The train traveller’s guide to the best day trips from Milan

Here’s how you know. When your shopping bags floweth over from afternoons spent in Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s famed shopping district…it’s time for a day trip. When the server at your favorite restaurant asks if you’ll have the usual (risotto alla Milanese, of course)...it’s time for a day trip. And when you’ve seen Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper more times than disciples in the painting…it’s time for a day trip from Milan!

In all seriousness, if we never left Milan’s hospitable city limits, we wouldn’t complain, but with so many incredible towns (and countries) just a swift train ride away, it’d be silly not to see their splendor up-close and personal. So here are the best day trips from Milan by train to add to your travel itinerary. 

Where to go from Milan by train

Milan to Lake Como

A Lake Como day trip from Milan is exactly what the travel doctor prescribes for those adventurers who are seeking a much-needed break from the hustle bustle of city life. With a direct train ride of under an hour, you will be strolling along the banks of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Como in a blink. This destination is by no means a hidden getaway, so expect to be enjoying the region’s natural beauty alongside other tourists, especially if you visit during the peak months of June-September.

Getting there: Take a train from Milan to Como or Varenna. You can get a boat or ferry connection from there to other charming towns located on the shores of Lake Como, including Menaggio and Bellagio. It is possible to see multiple towns in one day, but depending on how you like to spend your travel days, it may feel a bit rushed. Read on for some must-visit sites in each of these towns. But we wouldn’t blame you if you just sit lakeside or at a cafe all day because the best way to travel is at your own pace.

Como

Just like all of the other towns in this region, the best way to explore and take in the beauty of Como is on foot. So here is our free walking tour of Como to get you started. Set off from the town's main train station of Stazione Como Lago, then begin working your way along the lakefront promenade towards Piazza Cavour. There you’ll find a stunning fountain and exceptional views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Next, work your way to Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta to see stunning Gothic architecture and to score a panoramic view of Lake Como and all its glory atop the cathedral. Then, stroll through the streets of the old town and stop for a treat in one of the many charming cafes along the Via Maestri Comacini.

Varenna

If you arrive in Varenna by ferry, start your tour by walking along the breathtaking lakefront promenade in the direction of the Villa Monastero, which houses an exceptional botanical garden and even a museum. Then, as you walk the cobblestone streets to Varenna’s old town, check out the colorful houses, charming shops and the Piazza San Giorgio and its cathedral. For a panoramic view of the lake, set off on the 1.5 km hike through olive groves to the Castle of Vezio.

Bellagio

The different branches of Lake Como met in Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como. From the Bellagio Ferry Terminal, walk up towards the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi where you can sit beside the fountain and pinch yourself as you take in the beauty surrounding you. Then follow the cobblestone staircase from Salita Serbelloni to Villa Serbelloni. The privately-owned villa cannot be visited by the public, but the opulent gardens overlooking the lake can be. And they’re absolutely with the stop. Next, saunter through the old town and end your day at the vast Villa Melzi Gardens, which house a museum, a chapel, green houses and designated walking trails.

Milan to Bergamo

If you're seeking a hidden gem as unique as Lake Como, but without the overflow of tourists, then Bergamo is the best day trip from Milan by train. Situated halfway between Milan and Switzerland, this city offers the perfect blend of art, history and iconic cuisine, all while maintaining an undiscovered charm that allows you to have a more authentic experience.

To reach Bergamo's historic Citta Alta, or high city, take the funicular from the lower ground of Citta Bassa. Constructed during the 16th century under Venetian rule, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known as the Cinta Muraria. Stroll along the walls to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surrounding regions. Then head to the Accademia Carrara Museum to take in an impressive collection of nearly 2000 paintings by renowned Italian artists, including Raffaello, Botticelli, Bellini, Tiziano, Lotto, Pisanello and Mantegna.

If you have travelled through major Italian cities then you are certainly familiar with waiting in line for ages to see incredible cathedrals. Thanks to lower flow of tourists, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore typically does not even have a line to get in. Once inside, you will marvel at Gothic, Baroque Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance craftsmanship, including tapestries, frescoes, statues and woodwork that took centuries to complete – but boy was the wait worth it. If you're lucky, you might witness the skilled artisans meticulously restoring the wood adornments by hand.

