Trains from Milan

Milan Centrale is a magnificent landmark in its own right, take the time to have a look around.

small bullet point  Milan Centrale station guide

bullet pointI want to go from Milan to...

     

      Click here for journeys starting in another city

      Milan Centrale station guide

      Recommended hotels in Milan

This page explains how to travel by train from Milan to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way. Information current for 2024.

Tip:  For a coffee, beer or meal before your train try the Bistro Centrale on the main concourse.  For a great Italian restaurant 5-10 min walk from the station, I recommend Noblesse Oblige, see map.

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...

bullet pointWhich station in Milan?

Milan Centrale is the main station in Milan, an impressive landmark in its own right, and most trains use this.  However, the French TGVs to and from Paris use Porta Garibaldi, as do a handful of mainline Trenitalia trains.  In the text below 'Milan' means Milan Centrale unless it says otherwise.  If you need to transfer between Centrale and Porta Garibaldi, it's an 8-minute €8 taxi ride or a 25 minute walk or a €3 10-minute local train or metro ride.  Milan Centrale station guideMilan Porta Garibaldi station guideMap of Milan showing stations.


Milan to Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples & other Italian cities from €19.90
Milan to Como, Tirano
Milan to Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi
Milan to Palermo, Catania, Siracuse & Sicily

Option 1, Milan to Sicily by direct sleeper train - an epic ride in your own private sleeper, direct to Sicily

2-bed sleeper, night mode, on the Milan-Sicily sleeper  

Milan-Sicily train on board the train ferry

2-berth sleeper.  It converts to a sofa by day.  Larger photo

 

Yes, the train goes onto a ferry!  This is the Milan-Sicily sleeper train on board the train ferry from Villa San Giovanni to Messina. Photos courtesy of Andrew Harris.

Option 2, Milan to Sicily using a Rome-Sicily sleeper - the most time-effective option

Option 3, Milan to Sicily by daytime train.  Milan to Sicily in a single day, an epic ride

Back to top


Milan to London from €74

Back to top


Milan to Dublin & Ireland

Option 1, Milan to Dublin via London & Holyhead - daily departures

Option 2, Milan to Dublin via Paris & Cherbourg - several times a week

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats

Sail from Cherbourg to Dublin aboard Irish Ferries' WB YeatsWB Yeats photos courtesy of Irish Ferries.

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats club cabin   Irish Ferries' WB Yeats deluxe cabin

Club cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

Back to top


Milan to Paris from €29

Option 1, Milan to Paris by Trenitalia Frecciarossa - direct trains, 2 per day

A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale

A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale.  Interior photos in this section courtesy of Nicholas Brooke.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 Premium class seats

Standard class, with seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Premium class seats, identical to Standard class but in leather, sold as Standard on this route.  Larger photo.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2, tables for 4 & complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a simple meal at your seat, around €18.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa executive meeting room

Executive class at one end of the trainLarger photo.

 

The Executive class meeting room.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Milan to Paris by French Railways TGV - direct trains, 3 per day

TGV train from Paris to Milan about to leave Paris Gare de Lyon

A Milan-Paris TGV at Paris Gare de Lyon.  There's no check-in, just be on board at departure time.

2nd class on a Paris-Milan TGV   Food on board the TGV from Milan to Paris

2nd class with mix of unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats 2+2 across car width. Larger photo.

 

The cheese platter bought from the cafe-bar as the mountains swept by.

Cafe-bar on the Paris-Milan TGV   1st class on the Paris-Milan TGV

Cafe-bar selling tea, coffee, beer, wine, cold snacks & microwaved dishes.  Larger photo.

 

1st class with a mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & for 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  Larger photo.

Mountains from the TGV train to Italy

Take a good book, a bottle o' red, and enjoy the scenery from Italy to Paris with your feet up.  These are mountains in France.  Watch the Paris-Milan TGV video guide.

Scenery from the train between Oulx and Turin

And these are mountains in Italy between Oulx and Turin.  Courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

Option 3, Milan to Paris via the Bernina Express & Swiss Alps from €76 - much slower, but the ultimate scenic option

This journey is longer and costs a bit more, but it will be a highlight of your whole trip.  If time isn't pressing and you want the ultimate train ride through the Alps, I'd recommend this option! If you need convincing, watch the video!

