Did you know you can actually visit Switzerland on a day trip from Milan? The Northern Italian city is so close to the Swiss border, that it’s the perfect starting point to cross countries for a day of exploration and natural beauty.
If you have enough time on your Northern Italy itinerary, visiting a few of the nearby Swiss cities it’s one of the best things you can do! Renowned for their jaw-dropping landscapes, charming old towns, and really good chocolate (yum!) they’ll be a great addition to your trip.
While the border is merely an hour away from Milan, it can be a bit of a hassle to plan the trip with public transportation, which is why I highly recommend a tour for this excursion. You’ll have all the transfers covered, and since their itineraries are carefully curated by local experts, you’ll enjoy stops at the most beautiful, unmissable places.
In this guide, I’ve picked the best day trips from Milan to Switzerland to help you pick the ideal trip for you. They all offer distinct experiences, from lake boat cruises to train rides and visits to mountain resorts, so there’s plenty of variety to choose from!
Why should you trust my tips for day trips from Milan to Switzerland? I was born and raised in nearby Bologna, and I’ve been lucky enough to explore Italy extensively… including day trips to the neighboring countries!
On top of my personal connection to these places, I have over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, curating travel guides and tours all over the world. I’ve developed a knack for identifying extraordinary experiences, and those are the only ones that make it on my posts.
Below, you’ll only find high-quality tours that offer great value, are highly rated by fellow travelers, and are led by professionals.
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
OUR PICK: The BEST Milan to Switzerland Day Trip
Ditch the Milan hustle for a day and join an unforgettable Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train. You’ll start the adventure early in the morning, with a coach transfer from Milan to the shores of Lake Como.
There, you’ll hop on a private boat and sail the tranquil waters of the lake, taking in the views of the charming lakeside towns, including Bellagio and Varenna, and the opulent villas, with the mountains acting as a backdrop.
After the cruise, you’ll take the bus to St. Moritz, a beautiful location best known for its high-end boutiques, ideal for a little retail therapy, and its fairytale-looking lake, backed by mountains and featuring a lovely promenade.
Enjoy free time to wander at your leisure, and then board the legendary Bernina Express, the red train that journeys through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Swiss Alps. I guarantee you’ll be glued to the window, admiring the passing glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain views.
The train ride ends in Tirano, where a coach will be waiting to take you back to Milan.
This Milan day trip to Switzerland includes: Roundtrip transportation, a tour guide, a private lake cruise, a walking tour in St Moritz, and train tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Day Trips from Milan to Saint Moritz & Bernina
▶️ Embark on a Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Tour from Milan for a glorious day in Switzerland. Enjoy a scenic coach ride to Tirano in the nicknamed “Little Red Train.” Then, hop on the Bernina Express, ascending the cliff-clinging Bernina Pass with its UNESCO World Heritage status. You will traverse the spiral viaduct of Brusio, and witness the transformation from lush gorges to snow-clad glaciers.
Explore St. Moritz’s chic char and stroll along the lake. Plus, indulge in Swiss chocolate delights as a knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights about the region.
This Swiss Alps tour from Milan includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, a stop in St. Moritz, and Bernina train tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Embark on a full-day adventure with this St Moritz & Alps Day Trip with Bernina Red Train from Milan.
You’ll travel in comfort through the Lombardy region, passing Lake Como and the Valtellina Valley on your way to St. Moritz, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming cobblestone streets, high-end boutiques, and beautiful lake.
Then, hop on the Bernina Red Train to travel to Tirano, passing by the dramatic Bernina Pass and admiring the passing views of glaciers, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
You’ll be free to wander around the medieval town of Tirano, known for its rich history, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine. At the end of the day, you’ll return to Milan by coach.
This tour includes: Round-trip transfers from Milan, Bernina Red Train tickets, a guide, and free time in St. Moritz and Tirano. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Discover Italy and Switzerland in the comfort of your own people’s company with this Private Bernina Train, Saint Moritz & Wines Guided tour from Milan. Marvel at sweeping views of Alpine valleys and peaks as you wind through the Valtellina into the Engadin Alps.
Experience the allure of St. Moritz during an intimate walking tour, and later venture to a beautiful vineyard for a taste of delicious local wines. You’ll also enjoy a ride in the beautiful Bernina train. From glaciers to luxury resorts, this tour showcases the best of both Italian and Swiss wonders. It’s one of the best Milan to Switzerland day trips for groups!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, train tickets, a guide, and a winery visit. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Milan to Interlaken Day Trip
Looking for an unforgettable journey? Step aboard the Green Train of the Alps on this Interlaken & Swiss Alps Day Trip from Milan. You will traverse the picturesque Simplon Pass while your savvy English-speaking guide unravels the mysteries of the Swiss mountains.
Cruise on Lake Thun, capturing postcard-perfect shots of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and explore the quaint beauty of Interlaken as you watch graceful hang gliders soar over the distant Alps. You definitely can’t leave Switzerland before satisfying your sweet tooth with the country’s finest chocolates!
This Milan to Switzerland tour includes: Round-trip transportation, a lake cruise, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Lake Como & Lugano Day Trips from Milan
▶️ Uncover the crème de la crème of Switzerland and Italy in just one day with this Lake Como Private Boat, Bellagio & Lugano Trip. You’ll join a small group of travelers and make your way to Lugano, where you’ll take a stroll to Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto church for a dose of artistic culture.
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Swiss chocolates, and then make your way back to Italy. But don’t worry, the tour doesn’t end here!
You’ll sail on the stunning Lake Como, surrounded by Italian Alps and opulent villas, and pass by notable locations that once hosted Star Wars and James Bond movie sets.
Then head to the famed city of Bellagio, also known as the “Pearl of Lake Como”, and delight in free time to wander its quaint streets and shops.
This Milan to Lugano day trip includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, a lake cruise in Como, and free time in Bellagio and Lugano. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Join this fantastic Como, Italy & Lugano, Switzerland Exclusive Full-Day Tour to explore the enchanting lakeside towns of Como and Lugano.
Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the highlights of Como, one of the most coveted destinations in Northern Italy, and help you gain insight into its fascinating history and architecture. You’ll also learn about the rationalist architecture at Ex Casa del Fascio.
After a nice lunch break, take a train to Lugano and walk around its charming center, taking in the top sights like Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and Piazza della Riforma. With a perfect balance between guided and free time, you will experience both cities hassle-free.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, free time in Como and Lugano, and a funicular ride in Lugano. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Day Trips from Milan to Switzerland
Milan is very close to the Italian border with Switzerland, and it offers numerous day trips and tours to its neighboring country. The Swiss city of Lugano is merely an hour away from Milan by train, so it’s a day trip to Switzerland is not only possible but very easy.
In my opinion, the best tours to Switzerland from Milan are these:
• Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Train Day Trip
• Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Tour from Milan
• Lake Como, Bellagio, Lugano Day Trip with Cruise from Milan
The Bernina Express Train is the most scenic train from Milan to Switzerland, and the journey is absolutely magnificent, taking you from one country to the other amidst gorgeous landscapes.
The experience of riding the Bernina Express is certainly worth it, as the train journey and its scenery are unmatched. However, whether it’s worth the money will depend on your preferences and budget.
