Day Trips from Milan: Best Getaways 2 Hours Away by Train or Car
Discover the best day trips from Milan! Scenic lakes, charming towns and cultural gems within a 2-hour journey by train or car. Find your perfect getaway!
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Milan is one of the best bases for exploring northern Italy, thanks to its strategic location and excellent transport connections. Whether you’re looking for day trips from Milan to picturesque lakes, charming medieval towns or breathtaking mountain landscapes, you can reach incredible destinations within just a couple of hours by train or car.
🚆🚗 Ready to explore the most beautiful places near Milan? Discover our top recommendations for the best day trips just a short ride away!
Best Day Trips from Milan by Train
One of the best ways to explore the areas near Milan is by train. Thanks to Italy’s high-speed and regional rail networks, you can reach some of the country’s most beautiful destinations quickly and comfortably.
Train travel is not only convenient and stress-free, but it’s also eco-friendly, allowing you to enjoy stunning landscapes without the hassle of traffic or parking.
Whether you’re looking for lakeside relaxation, medieval towns or cultural cities, these day trips from Milan by train offer you the perfect escape from the big city.
1. Lake Como – Como, Bellagio & Varenna
🚆 Travel time: 40 min by train
🏞️ Highlights: Scenic ferry rides, stunning villas, lakeside restaurants
A day trip from Milan to Lake Como is one of the most popular getaways. Start your journey in Como, where you can visit the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and stroll along the elegant lakefront promenade. Take the funicular to Brunate for breathtaking panoramic views.
From Como, hop on a ferry to Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como, and wander through its charming cobbled streets. Don't miss Villa Melzi’s gardens, an oasis of tranquility. If you have time, continue to Varenna, a picturesque fishing village perfect for a relaxing stroll along the lakeside.
📌 Pro Tip: Book a round-trip ferry ticket to explore multiple towns in just one day!
2. Bergamo – A Medieval Gem
🚆 Travel time: 50 min by train
🏰 What to See: Città Alta, Venetian Walls, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
🍽️ Local Food: Try Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, a delicious stuffed pasta
Bergamo is often overlooked, but it’s one of Italy’s most charming medieval cities. The city is divided into two parts: Città Alta (Upper Town) and Città Bassa (Lower Town).
Start your visit in Città Alta, a UNESCO-listed historic center, where you can wander through Piazza Vecchia and admire the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Don't miss the Venetian Walls, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
📌 Pro Tip: Take the funicular from the Lower Town to Città Alta for a unique experience!
3. Verona – The City of Romeo & Juliet
🚆 Travel time: 1h 15 min by train
💕 Top Attractions: Juliet’s Balcony, Arena di Verona, Castelvecchio
🍷 Food Tip: Try Amarone wine, a local specialty
A day trip from Milan to Verona is perfect for history lovers and romantics alike. Start at Juliet’s Balcony (Casa di Giulietta), a must-visit for Shakespeare fans. Then, head to Piazza delle Erbe, a lively square surrounded by medieval buildings and bustling cafés.
The Arena di Verona, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater, is another highlight. If you visit in summer, check if an opera performance is scheduled—it’s an unforgettable experience! End your trip with a visit to Castelvecchio, a stunning medieval castle with a scenic riverside location.
📌 Pro Tip: Walk up to Castel San Pietro for the best panoramic view of Verona!
4. Turin – Italy’s First Capital
🚆 Travel time: 1h by train
🎭 Must-Visit: Egyptian Museum, Mole Antonelliana, Piazza Castello
🍝 Food Tip: Taste Agnolotti del Plin, a traditional Piedmontese pasta
Turin is a cultural and historical gem, known for its royal palaces, elegant cafés and world-class museums.
Start your visit at Piazza Castello, home to the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, both rich in history and stunning architecture. Art lovers will appreciate the Egyptian Museum, which houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Another must-see is the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s iconic landmark, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from its panoramic terrace.
📌 Pro Tip: Turin is famous for its Bicerin, a tasty coffee, chocolate and cream drink—don’t leave the city without trying it!
5. Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands
🚆 Travel time: 1h 30 min by train to Stresa
🚢 Explore: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Mottarone Mountain
Lake Maggiore offers a more tranquil alternative to Lake Como, with breathtaking alpine views and charming islands.
Start your trip in Stresa, a picturesque lakeside town, and take a boat to the Borromean Islands. The Isola Bella is home to the stunning Borromeo Palace, surrounded by Baroque-style gardens. On Isola Madre, you’ll find lush botanical gardens filled with exotic plants and peacocks roaming freely.
For an unforgettable view, take the Mottarone Cable Car from Stresa up to Mottarone Mountain, where you can admire a panoramic view of seven lakes.
📌 Pro Tip: Visit in spring or autumn to enjoy the island gardens at their most beautiful!
Best Day Trips from Milan by Car
While Milan’s train network makes travel easy, renting a car opens up even more possibilities for day trips. With a car, you can explore hidden gems, scenic routes and off-the-beaten-path destinations at your own pace.
