From Italy to Switzerland by Rail

PHOTOGRAPHY: Johannes Hofmann

“ Traveling by train from Italy to Switzerland is an easy, comfortable and spectacularly scenic journey. ”

You can book travel between Italy and Switzerland on ItaliaRail via two different routes — from Milan to Zurich, or from Venice to Geneva. You can choose to travel by day and take in the alpine scenery, or to book an overnight trip in a sleeping or couchette car.

The train from Italy to Switzerland brings you through some of the world’s most beautiful alpine scenery. Get ready to experience mountain peaks, alpine valleys and tiny mountain villages. The Trenitalia route between Milan and Zurich is always direct, while the train between Venice and Geneva will stop in Milan or another smaller city. If you stop in Milan you will be required to change trains.

Trains between Milan and Zurich

Trenitalia's high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains leave Milan or Zurich every two hours — averaging nine trains per day. Early trains on this route leave around 6 or 7 a.m., while the night trains leave Milan Centrale or Zürich Hauptbahnhof around 7 p.m.

Many of Trenitalia’s Frecciargento AV trains make the daily journey between Milan and Zurich in just 3 hours and 35 minutes, traveling up to 155 miles per hour.

Trains between Venice and Geneva

Trenitalia's high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains leave Venice for Geneva once every morning and several times each afternoon — averaging six trains per day. Early trains on this route leave around 8 a.m., while the night train to Geneva CFF leaves Venice around 4 p.m.

Trains from Geneva to Venice leave less frequently — morning, afternoon, and evening — averaging four trains per day. Early trains on this route start at 5:39 a.m., while the night train to Venice leaves Geneva at 6:39 p.m. Many of Trenitalia’s Frecciargento AV trains make the daily journey between Venice and Geneva in just 7 hours, traveling up to 155 miles per hour.

Amenities on the Freccia trains between Italy and Switzerland

Italy’s high-speed trains are equipped with air conditioning and electrical outlets at your seat to charge devices. There is WiFi on Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains, but the signal will drop in tunnels and at stations. Expect a cafe car on every train, as well as food cart that brings snacks, sandwiches and beverages to your seat. At the end of each car you’ll find a restroom and plenty of racks to store large luggage.

About the train stations

Milan Centrale Station

Located at the northern end of the city center, Milan Centrale is a hub for Milan’s Metro, tram and bus networks. Here you can catch high-speed trains to Italian and international destinations, as well as inter-city and regional trains to smaller cities and towns. Milan Central is also the destination for the Malpensa Express, which goes to Milan’s main airport.

Zürich Hauptbahnhof

Switzerland’s largest train station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof (or Zürich HB) connects Zurich to most Swiss cities, and is an international hub to major cities throughout Europe. It’s located in Zurich’s central old town near the junction of the city’s two rivers. Zürich HB has all the modern amenities you would expect from a major international train station, including restaurants, grocery stores, and popular retailers.

Venice Santa Lucia Station

Santa Lucia station, also known as Venezia S. Lucia, is the city’s central train station. Located across the Grand Canal from the historic Santa Croce district, Santa Lucia station provides high-speed train service to international and Italian destinations, as well as slower regional service to towns and cities throughout northeast Italy.

Geneva CFF Station

Geneva Cornavin (Geneva CFF for short) is Geneva’s main central train station. A major transportation hub, Cornavin connects Geneva to cities throughout Switzerland and international capitals across Europe. The station is an easy walk from Lake Geneva, the river and the city’s historic old town. You’ll find all the usual train station amenities at Geneva Cornavin, including showers for weary long-haul travelers.