First class seats   Bernina Express panormaic cars

Bernina Express 1st class seats.

 

the Bernina Express uses panoramic carriages.

The train descends from the Bernina Pass

The Bernina Express descends from the Bernina Pass.

The Milan to Paris Thello sleeper train was suspended in March 2020 and has now been permanently discontinued.

Back to top


Milan to Lyon

Back to top


Milan to Strasbourg

Back to top


Milan to Vichy, Clermont, Le Mans, Tours, Brittany, Lille

Back to top


Milan to Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo
Italian InterCity train

Step 1, take an Intercity train from Milan to Ventimiglia in as little as 3h45.  Here, a train is boarding at the magnificent Milan Centrale.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 2, take a TER local train from Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice & Cannes.  Ventimiglia to Nice takes an hour along the coast.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes.

Back to top


Milan to Brussels & Bruges from €64

Option 1, Milan to Brussels in a day via Lyon - easiest, avoids crossing Paris

Paris to Florence by Frecciarossa: A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale

Step 1, Milan to Lyon by Frecciarossa seen above at Milan Centrale.  More about the Paris-Milan FrecciarossaInterior photos in this section courtesy of Nicholas Brooke.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 Premium class seats

Standard class, with seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Premium class seats, identical to Standard class but in leather, sold as Standard on this route.  Larger photo.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2, tables for 4 & complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a simple meal at your seat, around €18.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa executive meeting room

Executive class at one end of the trainLarger photo.

 

The Executive class meeting room.  Larger photo.

Scenery from the train between Oulx and Turin

Mountains in Italy between Turin & Oulx, courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

Mountains from the TGV train to Italy

Mountains in France.

2nd class on a Paris-Milan TGV   TGV from Paris arrived at Luxembourg

Step 2, Lyon to Brussels by TGV.  Above left, 2nd class seats with a mix of unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats 2+2 across car width. Larger photo.

Cafe-bar on the Paris-Milan TGV   1st class on the Paris-Milan TGV

Cafe-bar selling tea, coffee, beer, wine, cold snacks & microwaved dishes.  Larger photo.

 

1st class with mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Milan to Brussels in a day via Paris - usually fastest & cheapest, if you don't mind crossing Paris

Option 3, Milan to Brussels with overnight stop in Lyon - easy and time-effective

Option 4, Milan to Brussels with overnight stop in Zurich

Back to top


Milan to Amsterdam from €64

Option 1, Milan to Amsterdam using the Zurich-Amsterdam Nightjet sleeper - the time-effective option

Giruno train

Step 1, Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, through the Alps.  This is a Giruno train at Milano Centrale.  The train passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel, though the transit takes just 20 minutes.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

Giruno, 1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

Giruno 2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door. 

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from the Milan-Zurich EuroCity train on the Gotthard route.

AB33 sleeping-car on the Amsterdam-Zurich Nightjet train

Step 2, Zurich to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about NightjetsWatch the sleeper video.

Single-bed sleeper on Amsterdam-Zurich train   Single-bed sleeper on Amsterdam-Zurich train

Single-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

Breakfast next morning.  Larger photo.

Couchette compartment on Amsterdam to Switzerland Nightjet train   Couchette compartment on Amsterdam to Switzerland Nightjet train

4 or 6 berth couchette compartment.  Larger photo.

 

Couchette car.

Option 2, Milan to Amsterdam via Paris - means crossing Paris, but it's sometimes the cheapest option

Option 3, Milan to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Zurich - breaks up the journey nicely

Back to top


Milan to Luxembourg

Option 1, Milan to Luxembourg in a single day

Option 2, Milan to Luxembourg with an overnight stop in Zurich

Back to top


Milan to Geneva, Zurich, Luzern, Basel & Switzerland from €29

Option 1, Milan to Switzerland by EuroCity train to Brig, Geneva, Montreux, Bern, Spiez, Basel, Zurich, Lucerne

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

An EuroCity train at Milan Centrale, about to leave for Switzerland.  More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on an Astoro train   Restaurant car on an Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Sion castle, see from the train to Venice

Sion castle, as seen from the train.  The train passes through the famous Simplon Tunnel, opened in 1906, on the very route used by the celebrated Simplon Orient Express of Agatha Christie fame.

