Road trip from Milan to Switzerland
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Italy’s extravagant town to the charming city of Basel, famed for its artistic scene and scenic riverbank. Experience the vibrant streets of Milan, stunning Alps, and historic castles of Switzerland on this incredible journey.
It will take 7 hours and 30 minutes to drive the 490 kilometers from Milan to Switzerland. In addition to the charming villages of Saas-Fee, Gruyères, and Montreux, which are hidden away in the Swiss Alps, you will have the opportunity to see Lake Como, Zurich, St. Moritz, Bern, and Chur.
Find out what to expect on this amazing journey, where to stop for the night and the routes you can take by browsing down.
How much time will it take to drive from Milan to Switzerland?
| Route | Distance | Travel Time |
| The Quick route via Zurich | 500 kilometers | 7 hours 30 min |
| The Alpine route | 770 kilometers | 11 hours |
To get you from the beautiful city of Milan across Switzerland to Basel, we’ve selected two of our favorite routes. We can therefore accommodate your preferences, whether they are a city-forward journey via Zurich or a leisurely drive into the highlands.
The Quick Route, our first recommended route, will lead you past Lake Como in a fairly direct manner. You should go 500 kilometres in 7 hours and 30 minutes.
The 770-kilometer Alpine Route is a more relaxed journey that emphasizes experiencing the Swiss Alps in all their glory. It should take you a bit over 11 hours to complete.
We suggest setting aside at least three or four days for this breathtakingly beautiful road journey, regardless of the route you decide on.
Best route for a road trip from Milan to Switzerland
Opting between the Alpine Route and the Quick Route (via Zurich) is a great option because both routes provide an abundance of natural beauty and attractions, and the cities along both routes are excellent places to explore.
There are certain detour choices available on both routes; if you choose the Quick Route, for instance, you may include a stop in Liechtenstein, one of the world’s richest and tiniest nations. Additionally, a Lake Como cruise that visits the breathtaking town of Bellagio is an amazing experience that you may add to either route!
If you’re on a tight schedule but still want to see all that Switzerland and Northern Italy have to offer, the Quick Route is the best option because it’s quicker and more direct.
After visiting Lake Como and the Palazzo Pestalozzi, you will continue on to the eastern part of Switzerland, where you will stop in the charming city of St. Moritz, the medieval city of Chur, and the vibrant city of Zurich.
If mountains and wildlife are more your thing, you could enjoy the Alpine Route for all the stunning views you’ll get of the Swiss Alps. cherish a stop in gorgeous and small Bern, as well as trips to smaller but beloved towns like Gruyères, Saas-Fee, Montreux and Como, on the Italian side.
The only way to fully experience the beauty of Switzerland’s mountainous landscape is by taking this journey.
The Quick Route (via Zurich)
The Quick Route is shorter and focuses more on the city. It leaves Milan by means of the A9, sometimes called the Motorway of the Lakes, which you can continue until you reach Lake Como, where you’ll turn into a few smaller, lakeside roads that lead to Palazzo Pestalozzi.
St. Moritz will be your first destination when you enter Switzerland at that time. You may get to Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, by taking Route 3 and merging onto the A13 after exploring this lovely town.
follow the A3 and Route 4 from Chur to Zurich, where we suggest staying overnight. From there, you can follow the A1 and A3 and drive on until you reach Basel.
The Alpine Route
Although our Alpine Route is a little longer than the Quick Route, it begins in a similar manner, with a journey down the Motorway of the Lakes into Como. From the lake, you will enter Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost and mainly Italian-speaking canton.
Although our Alpine Route is a little longer than the Quick Route, it begins in a similar manner, with a journey down the Motorway of the Lakes into Como. From the lake, you will enter Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost and mainly Italian-speaking canton.
Best places to visit from Milan to Switzerland
No matter which route you ultimately decide on, we strongly advise making at least one overnight stop because, even though both might be completed in a single day’s driving, you’ll be able to experience stunning Switzerland much more if you do so.
