Private car transfer from Zurich to Milan

The journey spans 175 miles (282 km) and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Due to the Alps’ topography, the route has many tunnels and winding country roads. Your view will include tranquil mountain villages and rolling hills with snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Visit the shoreside towns of Zug and Lugano for art, shopping, and unobstructed views of the Alps as they reflect off the water. For military history buffs, the secret Swiss military base, Sasso San Gottardo, is open for tours. No matter your interests or tastes, this road trip promises an unforgettable experience through some of Europe's most stunning scenery.

Your transfer from Zurich to Milan will take you across gorgeous landscapes and along paths that scholars and artists alike have traveled for centuries.

Two millennia of Milan

Milan's history stretches back to ancient times when it was initially inhabited by Celtic tribes before becoming part of the Roman Empire in 222 BC. During the Middle Ages, it rose to prominence as a powerful city-state under the Visconti and Sforza families.

Their wealth and influence attracted artists and scholars from across Europe who contributed to the Renaissance. Milan also played a crucial role in Italy's unification in the 19th century and saw significant industrial growth in the post-war era.

Milan as an industrial powerhouse

Milan wholeheartedly embraced industrialization and established itself as an economic center for luxury goods. Iconic brands like Armani, Versace, and Prada got their start in Milan, and today, Milan is synonymous with high fashion. As a global fashion capital, it hosts prestigious events like Milan Fashion Week.

Milan is also a major financial center, housing Italy's stock exchange and numerous banking institutions. Its thriving design sector extends beyond fashion, encompassing architecture, furniture, and industrial design.

Why we can’t get enough of Milan

Milan is art! Milan is home to the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) and Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, "The Last Supper." The city also has world-class museums like the Pinacoteca di Brera and you can find works by da Vinci and Michelangelo preserved throughout the city.

Milan’s streets are always buzzing with activity. The city’s year-round social calendar is packed with cultural events and music festivals. From classical concerts at La Scala Opera House to hip bars in the lively Brera district, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after dark, no matter your musical tastes or dress code.

Have space in your luggage for shopping

As one of the world's fashion capitals, Milan's shopping districts have some of the most coveted luxury brands you won't find elsewhere. If you're planning to shop, ensure you account for extra space when arranging your transportation and luggage for the trip. Who knows? A new designer suitcase might be just what you need!

Zurich to Milan with a private driver

A private driver brings you all the convenience of a rental car with none of the hassle. Leave the driving on winding, mountainous roads and dark tunnels to the experts! Customize your departure time to suit your plans and discover the hidden castles and lakeside towns nestled in the mountains on your schedule.

Your Daytrip driver will pick you up directly from your address in Zurich and assist with your luggage. With someone else behind the wheel, you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty at every turn.

You can reach Milan in under four hours, but what’s the rush? With a car, you have the flexibility to visit places like Mount Rigi and Sasso San Gottardo, which are much easier to access by driving than public transit. Spend your vacation exploring these magnificent castles instead of waiting for a regional bus.

After your sightseeing adventures, you’ll be safely dropped off at your address in Milan. With no rental car to return, you and your family can start touring Milan immediately. Secure your seat for just $193 (€180).

Zurich to Milan by bus

Traveling from Zurich to Milan takes between 4 and 5 hours with Flixbus. Fifteen buses are scheduled for this route every day during the height of summer, and tickets range from $25 to $50 (€23-€46.50). Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage and one personal item, but more luggage can be purchased at the online checkout.

Zurich to Milan by train

Trenitalia has direct trains every day between Zurich and Milan, with average fares of $90 (€84) per passenger. Trains are scheduled to leave every hour, starting at 6:33 AM, from Zurich Hbf to Milano Centrale Railway Station.

The trip takes 4 hours and 17 minutes. It goes through the Gotthard Tunnel, a 9.3-mile (15-km) long tunnel that was the longest in the world when it first opened in 1882.

See da Vinci’s The Last Supper

One of the quintessential Milan activities is seeing da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Witness one of the world’s most renowned artworks in person at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the late 15th century, this masterpiece depicts the biblical scene of the Last Supper with Christ and his disciples.

Tickets for The Last Supper sell out months in advance, so book your tickets immediately as soon as you finalize your dates in Milan if this is a must on your itinerary. It’s housed in a church, not a museum, so modest dress is required. Both men and women must cover their shoulders, knees, and chests.

Explore the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology

If you miss out on tickets for The Last Supper, or if you’re eager for more of da Vinci, head to the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. Dive into the life and works of this Renaissance genius at an interactive museum that features a vast collection of his designs, from flying machines to military inventions and anatomical studies. The museum also offers hands-on activities and educational workshops for guests of all ages.

Have retail therapy at Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrangle)

Indulge in luxury shopping in Milan’s prestigious fashion district! The Quadrilatero della Moda is home to designer boutiques and upscale fashion houses. Get ready to explore Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, and Via Sant’Andrea, where you’ll discover the latest trends in clothing, handbags, and shoes.

Walk Downtown Milan

Many of Milan’s main attractions are just a short distance apart, so a paper map may be all you need. Start with a visit to Milan’s Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and climb to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city!

Next on your list should be a guided tour of the La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala), just around the corner. If you book performance tickets in advance, you can catch a world-class opera, ballet, or classical concert.

Milan Fashion Week occurs biannually in spring and autumn. While many of the shows are reserved for industry professionals, a few are open to the public. The Italian sun is also less intense during the shoulder seasons than in summer (temperatures around 74°F/23°C).

The weeks leading up to Easter are an especially nice time to come, as Milan’s magnificent Catholic cathedrals hold special religious ceremonies and processions in the streets. Stalls of vendors line the town squares for spring markets full of local food, gifts, and religious items.