Option 2, Milan to St Moritz, Chur & Zurich via the scenic narrow-gauge Bernina route

First class seats   Bernina Express panormaic cars

Bernina Express 1st class seats.

 

the Bernina Express uses panoramic carriages.

The train descends from the Bernina Pass

The Bernina Express descends from the Bernina Pass.

Back to top


Milan to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain

Option 1, Milan to Barcelona & Spain in a day via Lyon - the easiest & usually cheapest option

Option 2, Milan to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Marseille

Italian InterCity train

Step 1, take an Intercity train from Milan to Ventimiglia.  Above, an Intercity train at Milan Centrale.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 2 & 3, take a TER local train from Ventimiglia to Nice, then a TGV from Nice to Marseille.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes.

Option 3, Milan to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Geneva

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

Milan to Geneva by bullet-nosed EuroCity train.  More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on a Switzerland to Milan Astoro train   ETR610 restaurant car

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an ETR610 train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Leman, seen from a Geneva-Milan train

The view from the train:  Lake Leman on a wintry day.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

To Barcelona by TGV.  More about the TGV to Barcelona.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360Ί photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360Ί photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

Lunch from the cafe-bar on the train to Barcelona   The hilltop cathedral at Beziers

Dinner from the cafe-bar.

 

View from the train, passing Bιziers.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanigouMore about what to see on the Paris-Barcelona journey.

Option 4, Italy to Barcelona by luxury cruise ferry

Back to top


Milan to Lisbon & Portugal

Back to top


Milan to Andorra

Back to top


Milan to Munich, Hamburg, Berlin & Germany from €39

Option 1, Milan to Hamburg or Berlin using the Zurich-Hamburg/Berlin sleeper - the most time-effective option

  • Step 1, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, leaving Milan Centrale at 15:10 and arriving Zurich HB at 18:27.

    The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a lovely run through the Alps, past Italian and Swiss lakes and passing through the world's longest railway tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel.

    Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it).  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead.  It's ticketless, you print your booking reference or show it on your phone.

    Have dinner in Zurich, I recommend steak-frites & a beer at the Brasserie Federal on the main concourse at Zurich HB.

  • Step 2, travel from Zurich to Germany by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 19:59 & arriving Berlin Hbf 07:20, or leaving Zurich HB at 20:59 & arriving Hamburg Hbf 07:54.

    The Zurich-Berlin Nightjet has a Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet.  The Zurich-Hamburg Nightjet has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars (1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, plus a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin).  Both trains also have couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats cars.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning, see the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  You can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Switzerland & click nj.

Option 2, Milan to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train, onwards to Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin or anywhere in Germany - the time-effective option!

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Milan to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car.

Option 3, Milan to Germany by daytime trains via Zurich & the Gotthard - in a single day, and a scenic ride

ETR610 EuroCity train at Frankfurt Hbf

Milan-Frankfurt trains at Frankfurt Hbf.  There's a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Photo courtesy of @Nordkommission.

Frecciargento train 2nd class seats   Frecciargento train 1st class seats

2nd class on a Trenitalia ETR610.

 

1st class on a Trenitalia ETR610.

Restaurant car of a tilting 'Pendolino' train from Geneva to Milan.   Meal on a Swiss EuroCity train between Switzerland & Milan

Restaurant car.

 

Lunch!

Lake Maggiore, seen from the train

Lake Maggiore, seen over lunch in the restaurant car.

Option 4, Milan to Munich or anywhere in Germany by daytime trains via the Brenner - another scenic option!

New generation railjet at Innsbruck

A new generation railjet at Innsbruck, note the low-floor section for easy boarding.  Courtesy of @SimplyRailway.  Interior photos courtesy of ΦBB.

Economy class seats in a new generation railjet   Restaurant car in a new generation railjet

Economy class, open saloon.

 

Restaurant car.

First class seats in a new generation railjet   Business class 4-seat compartment in a new generation railjet

First class, all in open saloons.

 

Business class = just four 4-seat compartments

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona.

Mountains on the Brenner route.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Back to top


Milan to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €48

Option 1, Milan to Salzburg & Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna HbfMore about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

Option 2, Milan to Salzburg or Vienna by daytime trains - a scenic option with lunch in Venice

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 3, Milan to Innsbruck by daytime trains via the Brenner Pass - another scenic option

New generation railjet at Innsbruck

A new generation railjet at Innsbruck, note the low-floor section for easy boarding.  Courtesy of @SimplyRailway.  Interior photos courtesy of ΦBB.