Whether you’re heading to historic towns, stunning lakes or coastal escapes, here are the best day trips from Milan by car.
1. Pavia – History & Monasteries
🚗 Driving time: 45 min
🏛️ Must-See: Certosa di Pavia, Ponte Coperto, Duomo di Pavia
📍 Google Maps: Milan to Pavia Directions
Just south of Milan, Pavia is a historic university town with a mix of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The highlight is the Certosa di Pavia, a stunning Renaissance monastery featuring intricate frescoes and an ornate facade.
In the city center, stroll across the Ponte Coperto, a picturesque covered bridge over the Ticino River and visit the Duomo di Pavia, one of the largest domes in Italy. Don’t forget to explore the University of Pavia, founded in 1361, and its Botanical Gardens.
📌 Pro Tip: Grab a traditional aperitivo at a local café in Piazza della Vittoria before heading back to Milan!
2. Monza – Racing & Royalty
🚗 Driving time: 30 min
🏎️ What’s Special: F1 Circuit, Monza Park, Royal Villa
📍 Google Maps: Milan to Monza Directions
Just 30 minutes from Milan, Monza is best known for its Formula 1 racetrack, but there’s much more to discover. The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza hosts the Italian Grand Prix, making it a must-visit for motorsport fans.
Beyond racing, explore the Royal Villa of Monza, a neoclassical palace surrounded by one of the largest parks in Europe. The Parco di Monza is perfect for walking, cycling or even a picnic. Inside the palace, you can tour the elegant royal apartments and admire its lavish interiors.
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re an F1 fan, check the track schedule—sometimes you can even drive on the circuit!
3. Lake Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake
🚗 Driving time: 2h
🏰 Where to Go: Sirmione, Malcesine, Gardaland
📍 Google Maps: Milan to Lake Garda Directions
Just two hours from Milan, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest and most diverse lake, offering a perfect blend of history, nature and adventure.
Start your visit in Sirmione, a charming lakeside town famous for the Scaliger Castle, the ancient Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo and thermal baths with stunning lake views.
For breathtaking panoramas, head to Malcesine, where you can ride the cable car up to Monte Baldo and admire unforgettable views of the Alps and the lake.
If you’re traveling with family or love theme parks, don’t miss Gardaland, Italy’s biggest amusement park, filled with roller coasters, water rides and attractions for all ages.
📌 Pro Tip: Wine lovers should make a stop in Bardolino, a picturesque town known for its famous red wine—perfect for a relaxing break before heading back to Milan!
4. Genoa & Portofino – Seaside Beauty
🚗 Driving time: 2h
⛵ Top Experiences: Porto Antico, Aquarium, Ligurian cuisine
📍 Google Maps: Milan to Genoa Directions
Just two hours from Milan, Genoa is Italy’s largest port city, offering a unique mix of maritime history, stunning architecture and delicious Ligurian cuisine.
Start your visit at Porto Antico, the historic port area home to the Acquario di Genova, one of Europe’s largest aquariums. From there, stroll along Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO-listed street lined with opulent palaces from Genoa’s golden age.
For a more relaxed experience, head to Boccadasse, a picturesque fishing village just outside the city, perfect for a scenic walk and a fresh seafood lunch by the sea.
If you have extra time, drive 30 minutes further to Portofino, a luxurious seaside village known for its breathtaking cliffside views, designer boutiques and scenic hiking trails.
📌 Pro Tip: Try fresh Ligurian pesto—this is where the world-famous Pesto alla Genovese was born!
Day Trips from Milan to Switzerland
One of the best things about Milan is how easy it is to cross the border into Switzerland for a unique day trip. Whether you want to explore a Swiss-Italian lakeside town or take a breathtaking train journey through the Alps, these day trips from Milan to Switzerland offer an unforgettable experience.
1. Lugano – The Italian-Swiss Blend
🗺️ Travel time: 1h 20 min by train or 1h by car
🇨🇭 What to See: Lake Lugano, Monte Brè, Swiss chocolate tastings
📍 Google Maps: Milan to Lugano Directions
Just over an hour from Milan, Lugano is the perfect fusion of Italian charm and Swiss precision, offering a stunning lakeside setting, Alpine views and world-class shopping.
Start your visit with a relaxing lakeside stroll or a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lugano, surrounded by majestic mountains and colorful Swiss-Italian architecture. For breathtaking views, take the funicular up to Monte Brè, one of the sunniest spots in Switzerland, where you can hike or enjoy a meal with panoramic lake views.
Indulge in authentic Swiss chocolate at Läderach or La Fabbrica del Cioccolato, and if you love shopping, don’t miss Via Nassa, a stylish street filled with luxury boutiques and Swiss watch stores.
📌 Pro Tip: For a hidden gem experience, hike from Monte Brè to Gandria, a charming lakeside village known for its cobblestone alleys and lakefront restaurants!
