{"id":37605,"date":"2024-06-27T17:36:49","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T15:36:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/traveling-to-italy-by-train-route-and-tips\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T18:18:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:18:28","slug":"traveling-to-italy-by-train-route-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/train-travel\/traveling-to-italy-by-train-route-and-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Traveling to Italy by Train: Route and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Italy by Train: Many Roads Lead to Rome (Update 2026)<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traveling to Italy by train is a comfortable and sustainable way to reach the country. No airport stress, coffee along the way, plenty of space to read (or just stare out the window), and you arrive right in the heart of the city. Whether you\u2019re traveling to Milan, Rome, Venice, or Lake Garda, there are several routes to choose from; and yes, it can sometimes take a bit of figuring out which one best suits your destination.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, you&#8217;ll find:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A quick route planner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the best connections (day &amp; night)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tips for switching that really reduce stress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and where\/when it&#8217;s best to book  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"686\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"10189\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/munich-1220979_1280-686x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Munich - Man in a Park\" class=\"wp-image-10189\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/munich-1220979_1280-686x1024.jpg 686w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/munich-1220979_1280-480x717.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 686px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"686\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"10190\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/train-90492_1280-686x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Deutsche Bahn Train\" class=\"wp-image-10190\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/train-90492_1280-686x1024.jpg 686w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/train-90492_1280-480x717.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 686px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Guide to Trains to Italy: Choose Your Route in 30 Seconds<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Milan \/ Lake Como \/ Lake Maggiore: via Switzerland\u2014Zurich\u2013Milan, 3 hours 20 minutes, with 14 direct trains per day.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Milan via France: via Paris\u2014the fastest travel times are around 6 hours and 40 minutes, though there are often connections that take about 7 hours as well.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venice \/ Florence \/ Rome: via Nightjet (overnight) from Munich and other cities.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New:<\/strong> Starting June 18, 2026: European Sleeper Amsterdam\/Brussels\u2013Milan, with stops including Bern and Stresa (Lake Maggiore); tickets available in Jan\/Feb 2026.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Important 2026:<\/strong> Nightjet reports: La Spezia\/Cinque Terre will not be served in the 2026 operating year (due to construction); Rome and Venice will be.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why take the train to Italy?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sustainable travel: lower CO2 emissions than flying or driving.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comfortable: no long lines and spacious seats.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beautiful views: enjoy the scenery along the way.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Affordable if you book early. Nightjet ticket sales typically begin 6 months in advance. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Organized train trip to Italy with an electric rental car (train &amp; drive)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interested in an organized <strong>train-and-drive trip<\/strong> to Italy? Then check here for these wonderful organized tours to <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/train-travel\/10-day-train-trip-through-piedmont\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18542\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Piedmont<\/strong> <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/train-travel\/11-day-train-trip-through-puglia\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18613\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Puglia<\/strong><\/a> and let us take care of arranging your trip and accommodations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Included:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Round-trip train travel with the best possible route and assistance\/guarantee along the way (ideal in case of delays)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small-scale, charming accommodations at the destination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electric rental car at your destination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"732\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"10195\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_8571-732x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10195\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"10196\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_8588-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10196\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you travel to Italy by train?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is currently no regular direct daytime train from the Netherlands or Belgium to Italy. You usually travel via: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Switzerland (Basel\/Zurich): ideal for Milan and the lakes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>France (Paris): Quick trip to Milan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Germany (Munich): convenient for Venice, Lake Garda, and the Nightjet to Rome\/Florence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transfer tip (it really saves you stress): When traveling internationally, it\u2019s best to allow 45\u201390 minutes for transfers. In Paris (where you\u2019ll need to change stations), allow even more time. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Best Train Routes to Italy<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Route 1: via Switzerland (Basel\/Zurich) \u2013 Milan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is often the most logical route to Milan, <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/italie\/comomeer\/comomeer-de-mooiste-plekjes\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6766\"><strong>Como\/Lake Como<\/strong><\/a> and Lake Maggiore. It\u2019s also a great base if you\u2019re continuing on to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/category\/italy\/tuscany\/\" data-type=\"category\" data-id=\"42\">Tuscany<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why This Route Works So Well<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>many connections per day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy-to-use transit transfers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrival at Milano Centrale (perfect for connecting trips)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Convenient travel time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Amsterdam &#8211; Basel: fastest travel time 6 hours 39 with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsinternational.com\/traintracker\/?tt=943_35043_464202_&amp;r=\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nsinternational.com\/traintracker\/?tt=943_35043_464202_&amp;r=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>NS International<\/strong><\/a>.