Paris to Milan by Train: Plan Your Trip

You can now dash across the 530 miles that separate Paris and Milan in as little as 6 hours 37 minutes thanks to two high-speed rail services.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan (Photo: Unsplash)

Travelling between these two blockbuster cities by train has long been popular, but with the launch of two high-speed rail lines in the past ten years it has never been easier or more affordable. High-speed trains are now operated by the Italian Frecciarossa and the French TGV inOui. Both services depart from Paris Gare de Lyon and arrive into either Milan Porta Garibaldi or Milan Centrale. From here, it’s just a short stroll or a few metro stops to the city’s most famous sights. If you’re considering making the trip by train, we’ve analysed the best options for you here.

TGV inOui

SNCF’s TGV inOui runs several services per day (Photo: SNCF)

SNCF’s high-speed offering has run since 2011. Trains depart from 06:30 am on the weekday and 09:43 am at the weekend with an average journey time of 7 hours 10 minutes. All trains arrive at Milan’s slightly less glamorous Milan Porto Garibaldi train station, which is located in the north of the city. From here, it’s a 30-minute walk to Milan Cathedral or a short metro journey on metro line M2.

There are two types of tickets to choose from: 1st and 2nd class. In 2nd class, passengers can choose from tables of four and traditional 2-abreast seating. First class offers wider seats with slightly more legroom and an opportunity to make use of the Grand Voyageurs 1st Class Lounge at Paris Gare de Lyon. There is no limit on luggage and bikes can be carried on board free of charge if they are dismantled and packed in a bag measuring 120cm by 90cm. Pets can also be taken on board for a small fee, depending on the size.

On board, there’s a cafe-bar serving drinks, snacks and light meals. There are power sockets at each seat and WiFi is available for all passengers.

Train schedule

Currently, SCNF runs three direct services from Paris Gare de Lyon to Milan Porto Garibaldi in the weekday and Sundays and four direct services on a Saturday.

Rates & how to book tickets

You can book tickets up to three months in advance of your travel dates. It’s always recommended to buy tickets in advance, as ticket prices escalate in the run-up to the day. Rates start at €29 for second class and €46 for first class.

We recommend booking tickets through Omio, a leading train ticket comparison website guaranteed to find the cheapest available rate. The booking process is easy and takes just a couple of minutes, and you don’t even have to create an account either. Book your tickets at Omio.com.

Trenitalia FrecciaRossa

Trenitalia’s high-speed FrecciaRossa service (Photo: Trenitalia)

Trenitalia’s FrecciaRossa train is the newer and more glamorous of the two. Trains depart every day at a slightly later time of 07:30 am with an average journey time of seven hours. Unlike SNCF’s offering, trains arrive slap bang in the centre of town at Milan Centrale station.

There are FrecciaRossa has three classes, making it the best option for those looking to travel a little more luxuriously. Passengers can choose from standard class, business class and executive class. Standard class seats are arranged in four-person berths or 2-abreast seating. Business class tickets include a complimentary coffee, juice and pastry in the morning and a complimentary glass of bubbles in the afternoon. Executive includes food and drink, served at your seat. You can also enjoy access to the exclusive Freccia Club Lounge in Milan.

On board, there’s a cafe-bar serving hot food and drinks. Like the TGV, there are power sockets at every seat and free WiFi for all passengers.

Train schedule

Currently, Trenitalia runs three direct services from Paris Gare de Lyon to Milan Central daily.

Rates & How to book tickets

Where to stay in Milan on a budget

Ostello Grande (Photo: Booking.com)

While Milan might be a big city, it’s still possible to get good bang for your buck, though you may need to extend your search to neighbourhoods outside of the tourist thoroughfare for the cheapest rates. We’ve selected three of the most convenient hostels and hotels in Milan that won’t break the bank.

If you’ve got your heart set on a hostel, hotfoot to Ostello Bello Grande. This highly rated hostel is located a heartbeat from Milan Central Station and a short stroll from the city’s star sights. Guests can choose from a range of rooms, from six-bed dormitories to comfy doubles. There’s a 24-hour front desk and snack bar, and laptops and tablets are available to rent. On site, there’s a rooftop terrace with hammocks, vegetable garden and barbecue facilities to help push your pennies further.

For a budget bolthole that won’t break the bank, Hotel Bernina is an excellent option. A short stroll from the train station, the hotel is located two minutes from the metro and shuttle bus services to attractions further afield, like the famous Serravalle Designer Outlet. Popular with everybody from business travellers to holidaying families, bedrooms are equipped with spacious bathrooms, some with terraces overlooking the courtyard. There’s a co-working area and complimentary tea and coffee service too.

If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel close to Porto Garibaldi station, you need look no further than AC Milano by Marriot. Located in an impressive skyscraper within spitting distance of Milan’s business and fashion districts, the hotel is also just two stops away from the city centre and its most showstopping sights. Guests have 160 rooms to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly doubles to luxurious suites. A buffet-style breakfast is included in the rate and there’s also an excellent on-site restaurant serving up Italian and international fare.

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