Cross the Alps: How to Travel by Train from Switzerland to Italy

Last updated on September 22nd, 2026

You’re gliding through pristine Alpine valleys, snow-capped peaks slipping past your window while you sip Swiss coffee. Within hours, you’ll be admiring Italian lakes and stepping into a bustling city filled with gelato shops and Renaissance architecture.

That’s exactly what happens when you take the train from Switzerland to Italy. And yes, there really are trains from Switzerland to Italy – lots of them. The fastest EuroCity links Zurich and Milan in just 3 hours 17 minutes, while scenic routes like the Bernina Express turn the same border crossing into one of Europe’s great train rides.

We took this train ride from Switzerland to Italy ourselves, and here’s everything we learned: which trains to take, how long they take, what they cost, and how to choose between the fast route and the scenic one.

Here’s the short version of this guide:

Swiss Travel Pass: covers your Swiss journey up to the Italian border.

Fastest: Zurich to Milan in 3 hours 17 minutes, with 14 direct EuroCity trains a day, from CHF 38 in 2nd class.

From Geneva: Geneva to Milan takes about 4 hours 23 minutes, from CHF 41.

Most scenic: the Bernina Express, from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy.

Overnight: no sleeper train leaves a Swiss city for Italy (see the night train section below).

Is There a Train From Switzerland to Italy? Your Options

The beauty of Switzerland-Italy rail travel lies in the choices. After researching every route, we found three distinct experiences: a fast direct train, a scenic train through the Swiss Alps, and (with a caveat) the night train. Three main rail corridors carry almost all of the traffic:

• Gotthard route: Zurich – Lugano – Como – Milan (through the Gotthard Base Tunnel or via the scenic pass in warmer months)
• Simplon route: Geneva – Lausanne – Montreux – Brig – Milan (through the Simplon Tunnel)
• Lötschberg and Simplon route: Basel or Bern – Brig – Milan

Direct High-Speed Trains (EuroCity)

EuroCity (EC) trains are the fastest way to cross the border. SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and Trenitalia run them jointly, and most Zurich–Milan services use modern Giruno trains with level boarding, power outlets, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant car. You’ll zip through the 57-kilometre Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the world, which has really changed how people get across the Alps.

If you care more about speed than scenery, these direct trains are the way to go. You’ll still catch glimpses of Lake Lugano and Lake Como, but the point is getting there fast. Book them on Omio or directly with SBB and Trenitalia (more on booking below).

Scenic Trains Through the Swiss Alps to Italy

Now here’s where the magic happens. The Bernina Express is a narrow-gauge panoramic train that runs from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, just over the Italian border. The line is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it exists largely to show off the Alps: huge panoramic windows, glaciers, alpine lakes and viaducts that almost seem to defy physics. We cover it in detail in the scenic routes section.

Is There a Sleeper Train From Switzerland to Italy?

Not yet. If you were hoping to doze off in Zurich or Geneva and wake up in Milan or Venice, that still isn’t possible: as of 2026, no sleeper train departs from a Swiss city for Italy. ÖBB’s Nightjet network serves Zurich, but its routes head to Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, not Italy. For a Swiss-Italian border crossing at night, take a normal EuroCity to Milan and change there.

What’s new in 2026: the Dutch-Belgian operator European Sleeper launched a Brussels – Cologne – Switzerland – Milan night train on 9 September 2026, running three times a week. It’s built for travellers coming from Belgium and Germany, but it’s interesting from a Swiss perspective too: the train crosses Switzerland in the early morning on the classic Gotthard line (with stops including Arth-Goldau, Göschenen, Bellinzona and Lugano) and reaches Milan Porta Garibaldi around midday. Going north, it leaves Milan in the evening. It takes the old scenic route over the top rather than the Base Tunnel, so it’s slower than the EuroCity, but the views are far better. Shared couchette berths start from around €50 one way, and prices vary by date.

Once you’re in Italy, Trenitalia’s Intercity Notte sleeper trains run overnight from northern cities like Milan and Turin down to Rome and the south, so you can still combine a daytime ride from Switzerland with a night train onward.

Train Map: Switzerland to Italy Rail Routes

Your Train Options: Direct, Scenic, or Overnight?

The beauty of Switzerland-Italy rail travel lies in the choices. After researching every possible route (and yes, there are trains from Switzerland to Italy – lots of them!), we found three distinct experiences waiting for you.

