Milan gets a lot of attention - and rightly so. But some of the most spectacular scenery and historic cities in all of Italy are right on its doorstep. If you're building a Northern Italy itinerary, or simply have a spare day and want to make the most of it, Milan is one of the best bases in Europe for day trips.
The Italian Lakes, the Swiss Alps, medieval hilltop towns, and some of Italy's most beloved cities are all reachable by train in under two hours. Most trips cost less than €15 each way, no car required.
I did a Lake Como day trip from Milan - and it genuinely topped my list as one of the best days of the whole trip. Whether that's on your radar or you're weighing up other options, here's your complete guide to the best day trips from Milan by train in 2026.
Why Milan is Perfect for Day Trips Around Northern Italy
Milano Centrale is one of Italy's busiest and best-connected rail hubs. Regional Trenord trains and high-speed Trenitalia services fan out in every direction, making day trips from Milan by train straightforward, affordable, and genuinely enjoyable.
- Trains run frequently - usually every 30 to 60 minutes
- Most easy day trips from Milan cost under €15 each way
- No need to rent a car - trains get you close to the action
Tips for Planning Day Trips from Milan
- Go early - aim to leave Milan by 8–9am; crowds at the lakes peak sharply after midday
- Book in advance during summer via the Trenord or Trenitalia app
- One destination per day - don't try to combine two; you'll feel rushed and enjoy neither
- Check last train times before you leave - regional services stop earlier than expected
- Skip the rental car - lakefront roads are narrow, parking is expensive, and you'll want to drink wine at lunch
The Best Day Trips from Milan
➜ Lake Como Day Trip from Milan
A Lake Como day trip from Milan is, without question, the classic choice - and it earns that reputation. Crystal-clear water framed by the Alps, pastel-coloured villages stacked up hillsides, and elegant villas peeking through cypress trees. It's one of those Italy bucket list destinations that somehow exceeds expectations in person.
I took the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (around 60 minutes, €7.40 each way) and then ferried across to Bellagio. That first view of the lake from the train platform stopped me in my tracks. It's the kind of place that makes you wonder why you didn't come sooner.
How to get from Milan to Lake Como:
- Train from Milano Centrale → Varenna-Esino (60 mins, €7.40)
- Or train to Como San Giovanni (40 mins, €4.80) for the town itself
- Ferry between villages from Varenna - a day pass costs €15 in 2026
- Explore the lanes and viewpoints of Bellagio, the lake's most famous village
- Stroll Varenna's waterfront and visit Villa Monastero
- Visit Villa del Balbianello - one of the most photographed spots in Italy
- Take the ferry between villages - this is non-negotiable
- Lunch lakeside: fresh lake fish, local white wine, unbeatable views
➜ Bergamo Day Trip from Milan
If the Italian Lakes from Milan feel a little too well-trodden, Bergamo is the answer. Just 50 minutes by train, it's one of the most rewarding - and most underrated - beautiful towns near Milan. The city divides into a modern lower town and a stunning Città Alta (Upper Old Town) reached by historic funicular, enclosed by UNESCO-listed Venetian walls.
👉 By Train: Milano Centrale → Bergamo (50 mins, €5 each way)
- Ride the funicular up to the Città Alta for sweeping views over Lombardy
- Walk the Venetian walls - free, beautiful, and far less busy than the lakes
- Visit the ornate Cappella Colleoni in the main piazza
- Try casoncelli - Bergamo's traditional stuffed pasta - for lunch
- Wander the cobbled streets and grab a coffee the way locals do: standing at the bar
➜ Verona Day Trip from Milan
A Verona day trip from Milan sits at around 60–90 minutes by train and delivers one of Italy's most romantic and historically rich cities. Yes, Romeo and Juliet put it on the map - but the Arena di Verona (a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheatre), the buzzing Piazza delle Erbe, and exceptional local wines mean there's far more to discover than a famous balcony.
👉 By Train: Milano Centrale → Verona Porta Nuova (60–90 mins, €10–15)
- The Arena di Verona - 2,000 years old and still used for open-air opera in summer
- Wander Piazza delle Erbe - one of Italy's liveliest market squares
- Visit Juliet's House for the photo, then move on quickly
- Lunch with a glass of Valpolicella or Soave - you're in prime wine country
➜ Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan
The Lake Garda day trip from Milan is the best option if you want beaches, a more relaxed pace, and fewer crowds than Como. Italy's largest lake has a totally different character - broader, breezier, and more varied in landscape as you move from south to north.