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zurich HB &#8211; Milan Centrale: approx. 3 hours 20 minutes and 14 direct trains per day (SBB).  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Want to travel to Switzerland at night? NS International describes the Nightjet, which lets you board in the evening and arrive in Zurich in the morning (with a stop in Basel). <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Route 2: via France (Paris) to Milan<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This route is ideal if you can get to Paris easily (especially from Belgium). You\u2019ll usually transfer from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"770\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Treinfoto-2-1024x770.jpg\" alt=\"Train - Night Train to Italy\" class=\"wp-image-18654\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Treinfoto-2-980x737.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Treinfoto-2-480x361.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Travel time: What&#8217;s realistic?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Speed planners show a time of about 6 hours and 40 minutes for the fastest trips.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SNCF Connect also often shows direct trips that take around 7 hours (depending on the day, train, and stops).  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Transfer Tip for Paris (Golden Rule)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allow for some extra time here. Changing trains isn&#8217;t difficult, but it&#8217;s the one place where you&#8217;ll want some leeway (subway, crowds, luggage). <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Route 3: via Germany (Munich) to Italy<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Munich is especially convenient if you:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>toward Venice or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/italie\/gardameer\/mooiste-plekjes-gardameer\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9608\">Lake Garda<\/a><\/strong> , or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(part of) your trip with Nightjet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Train to Venice (Nightjet)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nightjet takes you to Venice at night, departing from Munich and other cities.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Train to Florence (Nightjet)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florence is also a Nightjet destination, with service from Munich, among other cities (arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella).<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Train to Rome (Nightjet)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nightjet operates service to Rome on routes including Munich\u2013Rome. The trip from Verona to Rome takes about 3 hours and 17 minutes (depending on the connection). <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Train to Lake Garda (via Verona)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Verona<\/strong> is your convenient hub for Lake Garda.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Munich Central Station to Verona Porta Nuova: fastest travel time 5 hours 27.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Verona, you can continue on to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano, among other destinations (a short regional drive).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"10198\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_3436-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Garda - view of the lake from Bardolino\" class=\"wp-image-10198\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"10199\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_3518-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Garda - La Piccola Osteria Terrace Restaurant\" class=\"wp-image-10199\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"10197\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_3425-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Garda - lakeside terrace - Bardolino\" class=\"wp-image-10197\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New: Amsterdam\/Brussels to Milan overnight train (starting June 18, 2026)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Update for 2026: European Sleeper reports a direct overnight train to Milan:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First departure: Thursday, June 18, 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outbound trips: Mon \/ Thu \/ Sat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return from Milan: Wed \/ Fri \/ Sun<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ticket sales: January or February 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The planned route is presented as a direct connection to Bern, Stresa (Lake Maggiore), and Milan.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/deals.europeansleeper.eu\/c?c=37347&amp;m=2209752&amp;a=464202&amp;r=&amp;u=\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/deals.europeansleeper.eu\/c?c=37347&amp;m=2209752&amp;a=464202&amp;r=&amp;u=\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Book tickets for the night train<\/strong><\/a> from European Sleeper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important for 2026: Nightjet and Cinque Terre (La Spezia)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people are looking for the night train to Cinque Terre. Nightjet has announced that, due to construction work, service to and from La Spezia will not be available during the 2026 service year. Rome and Venice remain available and are not affected.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Note: We have researched the current train options. We check the latest information regularly. However, the trains and times listed are subject to change at any time.    <\/em><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can you buy a train ticket to Italy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s the best way to do this: first book your international backbone (NL\/BE &#8211; hub), and then add Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Convenient places to book<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nightjet \/ night train: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsinternational.com\/traintracker\/?tt=943_35043_464202_&amp;r=\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nsinternational.com\/traintracker\/?tt=943_35043_464202_&amp;r=\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NS International<\/a> (Nightjet) and\/or <a href=\"http:\/\/oebb.at\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/oebb.at\/en\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nightjet\/\u00d6BB<\/a> itself.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Via Switzerland (Zurich\u2013Milan): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sbb.ch\/en\/leisure-holidays\/europe\/countries-cities\/italy\/zurich-milan.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.sbb.ch\/en\/leisure-holidays\/europe\/countries-cities\/italy\/zurich-milan.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBB is <\/a>a handy resource for direct connections and up-to-date information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paris\u2013Milan: Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sncf-connect.com\/nl-nl\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.sncf-connect.com\/nl-nl\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SNCF Connect<\/a> for schedules and availability; there are also other planners that provide faster or different results on a daily basis.