Trains to Milan

Planning a trip to Milan by train? Here’s everything you need to know to make your journey smooth and hassle-free. Milan is a major railway hub in Europe, offering high-speed, regional, and international train connections. Whether you’re heading to Rome, Paris, or Lake Como, Milan’s rail network has you covered. Below are the key takeaways:

• Main Train Stations:
  • Milano Centrale: High-speed and international trains.
  • Porta Garibaldi: Regional and French TGV services.
  • Cadorna: Regional routes and Malpensa Express to the airport.
• Popular Routes and Fares:
  • Milan to Paris: Starting at $38.
  • Milan to Rome, Venice, or Florence: Starting at $22.
• Train Operators:
  • Trenitalia: Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca services.
  • Italo: High-speed trains to major Italian cities.
  • TGV and Swiss Railways: International connections.
• Ticket Booking:
  • Book high-speed tickets online 4 months in advance for discounts.
  • Regional tickets are fixed-price and available at stations.
• City Transit: Milan’s metro system connects all major train stations for easy transfers.

Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Milan’s trains make travel convenient, fast, and affordable. Keep reading for detailed station guides, ticket tips, and travel advice.

Milano Centrale Station guide

Main Train Stations

Milan’s railway system revolves around three main stations, each designed to meet specific travel needs and offering a variety of services for passengers. Here’s an overview of their locations, amenities, and transport connections.

Milano Centrale Station

Milano Centrale is the city’s main railway station, managing over 600 trains daily across its 24 platforms ^[1]. It is located at Piazza Duca D’Aosta, 1, and serves as the hub for most long-distance domestic and international trains.

Key features include:

• Transport Links: Direct access to Metro lines M2 and M3 through the Centrale FS metro station.
• Airport Connections: Hourly express trains to Malpensa Airport and bus services to Linate Airport, with travel times around 30–35 minutes.
• Amenities: Facilities like luggage storage, cafes, restrooms, and an information desk.
• Ground Transportation: A taxi stand is located in front of the station, with bus stops on the western side.

Next, let’s look at Porta Garibaldi Station, which focuses on regional travel.

Porta Garibaldi Station

Found at Piazza Sigmund Freud, 1, Porta Garibaldi is a central hub for regional train services. It is well-connected to Milan’s public transit system through the P.Ta Garibaldi metro station.

For those needing regional and airport connections, Cadorna Station is another key option.

Cadorna Station

Cadorna Station, located at Piazza Cadorna, 1, specializes in regional travel and airport services. Highlights include:

• Metro Access: Easily reachable via metro lines M2 and M3.
• Airport Service: Malpensa Express trains run every 30 minutes.
• Regional Routes: Terminal for suburban railway lines S3 and S4.
• City Access: Its central location is ideal for exploring Milan’s main attractions. For those arriving at Linate Airport, taxis are recommended for convenience.

Train Companies and Routes

Milan’s main stations serve as hubs for various train operators, connecting the city to destinations across Italy and beyond.

Trenitalia Services

Trenitalia, the national railway operator of Italy, runs an extensive network of trains, including:

• Frecciarossa: High-speed trains that can reach up to 186 mph (300 km/h).
• Frecciargento: Trains that combine high-speed and conventional tracks for their routes.
• Frecciabianca: Inter-city trains operating on traditional rail lines.

Italo Network

Italo focuses on high-speed travel between Italy’s major cities. From Milan, Italo offers direct connections to cities like Turin, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples.

Cross-Border Services

Milan also serves as a gateway for international train travel, with connections to Switzerland, France, and other select destinations. Key operators include:

• Trenord: Offers 2,300 daily trips across 460 stations in Lombardy and to Malpensa Airport ^[2].
• Swiss Railways (SBB): Links Milan with major Swiss cities.
• TGV: Provides connections from Milan to various cities in France.
• Thello: Handles additional international routes.

If you’re traveling across borders, make sure to carry valid identification. While passport checks are rare within the Schengen Area, they may occasionally occur.

Routes From Milan

Milan’s location makes it a key hub for train travel, connecting travelers to destinations across Italy and Europe.

International Connections

The Frecciarossa service runs two daily trains between Milan Centrale and Paris Gare de Lyon, crossing the Alps through Modane and Chambéry. Starting fares include:

There are also regular connections from Milan to Swiss cities like Geneva and Zurich, with border crossings at Chiasso or Domodossola. These routes cater to both business and leisure travelers.

