Milan to Geneva train with Trenitalia

A Journey Through the Alps: Traveling From Milan to Geneva by High-Speed EuroCity Train

Introduction

Milan and Geneva are two beautiful cities, so it only makes sense that the journey between them should be just as spectacular. In this article, I am going to tell you about the high-speed EuroCity train that travels from Milan to Geneva and highlight ways in which you can get the best experience on this amazing train journey.

Route Overview

The trains from Milan to Geneva are jointly operated by both Trenitalia and SBB, the national railway operators of Italy and Switzerland, respectively. All trains on this route are classified as EuroCity high-speed services, using tilting Pendolino trains with a very streamlined nose. The journey time is 4.5 to 5 hours, and the route covers 369 kilometers.

Along the way, you can expect to see some incredible views of picturesque lakes and dramatic mountain peaks, all right next to the railway line for most of the journey. You’ll never get bored on this ride!

You can also find buses from Milan to Geneva on Omio, but I’d always choose the train on this route for the amazing scenic views and high levels of onboard comfort.

Transportation Experience

I booked my train ticket on Omio, a really easy way to plan and book travel around Europe. Omio shows a large variety of travel options, allowing me to find and purchase tickets for the journeys I want to make. They accept international payments and send the ticket directly to your phone.

Traveling from Milan to Geneva was an amazing experience on the EuroCity train, thanks to the great levels of comfort available onboard. The train is a tilting Pendolino, meaning that it handles curves better than most trains, resulting in a more comfortable journey. Best of all, the stations at either end are located in the center, which I found really convenient and stress-free.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

All trains depart from Milano Centrale, which is located in the center of the city, as the name implies. This is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, starting from the imposing exterior, and simply getting more impressive as you walk through the station’s various rooms and halls, before reaching the iconic trainshed spanning across the many platforms. It’s a seriously grand construction that offers one last taste of Italian architecture before you leave the country on the high-speed train, so I definitely suggest arriving with plenty of time to simply enjoy the architecture, both inside and out.

The station can be accessed by the city’s metro, but I recommend trying to arrive on one of Milan’s trams from the 1920s (it’s a much more authentic experience!).

When you reach the station, there is a massive selection of fancy shops and places to get some food and drink. The platforms are accessed by first passing through a ticket check, so don’t leave it to the last minute. Instead, aim to reach the platform around 10 minutes before departure.

The train arrives in Geneva Cornavin (usually just referred to as “Geneva Station”), a short walk from the shores of Lake Geneva. The rest of the city can be accessed using Geneva’s modern tram and bus network.

Schedule & Frequency

The Milan to Geneva route operates several trains per day, with one departure in the morning and two departures in the evening. Trains on this route are generally pretty reliable, allowing you to travel without the stress of worrying about frequent major delays.

I traveled on EuroCity (EC) 44, departing at 17:10, with a journey time of 4 hours and 21 minutes.

Onboard Experiences & Services

Services on this route can consist of either Italian or Swiss trains. Don’t worry, though, as the two train types are nearly identical except for the color and branding.

I traveled in First Class for this journey. It features wide reclining seats, each with a good window view. This is a must for such a beautiful scenic route that crosses mountains and runs alongside lakes.

Second Class is also a great option, with narrower seats that are still very comfortable. Like First Class, all seats have a good window view.

Free WiFi is available, and it worked well on both sides of the border, allowing for an uninterrupted connection.

Luggage racks are available above your seats, but be aware that if you're sitting at the far end of the carriages, the space available may be very limited. Larger luggage stacks can be found for bulkier items.

All passengers can take advantage of the dining facilities, with some trains featuring a full restaurant, while others have a buffet counter. I decided to try the restaurant car and had the pasta stuffed with tomatoes and burrata cheese, and it was absolutely delicious! The cost was €21.50, but it was worth it in my opinion.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Tickets for the EuroCity train from Milan to Geneva are priced based on demand, so it’s best to book well in advance to guarantee the best price.

I booked my journey about two months before travel, and here’s my cost breakdown:

• Second Class: €85.00
• First Class Upgrade: +€17.00
• Total: €102.00

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Reach the station early to enjoy the stunning architecture and snap some photos of the imposing design, both outside and inside the building.
• Arrive by classic tram for an authentic Milan travel experience. The 1920s-era trams are a charming way to get to the station.
• Choose the best side to sit in the train. In high summer, sit on the left for sunset views over Lake Geneva. At other times of the year, the right side offers the best scenery before sunset.
• Expect a tilting train. Don’t worry if the train gently sways from side to side. It’s designed that way for a smoother ride.

Conclusion

Taking the high-speed EuroCity train from Milan to Geneva was a fantastic experience, and it’s definitely my favorite way to travel between these two stunning cities. With comfortable tilting Pendolino trains, beautiful scenery along the way, and centrally located stations at either end, this is a journey to enjoy! Purchase your train ticket on Omio now to secure your seat at the best price and enjoy this amazing ride through the Alps!

About the Author: Albie Pearce

• Job Title: Rail Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Passionate global rail traveler from the UK since a very young age—I’ve traveled on thousands of trains in over 60 countries. I create engaging videos highlighting the very best of my train travel experiences from around the world.