Milan is Italy's capital of fashion and design, but it's also a perfect base for exploring northern Italy. Glittering lakes, medieval hill towns, and Romeo and Juliet's city are all within easy reach by train. Here are the best day trips from Milan, with travel times and tips for each.
Day Trips From Milan at a Glance
- Lake Como: About 40 minutes to 1 hour by train.
- Bergamo: About 50 minutes to 1 hour by train.
- Pavia: About 30 minutes by train.
- Lake Maggiore: About 1 hour by train to Stresa.
- Verona: About 1 hour 15 minutes by high-speed train.
- Turin: About 1 hour by high-speed train.
1. Lake Como
How to get there: Trains from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi to Como San Giovanni take 40 minutes to 1 hour, or take the train to Varenna in about an hour.
Surrounded by mountains and elegant villas, Lake Como is one of Italy's most beautiful places. Hop between Varenna, Bellagio, and Como by ferry, visit lakeside gardens like Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi, and take the funicular up to Brunate for the views. See our full Milan to Lake Como day trip guide.
2. Bergamo
How to get there: Regional trains from Milano Centrale take about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Bergamo has two parts: the modern Città Bassa (lower town) and the hilltop Città Alta (upper town), wrapped in Venetian walls that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the funicular up to the old town, see the Piazza Vecchia and the richly decorated Colleoni Chapel, and try casoncelli, the local stuffed pasta.
3. Verona
How to get there: High-speed trains from Milano Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova take about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is also home to a remarkable Roman arena, still used for opera in summer. Visit Juliet's House and its famous balcony, browse the market in Piazza delle Erbe, climb the Torre dei Lamberti, and cross the Roman Ponte Pietra at sunset.
4. Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands
How to get there: Trains from Milano Centrale to Stresa take about 1 hour.
From Stresa, take a boat to the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella has a Baroque palace and spectacular terraced gardens with white peacocks, Isola Madre has botanical gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori is a charming fishing village. Gardens open from spring to fall.
5. Pavia
How to get there: Trains from Milano Centrale or Rogoredo take about 30 minutes.
This historic university city has a covered medieval bridge over the Ticino River, Romanesque churches, and one of Europe's oldest universities. Just outside town, the Certosa di Pavia is a magnificent Renaissance monastery with an ornate marble facade.
6. Turin
How to get there: High-speed trains from Milano Centrale to Torino Porta Nuova take about 1 hour.
The elegant former royal capital is known for its arcaded boulevards, the Egyptian Museum, one of the best in the world, and the Mole Antonelliana, home to the National Cinema Museum. Don't miss a bicerin, the local coffee and chocolate drink.
Tips for Day Trips From Milan
- Use regional trains for nearby destinations. They're cheap, frequent, and don't need advance booking.
- Book high-speed trains early for Verona and Turin to get the best fares.
- Check seasonal timetables for lake ferries, which run less often in winter.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Italy eSIM keeps your train apps and maps working. See our Italy eSIM guide and the best train trips in Europe.
Plan your wider trip with our 10-day Italy itinerary and the best places to visit in Italy.
FAQs: Day Trips From Milan
What is the best day trip from Milan?
Lake Como is the most popular, while Bergamo and Verona are great for history and architecture.
Can you visit Verona as a day trip from Milan?
Yes. High-speed trains take about 1 hour 15 minutes, leaving plenty of time to explore.
Which is better for a day trip, Lake Como or Lake Maggiore?
Lake Como is more famous and dramatic, while Lake Maggiore's Borromean Islands are ideal for garden lovers. Both are about an hour from Milan.
Do I need to book trains from Milan in advance?
Not for regional trains. Book high-speed trains to Verona and Turin in advance for lower fares.