Direct High-Speed Trains

EuroCity trains head to Milan and even farther several times a day. They’re the fastest way to cross the border. SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and Trenitalia run these sleek, modern trains. You’ll zip through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, an engineering marvel that’s really changed how people get across the Alps.

If you care more about speed than scenery, these direct trains are the way to go. Sure, you’ll catch some glimpses of lakes and mountains, but it’s mostly about getting you to your destination fast.

Expect comfortable seats. There’s onboard Wi-Fi, and the dining cars serve up both Swiss and Italian specialties.

Scenic Panoramic Routes

Now here’s where the magic happens. The Bernina Express is a famous narrow gauge scenic train that runs through the Swiss Alps from Chur or St Moritz to Tirano. It’s absolutely breathtaking. These UNESCO World Heritage routes exist for one reason: to show off the Alps in all their glory.

The panoramic trains come with massive glass windows and open-air observation cars. You’ll wind through valleys that look like they belong in fairy tales. You’ll cross viaducts that almost seem to defy physics. The landscapes make you wonder why anyone wouldn’t write poetry about the Alps.

Overnight Trains

Unfortunately, if you thought you can doze off in the Swiss countryside and wake up in Rome or Venice while saving on a hotel stay, that does not exist as of 2025. You will need to take a normal EuroCity train (even if it is late at night) to at least Milan before switching to an Italian carrier for the rest of the journey.

There are planned direct overnight services scheduled to start in 2026 from Zurich to Milan and Venice, but details have been scarce so far.

Switzerland to Milan by Train: Routes From Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne and Lugano

Let’s talk specifics. Almost every route from Switzerland to Italy runs through Milan, so once you’ve picked your Swiss starting point, the rest is easy.

Zurich to Milan by Train

Zurich to Milan is the crown jewel of Switzerland-Italy rail travel. The fastest train takes 3 hours 17 minutes, and SBB currently lists 14 direct trains a day, the first leaving Zurich HB at 06:33 and the last at 19:33. Tickets start from CHF 38 in 2nd class (CHF 79 in 1st), including a seat reservation, though the cheapest fares are limited and need to be booked early. Trains arrive at Milano Centrale, where the whole Italian rail network is at your feet. Compare Zurich to Milan times and prices on Omio.

Honestly, the route is gorgeous. Explore Zurich for a couple of days before you leave the bustle of the city, then suddenly find yourself plunging into the heart of the Alps through the Gotthard Pass. After the Base Tunnel, the line drops through Ticino and along Lake Lugano, and just before Milan you get a tantalizing glimpse of Lake Como.

If you want to skip the Gotthard Base Tunnel and take the more scenic mountain line, use the official SBB planner and add Göschenen as a “via” station. This route still takes you through the Gotthard Pass without using the Base Tunnel but adds 1.5 to 2 hours to the journey.

For the best views south of Lugano, sit on the left: Lake Lugano appears on that side first, then switches to the right after the train crosses the causeway.

Fun fact: The Gotthard Pass was an important trade route since the 13th century and was extended for cross-Alpine travel in the 19th century. See the famous oil painting, “Gotthard Post” by Rudolf Koller, in the Zurich Museum of Art.

Zurich to Venice, Turin and Other Italian Cities

Heading to Venice from Zurich? SBB lists one direct train a day: it leaves Zurich HB at 08:33, takes about 6 hours 9 minutes. It reverses direction in Milano Centrale, so don’t be surprised when the train pulls out the way it came in. If the timing doesn’t suit you, change in Milan onto a Frecciarossa or Italo; Milan to Venice takes roughly 2.5 hours.

There are no direct trains from Zurich to Turin, but a simple change in Milan gets you there in roughly 5 to 5.5 hours. It’s perfect for reaching Piedmont or connecting on toward the Ligurian coast. A handful of EuroCity services also continue beyond Milan to Bologna, Florence and Genoa.

Switzerland to Rome by Train

There’s no direct train from Switzerland to Rome, but it’s straightforward with one change in Milan. With good connections you can do Zurich to Rome in around 6.5 hours, but just over 7 hours is a normal length of time with just one connection in Milan. Milan to Rome takes roughly 3.5 hours on a Frecciarossa. Leave early and you’ll be in Rome for dinner.

Geneva to Milan by Train

Geneva to Milan gives you a totally different vibe. SBB lists four direct EuroCity trains a day (first departure 05:27, last 18:27). The journey takes about 4 hours 23 minutes. The train skirts Lake Geneva past Lausanne and Montreux, follows the Rhône valley up to Brig, and dives through the Simplon Tunnel into Italy. It then runs along Lake Maggiore, usually stopping in Stresa, before pulling into Milano Centrale. Check Geneva to Milan tickets on Omio.

