Flights can be costly and take time, and the train is far more scenic, gliding through the snow-capped Alps, rolling green hills, and fairytale villages on the way between Italy and Switzerland.
Forget about all the stress of dealing with airports – and instead take in stunning views from your seat! Here’s your definitive guide to traveling between Italy and Switzerland by train. All aboard!
The Convenience of Direct Routes
One of the best things about train travel is that many of the major hubs in Italy and Switzerland (and in the rest of Europe as well) are connected by an extensive network of direct routes.
Just climb on, sit back and relax as you move between cities without the hassle of train changes.
For instance, several EuroCity trains offer twice daily nonstop links between Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, and top tourist cities in Switzerland such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern and Lugano. The fast and comfortable trains will have you city-hopping in no time.
Other handy direct routes are Venice and Zurich, Genoa and Lugano, and Bologna and Geneva. And wherever you want to go, there’s a good chance there’s a direct train to take you there without the headache of a layover.
Scenic Train Rides Provide Front-Row Views of the Mountains
While getting around by train makes it easy, you also get to soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy and Switzerland. Travel through the Alps by day aboard the panoramic Bernina Express train for breathtaking views.
This famous red train runs between Chur, Switzerland and Tirano in Italy – an excellent option for crossing between countries. At the same time you’ll see stunning glaciers, mountain lakes and valleys, as well as scenic villages. No wonder this railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Another option for gorgeous Alpine views is the Gotthard Panorama Express, which also links the two countries in style. Indulge in first-rate views from the glass-domed viewing cars. You’ll also spend cozy time inside and have access to a multilingual audio guide that calls out trip highlights while you cut through the Alps.
Key Train Stations Make Italian and Swiss Cities Accessible
For tickets and routes and between Italy and Switzerland, pay attention to itineraries from these convenient rail stations:
Direct trains operate in Italy from Milano Centrale station in central Milan and Malpensa Aeroporto Train Station, which is linked to Milan’s main airport. Other Italian cities, including Venice, Verona, Bologna, Genoa and Florence, also have direct rail connections to Switzerland.
Zurich and Lugano represent direct connections to Italian cities on the Swiss side. Geneva and Basel are other easy points of entry for trains to Italy. Use the official Swiss rail timetables to plan your preferred route and departure station when purchasing tickets.
Get There Fast and Cheap by Train
One of the greatest advantages to traveling between Italy and Switzerland by train? Speed and savings, by comparison to flying!
For instance, trains with minimal stops link Zurich to Milan in about four hours and Rome in only three and a half. When you account for time at the airport, train travel time is similar for these popular routes.
Plus, the fares on trains, when booked in advance, are generally cheaper than flying. If you can score discounted tickets for 2nd class, you can easily max out on Swiss and Italian adventures for a fraction of the normal cost. Pamper yourself with first class seats with more legroom and perks on special treats or longer journeys.
Sustainable and Comfortable Transportation
In addition to its relatively low cost and direct connections, train travel just provides a more seamless experience than other forms of transport between Italy and Switzerland. Forget the sardine seats of budget airlines, and pack spacious seats with plenty of legroom to stretch out.
Panoramic viewing windows allow you to soak up Alpine scenery from comfort rather than through a small oval window of a plane. Taking a stroll between train cars for fresh air and a snack is another plus for the long haul.
Travelling by train also has fewer carbon emissions than flying, making it the more environmentally friendly option. So you can travel with confidence between two of the prettiest countries in Europe.
Top Tips for Booking Your Best Rail Adventure
Want to plan your own Italian-Swiss itinerary? Here are handy booking tips:
- Reserve early and take economy fares for the best deals.
- Look into rail passes if you’re going long distances or visiting multiple countries.
- Traveling by train can also be quite economical, especially with the special deals you can find on train company websites and youth discounts.
- Book tickets for long-distance trips with reserved seats
- Investigate scenic rail routes such as the Bernina Express.
- Standard delays should be allowed when passing through mountain tunnels.
- Download the offline maps and train time tables.
- Carry small snacks and activities for the trip.
Train travel, with its smooth connections, stunning scenery and sustainable footprint, makes getting around Italy and Switzerland a breeze. As the Swiss say “bon voyage” or the Italians “buon viaggio” – the adventure of a lifetime begins!
