Alas, the last train from Milan to Nice direct left the station in 2021. The service was subsequently terminated, which is a shame because Milan and Nice are two close destinations that will light up any European vacation.
But there is an alternative way to travel from Nice to Milan by train, and it’s a fun and uncomplicated journey.
If you like the idea of savoring views over the Cote D’Azur and Ligurian coastlines from the comfort of a train, this is a journey you’ll love. Quick and smooth, you can say au revoir to Nice in the morning and ciao to Milan in the afternoon.
Nice to Milan by Train
Although the direct services have sadly been consigned to history (for now, at least), the journey by train from Nice to Milan is still fast. It also rewards travelers with sublime views over the stunning French Riviera and Ligurian coastline before branching inland to Milan.
You’ll need two train tickets purchased separately from French and Italian rail operators. And at least one changeover in the gentle resort town of Ventimiglia. The rest is merely details, which we’ll cover below.
Your journey from Nice to Milan begins with a TER regional train from the unassuming Nice-Riquier station. TER trains are unflashy but comfortable enough. You’ll only be on the train for 50 minutes before disembarking over the Franco-Italian border.
At Ventimiglia, which is just inside Italy, you catch a Trenitalia Intercity train direct to Milano Centrale station.
It’s worth noting that neither train provides catering. This might not be a problem, as you’ll only spend about 5 hours in your seat. You can always grab a beverage in Ventimiglia or bring snacks on board.
You might be grateful for the stunning views (at least along the coastal sections), as neither train provides WiFi. However, you do get power sockets on the Trenitalia Intercity.
The TER train is a basic regional service, so there is no first or second class. You do get this option on the train from Ventimiglia to Milan.
Should you pay for the upgrade, which can cost as little as €8? It will depend on how much space you like.
First-class provides passengers with an extra 4.7inches (12 cm) in seat width, plus a wider gap between you and your temporary neighbors. That’s it, no other frills. Both classes have power sockets, luggage space, and folding tables.
With 6 direct daily services from Ventimiglia to Milan (and more indirect services), you have some control over when you leave Nice and arrive in Milan.
That said, the last direct train to Milan leaves at 19:43, so make sure you catch the right train from Nice. The latest would be the 18:41 TER train, although that will be cutting it too fine for more cautious travelers familiar with the possibility of delays.
Let’s not forget the views along the way. TER trains from Nice trundle along the Provençal coastline, through upscale resorts and Monaco. That means you’ll pass through two countries and one principality in one journey!
Bear in mind that the regional train makes many stops along the way. This may be more fun for travelers than it is for commuters.
The commanding sea views continue once aboard your Trenitalia service to Milan. The train hugs the equally stunning Ligurian coastline until Genoa when it abruptly turns inland for Milan. If you’re planning to catch some sleep along the way, wait until Genoa so you don’t miss the best sections of the journey.
Nice to Milan Train Details
- Why choose this route? For a straightforward journey from Mediterranean France to urban Italy, with arresting views and a low cost.
- Prices: You need two tickets to travel by train from Nice to Milan. The important one to book is the Trenitalia Intercity. Fares start at €16.90 but are more readily found at €24.05. First-class upgrades vary in price (availability affects this) but can be as low as €8. These prices apply to fixed travel times, and early booking gets the best prices.
- Book online with Trenitalia and receive your ticket number via SMS. You only need to present this for travel. https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
- The train from Nice to Ventimiglia is €7.70, whether bought in advance or on the day. It is an open ticket, so usable for any service. https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
- The overall cost for Nice to Milan train tickets can be as little as €24.60.
- Frequency: Six direct daily Ventimiglia to Milan trains: the first departure at 05:09; the last departure at 19:43. There are many more indirect services, adding 40-60 minutes to the journey time (usually changing in Genoa.) TER trains from Nice to Ventimiglia are frequent, averaging two services every hour. The frequency is even higher after midday. The earliest departure is 05:41, the latest 21:11 (long after the last train from Ventimiglia to Milan has gone.)
- Duration: 50 minutes (sometimes less) from Nice to Ventimiglia. Direct trains from Ventimiglia to Milan take 3 hours 57 minutes, with marginal variations. The total Nice to Milan train time is around 4 hours 50 minutes, but add up to an hour for your changeover after crossing the Franco-Italian border (no passport checks, by the way.)
