the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, crossing the medieval gates, making your way to the bustling market square (Münstermarkt) in front of the iconic gothic Freiburger Münster (the Gothic cathedral) with its spire and stained glass windows, and visiting the Augustiner Museum, a medieval monastery turned into a museum.
Feeling active? you can hike the Schlossberg hill and reward yourself with a beer and fantastic views of the Black Forest.
Freiburg has been at the forefront of sustainability since the 1990's so it is no surprise that you can hire bikes for free to move around. And now you are on your bike, you can cycle to the 'Solar Settlement' of Vauban (a city quarter redeveloped with sustainability in mind, which produces more energy than it consumes.
Cyclists and pedestrians in the Altstadt © Marco Pregnolato/Unsplash
If you have more than a couple of days, you can use Freiburg as a base and venture into the Black Forest. Local train lines can get you to Titisee, and onward to Donaueschingen, where you can see the symbolic source of the Rhine (in the park of a princely residence).
14. Geneva
Le jet d'eau © Devam Jhabak/Unsplash
After Burgundy and Valais, here is another destination along the Rhone river, which doubles as a lake escape - the Swiss city of Geneva.
Wander around the Old City, the birthplace of the Reformation, and Saint Pierre - the area around the Cathedral.
Wherever you are in Geneva, you are never far away from Lac Leman, the largest freshwater body in Europe, so make the most of it! Explore its glittering beauty, and if it is summer treat yourself to a few hours, or a day, of swimming and sunbathing at Bains des Pâquis,
Make your way to the Jet d'Eau, the tallest water fountain in the world, and stroll through the buzzing lakeshore promenades. If you love history and politics, a guided tour of the European headquarter of the United nations in a must.
You can travel to Geneva direct with SSB from Milano Centrale in just over 4 hours.
Depending on the time you have got, you may want to consider a stopover in beautiful Lausanne, with its lively Old Town, Switzerland's finest gothic cathedral, and elegant houses on the hills sloping down Lac Leman.
The roofs of Lausanne © Wassim Chouak/Unsplash
If you are a sport aficionado, the city is the seat of the International Olympic Committee and you can visit the Olympic Museum.
Lausanne is on the same train route as Geneva, and you can then return to Milan in 3 hours and 22 minutes.
15. Vienna
An incredible historical centre, packed with museums, palaces and churches, one of the most beautiful and romantic European rivers running through it....And yet the city is green, has been promoting cycling and sustainability for at least 3 decades,
No wonder Vienna is constantly ranked as one of the top cities in the world to live, and often as number #1. It is that perfect balance, a blend of old world culture and innovation, a metropolis that remains human, also in size.
Vienna at night © Jacek Dylag/Unsplash
Visit Saint Stephen's Cathedral or the great imperial palaces of Hofburg and Schönbrunn, enjoy Sacher Tarte and hot chocolate, discover the Haugsburg dynasty's art collection at the Kunsthistorische Museum or catch a glimpse of Klimt at the Belvedere. Step into the houses of Beethoven, Mozart, Johann Strauss, stroll or cycle along the River Wien or one of the canals flowing from the Blue Danube...
There are daily overnight services between Milan and Vienna, thanks to the Austrian Railways' Nightjet service. Ready to eat Sachertorte for breakfast?
The one and only Sacher Torte © Tim Photoguy/Unsplash
16. Thun - lakes, rivers and mountains
Thun, a Swiss gem © Hattie Lacye/Unsplash
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.
Milan is under three hours from this Swiss Jewel, and the journey is direct!
Thun, Castle © Marcreation/Unsplash
17. Dijon
Dijon © Fred Clery/Unsplash
Fancy a gourmet weekend in Burgundy? Catch a train from Milano to Dijon via Lausanne. You'll be sampling pinot noir in just under 6 hours!
Burgundy is one of France's most fascinating historical regions, a former duchy and before that an independent kingdom! And Dijon is its worthy capital. The distinctive polychrome roofs, toits bourguignons, add character to the architecture of a city brimming with building ranging from medieval Gothic to art deco. Surrounded by vineyards, Dijon is the starting point of the the "route des Grands Crus", where eight of the world's top ten most expensive wines are produced.
An example of toit bourguignon © Gerard Avril/Unsplash
Alternatively, stay on the train another 20-25 minutes and head for the stunning city of Beaune, the epitome of Burgundian charm.
And if you have 3-4 days, why not make the most of the change in Lausanne, and spend some time in this beautiful lakeside Swiss city?
