From France to Italy – high-speed trains between Paris and Milan
Published 30 January 2025
How to factor a fantastic train ride from Paris to Milan into one of our holidays
From the 1 April, travellers will once again be able to go by train directly from Paris to Milan either using the TGV INOUI or the Frecciarossa services. This has been a much-anticipated development since the temporary closure of the line after a landslide in August, 2023.
Paris to Milan
First of all, it would be necessary to stay overnight in Paris the day before to catch an early morning train with either service.
If you travel with the TGV INOUI, run by SNCF (France’s state train provider), the journey will take 7 hours and 4 minutes from the 31 March onwards. For example, if you catch the 6:46 from the Gare de Lyon in Paris, you will arrive at the Porta Garibaldi station in Milan by 13:50. Travelling as fast as 300 km/h, you have access to a bar in the restaurant car serving gourmet meals, plenty of space and access to a Wifi portal.
There is also the option of travelling on the Frecciarossa 1000 train. These will be running as of the 1 April 2025. For instance, you may catch the 7:30 from the Gare de Lyon in Paris arriving in Milan Centrale at 14:07, taking 6 hours and 37 minutes. There are 4 levels of service: Executive, Business, Premium and Standard. You may enjoy a drink and food at the bistro with a bar open to all passengers, a restaurant car serving Italian cuisine and comfortable seating.
Our holidays
Both trains will be stopping at Torino Porta Susa, Turin. From here, we recommend going on our rail drive holiday to Piemonte, staying in the Barolo region (known for its artisan food and vineyards) for six nights. Alternatively, from Milan you can go on a rail tour along the southern coast of Italy stopping at Naples, Sicily and Taormina.
Milan to Paris
When you return to the UK, whether catching the train from Turin or Milan, provided you get the earlier train you may travel back to the UK on the same day via Paris on the Eurostar. With the INOUI, you can catch the train leaving Milan at 7:30 and arriving into Paris at 14:07. Alternatively, you could take the 6:25 Frecciarossa 1000 from Milano Centrale to Paris arriving at 13:22.
Final Thoughts
Travelling by train in Europe combines both an enjoyable and environmentally friendly mode of transport with a myriad of stunning destinations. Call or email to discuss holiday plans this year!
