From Italy to Switzerland: Milan to Lugano by Regional Train
If you need to travel between Italy and Switzerland by train, the regional service from Milan to Lugano is an often overlooked option among international travellers.
In this short guide, I show you what it is like to take this train and why you should consider this option when travelling between Italy and Switzerland, especially if you are using an Interrail or Eurail pass.
High-speed trains at Milano Centrale, the main railway station of Milan. ©AndyBTravels
From Italy to Switzerland by train
The regional train between Milan and Lugano is one of the best rail connections between Italy and Switzerland.
This cross-border train is operated by TILO, a joint venture between Trenord and Swiss Federal Railways.
The regional train between Milan and Lugano is a fast and frequent service, running once every hour and taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the journey.
The Milan to Lugano train takes a scenic route via Monza and Como, and treats you to views of both Lake Como and Lake Lugano.
In the YouTube video below, I show you what it is like to travel on this route and what these regional trains actually look like.
Why you should take the TILO regional train
International travellers often look only at the long-distance EuroCity trains when planning their journey from Italy to Switzerland.
Although those EuroCity services are excellent, it can be worth considering the regional train for several reasons.
First of all, the TILO trains between Italy and Switzerland do not require compulsory seat reservations (they are not possible at all on regional trains), whereas they are compulsory on EuroCity trains for the Italian segment.
There is therefore always unlimited availability on these services, and tickets tend to be cheaper as well.
Secondly, on the Milan to Lugano route, these regional trains are actually slightly faster than the EuroCity trains.
Even if you are travelling beyond Lugano in Switzerland, such as from Milan to Zurich, taking the TILO regional train can still be worthwhile.
You can travel first on TILO from Milan to Lugano and make an easy connection there onto a Swiss train to Zurich, which also does not require a seat reservation.
Especially for travellers using an Interrail or Eurail Pass, this can be a great alternative for travel between Switzerland and Italy, as it avoids the hassle of paying the passholder reservation fee for an international EuroCity train on this route.
Moreover, Lugano, with its stunning lakeside setting, is a highly worthwhile city to visit, even if you are just making a short stopover between trains!
TILO regional train at the railway station of Lugano. ©AndyBTravels
Booking tickets
You can book tickets for European trains, including services between Milan and Lugano, on the reliable booking website Omio.
Use the Omio journey planner below to find the best train connection for your travel date.
Conclusion
If you need to travel from Italy to Switzerland by train, the regional TILO service between Milan and Lugano is worth considering, as it is fast and affordable.
Moreover, this train does not require seat reservations, making it the most flexible option for travel between Italy and Switzerland, especially if you are using an Interrail or Eurail Pass.