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>European Sleeper Milan 2026: available through <a href=\"https:\/\/deals.europeansleeper.eu\/c?c=37347&amp;m=2209752&amp;a=464202&amp;r=&amp;u=\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/deals.europeansleeper.eu\/c?c=37347&amp;m=2209752&amp;a=464202&amp;r=&amp;u=\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">European Sleeper<\/a> as soon as tickets go on sale.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the best time to book?<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nightjet: Ticket sales typically begin 180 days before departure (sometimes sooner, around the time of the timetable change in December).  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NS International (General): Tickets are often available 4 to 11 months in advance (varies by carrier).  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>European Sleeper to Milan: starting in Jan\/Feb 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Transferring to a Train to Italy<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A generous layover = a relaxed trip: 45\u201390 minutes usually works well; for Paris, it\u2019s better to allow a little extra time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choosing your sleeping option: If you really want to sleep, choose a couchette or sleeper (a seat is mainly a budget option).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan B: When traveling internationally, it\u2019s a good idea to build in some extra time on the outbound leg of the trip (e.g., an early train or a layover).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ: Traveling to Italy by Train<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is there a direct train to Italy from the Netherlands or Belgium?<\/strong><br\/>There is no regular direct daytime train yet, but starting June 18, 2026, the European Sleeper is scheduled to operate a direct overnight train from Amsterdam\/Brussels to Milan.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is the fastest route to Milan?<\/strong><br\/>Via Zurich (3 hours 20 minutes from Zurich to Milan, 14 times a day) or via Paris (the fastest trip takes about 6 hours 40 minutes, and many others take about 7 hours).  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Will the Nightjet go to Cinque Terre (La Spezia) in 2026?<\/strong><br\/>Nightjet reports: La Spezia will not be included in the 2026 service year; Rome and Venice will be.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" data-id=\"8032\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Trein-Toscane-italie-1024x680.jpeg\" alt=\"train in Italy&#x2014;Tuscany\" class=\"wp-image-8032\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Trein-Toscane-italie-980x651.jpeg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Trein-Toscane-italie-480x319.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-id=\"6437\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Uitzicht-Toscane-Chianti-min-scaled-1-1024x681.jpeg\" alt=\"View-Tuscany-Chianti\" class=\"wp-image-6437\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Uitzicht-Toscane-Chianti-min-scaled-1-980x652.jpeg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Uitzicht-Toscane-Chianti-min-scaled-1-480x319.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" data-id=\"18567\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Milano-Galleria-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"Milan - Galleria\" class=\"wp-image-18567\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Milano-Galleria-980x700.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Milano-Galleria-480x343.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best choice if you\u2026 (30-second route selector)<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2026if you want the least hassle possible when traveling to Northern Italy (Milan\/the lakes): go via Switzerland (Basel\/Zurich \u2013 Milan).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2026If you want to travel at night and arrive well-rested: choose the Nightjet (bound for Venice\/Florence\/Rome).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2026if you want to travel directly to Milan by night train in 2026: starting June 18, 2026, take the European Sleeper Amsterdam\/Brussels\u2013Milan (3 times a week).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2026if you&#8217;re heading to Lake Garda: usually take the route through Munich \u2013 Verona \u2013 Peschiera\/Desenzano.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2026if you want to stay flexible (most departure options): go via Milan and take high-speed trains from there to Florence or Rome.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mini Route Table by Destination<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Destination<\/th><th>Best route during the day<\/th><th>Overnight Train Option<\/th><th>Quick Tip<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Milan<\/strong><\/td><td>Via Switzerland: NL\/BE \u2013 Basel\/Zurich \u2013 Milano Centrale<\/td><td>European Sleeper (starting June 18, 2026): Amsterdam\/Brussels \u2013 Milan (3 times per week)<\/td><td>Heading to Como or Lake Maggiore? Milan is your ideal transit hub. <\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lake Garda<\/strong><\/td><td>Via Munich \u2013 Verona \u2013 Peschiera del Garda \/ Desenzano<\/td><td>Sometimes there is a night train to Verona (check by date; may require a transfer during the night)<\/td><td>Choose Peschiera (east\/south) or Desenzano (west\/south) depending on where you&#8217;re staying.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Venice<\/strong><\/td><td>Via Munich &#8211; Verona &#8211; Venice (usually 1 transfer)<\/td><td>Nightjet overnight to Venice Mestre (and then on from there)<\/td><td>For the most scenic arrival: head to Venezia Santa Lucia (on the waterfront).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Florence<\/strong><\/td><td>Via Zurich\/Milan \u2013 high-speed train to Florence SMN<\/td><td>Nightjet overnight train to Florence Santa Maria Novella (depending on date\/route)<\/td><td>Florence is the perfect starting point for exploring Tuscany (by public transportation or rental car).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rome<\/strong><\/td><td>Via Milan\u2014high-speed train to Roma Termini<\/td><td>Nightjet overnight to Roma Termini<\/td><td>You often save on a night&#8217;s stay at a hotel and arrive right in the heart of downtown.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TIP<\/strong>: Read more here about <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/train-travel\/traveling-by-train-in-italy\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18534\"><strong>trains within Italy<\/strong><\/a> and about <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/treinreizen\/met-de-trein-naar-spanje\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4902\"><strong>traveling to Spain by train<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Traveling to Italy by Train: Many Roads Lead to Rome (Update 2026) Traveling to Italy by train is a comfortable and sustainable way to reach the country. No airport stress, coffee along the way, plenty of space to read (or just stare out the window), and you arrive right in the heart of the city. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":34606,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[214,222,213],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-train-travel","category-italy","category-green-travel-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37605","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37605"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37605\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37605"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37605"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}