Besides being the fashion and design capital and boasting some of the best architecture in the world, Milan is also strategically located. In two hours, you could be enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany, skiing in the mountains of one of the Lombardy valleys, or having a swim and an aperitivo in the Cinque Terre, all while avoiding traffic and relaxing on public transportation.
The train system in northern Italy is very effective, but it can be overwhelming at times. Today in this blog, I will try to help you understand the train system, how to get a ticket, and a few golden rules to keep in mind!
First of all, there’s a big distinction to keep in mind:
Regional trains: These types of trains usually have fixed prices and are a great choice if you plan to travel within the region or if you have to travel on a budget. They are usually less expensive than high-speed trains, but they take longer.
- Pros: Cheaper, with fixed prices that don’t change.
- Cons: Take longer, so if you don’t have much time at your disposal, it may be tricky. However, if you have a nice book or movie to keep you company, this can definitely turn into a great advantage!
High-speed trains: Italo, Frecciarossa, and Frecciabianca Contrary to regional trains, high-speed trains have different prices depending on demand and are a great choice if you are planning to travel outside of the region. If you plan ahead, you can definitely find great deals! They are very comfortable and a great choice if you would like to visit different parts of Italy on the weekend.
- Pros: Comfortable and save time.
- Cons: Can be very expensive if not bought ahead of time.
Ok, that’s great! How do I get my ticket?
In both cases, you can easily rely on two main apps:
- Trenord: This is the app we use to buy regional train tickets in the Lombardy region, and it’s really easy to navigate. After creating your account, you can pick your departure and arrival stations, check train schedules, and follow the steps to buy your ticket. This is also the app you will use to buy train tickets for Malpensa Airport.
- Trenitalia: This app covers both regional and high-speed trains across all of Italy.
How digital tickets work: When you buy a digital regional ticket on either app, it automatically activates at your scheduled departure time! Just make sure to open the app and show your phone screen if the conductor asks for your ticket on the train.
If you are not particularly tech-savvy, don’t worry! You can also decide to buy a physical paper ticket at a station vending machine instead of using the app. Just remember this super important rule: you MUST validate it before getting on the train! Look for the small green or yellow stamping machines near the tracks, insert your ticket to get it stamped, and then you are good to go. Riding with an unstamped paper ticket can lead to a fine!
💡 One last thing…
Like every big city, Milan has multiple train stations. Although Milano Centrale is the biggest and most frequently used train station for high-speed trains, there are also other stations you may depart from, such as Milano Porta Garibaldi or Milano Cadorna (which is especially convenient if you are traveling to Lake Como or Malpensa Airport). So, always remember to check which station your train leaves from!
Also, remember to bring your ID! Digital tickets are nominative (linked to your name), so make sure to carry a valid photo ID or passport with you, as conductors on the train may ask to see it alongside your ticket.
And voilà! You are ready for your trip!
Can’t wait to see you in Milan!
Safe travels!
Written by: Caterina, SAI Programs Milan Senior Program Coordinator