2. Bernina Express to St. Moritz
🚆 Train Route: Milan → Tirano → St. Moritz
🚂 What’s Special: UNESCO panoramic train journey through the Alps
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable day trip from Milan, the Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. This UNESCO-listed railway connects Italy and Switzerland, taking you on a breathtaking journey through the Alps, passing snow-capped peaks, glaciers, deep valleys and picturesque villages.
Unlike other high-speed trains, the Bernina Express is designed for sightseeing, with large panoramic windows that offer incredible views at every turn. The journey covers 146 km and climbs up to 2.253 meters, making it the highest railway in the Alps.
3. How to Experience the Bernina Express from Milan
- 🚆 Start your journey early in the morning by taking a train from Milan to Tirano (approx. 2h 30m). This small Italian town, nestled at the foot of the Alps, is the starting point of the Bernina Express.
- 🚂 Board the Bernina Express in Tirano and get ready for a stunning 2-hour journey through the Swiss Alps. As the train slowly climbs higher, the landscapes shift from green valleys to snowy mountain peaks.
- 🏔️ Arrive in St. Moritz, a luxurious alpine resort famous for its elegant boutiques, scenic lakes, and world-class skiing. Take a stroll along Lake St. Moritz, visit the town’s charming streets or relax at one of its cozy cafés.
- 🍽️ Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal before heading back to Milan. Try fondue, rösti or a warm Swiss hot chocolate at a mountain restaurant with panoramic views.
4. Bernina Express Highlights
- 🌉 Landwasser Viaduct – One of the most iconic railway bridges in the world, with its spectacular curve over a deep valley.
- 🏔️ Morteratsch Glacier – A breathtaking view of Switzerland’s largest glacier, visible right from the train.
- 🚠 Alp Grüm – A scenic stop offering a spectacular view over the valley and Lake Poschiavo.
- ❄️ Ospizio Bernina – The highest railway station in the Alps, surrounded by untouched snowy landscapes.
📌 Pro Tip: Book a window seat in the Bernina Express’s panoramic carriages for the best Alpine views. Seats can fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance!
Best Day Trips from Milan in Winter
Winter in Milan is the perfect time to explore snowy mountains, Christmas markets and relaxing thermal spas. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast looking for a destination to ski near Milan, a holiday shopper or just looking for a cozy winter retreat, these day trips from Milan in winter offer magical experiences.
1. Bormio – Ski & Thermal Baths
🚗 Driving time: 3h
🎿 Activities: Skiing, QC Terme Spa
📍 Google Maps: Milan to Bormio Directions
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Bormio is the perfect winter getaway, combining world-class ski slopes with relaxing thermal spas. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or looking for a wellness retreat, this charming mountain town has something for everyone.
Start your day on the pristine slopes of Bormio 2000 and Bormio 3000, where you can ski or snowboard with spectacular snowy panoramas. Take the cable car up to the highest slopes, where breathtaking views of the Stelvio National Park await.
If skiing isn’t your thing, try snowshoeing or sledding in the surrounding valleys for a more laid-back way to enjoy the winter wonderland.
After an active morning, unwind at QC Terme Bagni Vecchi & Bagni Nuovi, two of Italy’s most famous thermal spas. Relax in outdoor hot pools overlooking the Alps, indulge in a steam bath inside a natural cave or enjoy a rejuvenating massage surrounded by snowy mountain peaks.
📌 Pro Tip: For the ultimate winter experience, hit the slopes in the morning and soak in the thermal baths in the afternoon—the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation!
2. Trento & the Dolomites
🚗 Driving time: 2h 30 min
🏔️ Must-Visit: Buonconsiglio Castle, Christmas Markets
📍 Google Maps: Milan to Trento Directions
Nestled at the foothills of the Dolomites, Trento is a hidden winter gem, blending rich history, breathtaking mountain landscapes and one of Italy’s most enchanting Christmas markets. Whether you’re drawn to festive holiday lights, medieval castles, or Alpine ski slopes, this city offers a perfect winter escape.
History lovers shouldn’t miss Buonconsiglio Castle, a majestic medieval fortress with stunning frescoes and panoramic views of the mountains. If you’re craving even more spectacular scenery, take the funicular up to Sardagna, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
For those who want to hit the slopes, Monte Bondone, a small but scenic ski resort just outside Trento, offers a great Alpine getaway with perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced skiers.
📌 Pro Tip: Warm up with a traditional Trentino meal—try the region’s famous Strudel and Canederli dumplings at a cozy mountain restaurant!
Conclusion
From breathtaking lakes and medieval cities to Alpine adventures and Swiss getaways, Milan is the perfect base for exploring northern Italy. Whether you prefer a quick train ride to historic towns, a scenic road trip to the coast or a winter escape to the mountains, there’s no shortage of unforgettable day trips just a couple of hours away.
🚆 Love train travel? Hop on a speed train to Lake Como, Verona or Turin.
🚗 Prefer driving? Explore Lake Garda, Pavia or the Ligurian coast at your own pace.
❄️ Visiting in winter? Head to Bormio for skiing or Trento for Christmas markets.
Where will your next adventure take you? Plan your perfect day trip from Milan and make the most of your time in Italy! 🚗
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