Economy class seats in a new generation railjet   Restaurant car in a new generation railjet

Economy class, open saloon.

 

Restaurant car.

First class seats in a new generation railjet   Business class 4-seat compartment in a new generation railjet

First class, all in open saloons.

 

Business class = just four 4-seat compartments

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video.

Back to top


Milan to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm

Option 1, Milan to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train

Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Hamburg Altona   6-berth couchette on the Hamburg-Stockholm SJ night train

The inaugural Hamburg to Stockholm SJ EuroNight train in Hamburg on 1 September 2022. The author rode this first departure.  More about this sleeper train.

6-berth couchettes.

Standard sleeper, set up as a double   Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Padborg

2-bed sleeper.  Larger photo.

The inaugural train from Hamburg to Stockholm calls at Padborg, just after entering Denmark.

Scenery from the Hamburg to Stockholm train

Typical Swedish scenery on the morning run into Stockholm.

Option 2, Milan to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper

Double-deck sleeping-car on a Nightjet at Zurich

Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

   

2-berth sleeper on lower deck.

 

Stairs down to pair of lower compartments.

 

1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact the compartment is.

    4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Φresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 3, Milan to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm using the Milan-Munich sleeper - another time-effective option

Option 3, by daytime trains with overnight stop in Switzerland.

Option 4, Milan to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm with overnight stop in Hamburg - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

Back to top


Milan to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Milan to Oslo with overnight stops Munich & Copenhagen - by train all the way

Option 2, Milan to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - most luxurious way to Norway

Double-deck sleeping-car on a Nightjet at Zurich

Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

   

2-berth sleeper on lower deck.

 

Stairs down to pair of lower compartments.

 

1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact the compartment is.

    4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Boarding the ferry in Kiel

Sail from Kiel to Oslo with Color Line.  It's just a 6 minute walk across from Kiel Hbf to the Color Line terminal.  There's a lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal.  If you've booked one of Color Line's 5 star suites, check in at the desk rather than the machines to be directed to a VIP lounge with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi.  You'll have priority boarding & free access to the on-board spa.  Photos courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry except where shown.

Cabin on Kiel to Oslo ferry   Restaurant on Kiel to Oslo ferry

Above left, cabin with TV, shower & toilet, luxury suites are also available.  Above right, restaurant with a view.

Restaurant on Kiel to Oslo ferry   Lounge on Kiel to Oslo ferry

Restaurant and lounge on the Kiel-Oslo ferry.

View from Color Line ferry to Oslo

Wake up to lovely scenery sailing up Oslo Fjord.

Ferry arrived in Oslo   Color Line transfer bus in Oslo

The Color Line ferry, arrived at Oslo.  Above right, there's a transfer bus to Oslo Sentral, photo courtesy of Andrew Leo.

Option 3, Milan to Oslo using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper & Frederikshavn-Oslo ferry - cheaper, more changes, slightly quicker

Back to top


Milan to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Milan to Helsinki using the Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemόnde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Milan to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

Back to top


Milan to Prague or Cesky Krumlov from €68

Option 1, Milan to Prague using the Milan-Vienna sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Milan to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Czech Railjet train to Vienna at Prague Hlavni station

Step 2, Vienna to Prague by smart modern railjet train, with economy, first & business class, restaurant car, free WiFi and draught beer on tap.  More about these railjets.

Economy seats on a Prague to Vienna Railjet train   1st class seats on a Czech Railjet train

Economy (2nd) class.  Mainly unidirectional seating but with some tables for 4.  All seats have power sockets & free WiFi.  Larger photo.

 

First class.  Mainly unidirectional, with some tables for 2 & tables for 4.  Larger photo

Restaurant car on a Prague-Vienna railjet train   Business class on a Czech railjet train

Restaurant car for snacks, meals, beer, wine, tea & coffee.  You don't need to reserve, just turn up & sit down.  There's waiter-service at tables or order at the counter & take back to your seat.  Larger photo.

 

Business class = premium 1st class.  Just 6 seats at one end of the 1st class car.  Same seats but very different layout from business class on Austrian railjetLarger photo.

