The best day trips from Milan, Italy are all within easy reach by train. We love traveling by rail across Europe, so every suggestion below can be reached from Milan in under an hour and a half. Whether you crave lakeside scenery, historic churches, excellent food, or charming shopping streets, these destinations make perfect day trips.
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The best day trips from Milan Italy
Read on to discover inspired ideas for day trips from Milan.
Most suggestions here are self-guided train trips, though a few organized tours are noted for travelers who prefer everything arranged or want to cover more ground in a single day. Trains are reliable and convenient across northern Italy, making day trips simple and enjoyable.
For booking self-guided rail travel, many travelers find it convenient to use a single app to purchase and display tickets. It streamlines planning and lets you check journeys and delays in one place.
Lake Como (one of the simplest day trips from Milan!)
Lake Como is a classic Italian escape: picture colorful lakeside villages, mountain reflections, and relaxed cafes serving cappuccino or an Aperol Spritz. It’s beautiful year-round — quieter in winter but still magical — and easy to combine with short boat trips to visit neighboring towns.
Consider visiting even outside peak season to enjoy a quieter atmosphere, relaxed walks along the promenade, and the opportunity to find quality local souvenirs.
How to get there
Take a train from Milan to Varenna or other lakeside towns.
Train time from Milan
About 1 hour 5 minutes (to Varenna).
Don’t miss
A lakeside drink or meal at a waterfront cafe in Varenna or Bellagio. You can easily visit Lake Como independently by train, or join an organized tour that includes Como, Bellagio, a boat ride, and nearby Lugano if you want everything arranged.
Take a peek at beautiful Lake Como in the video below!
Bergamo
Bergamo is a delightful medieval town split into two parts: the historic Città Alta (old city) and the modern Città Bassa (new city). The old city is especially charming — reach it on foot or by the funicular and enjoy winding streets, grand churches, and panoramic views.
How to get there
Train from Milan to Bergamo.
Train time from Milan
About 48 minutes.
Don’t miss
The Cappella Colleoni beside the basilica, famous for its colorful Renaissance marble, and a coffee break at historic Caffè del Tasso.
Take a peek inside the beautiful city of Bergamo in the video below!
Monza (the fastest day trip from Milan!)
Monza is extremely accessible from Milan — some direct trains take under 10 minutes. Known for its cathedral and royal history, Monza is a compact and rewarding visit.
How to get there
Train from Milan to Monza.
Train time from Milan
Around 9 minutes on the fastest services.
Don’t miss
The Cathedral’s Chapel of Queen Theodolinda, home to the historic Iron Crown. Visits may require booking a guided tour in advance.
Take a peek inside the beautiful city of Monza in the video below!
Pavia
Pavia, a historic university town about 35 km from Milan, offers medieval architecture, a lively student atmosphere, and notable historic sites. The university dates back to the 14th century and parts of the campus are open to visitors.
How to get there
Train from Milan to Pavia.
Train time from Milan
Around 20 minutes.
Don’t miss
The Ponte Coperto (covered bridge) and the Tomb of Saint Augustine. Stroll the riverside and explore the university quarter for a relaxed, authentic experience.
Take a peek inside the beautiful city of Pavia in the video below!
Verona
Verona is a romantic, lively city with an impressive Roman arena and charming streets. It’s a wonderful destination any time of year and especially atmospheric during the Christmas market season.
How to get there
Train from Milan to Verona.
Train time from Milan
About 1 hour 33 minutes.
Don’t miss
The Arena di Verona and a meal at a classic local osteria to enjoy regional cuisine and wines.
Take a peek inside the beautiful city of Verona in the video below!
Venice
Venice is uniquely magical. Wander its canals and narrow lanes, enjoy cicchetti and a Venetian Spritz for aperitivo, visit museums, or take a gondola ride. Although a longer day, it’s still doable by high-speed train if you start early.
How to get there
Train from Milan to Venice.
Train time from Milan
About 2 hours 27 minutes by high-speed train.
Don’t miss
Trying cicchetti (small Venetian bites) with a classic Venetian Spritz and wandering away from the busiest squares to discover quieter canals and artisan shops.
Take a peek inside the beautiful city of Venice in the video below!
Bernina Express and St. Moritz
To experience the scenic Bernina Express route and visit St. Moritz from Milan, many travelers choose an organized day tour. It’s an efficient way to enjoy alpine vistas and Swiss charm without complex transfers.
Day trips from Milan Italy
Pick one or two of these day trips to fit into your Milan itinerary. Whether you want a peaceful lakeside escape, medieval streets, or alpine panoramas, these destinations showcase the variety of easy excursions around Milan.