Now, let’s look at Milan’s connections within Italy.

Italian Destinations

Italy’s high-speed rail network ensures Milan is well-connected to major cities across the country. High-speed trains operate frequently every day, with key routes listed below:

For those heading to Sicily, an overnight Intercity Notte sleeper train departs Milan Centrale at 8:10 PM daily, reaching Messina, Catania, Syracuse, and Palermo the next day.

Regional options include hourly trains to Como San Giovanni (perfect for Lake Como visits) and frequent services (every 1-2 hours) to Varenna and Lecco.

Booking high-speed tickets early can help you save on fares.

Buying Train Tickets

Milan’s extensive rail network offers several ways to purchase tickets, making it easy to plan your journey.

Direct Booking

Trenitalia and Italo both have websites and apps where you can book tickets. High-speed train bookings open 4 months in advance, and mobile tickets are available for added convenience.

For popular routes like Milan–Rome or Milan–Venice, booking early on these platforms can help you secure discounted economy fares.

Station Ticket Options

For regional train travel, tickets can be purchased at the station. You have two options:

• Ticket Office: Open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, accepting both cash and cards. Staff can assist you in Italian or English.
• Self-Service Machines: Available 24/7, these machines accept cards only and support multiple languages.

Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the designated machine before boarding. Failure to do so may result in fines.

Online Ticket Sites

For those who prefer booking in English, several platforms cater to international travelers. These sites display fares in U.S. dollars and provide customer support in English. Be aware of booking fees, which vary by platform:

When using third-party platforms, ticket prices generally align with those offered by Trenitalia or Italo, though some sites may add service fees. For regional trains around Milan, such as trips to Como or Varenna, ticket prices remain fixed regardless of when you buy them.

Next, explore the details of ticket types and seat classes to refine your travel plans.

Ticket and Seat Classes

After purchasing your ticket, it’s time to explore the seating options available for Milan trains.

Train services to and from Milan cater to a range of budgets. High-speed Frecciarossa 1000 trains offer four service levels, while regional trains typically provide first- and second-class seating.

Ticket Types Guide

High-Speed Train Classes

Frecciarossa 1000 trains, connecting major cities like Rome and Milan, feature these service levels:

Executive class also includes a complimentary breakfast service ^[3].

Regional Train Options

Regional trains have simpler seating options compared to high-speed services:

• First Class: Wider seats, extra legroom, and a quieter, less crowded space.
• Second Class: Standard seating with air conditioning and basic amenities.

Both regional and high-speed trains maintain Milan’s reputation for comfort, offering options to suit various travel needs.

Special Fare Programs

Families traveling in Lombardy can benefit from the "Io Viaggio in Famiglia" program, which offers:

• Free travel for children under 4 without documentation.
• Free travel for children up to 14 when accompanied by a paying adult family member.
• Discounts on monthly and annual passes, including 20% off for the second child’s pass and free passes for the third child and beyond.

These savings apply to tickets from Trenord, STIBM, and Malpensa Express, though they cannot be combined with other promotional offers.

First vs. Second Class Comparison

First class offers additional perks like more spacious luggage storage, fewer passengers, and complimentary extras such as newspapers and refreshments.

Regardless of the class you choose, all trains include essential amenities like Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, and power outlets, ensuring a comfortable journey for every traveler. This guide provides the details you need to pick the best ticket for your trip.

Getting to Your Hotel

Milan’s main train stations offer convenient ways to reach your hotel, whether you’re using public transit or taxis.

City Transit Options

Milan has a well-connected public transit system, making it easy to navigate the city. Each major train station links directly to the metro:

• Milano Centrale: Access the M2 (green) and M3 (yellow) lines via Centrale FS station.
• Porta Garibaldi: Connected through the P.Ta Garibaldi metro station, serving the M2 and M5 (lilac) lines.
• Cadorna: Served by the M2 and M3 lines.

A single metro ticket costs $2.40 (€2.20) and is valid for 90 minutes. For longer stays, consider these passes:

Children under 14 can ride for free when accompanied by an adult and carrying proper ID. If you prefer a more direct option, taxis are available at all major stations.

