From Paris to Milan by High-Speed Train

The high-speed train is an excellent way to travel from Paris to Turin or Milan in Italy, combining comfort with beautiful scenery.

While many travellers opt to fly between France and Italy, the train offers a far more relaxed alternative that allows you to enjoy the mountain scenery as you cross the Alps.

This guide explains what it is like to travel by high-speed train between Paris and Milan and how to book tickets in the best way.

Paris to Milan by train: the basics

Two different operators run services between Paris and Milan: the French national railway company SNCF operates three daily TGV inOui trains, while the Italian national operator Trenitalia runs two daily Frecciarossa services.

Both offer a high-quality travel experience, with similar levels of comfort and comparable journey times.

You can easily compare schedules and prices from both operators by searching and booking your tickets through the reliable booking platform Omio.

Use the search tool below to find the best connection between Paris and Milan, or any other cities in France or Italy.

Using Interrail or Eurail on the Paris-Milan high-speed train

If you are travelling around Europe with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, you can only use TGV high-speed trains on the Paris-Milan route.

Although an Interrail or Eurail pass is valid on Frecciarossa high-speed trains within Italy, the Paris-Milan services are not currently included.

Read this guide to learn how to book the required Interrail or Eurail passholder seat reservations for TGV trains between France and Italy.

Travel classes

Both TGV and Frecciarossa trains offer seating in second and first class, although on Frecciarossa services these are branded as Standard and Business, respectively.

Second class features a 2+2 seating layout, while first class offers a more spacious 2+1 configuration with greater comfort.

On Frecciarossa trains, you can also book Executive Class, a premium first class product with 1+1 seating and complimentary food and drinks served on demand from an à la carte menu.

Both trains have a dining car as well where you can buy all kinds of snacks and drinks.

For more details on onboard facilities and services, check the train guides on DiscoverByRail for both TGV and Frecciarossa high-speed trains.

The route

Both TGV and Frecciarossa high-speed trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon in the French capital.

From Paris, the route follows the high-speed line to Lyon before continuing towards Chambéry and the French Alps.

The section between Chambéry and Modane, the French border station, is particularly scenic.

The train then passes through the Fréjus Rail Tunnel, emerging on the Italian side shortly afterwards.

After more impressive Alpine scenery, the train stops in Turin at the station of Torino Porta Susa, before continuing on the high-speed line across the northern Italian plain towards Milan.

Note that arrival stations in Milan differ depending on the service you take.

Frecciarossa trains use Milano Centrale, the city’s main railway station, while TGV services arrive at Milano Porta Garibaldi, Milan’s secondary station.

Although Milano Centrale is the larger hub and generally more convenient for onward train connections to other Italian destinations, both stations are well suited if Milan is your final stop, as each is well connected by public transport, including the metro.

Conclusion

Travelling by high-speed train from Paris to Milan is a real pleasure, offering comfortable surroundings on board and magnificent scenery as you cross the Alps between France and Italy.

On the Paris–Milan route, you can choose between TGV high-speed trains operated by the French national railway company SNCF and Frecciarossa services run by the Italian national operator Trenitalia.

Both provide excellent comfort and fast journey times, so simply compare prices and schedules to see which option suits your plans best.