For Geneva to Turin, take the same train to Milan and change onto a regional or high-speed service. If you’re eyeing Piedmont’s wine country or the Italian Riviera, this is a solid pick. Spring and summer crank up the beauty, as the lakeside vineyards burst into bloom and the scenery feels almost cinematic.

Heads up: the Simplon corridor has ongoing engineering works. The line between Domodossola and Milan is being widened for freight, which means fewer trains on this route for several years and occasional closures with rail-replacement buses (there were several in June–July 2026). Always check your exact date in the SBB app before booking.

Lucerne and Lugano to Milan by Train

Zurich is more convenient than Lucerne for quick trips across the border, but Lucerne to Milan is easy too. Take a short train (26 to 33 minutes, three an hour) to Arth-Goldau, the hub for Gotthard Base Tunnel journeys, and change onto the Zurich–Milan EuroCity. From Arth-Goldau it’s under 3 hours to Milan, and the train pauses in Lugano if you want a taste of Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region. Spending a day first? Here’s our Lucerne one-day itinerary.

Already in southern Switzerland? Lugano to Milan is your quickest border hop, and Lugano to Como takes under an hour. From Milan you can reach Turin, Florence or Verona without much hassle, and some services run direct from Lugano to Venice (around 4 hours) and Genoa. It’s a cultural appetizer before you even hit Italy. On a tighter budget, regional trains such as TILO’s RE80 link Locarno and Milano Centrale in about 1 hour 52 minutes.

Train Through the Swiss Alps to Italy: The Best Scenic Routes

If you’re going to splurge on one train experience in Europe, make it a scenic train from Switzerland to Italy. Three options stand out: the Bernina Express (the only one that actually crosses into Italy), the Glacier Express (Switzerland only, but a great pairing), and the Gotthard Panorama Express.

Bernina Express: Switzerland to Italy

The Bernina Express runs from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano and is often called one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. The full ride from Chur takes about 4 hours; starting in St. Moritz cuts it to roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. The Albula and Bernina lines have held UNESCO World Heritage status since 2008, and the journey crosses 196 bridges and 55 tunnels before climbing over the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres.

Highlights include the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, the Morteratsch Glacier, Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm, and the palm-lined descent into Tirano. The Landwasser Viaduct, the one from a hundred Swiss tourism photos, sits on the Chur–St. Moritz stretch, so start in Chur if you want to see it. There’s free Wi-Fi on board, though it can drop out in tunnels and deep valleys.

Tickets and reservations: seat reservations are mandatory on the panoramic trains. They cost CHF 44 for Chur–Tirano in summer and CHF 32 for St. Moritz–Tirano year-round. The train ticket itself varies in cost depending on the segment, so budget about CHF 130 for the full ride in summer. The Bernina Express is free with a Swiss Travel Pass except for the reservation, so if you’re already bouncing around Switzerland it’s a fantastic deal. Reservations open about three months ahead, and summer departures sell out.

Book Bernina Express tickets with a seat reservation here if you’d rather have ticket and reservation in one booking, and check out the Swiss Travel Pass if you’re taking several trains within Switzerland before you leave. You can also do this route in reverse and start from Como, Milan, or Tirano.

Continuing into Italy: Tirano sits right on the border, so it’s a clever tourism link between the two countries. From Tirano, a regional train runs to Milan in around three hours along the eastern shore of Lake Como (passing Varenna), or in season you can take the Bernina Express Bus to Lugano (about 3 hours, CHF 18 reservation in summer).

We highly recommend experiencing the difference in scenery from both the Swiss side and the Italian side of the Alps. Cross by train, then connect in Milan to Lake Como for a beautiful 3-day stay! I even help you choose the perfect place to stay on Lake Como.

Bernina Red Train: The Budget Alternative

The Bernina Express isn’t the only train on this line. Regular regional trains (the “Red Train”) follow the same UNESCO route with standard carriages and no mandatory seat reservation, just your ticket or Swiss Travel Pass. You’ll miss the panoramic windows and the guaranteed seat, but it’s a good way to ride the Bernina line on a budget or on a busy summer day when the Express is sold out.

Bernina Express Day Trip From Milan

You don’t necessarily need to start your day in Switzerland to ride the Bernina Express. Tour operators can get you the full experience in a single day from Milan: you’re picked up and taken by coach (with photo breaks) to St. Moritz, board the train, and ride to Tirano before being returned to Milan by coach in the evening.

