Milan to Paris train with Trenitalia

A Journey Through the Alps: Traveling From Milan to Paris by Train

Introduction

After almost two years, the high-speed train from Milan to Paris has finally resumed service. Having made the journey twice, I think the train is the best way to get from Milan to Paris. Here is my trip guide, with a few personal tips to help you make the most of this incredible route.

Route Overview

Traveling from Milan to Paris by train takes around 7 hours, but time flies—it feels like a mini-holiday. Imagine 600 kilometers of uninterrupted views across Northern Italy and France: the elegance of Torino, its skyline crowned by the Alps; the dramatic Alpine scenery of Savoy; the charms of Lyon; and the majestic Burgundian countryside. I didn’t want the journey to end!

Transportation Experience

Isn’t flying faster? That depends on how you look at it. A flight from Milan to Paris takes just 1 hour and 25 minutes—but that’s only the time in the air. Add the time you spend getting to and from the airport, plus waiting for takeoff and exiting after landing, and you’re easily looking at six hours total. And during that time? You’ll mostly see artificial lights and airport ceilings instead of countryside views.

A bus from Milan to Paris is also an option. While they are affordable, they take far longer, usually between 12 and 13 hours. Besides, I like the extra space and the ability to walk away from my seat, so my choice was made.

Booking on Omio was easy. The navigation was smooth, and I was able to reserve a window seat. I used the e-ticket option to get the ticket straight to my phone.

Route Details

Departure and Arrival Stations

As the name says, Milano Centrale is very central. If, for example, you are staying near the Duomo, a taxi will not cost the earth. I traveled by metro because I had only a small suitcase, and the ticket was only €2.20!

A word of warning: Milano Centrale is a large and busy station. It may take some time to navigate the crowds and find your platform, so arrive at least 20 minutes early.

If you catch the 6:25 train, don’t expect to find breakfast at the station. Bring something with you or use the onboard food and drink service.

The train arrives at the equally central Paris Gare de Lyon. From Gare de Lyon, Metro Lines 1 and 14 take you everywhere in the center without needing a change. You can also walk to the Bastille in 15 minutes and to Notre Dame in 30 minutes! Depending on where you are staying, you may not even need the metro!

Schedule and Frequency

Trenitalia and TGV Inoui both serve the Milan to Paris train route. Currently, there are five direct trains a day:

Trenitalia Frecciarossa leaves from Milano Centrale at 6:25 (arriving at 13:23) and 15:53 (arriving at 22:39). TGV Inoui leaves from Milano Porta Garibaldi at 6:00 (arriving at 13:30), 12:10 (arriving at 19:14), and 16:10 (arriving at 23:20).

Onboard Experience and Services

Boarding the Frecciarossa train was smooth. I found my Second Class seat easily and could keep my cabin-sized suitcase with me. You can also take one large suitcase on board at no extra charge. There was free Wi-Fi, and my comfortable seat had a large window.

One highlight for me was the Trenitalia onboard food service. There is a ‘bistrot’ carriage (FRECCIABistrò) to buy food and drinks. You can also have food and drinks delivered to your seat, ordering from your phone! This service is called EasyBistrò. Prices were reasonable, and the Aperitivo platter—with an Aperol Spritz—was a treat.

The first part of the route is not particularly interesting, but the Alps appear in the distance as you approach Torino. They will stay with you until Chambéry. In terms of scenic views, this is a fantastic stretch of the journey. You’ll pass peaks, glaciers, mountain villages, castles, forests, and streams.

We arrived about 20 minutes late, but it wasn’t much of an inconvenience after such a memorable journey!

Ticketing Advice

I booked the Trenitalia morning service, which leaves Milan at 6:25. It is an early start, but you arrive in Paris at 13:23, with a full afternoon free for sightseeing. Check Omio for up-to-date train schedules and ticket prices.

Because I left it a bit late to book, I had to travel in Standard Class. However, I was surprisingly happy with the level of comfort and the service. Premium Class gets you a bit more legroom, leather seats, and a welcome snack and drink. If you find a good offer, Premium could be as little as €10 extra!

My Budget Breakdown

My Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book your Milan to Paris train ticket early.
• Treat yourself to Premium Class if you find a good deal.
• Arrive early at Milano Centrale to find your platform.
• Make the most of the EasyBistrò service. Enjoy a meal or a snack at your seat while admiring the scenery.
• The alpine stretch from Torino to Chambéry offers the most scenic views.
• If you can, walk to and from stations to make the most of the beauty of Milan and Paris.

Conclusion

A journey by train from Milan to Paris should be on everyone’s bucket list. The Trenitalia Frecciarossa trains are extremely comfortable, even in the ‘Standard’ class. Riding through the Alps makes this journey unforgettable. You will arrive directly in the center of Paris, ready to discover the charms of the City of Lights! What are you waiting for? Book your Milan to Paris trip today.

About the Author: Lara Fiorani

Job Title: Slow Travel Blogger Bio: Lara Fiorani is the founder of Alps2Coast, a blog specializing in the niche of slow travel in Europe. She believes train travel is the best way to feed the human need to explore while being kind to our planet.