Milan to Nice by Train
We now look at trains from Milan to Nice, for return journeys and those traveling across Europe in the opposite direction.
The notable differences are the extra flexibility you get for the return journey. A brief stop in Ventimiglia is more viable due to the frequency of trains to Nice. If you’re open to buying an additional ticket, you could make a flying stop in Genoa instead.
You can purchase a TER Ventimiglia to Nice ticket on the day of travel. Combined with the service frequency and the ease of changeover, the risk of needing another ticket following a missed connection is minimal.
TER trains to Nice will display Cannes La Bocca as the destination.
Aside from this notable difference, the journey from Milan to Nice mirrors the reverse route. Fares, upgrades, and seat options are all the same. But don’t forget, while there are power sockets on the Trenitalia service, there is no WiFi on either train from Milan to Nice.
Consider adding a stop in picturesque Ventimiglia (known as Vintimille to the French.) It’s a beach resort with a diverting old town. Just over 4 miles (7km) from the French border, Ventimiglia has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and plenty of decent places to eat.
If you find time, visit La Musa for one last authentic Italian pizza. A short hop from the station on Via Sir Thomas Hanbury.
Milan to Nice Train Details
- Why choose this route? Traveling from Milan to Nice by train sweeps you along alluring coastal views from Genoa to Nice. You can pause and drink in the sea air (and maybe a final glass of Italian wine) in Ventimiglia before heading on to Nice.
- Prices: Expect to pay from €16.90 to €24.05 for the Italian leg from Milano Centrale to Ventimiglia, if you book early enough. First-class upgrades start at €8 but vary markedly based upon availability.
- Book online with Trenitalia and receive your ticket number via SMS. You only need to present this for travel. https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
- Tickets from Ventimiglia are a flat €7.70, whenever you pay. The total for Milan to Nice train tickets can be as little as €24.60. https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
- Frequency: Six direct Milan to Ventimiglia trains daily, starting at 06:45 with a final departure at 20.05. Numerous indirect services run, with the shortest adding 40-60 minutes to the journey time (typically changing in Genoa). TER trains from Ventimiglia to Nice average two services every hour (even higher after midday.) The earliest departure is 05:25, the latest 22:55 (potentially plenty of time to soak up the sun in Ventimiglia.)
- Duration: Around 3 hours 44 mins, sometimes 10-20 minutes longer to travel from Milano Centrale to Ventimiglia. Journeys from Ventimiglia to Nice are typically 50 minutes, although some quicker services skip stations along the route.
- The total Milan to Nice train time is around 4 hours 34 minutes to 5 hours. Allow time to switch trains, which should only take a few minutes but is timetable sensitive.
Nice to Milan Train via La Spezia
Since the train from Milan to Nice direct is no longer running, there is no quicker or more economical route between the two compelling cities than the one we’ve outlined. But we want to add something to the mix that will appeal to time-flush explorers seeking new experiences.
While circuitous routes around the Swiss Alps or via different stations in France are eminently possible, they all significantly increase the journey time. But this route only adds a couple of hours and a few Euros to the total cost. In return, you can visit wondrous delights on the Ligurian coastline.
There are three reasons to consider the route.
Firstly, your journey includes more views over the Ligurian sea from Genoa to La Spezia.
Secondly, you get to visit an oft-overlooked gem. La Spezia is an Italian naval port. It is a little industrial but has a charming old town brimming with trattoria serving Ligurian specialties, like Trofie al pesto and a La Spezia favorite, Spaghetti with Mussels.
Thirdly, La Spezia is the ideal base to explore the Cinque Terre. Breathtakingly pretty, the five ancient villages along the Ligurian coastline are a delight to explore. Vibrantly colorful homes haphazardly staggered on steep terraces overlook timeless harbors. The villages ooze character and history and are one of the ultimate destinations in a region rich with wonders.
From La Spezia, it takes just a few minutes by train to reach the Cinque Terre. Staying in one of the villages is inspiring, but La Spezia is usually better value.
Sold on the idea of visiting La Spezia and Cinque Terre? Then you’ll appreciate that this roundabout train journey from Nice to Milan is a cinch to organize.
