Now that you've made your millions in the international banking hub of Zurich, it's time to spend your hard-earned euros on the latest designer fashions in Milan. Take the train so you'll have plenty of time to skim over your Italian phrasebook. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.
Take a look at a map of the route to see if there are any side trips that might be of interest. No matter which train you choose, you'll be traveling via the famous Gotthard route that takes you directly through the Swiss Alps. Controlling the urge to get out and explore that mountain scenery along the way may prove difficult!
Consider taking the slower Inter-City train if you want to stop off at a few places along the way. The Swiss Federal Railways system offers travel agency services that offer some exciting side-trip packages including accommodations and sight-seeing tours. By booking packages, you can alleviate some of the hassle of trying to book everything separately.
Plan on taking the "Cisalpino" train for the fastest route from Zurich to Milan. This trip will take you on a similar route to the Inter-City train but you don't have to change trains in Arth-Goldau. The trip usually only takes about 3.5 hours.
Visit the Rail Europe Web site for a listing of current train schedules from Zurich to Milan. The Web site offers services in several different languages, including English, Italian, German and French. Simply choose the language you want at the top of the screen and you're ready to go!
Type in Zurich as your departure city and Milan as your arrival city and the Rail Europe Web site will give you a list of options. Notice that there are direct trains as well trains that stop in Arth-Goldau, where you will have to change trains. Once you've decide on the train you want, book the ticket online and have it mailed to you.
Look at rail pass options if you're planning on traveling beyond Switzerland and Italy. Rail passes like the Eurail can be purchased to cover a set number of travel days or a certain amount of time. For example, the Eurail Selectpass offers up to 15 days of travel over a 2-month span.
Call 877-257-2887 from the U.S. to book train tickets from Zurich to Milan by phone.