Fortunately, we have a few suggestions for the greatest towns and lodgings to stop at along the way. Scroll down to see our best choices!
Enjoy a luxurious stay at Zurich
There isn’t a better place to spend a night or two if you’re traveling the Quick Route than Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city with a wealth of interesting sights and attractions.
With dozens of banks and a renowned financial sector, Zurich is a European and global financial center. The downtown area is incredibly beautiful.
There are plenty of luxurious hotels, restaurants, and resorts to choose from because Zurich is a major financial hub with plenty of business and tourist activity.
It’s difficult to decide what to see in a single day, but we suggest starting with the Kunsthaus, Zurich’s premier fine art museum, which has an astounding collection of works spanning from contemporary pieces to masterpieces from centuries ago.
The Opera House in Zurich, which dominates the wide central square and is situated along the Zurichsee, is close to the museum. Try to see an opera, ballet, or theater show in this stunning theater.
Another well-known destination in the area is the Chinagarten Zurich, which features traditional Chinese garden designs and architecture.
The Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, which is virtually on the lakeside and close to the Opera House and Kunsthaus, is a great option if you’re seeking for a place to stay while visiting.
Gorgeous views can be seen from the outside terrace of this luxurious hotel with attractive décor and an on-site restaurant. The tiny bar serves beverages after the show. It is well situated close to the majority of the city’s attractions as well as the stunning outdoor areas that Zurich is known for.
Admire the views of Lake Geneva in Montreux
We advise making a stop in the stunning town of Montreux, known as the Jewel of the Swiss Riviera, if you decide to travel the Alpine Route.
Before starting the last part of your trip to Basel, the Montreux Riviera is a great place to spend the night so you can take in the stunning mountains and neighboring Lake Geneva.
Chaplin, Mercury, Stravinsky, and Prince were among the many artists who called Montreux home. It boasts a wealth of natural landscapes and is well-known for the Montreux Jazz Festival, among other festivals.
The stunning medieval Chillon Castle, breathtaking views from the summit Rochers de Noye (accessible by train), and the immersive Chaplin Museum, Chaplin’s World, are just a few of the city’s many attractions.
Our recommendation for a decent hotel is the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. Dating back to 1906, this magnificent and luxurious hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva offers a once-in-a-lifetime lodging experience.
In addition to excellent cuisine in one of its numerous restaurants, the Hotel Fairmont offers elegant dining areas and a complementary breakfast buffet.
You need look no further for relaxation than this hotel, which boasts an impressively luxurious spa, a fitness and health center, and a fantastic outdoor pool that is open in the summer.
The best part is that the hotel is conveniently located in the center of Montreux, close to most of the town’s attractions as well as the highway that leads out of town to Bern and Basel.
Where to stay when you reach Switzerland
We hope you will spend a few days seeing Basel, although it may be difficult to find a place to stay for a longer period of time!
We suggest the Hyperion Hotel Basel, which is situated next to the Basel Messe trade show center and in Basel’s tallest livable structure near the Old Town. The hotel has received great reviews and ratings and offers a well-known restaurant, two bars, a sauna, and a fitness facility.
The best part is that the hotel offers free public transportation passes to all visitors, which is ideal if you’re sick of driving and don’t want to worry about parking in the city.
Things to visit by road from Milan to Switzerland
Both the Alpine Route and the Quick Route offer countless attractions; these are a few of our favorite.
The Quick Route
1.Segantini Museum– The largest Segantini collection in the world is housed at the Segantini Museum, which is situated in the city of St. Moritz and hidden away in the Alps.
2.Parc Ela– Parc Ela, Switzerland’s largest natural park, provides an unmatched opportunity to explore the breathtaking Swiss Alps and the region’s lush green valleys.
3.Aargau Jura Park-Discover this fantastic regional park, which is well-known for its numerous bike and hiking paths that wind through classic Swiss forests.
4.Swiss Museum of Transport- Admire this interactive museum, which is well-known for its vast collection of Hans Enri and has a famous façade.