The deviation from our previous route occurs in Genoa, where you’ll need to switch to a train bound for La Spezia. Sometimes, this requires a combination of Intercity and regional trains (marked Regionale.)
Regional trains are comfortable in Italy: air-conditioned and easy-to-access, albeit lacking catering, power sockets, or seat reservations. Most trains from Genoa to La Spezia are direct.
To complete your journey to Milan there are several direct Intercity trains complete with power sockets, comfy reserved seats, and a first-class upgrade option.
Yes, this trip requires a layover in La Spezia or one of the Cinque Terre villages. But this agreeable detour adds just two hours extra Nice to Milan travel time, and as little as €15 additional cost. Totally worth it!
If you’re a morning person with plenty of get up and go, there is a direct train from Ventimiglia to La Spezia that departs at 06:41. The earliest train from Nice is scheduled to reach Ventigmilia 10 minutes before, so you can arrive in La Spezia before midday. You could even fit in a trip to Cinque Terre and be in Milan the same day, but there are a lot of ifs in that equation.
Instead, relax and enjoy your Mediterranean sojourn by adding at least a night in La Spezia. It is the kind of diversion that adds sparkle to any trip between Italy and France.
Nice to Milan via La Spezia Train Details
- Why choose this route? To include La Spezia and Cinque Terre on an unforgettable journey around the French Riviera and Ligurian coast.
- Prices: You need three tickets for this journey. Fares are the same whichever direction you travel.
- Tickets from Nice to Ventimiglia are always €7.70. Buy in the station or online (download to your phone for ticketless travel.) https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
- Tickets from Ventimiglia to La Spezia start at €20.60. This price is commonly available for early bookings. A handful of services are Intercity, which offers first-class upgrades from €6 (extra width only.)
- Tickets from La Spezia to Milan/ Milan to La Spezia start at €10.90 (note that indirect trains are usually more expensive.) All direct services are Intercity, with first-class upgrade options.
- Book online with Trenitalia and receive your ticket number via SMS. You only need to provide the reference for travel. https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
- All totaled up, you can get from Nice to Milan by train via La Spezia for less than €40, although that’s the base price. Fares increase as seats are sold.
- Frequency: Trains run between Nice and Ventimiglia all day, twice hourly. Refer to the timings in our sections on the Nice Milan trains above.
- Trains from Ventimiglia to La Spezia via Genoa leave throughout the day. The first service departs at 05:50, and the final service departs at 19:57 (post-midnight arrival.) A single, lonely direct service leaves at 06:41.
- There are 8 direct Intercity trains from La Spezia to Milan, 7 from Milan to La Spezia. They leave throughout the day.
- The last train from La Spezia to Milano Centrale leaves at 18:38. The final train from Milano Centrale to La Spezia departs at 21:10.
- Duration: Overall, the collective time to travel from Milan to Nice by train is around 4 hours 34 minutes. Additional time needs to be added for the changeover in Ventimiglia (anything from 10-40 minutes.) This journey comprises an average of 3 hours 44 minutes from Milan to Ventimiglia, followed by 50 minutes onwards to Nice.
Nice to Milan Trains and Milan to Nice Trains FAQ
Can you travel between Nice and Milan by train?
Yes, but not on a direct service. You must use TER regional French services and change at Ventimiglia (in Italy) for a Trenitalia service to Milano Centrale.
How long is the train from Nice to Milan?
With smooth connections, the rail journey can be completed in under 5 hours, including a 20-minute stop in Ventimiglia.
How far is Nice to Milan by train?
A straight line from Nice France to Milan Italy covers 154 miles (249km.) Traveling by car covers 198 miles (318km), following a similar route as the Nice Milan train.
What is the Nice to Milan train ticket price?
The lowest price we could find was just under €25 – this requires booking early and some flexibility about departure and arrival times.
When should I book a train ticket from Nice to Milan?
You can book up to 4 months ahead for travel on French trains. This is unnecessary for regional trains, as tickets can be bought up until boarding for the same price.
Trenitalia publishes its routes and accepts bookings 90-120 days before travel. Savings can be made for earlier bookings.
Is there a Nice to Milan overnight train? Or a Milan to Nice overnight train?
No – there is no overnight service. The cities are too close to support overnight travel.