I remember my first week in Milan, thinking I’d spend all my time in the city. But then a friend told me about the day trips, and everything changed.
You can literally wake up in Milan, have your morning coffee, and be standing by a gorgeous lake or wandering a medieval village by lunchtime.
The trains make it so easy. No car rentals, no confusing directions, just simple train rides that take less than two hours.
I’ve tried most of these trips, and honestly, they saved my sanity. Sometimes you just need to get out of the city for a day and breathe.
Why Milan Is an Ideal Base for Day Trips?
Milan sits right in the heart of northern Italy, which means you’re close to almost everything worth seeing in the region.
The train network here is fast and runs on time. I’ve caught early morning trains to Lake Como and made it back for dinner in Milan without any stress.
The best part? You can see lakes, mountains, and even hop into Switzerland, all while keeping your same hotel room. No constant packing and unpacking.
How to Plan Easy Day Trips from Milan?
Planning day trips from Milan is straightforward once you know the basics about transport and timing.
Train vs Guided Tours
Trains work best for single destinations like Lake Como or Verona. Buy a ticket and go at your own pace.
Guided tours make sense for multi-stop days or remote places. They handle everything, you just show up.
Booking Tips for Milan Day Trips
- Book train tickets one week ahead. Prices rise closer to travel dates, and popular routes sell out.
- Most trips leave from Milano Centrale station. Some use Porta Garibaldi. Check your station beforehand.
- For summer weekends or holidays, book two to three weeks early. Lake Como and Cinque Terre fill up quickly.
Best Scenic Day Trips from Milan
These day trips offer the best views and experiences within easy reach of Milan by train or coach.
1. Lake Como & Bellagio – The Most Scenic Day Trip from Milan
Why Visit Lake Como on a Day Trip
The lake sits between mountains, creating dramatic views at every turn. The water reflects the peaks and villages perfectly.
The small towns along the shore have colorful buildings, waterfront cafes, and narrow streets to wander through.
How to Get from Milan to Lake Como
Trains run from Milano Centrale to Como or Varenna. The ride takes 40 minutes to an hour.
Coaches also go directly to Bellagio and other lake towns. Both options are easy and affordable.
Best Things to Do in Bellagio
Take the ferry between villages. The boat rides give you the best lake views and connect different towns.
Walk along the waterfront, browse the small shops, and grab lunch at a lakeside restaurant. The town is compact and easy to cover on foot.
2. Lugano, Switzerland – A Cross-Border Day Trip from Milan
Why Lugano Is Worth Visiting
Lugano blends Swiss efficiency with Italian style. You get clean streets, good coffee, and that relaxed Mediterranean vibe all in one place.
The lake and mountains create a postcard setting. It feels different from Italy but still familiar.
How to Get from Milan to Lugano
Coaches and trains both run this route regularly. The trip takes about 90 minutes.
Bring your passport. Border checks are quick and simple, but you need ID to cross into Switzerland.
What to Do in Lugano in a Few Hours
Walk along the lakefront promenade. It’s flat, scenic, and lined with cafes.
Pop into shops, grab Swiss chocolate, and find a viewpoint overlooking the lake and mountains. A few hours covers the highlights.
3. Cinque Terre – A Coastal Day Trip from Milan
Is Cinque Terre Possible in One Day?
Yes, but you need an early start. The train ride to La Spezia takes about three hours each way.
You’ll have four to five hours on the coast if you leave Milan by 7 AM and return by evening.
How to Reach Cinque Terre from Milan
Take a train from Milano Centrale to La Spezia. From there, catch the regional train that connects all five villages.
The regional train runs frequently and stops at each coastal town along the route.
Best Way to Explore Cinque Terre on a Day Trip
The train works best for a day trip. It’s quick and connects all the villages easily.
Pick one or two villages to visit rather than rushing through all five. Vernazza and Monterosso are good choices for first-timers.
4. Venice – A Classic Day Trip from Milan
How Far Is Venice from Milan?
The high-speed train takes about 2.5 hours each way. Round trip gives you five to six hours in Venice.
High-speed trains run frequently and get you there faster than regional options.
Top Things to See in Venice in One Day
Start at St. Mark’s Square. The basilica and piazza are Venice’s main attractions.
Walk to the Grand Canal and cross the Rialto Bridge. These spots capture Venice’s classic look and feel.
Getting Around Venice Easily
The vaporetto (water bus) runs along the Grand Canal and to other parts of the city. Buy a day pass if you plan multiple rides.
Leave Venice by 6 or 7 PM to get back to Milan at a reasonable hour. Factor in time to reach the train station.
Where to Stay in Milan for Easy Day Trips
Stay near Milano Centrale if you’re planning multiple day trips. Most trains to Lake Como, Venice, and other destinations leave from this station.
I’ve stayed in this area before, and it saves so much time. You can walk to the platform in 10 minutes instead of dealing with metro transfers or taxis early in the morning.
The neighborhood has plenty of hotels and good breakfast spots for grabbing coffee before your train.
Final Thoughts
Milan makes day trips so easy. Everything I mentioned is reachable in under three hours, and you don’t need to be a planning expert to pull it off.
Pick your trips based on how much energy you have. Feeling ambitious? Go for Cinque Terre or Venice. Want something relaxed? Lake Como is right there.
Even if you only manage a one day trip during your Milan visit, do it. I’ve never regretted taking a morning train out of the city. Those few hours away always end up being the memories I talk about most when I get home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest day trip from Milan?
Lake Como is the easiest option. Trains run every hour from Milano Centrale, and the ride takes just 40 minutes to an hour.
Can you visit Switzerland from Milan in one day?
Yes, Lugano is only 90 minutes away by train or coach. You’ll have plenty of time to see the lakefront and town center before heading back.
Is Venice too far for a day trip from Milan?
Not at all. The high-speed train takes 2.5 hours each way, giving you five to six hours to see the main sights comfortably.
Do I need to book trains in advance for day trips?
Booking a week ahead is smart, especially for weekends. Prices go up closer to the travel date, and popular routes can sell out.
What’s the best day trip from Milan for nature lovers?
Lake Como offers the best mix of mountains, water, and small villages. The ferry rides between towns give you amazing views the whole time.