Planning an escapade to Switzerland while in Italy? I bring you the very best day trips from Milan to Switzerland to cross the border for a day full of adventure. Check them out!
Get ready to find some amazing tours from Milan to Switzerland! You’ll be amazed by the stunning views and fascinating towns of Italy’s small, neighboring country. And there’s no city like Milan to act as the starting point of your adventures.
Being one of the most amazing locations on a Northern Italy itinerary, Milan is also the perfect base for day trips, including those to Switzerland, as it’s less than an hour away from the border.
Once you leave the busy city behind, Switzerland’s natural beauty is sure to take your breath away. From snowy mountains to peaceful lakes, this alpine haven is a real treat to the eyes and the soul.
In this guide, I’ve picked the best day trips from Milan to Switzerland for you to enjoy. They all offer distinct experiences, from lake boat cruises to train rides and visits to mountain resorts. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Why should you trust my tips for day trips from Milan to Switzerland? Born and raised in nearby Bologna, I’ve explored Italy and its neighboring countries extensively. With 10 years in the travel industry, I carefully select tours that offer the best value and experience. Rest assured, my recommendations are the real deal, designed to make your cross-border adventure unforgettable.
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, St. Moritz & Bernina Train Day Trip. Sail the tranquil waters of Lake Como aboard a private boat, and soak in the beauty of Bellagio, Varenna, and the opulent Villa Balbianello.
Next up, buckle up for a scenic bus ride through the majestic Maloja route. Stroll around the chic paradise of St. Moritz, indulging in retail therapy or enjoying a lakeside promenade. The real highlight, though? Take the legendary Bernina Express from Milan, traversing the Swiss Alps in unparalleled splendor. It’s a tour packed with picturesque vistas, glamor, and a touch of adventure!
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
▶️ Swiss Alps Bernina Express Day Trip from Milan with Hotel Pick Up promises an unforgettable day filled with comforts and astounding scenery. You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and start the journey toward Switzerland.
Traverse the legendary Bernina Pass at a staggering 2,250 meters above sea level, and get ready to witness nature’s wonders from the window of the fabulous train, such as wild gorges and icy glaciers. On top of that, stroll around In St. Moritz, the country’s chic resort, and treat yourself to a sweet stop at a chocolate house.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation with hotel pick-up, a guide, train tickets, and free time in St. Moritz. ➥ 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: Roundtrip 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, Bellagio, Lugano Day Trip with Cruise from Milan. 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.