Taxi Services

Official taxi stands can be found at all major train stations. At Milano Centrale, you’ll find ranks on the eastern side (near platform 21) and the western side (near platform 4). The western side is better if you’re heading to destinations west of the station. A typical taxi ride from Milano Centrale to the Porta Garibaldi area costs around $9.25 (€8.50) and takes about 8 minutes. Look for white taxis with the ‘TAXI’ sign to ensure you’re using an authorized service.

Airport Links

If you’re heading to one of Milan’s airports, here are your options:

• Malpensa Airport: Express trains run every 30 minutes between Malpensa Airport Terminal 1 and Milano Cadorna station. Service operates from early morning to late evening.
• Linate Airport: Stam buses provide regular service to Milano Centrale in 30–35 minutes. The new M4 (blue) metro line also offers direct access to the city center.

For real-time routes and mobile ticketing, download the ATM Milano App.

Milan Public Transport

Milan’s public transport, run by ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi), offers a well-connected network of metro, bus, and tram services, making it easy to get around the city.

Metro Lines

Milan boasts the longest metro system in Italy by total length^[4]. It includes five color-coded lines, each serving key parts of the city:

Major train stations like Centrale, Garibaldi, and Cadorna act as central hubs, making it easy to switch between the metro and other transport options.

Surface Transport

ATM’s surface network includes over 130 bus routes and 19 tram lines, ensuring access to neighborhoods not covered by the metro. Tickets work across all modes of transport and can be purchased at ATM point offices in main stations (such as Duomo, Centrale, and Cadorna), from metro station vending machines, authorized retailers, or through the ATM Milano App.

Places to Visit by Train

Milan’s extensive rail network makes it easy to reach some of the city’s top attractions and nearby destinations.

City Sights

Milan’s public transit system, including metro and trams, offers convenient access to the city’s iconic landmarks. The historic center is home to must-visit spots like the Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, both located near Duomo metro station (served by the M1 and M3 lines). Exits from the station lead directly to the cathedral square.

For a different experience, head to the Navigli district, known for its historic canals. This lively area is full of artisan shops, restaurants, and bars. Milan’s tram network, which dates back to 1881, covers over 180 kilometers and connects visitors to neighborhoods like Navigli ^[5].

If you’re looking to explore beyond the city center, Milan’s rail system provides easy access to nearby destinations perfect for day trips.

Nearby Cities

Milan is a great starting point for discovering Northern Italy by train. Regular services make it simple to visit these popular spots:

These destinations are well-connected with frequent train departures throughout the day ^[5].

Travel by Season

Seasonal changes in Milan can impact train travel, so it’s worth keeping these factors in mind when planning your trip.

Winter Routes

Milan’s winters often bring snowfall and fog, especially on routes crossing the Alps. These conditions can occasionally disrupt schedules. While the city itself is somewhat protected from extreme cold by the surrounding mountains ^[6], trips to Alpine destinations may require extra planning.

Here’s how winter weather might affect train travel:

Stay updated on weather conditions and train schedules to avoid surprises. As winter fades, the dynamics shift during the busier peak season.

Peak Season

Warmer months bring an influx of travelers to Milan, along with higher ticket prices ^[7]. Air-conditioned trains are a must as temperatures and humidity rise. Events like Fashion Weeks in September and February also draw large crowds ^[8].

Key details for peak travel:

Check schedules early and book in advance to secure seats during these busy months. Holiday periods, too, come with their own set of adjustments.

Holiday Travel

Major holidays like Christmas and Easter bring changes to train timetables. In August, many locals leave for vacations, leading to fewer local services but steady main route operations ^[7].

For a quieter experience, consider traveling in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November). While October and November tend to be rainy ^[6], train services usually run without interruptions. Always double-check schedules before setting off to ensure smooth travel.

Conclusion

Milan’s rail network offers seamless connections for both domestic and international travel. Its main hub, Milano Centrale, is equipped with conveniences like free WiFi, luggage storage, and retail shops. For high-speed routes within Italy, tickets start at about $21.90 (€19.90), and booking in advance is recommended.

Here’s a quick overview of train travel options:

Milan’s metro system connects major train stations, making transfers easy. For regional trips, like a visit to Lake Como, fixed-price tickets offer flexibility without requiring advance purchase.

When booking, double-check your arrival station since Milan has multiple hubs. Real-time updates are available on official websites. Whether you’re exploring Italy or traveling internationally, Milan’s rail system offers options to suit a variety of budgets and schedules.

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