18. 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 between 4 and a half and 5 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
19. Lake Constance, Konstanz and St Gallen
Lake Constance (Bodensee) is the third largest body of water in Europe, and its coastline is shared by 4 countries: Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland.
Konstanz, the largest city on the lake, combines the attractiveness of a city break - museums, , architectural sights and shopping - with the getaway from it all feeling of a break in nature.
The journey from Milano requires a couple of changes, but you still get there comfortably in around 5 hours.
The island of Mainau, off the mainland from Konstanz © Lisa Fecker/Unsplash
After you have explored the old town of Konstanz, with its medieval towers overlooking the lake and the cathedral, you can walk, cycle to catch a boat tour to Mainau, the city's 'flower island,' with its palace and subtropical botanical gardens.
Or visit the island of Reichenau, now a UNESCO Heritage site. It is a place of unique charm and serene beauty, a monastic complex surrounded by lush fields and orchards and ringed by the waters of the lake. The blend of water, agriculture and architecture epitomises the 'Ora et Labora ' ('Pray and Work') motto of its 8th-century Benedictine founders. Reichenau's three churches are an outstanding example of Carolingian and medieval monastic architecture, and its monumental wall paintings are the first of their kind north of the Alps.
Reichenau abbey © Georg Eiermann/Unsplash
Another extraordinary UNESCO Heritage site lies a 35-minute train ride from Konstanz, across the border with Switzerland. Today St Gallen is a bustling university town, but at heart of the city lies a Benedictine monastery, founded in the same century as Reichenau, In the first centuries of its existence, the Carolingian monastery of St Gallen played a crucial part in the survival of ancient culture through the work of its copyists, who produced manuscripts famed throughout Europe during the middle age. Even today, the library is incredibly moving.
St. Gallen Library's Baroque Hall © Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen
Lake Constance is a fantastic blend of culture, physical pursuits (cycling, hiking, swimming, boating, windsurfing), nature and relaxation, just a short train ride from Milan. I wish I had stayed a week!
20. Interlaken and Jungfrau
Interlaken is set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz © Rat Ski/Unsplash
A medieval pilgrimage centre, and celebrated for its mountain scenery since the days of Goethe, Interlaken is a gem for nature lovers, is also 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 train journey in advance, especially in high season, but if you want to experience alpine Switzerland at its best over a short break, Interlaken is the perfect place!
And it is 3 and a half hours from Milano, depending on connections.
21. Salzburg
Salzburg's mighty fortress and baroque churches © Alain Rouiller/Unsplash
ÖBB Nightjet services between Milan and the stunning Austrian city of Salzburg run every night of the week.
Salzburg is an ideal long weekend destinations because the city centre is compact, and yet there is so much to see. The city's baroque churches and palaces, the might Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in 1077, and never taken by foreign troops, the houses in the Getreidegasse, decorated with important dates in their history, the names of former owners, including, at no, 9, the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg's immortal wunderkind...
22. Schaffhausen
Sunset over Schaffhausen © Alps2Coast
Schaffhausen is the nearest city to the stunning Rhine Waterfalls at the aptly named Rheinfall, one of the natural wonders of Switzerland, and I would argue of the world. Yet it is a pearl in its own right, an enchanting unique blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and cultural richness.
Rhine and vineyards - the view from Munot Fortress © Alps2Coast
The Munot fortress, perched on a hill covered in vineyeards, dominates the medieval Altstadt, with its cobblestone streets and elegant squares surrounded by painted houses, And there there is the Rhine. Rheinfall is actually out of town but you can easily reach it on foot, walking along the river, savouring its unique beauty in anticipation of the natural wonder that awaits you - waterfalls with a small island in the middle, topped by yet another medieval castle.
Rheinfall © Jian Liu/Unsplash
Between a cruise around the waterfalls and visits to the delightful town, sampling some local wines and cheeses, this is a break I have done more than once and I truly treasure.
And it is between 4 and a half and 5 and a half hours from Milano, with changes in Zurich and possibly Chiasso!
Design your own European train escape
You are based in Milan, you'll know a thing or two about design! So are you ready to design your trip?
I have given you ideas for some of the trips you can do over a weekend, and without spending a half of your time on the train.
If you are feeling more adventurous, or have a week rather than a long weekend, there is a lot more you can do. For example, I have travelled from Milan to London a few times, and the route along Lake Maggiore and Lac Leman is so spectacular you will be grateful you are on a train!
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