5.Liechtenstein– TThe wealthiest nation in the world, Liechtenstein, is situated directly along your path and offers stunning views of the Rhine and the Alps. Cross it off your bucket list.
6.Zurich Succulent Plant Collection-When you’re going into the city, stop by the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection, which has dozens of beautiful cacti, if you’re a plant lover.
7.Habsburg Castle-Located in Habsburg, this enormous medieval stronghold was recently converted into a museum with exhibitions, trips, and more.
The Alpine Route
1.Lauterbrunnen– Along this trip, you must stop at the Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is home to glacial waterfalls, several hiking paths, and charming villages.
2.Gruyères- The town of Gruyères, which is arguably best renowned for its cheese, also has a stunning medieval center and ancient museums.
3.Diemtigtal Nature Park- Explore this lovely park, which is well-known for its abundance of winter and outdoor sports options and is situated within the breathtaking alpine valley!
4.Zentrum Paul Klee- Admire the works of renowned painter Paul Klee at this art museum, which has two exhibition halls devoted to the artist.
5.Museum of Fine Arts Bern- This museum on the banks of the Aare River has a fantastic collection of pieces by well-known artists including Picasso and Oppenheim.
6.Käfigturm– Located in the heart of Bern, this tower, which dates back to 1644 and is just under 50 meters tall, has a beautiful clock and bell.
7.Chateau de Chenaux- Visit this stunning chateau, which is situated on the shores of Neuchatel Lake, to stretch your legs. Approximately one hour is added to your route!
Both Routes
1.Lake Como– Explore the renowned azure waters of Lake Como, Italy’s deepest lake and the location of numerous exquisite villas.
2.Bellagio– You can drive or take a cruise to Bellagio, but we suggest taking the waterway so you can see the gorgeous town from Lake Como.
Wander through Bellagio’s vibrant streets, which lead to the stunning Lake Como coastline.
Best time to travel from Milan to Switzerland?
The fact that Switzerland is wonderful to visit at any time of year is one of our favorite things about it. The nation is renowned for its many natural treasures, such as breathtaking valleys and alpine scenery,
which are equally lovely in the summer when the snow melts and reveals breathtaking plant as they are in the winter when they are covered in ice and snow.
The summer months will bring comparatively mild temperatures, with highs of 18 to 28 degrees Celsius and very seldom higher.
Be prepared for increased lodging expenses in some of the larger cities during the summer, as it is one of the busiest travel seasons in this country. We suggest going in the winter or fall if you don’t mind crowds!
Switzerland is a very unique and unique place to visit in the winter. The winter temperatures, which can vary from -2 to 7 degrees Celsius (depending on the city and altitude), are compensated for by the breathtaking snow.
Because the nation is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, the Alps’ skiing resorts should expect a surge in visitors during this time of year.
Because of the milder weather and often reduced travel costs compared to summer or winter, spring and fall are excellent times of year to visit Switzerland. Depending on the area and altitude, temperatures during these times can range from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Don’t worry, there are plenty of festivals and events to choose from while you’re there! The Caliente and Bol d’Or Mirabaud in the summer, the Bern Carnival in the winter and spring, and the ZüriCarneval, Bern International Jazz Festival, and Zurich Spring Festival in the spring are a few of our favorites.
We’re confident you’ll have an amazing time touring the stunning nation of Switzerland, regardless of the time of year or the route you take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a day trip from Milan to Switzerland?
Traveling from Milan to Zurich in a single day may seem impossible at first, but it is quite feasible. You can complete the journey in a few hours and take advantage of everything both towns have to offer with a little planning and effort.
What is the nearest Swiss town from Milan?
Lugano is the closest Swiss city from Milan.
What is the most beautiful train from Milan to Switzerland?
The Bernina Express
Which city to start with in Switzerland?
Bern, Switzerland’s capital and gateway to the Alps is not to be missed.
Fore more information kindly visit http://swissworld.org