No visit to Bergamo is complete without indulging in some local delicacies. Start with a hearty bowl of the regional favorite, casoncelli. Originally created as a way to use leftover meats, this stuffed pasta cooked in butter and sage is a local favorite. And be sure to indulge in something sweet as Bergamo is the birthplace of the popular gelato flavor 'stracciatella.' Why not savor this milk-based ice cream with chocolate shavings, right where it was conceived at La Marianna in Bergamo?

Getting there: The train from Milan to Bergamo takes around one hour, and tickets start at €5, making it a no-brainer day trip from Milan.    

Milan to Verona

Verona, Verona, wherefore art thou, Verona? Just a hop, skip, and a quick train ride from Milan, you'll find yourself in the picturesque setting of Shakespeare's most famous play, “Romeo and Juliet.” (Fun fact: Verona is the setting for two more of Shakespeare's famous works – “The Taming of the Shrew” and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.”) You can even visit Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet's House, where the classic tale is brought to life down to the details of the infamous balcony, the love letters and statues for Shakespeare fans to enjoy. And, just as a refresher, Romeo and Juliet did not exist, but thanks to the legacy of the play, in Verona, it’s almost as if they did.

Verona also boasts numerous attractions that have made it from plays to history books. Most notable is Verona Arena, the ancient amphitheater that dates back to the 1st century. It is lauded as one of the best-preserved Roman arenas and is now used for concerts and other events. After exploring Castelvecchio, the medieval castle and the magnificent Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, indulge in a few glasses of the bold red wines the region is famous for. Pair them with a plate of risotto all'Amarone, a popular local dish that uses this renowned regional wine as one of its key ingredients.

Getting there: The Milan to Verona train takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the operator you choose. Want to ride aboard the "Ferrari" of trains? Book a ticket aboard an Italo train to experience the elevated experience, with bright red exterior and plush leather seating to boot.

The train from Milan to Verona typically ranges from approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your choice of train operator. If you're looking for a truly luxurious train experience, consider hopping aboard an Italo train, crowned the "Ferrari" of trains. It’s famous for its striking bright red exterior and plush leather seating for a more luxurious travel experience.

Milan to Cinque Terre

This is the first destination on our list that can take over 2 hours to reach via train, but if you, like most people, dream of adventuring across Cinque Terre, planning a Cinque Terre day trip from Milan is very feasible. But because this region is super inundated with tourists, it can feel challenging to have an authentic or unique experience, so here are some tips to make the most out of your day trip to Cinque Terre.

Consider exploring just one or two of the five villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, or Riomaggior) to explore. Trying to get to all of them in just one day will feel unnecessarily rushed. Before arriving, research the scenic trails that connect the different villages to find areas that are less travelled for a more peaceful hike. Arriving with a deeper knowledge about the historical significance of these trails, your entire journey will become more meaningful, even if you hit a bit of foot traffic along the way.

Be sure to dine at family-run and -owned restaurants that feature the local flavors like seafood and the famous Pesto alla Genovese, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, parmesan, garlic and a whole lot of love. Try to stay until sunset so you can get that perfect view of the sea and the sun meeting. And, to make the experience better for you, other tourists and, above all, the locals, try to stick to the "Leave No Trace" rule so as to push back against non-sustainable travel practices.

Getting there: Choosing a direct journey aboard a high-speed train can have you arriving in Cinque Terre just over 3 hours. To get the most out of your limited day trip time, consider taking an earlier train. For example, you could leave Milan at 06:10 a.m. and arrive in Vernazza before 9:30 a.m. for a full day of exploring.

Milan to Venice

On a Venice day trip from Milan, you'll find yourself exploring by foot and by water, hopping from canal to canal and piazza to piazza to take in this floating city. If you opt for the classic gondola experience, be sure to ask about the historical and cultural significance of these boats that have been connected with Venice as far back as 1094. Today, each gondola, depending on its size, shape and color, has a different use – be it for fishing, racing, weddings or transportation. You will likely ride aboard a black gondola with golden finishes. Take an extra second to appreciate the golden details and intricacies in the design of the boat – each with its own tradition that dates back centuries.

