Zurich to Milan by Train
Direct EuroCity (SBB/Trenitalia) service · from €29
Route Overview
Travel from Zurich to Milan by EuroCity train in as little as 3 hours and 17 minutes. Services run every 1-2 hours throughout the day, with approximately 15-20 direct trains jointly operated by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and Trenitalia.
All Zurich-Milan services use SBB's Giruno trains since December 2020, featuring modern low-floor entry, free WiFi, power sockets at all seats, and a restaurant car. The route passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest railway tunnel at 57 km, which opened in December 2016 and cut approximately one hour off the previous journey time.
Tickets start from €29 per person one way in 2nd class and from €49 in 1st class when booked in advance. Tickets are released up to 12 months before departure. Seat reservation is required and included in the ticket price.
Train Operator
EuroCity (SBB/Trenitalia)
Jointly operated by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and Trenitalia. All Zurich-Milan services use SBB Giruno trains since December 2020.
Direct high-speed · 250 km/h max
Departure & Arrival Stations
Zürich HB
- Central Zurich
- Tram, bus, S-Bahn. Direct train from Zurich Airport (~10 min). 200+ shops in RailCity mall.
Milano Centrale
- Piazza Duca d'Aosta 1, 20124 Milano
- Metro M2, M3, Tram, Bus. Malpensa Express to Milan Malpensa Airport (52 min).
Classes of Service
2nd Class
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at all seats
- Open salon seating, 2+2 configuration
- Giruno trains: modern low-floor entry
- Restaurant car access
1st Class
- Wider seats in 2+1 layout with solo seats
- More legroom and table seats available
- Free WiFi and power outlets
- Trenitalia-operated services: complimentary snack and beverage
- Restaurant car access
Tickets & Booking Tips
Starting Price
from €29 per person, one way in 2nd Class class. Prices range from €29 (2nd class, advance) to €49+ (1st class). Flexible fares are higher..
Book Early
Tickets are available Up to 12 months in advance. Advance bookings typically offer the lowest fares.
Children & Youth
Children aged 6-15 receive discounted fares. SBB Junior Card: children under 16 travel free with a parent.. Standard adult fares apply from age 16.. Children under 6 travel free without a ticket (SBB rules).
Luggage
No formal baggage limits on EuroCity trains.
Good to Know
Through the World's Longest Railway Tunnel
Trains pass through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest railway tunnel at 57 km. The tunnel opened in December 2016 and shaved about an hour off the previous route over the Gotthard Pass. Transit takes approximately 20 minutes.
Giruno Trains on This Route
Since December 2020, all Zurich-Milan EuroCity services use SBB's Giruno trains. These modern trains feature low-floor entry for easy boarding, Wi-Fi, power sockets at all seats, and a restaurant car serving hot meals and drinks.
No Check-In or Security Screening
There are no check-in procedures or security screenings. Simply walk onto the platform and board. Ticket and passport checks take place onboard as this is an international service. Switzerland is in the Schengen Area.
Seat Reservation Required
Seat reservation is required for international journeys to and from Italy. A reserved seat is included in the ticket price when purchased through standard booking channels.
Scenic Views Before and After the Tunnel
After leaving Zurich, the train passes lakes Zugersee and Vierwaldstättersee on the right side heading south. After the tunnel, Lake Lugano is visible on both sides. The route passes through Como before reaching Milan.
Two Currency Zones
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) and Italy uses the Euro (EUR). Train tickets are typically priced in EUR on international booking platforms. Most stations accept both currencies and card payments.
Restaurant Car Available
Giruno trains have a restaurant car serving freshly prepared hot meals, sandwiches, cheese platters, and a range of hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks. Both classes can use the restaurant car.
Zurich Airport Connection
A direct SBB train from Zurich Airport to Zürich HB takes approximately 10 minutes. Trains run frequently, making it easy to connect from a flight to the Milan service.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest direct EuroCity trains take 3 hours 17 minutes. Average journey time is around 3 hours 30 minutes via the Gotthard Base Tunnel route.
EuroCity trains run every 1-2 hours throughout the day, with approximately 15-20 direct services. The service is jointly operated by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and Trenitalia.
Advance fares start from €29 in 2nd Class and from €49 in 1st Class when booked early. Prices increase closer to departure date. Tickets are released up to 12 months in advance.
Yes. The Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest railway tunnel at 57 km, is fully operational as of 2025. It was temporarily closed in 2023 due to a freight train derailment and has since been fully restored.
Trains depart from Zürich HB (Hauptbahnhof) and arrive at Milano Centrale. Both are the main central stations of their respective cities with extensive public transport connections.
Switzerland and Italy are both in the Schengen Area. There are no border checks. However, carry valid photo ID as ticket and occasional passport checks take place onboard.
2nd Class has comfortable open-salon seating in a 2+2 configuration with Wi-Fi and power sockets. 1st Class offers wider seats in a 2+1 layout with solo seats, more legroom, and on Trenitalia-operated services, a complimentary snack and beverage.
Yes. Milano Centrale is Italy's main rail hub. High-speed Frecciarossa trains connect to Florence (1h 40m), Rome (2h 55m), Naples (4h 30m), and Venice (2h 25m). One daily EuroCity from Zurich also continues to Venice.