Option 2, Milan to Prague or Cesky Krumlov via the Zurich-Prague sleeper - safe, comfortable & time-effective

Giruno train

Step 1, Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, through the Alps.  This is a Giruno train at Bellinzona.  The train passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel, though the transit takes just 20 minutes.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train on the Gotthard route.

The Zurich to Prague sleeping car boarding at Zurich HB

Step 2, Zurich to Prague by sleeping-car, seen at Zurich HBMore about this sleeper.

City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper   City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper in day mode   City Night Line deluxe sleeper, private toilet & shower   Comfortline sleeper corridor

Standard sleeper set up as a 2-berth, with blind down & washstand open.  Each room can be used with 1, 2 or 3 beds.

 

Same sleeper with berths folded away & seats out, washstand closed.  Very similar to a deluxe, but without shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe sleepers are similar to standard ones, with a bit more floorspace & compact shower & toilet instead of washstand.

 

Just like a hotel, the corridor in a Comfortline sleeping-car.  There's a shower at end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers.

Option 3, Milan to Prague with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet, at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Back to top


Milan to Bratislava from €54

Option 1, Milan to Bratislava using the Milan-Vienna sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Milan to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava, at Vienna Huaptbahnhof...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Step 2, Vienna to Bratislava by hourly Regional Express train, seen at Vienna Hbf.  Behind the locomotive is a smart Slovakian air-conditioned intercity coach, the rest of the train consists of non-air-con Austrian City Shuttle carriages, as shown in the photo above right.  Find a seat in the more Slovakian car if you can!  More about Vienna-Bratislava trains.

Option 2, Milan to Bratislava with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Venice to Vienna by railjet, seen at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava, at Vienna Huaptbahnhof...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Vienna to Bratislava by hourly Regional Express train, seen at Vienna Hbf.  Behind the locomotive is a smart Slovakian air-conditioned intercity coach, the rest of the train consists of non-air-con Austrian City Shuttle carriages, as shown in the photo above right.  Find a seat in the more Slovakian car if you can!  More about Vienna-Bratislava trains.

Back to top


Milan to Budapest from €69

Option 1, Milan to Budapest using the Milan-Vienna sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

  • Step 1, travel from Milan to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Milan Rogoredo at 21:26 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 09:04.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  You can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.

    Tip:  If you have a sleeping-car ticket and/or 1st class ticket for the onward train to Budapest you can use the ΦBB lounge in Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Milan to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

EuroCity train from Vienna to Budapest, at Budapest Keleti

Step 2, Vienna to Budapest by Hungarian EuroCity train.

1st class seats on a Hungarian EuroCity train   2nd class seats on a Hungarian EuroCity train

1st class is usually in 6-seat compartments.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class, open-plan saloon type, modernised.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Milan to Budapest with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

  • Day 2, travel from Venice to Vienna by railjet train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 09:56 and arriving Vienna Hbf 17:36.

    The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It takes the beautifully scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route from Vienna to Graz, a real treat, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semmering_railway.  Treat yourself to lunch with wine as the mountains glide by.  More about Venice to Vienna railjets & the journey.

    Fares start at €28.30 in 2nd class, €56.60 in 1st class or €71.60 in business class (= premium 1st class, a real treat).  Fares vary like air fares.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

    Tip:  If you have a 1st or business class ticket you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

  • Day 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 18:42 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 21:19. 

    The swish air-conditioned railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 in 1st class or €44.90 in business class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet, at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Back to top


Milan to Bucharest, Brasov & Romania
  • Step 2, take the overnight sleeper train Ister leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10 and arriving Brasov at 08:50 & Bucharest Nord at 11:30 next day. 

    This comfortable train has an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, see the photos on the London to Romania page.  There's no restaurant car, so take a picnic and bottle of wine.

    Fares start at €39 with a couchette in 6-berth, €46 with a couchette in 4-berth, €69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.

    Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead.  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.  It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers.  You print your own ticket.

    You can also book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu, see my advice on using it.  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.

2-berth sleeper on the Ister   The Ister at Bucharest Nord

A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

Couchette car on the Ister EuroNight train from Budapest to Bucharest   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com .

