Traveling from Milan to Paris rewards travelers seeking to enrich their European adventures. Comfortable and fast, the Milan to Paris trains are an absorbing way to glimpse the French-Italian countryside, all crowned with a leisurely roll through Alpine foothills.
Best of all, the journey can be cheaper and greener than flying. So why not ditch the flight plans and enjoy a more rewarding and relaxing trip from Milan to Paris by train? It can be easier on the wallet and is invariably easier on the soul.
TGV Train from Milan to Paris
The super-swift Milan to Paris TGV trains have been whisking passengers from the Lombardy capital to the French capital for many years.
Three daily departures take little over 7 hours to snake through northern Italy, the Alps, and onto Paris. No changes are required and, with the cheapest tickets available at €29, it is a smooth and inexpensive way to head from one magnificent city to another.
Comfort and convenience are the big attraction on the Milan to Paris TGV trains. No twiddling your thumbs at airports as you contemplate visiting the duty-free shop for a third time. Simply arrive a couple of minutes before departure, slump into your seat, and you can be in dreamland before the train leaves Milano P Garibaldi station.
Another selling point when traveling from Milan to Paris by train is the ever-changing vistas.
Blink, and you’ll miss some views on the TGV. After all, the Train à Grande Vitesse, or high-speed train, still holds the world record for the fastest train. 357.2 mph, if you’re wondering. But window watchers will still be rewarded with multi-layered views of the captivating French-Italian countryside, with the Alps serenely backdropping a short portion of the journey.
That’s if you can stay awake. TGV trains are starting to show their age, with the earliest models entering service in 1981. Yet, the seats are comfortable and will readily lull passengers to sleep. Not a bad thing if you plan on hitting the cafés of Paris on arrival.
The SNCF Milan Paris train may be elderly but has moved with the times. You get free WiFi that actually works and power sockets in 1st carriages. Between dozing off, savoring the views, and whatever you’re watching on Netflix, the 7-hour journey will fly by.
For cramped legs, a café-bar is a welcome distraction. The food onboard is a few tiers below the bistros of Paris. Although there’s usually an enticing cheese board that will get you in the mood for the gastronomic delights that await. Most travelers simply load up on tramezzini and other delectable deli goods before departing Milan.
If you crave one last taste of Italy before you go, the Trattoria Il Marinaio just outside Milano Porta Garibaldi station is an atmospheric fish restaurant with a stellar reputation. You can find this gem at 12 Via Guglielmo Pepe, which runs alongside the terminal.
Traveling in the direction of Paris to Milan by Train? >> Read: Paris to Milan by Train
On board, you can store your luggage in racks, overhead, or under your seat. No customs or passport checks to worry about.
If you choose first class (which typically adds just €10 to the standard fare), seats are arranged individually, side by side, or in clusters of four around a shared table.
In second class, there are no solo seats. But otherwise, seating arrangements are the same.
You can select your seat on most TGV services, including the direction your seats face. Seats in both classes are adjustable, ergonomic, and come with a folding table to hold that bottle of prosecco that seductively winked at you just before boarding.
Milan to Paris by TGV Train Details
- Why choose this route? The direct Milan to Paris Train TGV offers three departure times, a choice of seats, and the lowest rate you’ll find for a Milan Paris train.
- Prices: As low as €29 for the direct TGV inOUI service. This price is commonly available when booking at least 3-4 weeks ahead. First class upgrades start at €10. Prices are usually higher closer to your departure date and vary based on availability (summer vacation departures are often the first to be sold). Flexible tickets are available for an additional charge. This will add €25 if you want the option to change your departure date for a €15 fee.
- Frequency: The Milan to Paris Train TGV departs thrice daily.
- 6.00 am
- 2.10 pm
- 4.10 pm
- Duration: 7hrs 02 mins – 7hrs 12 mins
High-speed Frecciarossa Train from Milan to Paris
SNCF is not the only operator running fast Milan Paris trains. Trenitalia recently started up an alternative, which checks all the boxes for a modern and convenient way to travel by train from Milan to Paris.
What can the Frecciarossa Train offer that you can’t get on the Milan to Paris train with SNCF? The top answer is a 30 minutes shorter journey, but only on their afternoon service.
Trenitalia is probably also banking on a few travelers preferring the more modern Frecciarossa 1000 trains. One other advantage — Frecciarossa trains leave from Milan’s primary terminal, Milano Centrale, which may be relevant if you’re transiting from other Italian cities.
The good news for romantics is the routes only vary a little. That means plenty of rural panoramas and a matching journey through the bewitching alpine foothills.
On Frecciarossa 1000 trains, expect leather-lined seats, adjustable headrests, free WiFi, and power sockets at every seat.
You don’t need to be in first class to guarantee a power source, unlike the Milan to Paris TGV, but there are other incentives to upgrade.
In business class, you gain a lot of extra space because one of the seats has been removed from each row. This creates solo seats for independent travelers, albeit mostly arranged around tables to face each other.
Each business class seat enjoys a roomy 3.2 (1 meter) feet of separation, so you can stretch your legs. And, reminiscent of the golden days of rail travel, a snack and drink are included.
If you are in a celebratory mood, executive class is precisely how you picture upscale executive travel. A single carriage contains just 10 extravagantly comfortable seats with all the comforts you’d expect for the hefty fare increase.
There is a bistro on the train for all passengers. If you don’t fancy leaving your seat, food is served to your seat.
Traveling in the direction of Paris to Milan by Train? >> Read: Paris to Milan by Train
So why choose the Milan Paris trains with SNCF if the Frecciarossa trains are faster and more modern? For starters, the Trenitalia fares start at €35. Also, with just two departures, the timings can be inconvenient.
