5 Easy Day Trips from Milan by Train

Lakes, Historic Cities & Northern Italian Elegance — All Easily Done in a Day

Milan is one of Italy’s most underrated rail hubs. From its main stations, frequent regional and high-speed trains connect the city to lakes, medieval towns and refined historic centres — often in well under an hour — making it ideal for travellers who want variety without constant hotel changes.

Como: Lake Views, Elegant Streets & Mountain Backdrops

Getting there by train

• Departure station: Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna

• Train: Regionale or Trenord

• Journey time: ~35–40 minutes

• Frequency: At least 2 trains per hour

• Tickets: Regional ticket (no seat reservation)

Both stations place you within walking distance of the lakefront.

What to do when you arrive

• Stroll the historic centre and lakeside promenade

• Take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views

• Optional short ferry ride for a different lake perspective

A quieter angle

Skip the long ferry routes and focus on Como town itself — slower, calmer, and perfect for a relaxed day.

Where to eat lunch

• Ristorante Sociale – refined but approachable

• La Colombetta – intimate, traditional cooking

Bergamo: Upper Town Drama & Lower Town Ease

Getting there by train

• Departure station: Milano Centrale

• Train: Regionale

• Journey time: ~50 minutes

• Frequency: 2–3 trains per hour

• Tickets: Regional ticket

From the station, buses or a short walk lead to the funicular.

What to do when you arrive

• Take the funicular to Città Alta

• Walk the Venetian walls and main piazza

• Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

A quieter angle

Lunch in the upper town once tour groups leave mid-afternoon.

Where to eat lunch

• Da Mimmo – classic local favourite

• Il Circolino – relaxed and atmospheric

Pavia: Monasteries, Rivers & Academic Calm

Getting there by train

• Departure station: Milano Centrale or Milano Rogoredo

• Train: Regionale

• Journey time: ~30–35 minutes

• Frequency: At least hourly

• Tickets: Regional ticket

Pavia station is walkable to the historic centre.

What to do when you arrive

• Wander the old town and university quarter

• Walk along the Ticino River

• Visit the Certosa di Pavia (bus or short taxi ride)

A quieter angle

This is a town for wandering — no rushing, no queues.

Where to eat lunch

• Antica Trattoria Ferrari – historic and traditional

• Ristorante Peo – relaxed and reliable

Verona: Roman Ruins, Elegant Piazzas & River Walks

Getting there by train

• Departure station: Milano Centrale

• Train: Frecciarossa or Regionale Veloce

• Journey time: ~55–65 minutes

• Frequency: At least 2 trains per hour

• Tickets: High-speed (seat reservation) or regional

Verona Porta Nuova is a short walk or bus ride from the centre.

What to do when you arrive

• Visit the Roman Arena

• Walk Piazza delle Erbe and the Adige river

• Explore quieter streets away from Juliet’s balcony

A quieter angle

Cross the river for less crowded viewpoints and cafés.

Where to eat lunch

• Osteria Sottoriva – atmospheric and local

• Antica Bottega del Vino – classic wine-focused dining

Vigevano: A Perfect Renaissance Piazza

Getting there by train

• Departure station: Milano Porta Genova

• Train: Regionale

• Journey time: ~40 minutes

• Frequency: Hourly

• Tickets: Regional ticket

The piazza is directly outside the station.

What to do when you arrive

• Admire Piazza Ducale, one of Italy’s most elegant squares

• Visit the castle complex

• Enjoy a slow lunch before returning

A quieter angle

This is an ideal half-day escape when Milan feels busy.

Where to eat lunch

• Locanda San Bernardo

• I Castagni

For more ideas like these — plus step-by-step rail tips, itineraries and insider advice — you can grab a copy of Touring Italy by Train here:👉 https://mybook.to/TouringItalybyTrain