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

Back to top


Milan to Ljubljana & Zagreb

Option 1, Milan to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Zurich-Zagreb sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option

Giruno train

Step 1, Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, through the Alps.  This is a Giruno train at Bellinzona.  The train passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel, though the transit takes just 20 minutes.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train on the Gotthard route.

The Zurich to Zagreb sleeper train boarding at Zurich HB

Step 2, Zurich to Zagreb by sleeper train seen here boarding at Zurich HB as the sun sets on a summer day.  That's the Croatian couchette car on the right, the Croatian sleeping-car on the left.  See the Croatian sleeper video.

Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   4 or 6-berth couchettes on train from Munich to Zagreb

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper.

 

Set up as a single-berth.

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes. 360Ί photo.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Wake up to scenery like this between Ljubljana & Zagreb, along the river Sava.

Scenery between Ljubljana, Zagreb & Belgrade

Option 2, Milan to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Milan-Austria Nightjet sleeper train - another time-effective option.

Option 3, Milan to Ljubljana & Zagreb by the direct route through Venice & Trieste

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Looking back from the rear of the Austrian EuroCity train as it climbs out of Trieste.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Scenery in Slovenia on the way from Trieste to Ljubljana.  More about Venice-Trieste-Ljubljana.

Option 4, Milan to Ljubljana by daytime trains, overnight stop, on to Zagreb next day - a leisurely daytime option

Back to top


Milan to Dubrovnik & Split

Option 1, Milan to Split & Dubrovnik via Zagreb - overland by train all the way

Option 2, Milan to Split & Dubrovnik by ferry from Ancona or Bari - more time-effective

Ancona to Split ferries in Split Harbour   Deluxe cabin onm Ancona to Split ferry

Blue Line & Jadrolinija ferries in Split Harbour.  Above right, a deluxe cabin on the Blue Line ferry, which comes complete with an en suite jacuzzi.  Courtesy of Andrew Leo.

Back to top


Milan to Belgrade

Option 1, Milan to Belgrade & Sofia using the Zurich-Zagreb sleeper

Giruno train

Step 1, Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, through the Alps.  This is a Giruno train at Milano Centrale.  The train passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel, though the transit takes just 20 minutes.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train on the Gotthard route.

The Zurich to Zagreb sleeper train boarding at Zurich HB

Step 2, Zurich to Zagreb by sleeper trainseen here boarding at Zurich HB as the sun sets on a summer day.  That's the Croatian couchette car on the right, the Croatian sleeping-car on the left.  See the Croatian sleeper video.

Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb   4 or 6-berth couchettes on train from Munich to Zagreb

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper.

 

Set up as a single-berth.

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes. 360Ί photo.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Wake up to scenery like this between Ljubljana & Zagreb, along the river Sava.

Scenery between Ljubljana, Zagreb & Belgrade
2nd class seats in a Serbian air-conditioned train   The train from Belgrade to Zagreb & Zurich, about to leave Belgrade

Step 3, Zagreb to Belgrade by Serbian train.

Option 2, Milan to Belgrade & Sofia with overnight stop in Villach - a useful alternative

Back to top


Milan to Sofia

Option 1, Milan to Sofia via Budapest & Bucharest - currently the most viable option

Option 2, Milan to Sofia via Belgrade

Back to top


Milan to Bar, Budva, Kotor & Montenegro
Montenegro Lines ferry from Bar to Bari

The former Montenegro Lines ferry to Bari at Bar ferry terminal.

Back to top


Milan to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland
The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Milan to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

The Danubius from Vienna to Krakow

Vienna to Warsaw or Krakow by EuroCity train.  This is the Danubius to Krakow at Vienna Hbf on a winter afternoon.  That's the Czech through car to Wroclaw nearest the camera, the Polish cars to Krakow are ahead of it.  Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.

Back to top


Milan to Lviv, Kyiv, Moscow & St Petersburg
The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf.

Sleeper to Kiev about to leave Vienna   Ukrainian sleeper corridor   1, 2 or 3 bed Ukrainian sleeper compartment

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper about to leave Vienna Hbf. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

The sleeper corridor.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment.

Back to top


Milan to Athens & Greece
Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Back to top


Hotels in Milan

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Back to top


Travel insurance & VPN

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

UK flag  www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

US flag  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

 

Maya.net logo

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility listMaya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.

 

Curve card

Curve card

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:  1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com.

 


Back to home page