The standout stop is Sirmione: a narrow peninsula with a fairytale medieval castle, Roman ruins, and natural thermal springs - one of the most unique spots in all of Northern Italy.
Best for: Families, beach lovers, and anyone after a gentler day.
👉 By Train: Milano Centrale → Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano (90 mins, €10)
- Take the ferry between lakeside towns such as Sirmione, Malcesine, and Limone sul Garda
- Explore Sirmione's historic centre and visit the fairytale-like Scaligero Castle
- Walk through the Grotte di Catullo for lake views and Roman ruins
- Enjoy a long lakeside lunch with fresh fish and a glass of Lugana wine
➜ Bernina Express from Milan - Best Scenic Journey
For scenic train journeys from Milan, nothing competes with the Bernina Express - widely considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Departing from the nearby town of Tirano (reachable from Milan), the route climbs through the Swiss Alps via dramatic glaciers, viaducts, and mountain passes into St. Moritz.
It's a longer, more ambitious Swiss Alps day trip from Milan, but if you're a train lover or want something truly unforgettable, this one is on another level entirely.
How to get there:
- Take a regional train from Milan to Tirano (around 2.5 hours)
- Board the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. For the full experience, many travellers take the panoramic train one way and return on the regular regional train
Worth noting: While often described as a day trip from Milan, the Bernina Express is a very long day. If your itinerary allows, an overnight stay in St. Moritz or Tirano makes for a more relaxed experience.
Travel time: Allow 10-12 hours for the round trip.Cost: Expect to pay around €60-€100+ per person depending on the season, train type, and seat reservations.
👉 Top Tip: Book the Bernina Express in advance - seats sell out, especially in summer.
- Ride across the spectacular Brusio Circular Viaduct
- Admire views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and mountain peaks along the route
- Explore the elegant Swiss resort town of St. Moritz
- Stop for coffee or lunch overlooking the lake before returning to Milan
➜ Bologna Day Trip from Milan
Often overlooked in favour of the more famous destinations, a Bologna day trip from Milan is a brilliant choice for food lovers and those wanting an authentic Italian city experience. The high-speed train takes just 60 minutes, and Bologna's medieval porticoes, legendary food scene, and laid-back energy make for a very satisfying day.
👉 By Train: Milano Centrale → Bologna Centrale (60 mins, €15–25 high-speed)
- Wander beneath Bologna's famous porticoes and soak up the city's atmosphere
- Climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views across the red rooftops
- Visit Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio
- Order tagliatelle al ragù and a glass of local wine in the city that gave the world Bolognese
Italian Lake from Milan: Which One Should You Choose?
If you're trying to decide between the Italian lakes itinerary options, here's a quick breakdown:
Lake Train Time Best For
| Lake Como | 60 mins | Scenery, villages, ferry-hopping |
| Lake Garda | 90 mins | Beaches, space, a relaxed day |
| Lake Maggiore | 60 mins | Gardens, Borromean Islands, fewer crowds |
Lake Maggiore day trip from Milan is worth considering if you want something quieter than Como - the Borromean Islands and the gardens of Isola Bella are extraordinary, and visitor numbers are noticeably lower.
Quick Comparison: Best Day Trips from Milan by Train
Destination Train Time Cost (each way) Best For
FAQ: Day Trips from Milan
Do you need a car for day trips from Milan? No. Many of the best day trips from Milan, including Lake Como, Bergamo, Verona, Bologna, and Turin, are easily reached by train. In fact, public transport is often quicker and more convenient than driving.What are the best day trips from Milan by train? Lake Como, Bergamo, Verona, Lake Garda, and Bologna are the top picks - all under 90 minutes with no car needed.
What is the most popular day trip from Milan? Lake Como is by far the most popular day trip from Milan. Towns such as Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio attract visitors from around the world thanks to their lakeside scenery and easy accessibility.How do I get from Milan to Lake Como? Take a Trenord regional train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (60 mins, €7.40). From Varenna, take the ferry to Bellagio.
Can you visit Switzerland on a day trip from Milan? Yes. Thanks to Milan's proximity to the Swiss border, destinations such as Lugano and the Bernina Express route can easily be visited in a day, making Switzerland one of the most popular international day trips from Milan.