Milan to Geneva by train

Direct EuroCity trains run from Milano Centrale to Genève in about 4h20, with up to four a day in each direction. The line goes via Domodossola and Brig and through the Simplon Tunnel, so there is no change in the Alps.

Direct EuroCity trains

The through trains are the quickest option and keep the whole trip to one ticket and one seat. They are EuroCity services shared by the Italian and Swiss railways.

On weekdays one fewer EuroCity runs in each direction than at weekends. SBB expects that reduction to last until at least the end of 2028, while Italian infrastructure work continues between Domodossola and Milan. The Simplon Tunnel itself is being renovated in six-month stages each year until 2028.

Tickets and fares from Milan

Buy in Italy and you pay in euros. Fares change with the date, the train and the class, and the cheapest advance fares sell out first, so buying early gives the best chance of a low price. Trenitalia's Smart Price fares on EuroCity trains to Switzerland come in two kinds: SMART cannot be changed after purchase, and SMART2 can be moved to another date or time by paying the difference. Both are non-refundable.

The seat reservation is included in the ticket price. Children aged 0 to 5 travel free without a seat, and a seat for a 6 to 15 year old is sold at the child fare, roughly half the adult price.

Reservations with a rail pass

A reservation is compulsory on every EuroCity between Italy and Switzerland, including this one. If you travel on an Interrail or Eurail pass, the reservation is a separate purchase of €13 to €17 in either class, made through the pass provider's reservation service.