Here are your full-day tour options from Milan by coach to ride the Bernina Express from St. Moritz.

Does the Glacier Express Go to Italy?

No, the Glacier Express does not go to Italy. It runs entirely within Switzerland, from Zermatt (at the foot of the Matterhorn) to St. Moritz, in about 8 hours, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. It’s the slowest “express” you’ll ever love. But it links up nicely with trains into Italy, because both it and the Bernina Express pass through Chur and St. Moritz.

Here’s how to combine them over two days: ride the Glacier Express from Zermatt through the Western and Central Alps to St. Moritz, spend the night there, and on day two take the Bernina Express to Tirano and on into Italy. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the ticket, but a seat reservation (CHF 54) is mandatory, and reservations open about three months ahead. One catch: the Glacier Express takes an annual break from mid-October to early December, so plan around that.

Book Glacier Express tickets and seat reservations here, and pick a hotel for your St. Moritz night here.

Gotthard Panorama Express: Lucerne to Lugano

Want a scenic route that ends on Italy’s doorstep? The Gotthard Panorama Express combines a steamboat ride across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen with a first-class panoramic train over the original Gotthard line to Lugano, taking around 5.5 hours in total. It runs daily from mid-April to mid-October. The panoramic train is first class only, and the mandatory supplement (which includes your seat reservation) is CHF 24; Swiss Travel Pass holders with 2nd-class passes need a 1st-class upgrade for that section. From Lugano it’s a short hop to Como and Milan.

How Long Does the Train From Switzerland to Italy Take?

How far is Switzerland from Italy by train? Closer than most people think. The border sits less than an hour from Lugano, and the whole Zurich–Milan run is just over three hours. Here are the Switzerland to Italy train times at a glance:

Routes between other cities usually involve a connection in Milan or Turin, adding 1 to 3 hours but opening up Italy’s Riviera coastline and the heart of the Renaissance. Scenic routes take more time, but that’s entirely the point.

How Much Does the Train From Switzerland to Italy Cost?

Let’s talk money. These journeys are priceless, but they do have prices. Here’s what the train from Switzerland to Italy costs in 2026 (2nd class, one way, cheapest fares if booked early from SBB unless noted):

How to Save Money on Train Tickets From Switzerland to Italy

Booking early makes a huge difference. SBB’s cheapest fares are limited in number, and the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting one. We found that advance bookings could save 30–50% compared with last-minute purchases. Peak season (summer and Christmas markets time) drives prices up significantly.

Class matters too. First class offers larger seats, better service and fewer crowds, which is sometimes worth it on long scenic routes. Second class is comfortable and has the same spectacular views. On peak-season scenic trains, reserve seats either way.

Do You Need a Swiss Travel Pass for the Train to Italy?

The Swiss Travel Pass covers all SBB journeys by train, bus or boat up to the Italian border, plus the base fare on the Bernina Express and Glacier Express (reservations are extra). In 2026 it starts at CHF 254 for 3 days in 2nd class and rises to CHF 499 for 15 days. Children under 6 travel free, and children 6 to 15 travel free with the free Swiss Family Card when a parent holds a pass, so do request the Family Card when you buy. It’s great value for families.

If you only want a few specific journeys, the Swiss Half Fare Card (CHF 150 for one month in 2026, up from CHF 120) halves the price of every individual ticket. If you’re only riding Zurich to Milan once, a point-to-point ticket is cheaper than either. Either way, neither covers the Italian side of the trip, so buy those tickets separately.

Buy your Swiss Travel Pass here or get the Half Fare Card here.

Where to Buy Train Tickets From Switzerland to Italy

SBB.ch and the SBB Mobile app work perfectly for booking if you’re also booking other Swiss journeys, and you can select your pass before the final price is shown. Trenitalia sells tickets for Italian legs, like onward Frecciarossa connections from Milan. For one-stop shopping, Omio combines multiple operators into single bookings.

Which Train From Switzerland to Italy Is Right for You?