With Trenitalia, you’ll either have to skip breakfast in Milan or arrive late in Paris. There is no in-between unless you’re prepared to take indirect services that add nearly three hours to your journey time.
When it comes down to it, there is little to separate the two direct Milan to Paris train services. Hopefully, we’ve provided enough info to help you make an informed decision.
Milan to Paris by Frecciarossa Train Details
- Why choose this route? For the potential 30-minute timesaving, better upgrades, and the chance to travel on sleeker, more modern trains. Oh, and you get power sockets at every seat, which are only included in first class with the TGV service.
- Prices: The cheapest fare is €35 if booked in advance. The standard class seats can quickly reach €55+ during peak demand.Upgrades to business class can be as little as €10, although more commonly fall in the €15-25 bracket. For that price, you get legroom and snacks. Executive class starts at €165 for superior comfort. Refunds are offered for any ticket class if you need to change your departure date.
- Frequency: 2 daily services.
- 06.25 am
- 15.53 pm
- Duration: 6h 32min for the afternoon service (the fastest Milan to Paris train time). The morning service takes 6h 57 min.
Milan to Paris Trains via the French Riviera
Nothing beats the direct train from Milan to Paris for speed. But if you have time to spare, you can find some creative routes that will add a compelling third destination to your vacation.
This time, we highlight a route from Milan, Italy to Paris, France that stops in Nice, opening up opportunities to explore spellbinding Provence and the Côte d’Azur.
You can make a stunningly beautiful journey via the Ligurian and Provencal coastline using regional services, before jumping on a direct TGV train from Nice to Paris. The total time spent on trains is under 12 hours, while the total fare can come in under €57.
To make this journey a reality, you first jump on a regional Veloce service in Milan. Although not as comfortable as the flagship Frecciarossa 1000s, they are comfortable enough for the 5-hour trip to Ventimiglia.
The views will more than compensate for the lack of luxurious touches. After changing in Genoa, you trundle along the enchanting Ligurian coastline until you reach the pleasant resort town of Ventimiglia.
From there, you’re just 51 minutes away from Nice using the French regional train service, TER. Fares are only €7.70 whenever you purchase them, including on the day.
Once in Nice, the Côte d’Azur is at your disposal. Nice is a lively and agreeable place to lay your hat for a night. But a short journey or taxi ride will get you to Cannes, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and just about anywhere along the lavender-scented coastline.
When you’ve savored the Mediterranean delights of the French Riveria, you head back to Paris from Nice on a direct TGV service. It takes just 6 hours and costs from €25. Expect the same facilities and upgrade options with the Milan to Paris train TGV.
This detour can add a touch of Provencal magic to any vacation without adding much time or cost to your journey from Milan to Paris by train.
Milan to Paris via the French Riviera Details
- Why choose this route? To sample the singular charms of the French Riveria. It only adds a few hours to the Milan to Paris train time but lets you explore one of the most beloved regions of Europe.
- Prices: The cheapest Milan Paris trains via Nice will cost around €57 if booked in advance. The key ticket to book early is the TGV from Nice to Paris.
- Start on the Trenitalia website and book a ticket from Milan to Ventimiglia. Fares start at €24.05, even if booked a day before departure.
- Next, you need a ticket from Ventimiglia to Nice. This will cost €7.70 and can be purchased on the day. But for convenience, book online via SNCF Connect.
- While you’re on the SNCF site, book your direct TGV train from Nice to Paris. Tickets start at €25, with first-class upgrades from €10. Those rates disappear fast, especially during the vacation season. Expect to pay between €79+ for short notice bookings.
- Frequency: There are around six trains from Milan to Ventimiglia, changing in Genoa. A couple of slower services with more changeovers are also available. In practice, four services will get you to Ventimiglia in time for the onward train to Nice. The Ventimiglia to Nice TER service runs every 30 minutes from morning to evening. The last train departs at 8.55 pm. From Nice to Paris, there are 8 daily direct services.
- Duration: Expect your overall time spent on trains to total 11-13 hours, depending on your chosen service and time spent switching trains in Ventimiglia. Although doable in a day, this Milan to Paris train route is more enjoyable if you stop in Nice or the surrounding towns along the French Riviera.
Milan to Paris Trains FAQ
Can you travel from Milan to Paris by train?
Absolutely – this is one of the best connections between Italy and France. Five direct services and numerous circuitous routes are available.
How long is the train from Milan to Paris?
6 hours 30 minutes is the quickest route, using the Trenitalia service. Four other direct services all take approximately 7 hours.
How far is Milan to Paris by train?
A straight line from Milan to Paris is 397 miles (639.5 km.) The winding route taken by Milan to Paris trains covers a much greater distance.
What is the Milan to Paris train ticket price?
The best prices are €29 with the Milan to Paris TGV train and just €35 using the Frecciarossa trains from Trenitalia.
As ever, those eye-catching rates are first come, first served. Book early to save money, although departures within 7 days can be as low as €59 if you’re lucky.
When should I book a train ticket from Milan to Paris?
Up to four months before travel on SNCF TGV inOUI services (including Milan Paris trains and Nice Paris trains). Trenitalia publishes its routes and accepts bookings 90-120 days before travel.
Which Milan to Paris train route should I choose?
For speed and convenience, both the TGV and Frecciarossa Milan to Paris trains are unbeatable. Choose TGV for cheaper fares and greater convenience. Choose the Frecciarossa afternoon service for the quickest travel time and for a touch more comfort.
For an unforgettable adventure, go via Nice to add a splash of Provencal color to your vacation.
Is there a Milan to Paris overnight train?
Sadly, the Thello overnight Milan to Paris trains have been discontinued.
No alternatives are available unless you have time to burn and can use the Nightjet services via Germany or Austria. This can be a memorable experience, so check out our guide to traveling from Rome to Paris by Train for some pointers.