Taking the train from Italy to Switzerland
Treling by train from Italy to Switzerland is an easy, comfortable and spectacularly scenic journey. You can book trel between Italy and Switzerland on ItaliaRail via two different routes — from Milan to Zurich, or from Venice to Geneva. You can choose to trel 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 () trains lee Milan or Zurich every two hours — eraging nine trains per day. Early trains on this route lee around 6 or 7 a.m., while the night trains lee Milan Centrale or Zürich Hauptbahnhof around 7 p.m.
Many of Trenitalia’s Frecciargento trains make the daily journey between Milan and Zurich in just 3 hours and 35 minutes, treling up to 155 miles per hour.
Trains between Venice and Geneva
Trenitalia's high-speed Alta Velocità () trains lee Venice for Geneva once every morning and several times each afternoon — eraging six trains per day. Early trains on this route lee around 8 a.m., while the night train to Geneva CFF lees Venice around 4 p.m.
Trains from Geneva to Venice lee less frequently — morning, afternoon, and evening — eraging four trains per day. Early trains on this route start at 5:39 a.m., while the night train to Venice lees Geneva at 6:39 p.m.
Many of Trenitalia’s Frecciargento trains make the daily journey between Venice and Geneva in just 7 hours, treling 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. Read more
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. Read more
Geneva CFF Station Geneva Cornin (Geneva CFF for short) is Geneva’s main central train station. A major transportation hub, Cornin 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 Cornin, including showers for weary long-haul trelers.