While you tour around Venice, whether by gondola or by foot, be sure to swing by Piazza San Marco, its bell tower, Doge’s Palace and the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs). For a more unique look at Venice, head to the Cannaregio, Jewish Ghetto and San Polo districts. Or hop a ferry from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Not only will you have the opportunity to witness the renowned local glass and lace artisans practicing their crafts up close and personal, but also be sure to explore the streets of these towns, where you can admire the vibrant buildings that will make you feel as if you've embarked on a journey through Europe and landed in the Caribbean.

Bring a big appetite because Venice’s seafood-rich cuisine is dressed to impress. For starters, bigoli in salsa, originally prepared by Jewish Venetians to avoid eating meat on holidays, is a simple-to-prepare, yet yummy pasta and anchovie dish synonymous with the city. Another can’t-miss local carb is polenta. Order up polenta dishes that feature the incredible local fresh seafood like shrimp or cod. And if that’s not enough marine cuisine for your plate, try a heaping serving of risotto al nero di seppia, or risotto cooked in the ink of cuttlefish – yep, that’s where the deep blue, almost black color comes from; the ink!

Getting there: Book a direct train for your Venice day trip from Milan. Travel will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, so try to take the earliest train to make the most out of your day.

Milan to Locarno

Why just city hop on your day trip from Milan when you can country hop? Take advantage of Milan’s proximity and connectedness to Switzerland and head to Locarno for a day so full of natural beauty you will feel like you are inside a postcard. 

Did you know that Switzerland has over 1500 lakes? Then it should come as no surprise that this town is located on one of the many lakes, Lake Maggiore. As one of Europe's largest and most beautiful lakes, make the most of your day by swimming or booking a boat trip. But isn’t the water going to be freezing? Nope! Locarno doesn’t have that typical cold Swiss weather. In fact, it has some of the sunniest, warmest weather in all of the country. So soak up all the outdoor activities, like hiking and biking, that you can, then head into town for some man-made sightseeing and to hear what Italian-speaking Swiss people sound like. From castles to piazzas, Locarno has it all – and it also has another leg up on nearby Lugano. It is smaller, and more manageable to visit for a day trip from Milan to Switzerland.

Getting there: In 2 and a half hours, you can get from Milan to Locarno by train.

Milan to Alp Grüm

We will call this one a bonus location because this day trip from Milan to Switzerland requires a bit of extra planning and a sprinkle of adventure. This trip is ideal for the summertime, specifically June, as you will have longer days.

Alp Grüm is a village with a train station along the scenic Bernina Express route. But to call this just a train stop completely skates over the incredible panoramic views of the Alps, specifically the Palü Glacier and the Poschiavo Valley, that you will witness. In fact, the train is the one of the only ways to reach this stunning location resting at a cool 2,091 meters. If timed correctly, you can arrive for a delicious lunch at Ristorante Alp Grüm, with time for a post-lunch hike to the Alpine lake to see views that can only be reached by foot. 

Getting there: Take the train from Milan to Tirano and switch to the Bernina Express for a ride aboard one of the famous Swiss scenic trains. 

Important tips for day trips from Milan to Switzerland:

• Travel time: Expect to spend more time travelling as these Swiss locations are further away than the Italian destinations, so to optimise your itinerary, take the earliest trains from to Milan with a later return, when possible.
• Passes and reservations: Reservations are required aboard the scenic trains and most international trains. Depending on how much you plan to travel, a travel Pass may be more cost-effective than a single destination ticket.
• Passport and visas: Remember that Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so you will need your passport and proper documentation to travel between Italy and Switzerland.

Book your travel to the adventures that lie just beyond Milan

From mountains and lakes to wineries and olive groves, a day trip from Milan has a little something for everyone, all just a quick train ride away. The only thing standing between you and an Italian adventure is taking the first step. So go for it, book that ticket. There are endless memories to be made and bowls of pasta to be eaten.

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