Zurich to Milan train with Trenitalia

Zürich to Milan Through the Longest Railway Tunnel in the World

Introduction

Getting from Zürich to Milan by train is both scenic and quick, especially since the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Stretching 57 kilometers, this is the longest railway tunnel in the world. Cutting under the Swiss Alps, it shaves about an hour off the journey time compared to the old route. After closing in 2023 due to a freight derailment, the tunnel is now fully operational again in 2025.

Route Overview

The route is served by EuroCity trains, jointly operated by SBB and Trenitalia. Trains run every 1–2 hours, using the modern Swiss Giruno high-speed trains. The journey takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 254-kilometer-long route.

Transportation Experience

You can arrive at Zürich Hauptbahnhof just minutes before departure. With no security checks or boarding procedures, you can simply walk onto the train, store your luggage, and get comfortable in your seat. It was really a stress-free and straightforward experience.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Zürich Hauptbahnhof is a historic station with modern amenities, located within walking distance of the city center and well-connected by tram lines.

Facilities include shops, luggage lockers and a large ticket office. Clean toilets, shower facilities and a warm waiting room can be found on the underground level.

Trains to Milan usually depart from the main hall and are typically ready for boarding about 20 minutes before departure.

Milano Centrale is one of Europe’s largest train stations by volume, featuring iconic monumental architecture and 24 platforms — it's an attraction in its own right. The station is slightly outside Milan’s city center, so most onward journeys will require a short ride by metro or tram onwards from the station.

Schedule & Frequency

Zürich to Milan trains run at least every two hours, often increasing to hourly at various points of the day.

I took the 07:33 EC 11, scheduled to complete the trip in 3h 17m. After the 2023 tunnel closure, trains were rerouted over the mountains, adding an hour to the journey. But in 2025, all trains are back to using the Gotthard Base Tunnel.

Onboard Experience & Services

SBB Giruno Train

Most Zürich–Milan trains use the SBB Giruno Train, which offers:

• Low-floor entry for easy boarding, especially with luggage.
• Power outlets, tables and free Wi-Fi in both classes.
• A restaurant car serving freshly prepared hot meals and light snacks, like sandwiches and cheese platters, plus a wide range of hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks.

I traveled in First Class, but Standard Class is very comfortable and perfectly suitable for most. Both offer open seating, either in airline-style rows or around tables.

First Class provides more space, a quieter atmosphere and solo seats, making it ideal for solo travellers. There’s no additional service beyond the better seating, so I would only choose First Class again if the price difference is small.

Scenery Tips

• Sit on the left side for views of Lake Zürich when leaving the city.
• Switch to the right before Zug for the best Alpine views.
• Inside the 57-kilometer-long Gotthard Base Tunnel, there's nothing to see, but it’s pretty impressive to be traveling at 200 km/h deep below the Alps!
• After emerging from the tunnel, views are good on either side.
• The scenery in Italy is less dramatic, but Lake Como is visible briefly on the left.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Prices vary based on demand:

• Second Class: from €29
• First Class: from €49 (what I paid)

Most tickets include the mandatory seat reservation for Italy.

Booking in advance is key. First Class is sometimes only €10–15 more than Second, while it’s double at other times. I would not recommend you pay more than €20 extra for First Class unless, of course, you really value space and a quiet environment.

Buses are also available and often a bit cheaper, but they take about 4 hours and are less comfortable on mountain roads. You can compare Zürich to Milan travel options on Omio, but I'd personally stick with the smooth and fast train.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book early to secure the best prices.
• Sit on the right for mountain views and then the left for Lake Zürich and Como.
• Early or late train? Save time by having breakfast or dinner in the restaurant car.
• Double-check which part of the train goes to Italy. Oftentimes, only the front section of the train continues past the border.

Conclusion

Taking the train from Zürich to Milan is the best way to travel between the two cities. It’s fast, scenic and comfortable with modern trains, good amenities and great value if booked in advance. You can easily check schedules and buy tickets through Omio.

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator

• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.