With so many options, how do you pick? We learned to match the train to the priority:

• Speed: take the Zurich–Milan EuroCity. It has the most departures and goes straight through the Gotthard Base Tunnel.
• Scenery: the Bernina Express is the best pure visual impact per hour, and the only scenic train that crosses the border. Choose the Glacier Express only if you also want a long day in the Alps, and pair it with the Bernina Express for Italy.
• Budget: book a Saver fare early on a direct EuroCity, or use regional trains such as Lugano to Como to Milan or TILO’s Locarno–Milan RE80. They’re slower but cost less.
• Comfort and luxury: first-class panoramic coaches give you fewer crowds and bigger windows. For true splurges, consider the Glacier Express Excellence Class or the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

If you’re after true luxury with Venice as your final stop, check out the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The original Orient Express started in Paris, ran to Venice via the Simplon Tunnel and eventually ended in Istanbul, and today’s VSOE still travels part of that classic route. Some itineraries start in Geneva or Paris, cross the Alps and continue to Verona and Venice. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience with vintage carriages and white-glove service, but it isn’t cheap: one-night journeys start from around £3,500 per person.

How to Get From Switzerland to Italy: Train vs. Bus, Car and Plane

Wondering about the best way to get from Switzerland to Italy? For most travellers, the train wins. It takes you from city centre to city centre, there are no security lines, and you can sit back and watch the Alps roll past. SBB estimates that a Zurich to Milan train journey produces roughly 15 times less CO₂ than making the trip by car.

• Train: Zurich to Milan in 3 hours 17 minutes, from CHF 38. Scenic options available, and no airport transfers.
• Plane: the flight itself is short, but once you add airport transfers, security and check-in, the time savings shrink fast, and you miss the scenery.
• Bus: long-distance coaches can be the cheapest option but they’re slower, and road traffic (especially around the Gotthard on holiday weekends) can add delays. Check your bus options here.
• Car: the most flexible if you’re exploring the Italian lakes or mountains, but you’ll need a Swiss motorway vignette, and parking in Milan is a headache.

Train Travel From Switzerland to Italy: Practical Tips

Here’s what we wish we’d known before our first Switzerland-Italy train journey.

Booking Strategy

Book as soon as your dates open, especially for popular routes and scenic trains, which fill up fast in summer. Reservations open about three months ahead for the Bernina Express and Glacier Express, and early booking is also how you snag SBB’s cheapest fares.

Passport, ID and Border Checks

Switzerland and Italy are both in the Schengen Area, so there are no routine passport checks at the border. Still, spot checks happen on trains, so carry your passport or national ID card. Swiss tourism authorities also note that ID is required to enter Italy by the Bernina Express train and bus.

Check for Engineering Works and Disruptions

Alpine rail lines are busy, and 2026 has had its share of works. The Simplon corridor (Geneva, Bern and Basel to Milan) has reduced services and occasional rail-replacement buses while Italy widens the Domodossola–Milan line. On the Bernina Express, trains 951 and 952 are diverted via the Vereina Tunnel from 29 October to 13 November 2026. Check the SBB app and rhb.ch before you go, and keep in mind that Italian rail strikes can happen with little notice.

What to Expect Onboard

Most international trains have a dining car or trolley service. Still, it’s smart to bring snacks and water because Swiss train food isn’t cheap, and you might get so caught up in the scenery that you forget to visit the dining car. Wi-Fi is free on EuroCity trains and the Bernina Express, but the signal can drop in tunnels and deep valleys, so download entertainment before you go.

Luggage

Luggage rules on EuroCity trains are relaxed: there are no weight limits like on airlines. Just make sure you can carry your own bags, as platform stops can be quick. On the scenic trains, overhead space is limited (the Rhaetian Railway also offers a baggage delivery service if you’re travelling with big suitcases), so pack light for the panoramic cars.

Best Time of Year to Take the Train

Summer, from June to September, brings the clearest mountain views and warmest weather, but also more crowds and steeper prices. Alpine flowers put on a spectacular show in late spring. In winter the landscape becomes a wonderland, especially on scenic routes, though weather can cause delays and some high-altitude routes run limited timetables (the Bernina Express has fewer daily trains in winter, and the Gotthard Panorama Express doesn’t run). The shoulder seasons (April to May, and October to November) strike a nice balance of decent weather, reasonable prices and fewer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Train Travel From Switzerland to Italy

Ready to Plan Your Train Journey From Switzerland to Italy?

Taking the train from Switzerland to Italy isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about experiencing one of Europe’s most spectacular journeys. Whether you prioritize speed, scenery or budget, there’s a perfect train waiting for you.

Where next? Once you arrive, we’ve got you covered: spend a day with our 1-day Milan itinerary and our tips for visiting the Milan Duomo, then head to the lakes with our Lake Como 3-day itinerary.

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