Train Munich to Milan

Thinking of taking the express train from Munich to Milan

I don't think there is a single train all the way from Munich to Milan, but there are number of EuroCity trains, every two hours, from Munich to Verona, where you can catch an Italian train to Milan. I haven't been all the way from Munich to Verona, but I have been on every part of that line from Munich (via Innsbruck and Brenner Pass) to Fortezza, Italy. It's not as wildly scenic as some train routes I've been on, but the ride from Innsbruck up to Brenner Pass is pretty (not much of a pass to a Coloradoan). I don't remember any tunnels anywhere, but I wasn't looking for them, either.

There is no direct train to Milan, but a train change is needed in Verona. The Brenner pass route has one longish tunnel (4 miles) after you enter Italy. Yes, I'd call it a scenic train, at least as far as Verona.

Now if you want real scenic, go Munich, St Margrethen, Chur, St Moritz, Tirano, Varenna. At least 4 train changes and about 3 hours longer than the Brenner Pass route. It even looks like advance purchase tickets will be a bit less.

City Night Line sleeper train.
CNL40485
Dep 21:08 MUENCHEN HBF (Germany)
Arr 09:12 MILANO CENTRALE (Italy)

Not much scenery on that one.

Thanks everyone. I think it sounds scenic enough.. The Bernina Express is more of a time commitment than we want. This sounds like it will get us there and see some Alps too.

Jeani,

I always enjoy the trip through the Brenner Pass and consider it "scenic" in those portions where the train isn't in a tunnel. The train usually stops at the border for a few minutes to change engines or whatever (I assume they're still doing that).

That's going to be pretty much a full day trip. The train from Munich to Milano Centrale is 7H:19M with one change at Verona Porta Nuova. The second segment from Verona to Milan may be via high speed Freccia train, which travels at up to 300 km/h. Once you arrive at Milano Centrale, you'll need to buy a ticket for Varenna-Esino (there are Kiosks at track level, and they're easy to use). DON'T forget to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train, or you'll risk a hefty fine! The trip to Varenna will be 1H:03M.

The second segment from Verona to Milan may be via high speed Freccia train, which travels at up to 300 km/h.

I don't think the tracks between Verona and Milan are quite up to snuff for that kind of speed. Certainly 160 km/h. From Bologna to Milan, now that's a horse of a different color.

Sam,

Yes, that's why I worded it as "up to 300 km/h." There are both FrecciaRossa and FrecciaBianca, as well as a few Regionale and other types of trains on that route. AFAIK, only the FrecciaRossa are capable of 300 km/h, and only on specific track segments that have been designed for that. Which train will be used on that segment will depend on which departure the OP chooses from Munich.

There are a couple of major tunnels descending from Brenner to Bolzano. Both tunnels are later diversions as the original open air line was too exposed to landslides and avalanches.

There are two relatively cheap and direct DB daily buses from Munich to Lampugnano bus station in Milan. The itinerary through Switzerland (St. Bernardino) is very scenic but trains are much more comfortable than buses.