Lyon to Milan train

Trains from Lyon to Milan

A Lyon to Milan train covers 210 miles (339 km) during the journey. The journey can range from 4h 50min to 7h 45min depending on whether you’re on a highspeed or slow speed train or direct or connecting train.

At least three trains are available for the route every day, but they can be up to 15 trains in a day. SNCF is the main train company providing trains from Lyon to Milan.

Lyon to Milan train time: Daily departures

At least three trains are departing from Lyon every day. However, the daily departures can be as many as 15 trains per day. There are more departures on weekdays than weekends, with Saturdays and Sundays having up to five departures a day.

The earliest train departs at 6:20 a.m. on weekdays and 9:26 a.m. on weekends. The latest departure is at 5:20 p.m. on all days of the week.

How long is the journey by train from Lyon to Milan?

The duration of the journey by train from Lyon to Milan will depend on your train type and departing station. Direct trains take about 4h 50min to arrive in Milan while connecting trains can take up to 8 hours. Trains with one transfer take approximately 6 hours, while those with two transfers take around 8 hours.

Train Leaving Lyon Station. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Lyon to Milan?

Lyon Part Dieu Station: Lyon Part Dieu is the primary departure station for trains from Lyon to Milan. The station is 1.2 miles (2 km) from Lyon city center and around 15 minutes away by bus. Passengers can access clean toilets, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, luggage lockers, and waiting lounges in the station.

Milan Porta Garibaldi Station: Milan Porta Garibaldi is the primary arrival station for Lyon Part Dieu to Milan trains. Milan Porta Garibaldi is approximately 1.8 miles (3 km) from Milan city center. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the station using public transportation. The station has restrooms, waiting areas, shopping stores, and a ticket office.

Which train companies travel from Lyon to Milan?

Trenitalia and SNCF operate Lyon to Milan trains. Trenitalia mainly operates direct trains to Milan from Lyon, while SNCF operates trains with a connection or two en route. The Trenitalia trains that operate along this route are Frecciarossa, while SNCF operates TER trains. Trenitalia offers cheaper train tickets to Milan from Lyon compared to SNCF.

Trenitalia trains also make the first and last departures on most days of the week, while SNCF trains operate from late morning hours to late afternoon. Trenitalia trains operate from Lyon Part Dieu to Milano Centrale stations while SNCF trains operate from Lyon Part Dieu to Milano Porta Garibaldi.

Night trains in Lyon

You can book night trains in Lyon to several destinations around France and Italy. Most Lyon train stations also receive night trains from various destinations. The Lyon Part Dieu ticket office operates from 5:45 a.m. every day. The office closes at 11:55 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays, while on Sundays it closes at 12:25 a.m. However, there are currently no night trains available from Lyon to Milan.

The last train to Milan from Lyon leaves the station at 5:20 p.m. every day. The last departure for this route is a direct Frecciarossa train operated by Trenitalia that takes just under 5 hours. It departs from Lyon Part Dieu train station to Milan Centrale.

SNCF trains from Lyon to Milan

SNCF is the biggest provider of Lyon to Milan trains operating up to 10 trains to Milan from Lyon on most days of the week. SNCF trains from Lyon to Milan are connecting TER trains with one or two transfers en route. The trains depart from Lyon Part Dieu and arrive at Milan Porta Garibaldi. SCNF trains with one transfer take just about 6 hours to arrive in Milan, while those with two transfers can take up to 7h 45min.

Trenitalia trains from Lyon to Milan

Trenitalia trains from Lyon to Milan are Frecciarossa trains with a high speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The company only operates direct trains for this route. These are usually the first or last departure trains. There are up to two Trenitalia trains each day for this route. The trains operate from Lyon Part Dieu to Milan Centrale and take about 4h 50min to complete the journey.

Trains from Lyon to Milan: Sustainability travel

Booking a train to Milan from Lyon promotes sustainability. Trains are one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel compared to cars. This is because trains have a larger passenger capacity than cars and are more likely to make journeys when full. Rail technology like regenerative brakes and traction systems have aided trains to consume less energy during journeys and thus emit less carbon footprint.

Lyon to Milan trains: Services onboard

SNCF has over five ticket types for passengers traveling on their trains. The tickets range from Loisir, the standard ticket, to full flex. The more expensive your ticket, the more services you can access during your journey. The trains have comfortable seats which are spacious with extra legroom. Onboard Wi-Fi and air conditioning are also present.

Pets not exceeding the 13 lbs (6 kg) limit set by the company are welcome onboard. Guide dogs are also welcome onboard all SNCF trains. The company also has services for helping travelers with reduced mobility, such as the Access Plus Service.

Trenitalia trains have four class types; standard, premium, business, and executive. All trains have air conditioning, spacious reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar with snacks and drinks. Transportation of bikes is free on Trenitalia trains for all passengers so long as the bike is disassembled and packaged appropriately. Small pets and large muzzled dogs are also welcome onboard. Trenitalia staff also help disabled passengers with their luggage.

How to find cheap train tickets from Lyon to Milan

Omio is a platform that offers you cheap tickets from Lyon to Milan. The platform gives you several options for your route, including the different providers and their services and the cheapest and fastest options for Lyon to Milan trains. You can select a suitable train based on your budget and needs. Booking your tickets with Omio not only allows you to score cheap train tickets to Milan from Lyon but also allows you to plan accordingly for your trip using tips from our Window Seat magazine.

There are other ways you can save more, such as booking your train to Milan from Lyon a few days or weeks ahead of your planned departure date and having an adjustable travel date. Having an open schedule allows you to travel on days when ticket prices are cheaper. Connecting trains from Lyon to Milan are also cheaper than direct trains, so be sure to choose this option if you want to save more. Moreover, slower trains have cheaper tickets than Lyon to Milan high-speed trains.

Milan City Centre. Source: Shutterstock

To Milan by train – travel tips

Tourists will find plenty of things to include in their itinerary during their time in Milan. It is one of the most-visited Italian cities due to its rich cultural heritage and art and architectural treasures. Religious and historic geeks should include Duomo di Milano at the top of their must-visit list. It is one of the largest and oldest cathedrals, with more than 3,500 statues surrounding it. The II Cenacolo is also of historical and religious significance. Moreover, its dining hall houses a 500-year-old piece of art hidden from the public until the mid-20th century.

Castello Sforzesco castle is another destination rich in history as it was home to the rulers of Renaissance Milan. Art enthusiasts would appreciate the architect of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is also here that shopping-lovers can satisfy their needs and grab an Italian souvenir. Tourists who enjoy performing art can visit the Teatro Alla Scala theatre operational since the 18th century.

• Pinacoteca di Brera
• Santa Maria delle Grazie
• Leornado da Vinci’s Last Supper
• Sant’Ambrogio
• Naviglio
• Poldi-Pezzoli Museum