Milan to Zurich - Train or Plane?

When are you leaving - tomorrow? Next year?

Check the prices for yourself and compare on your actual dates.

https://www.google.com/flights/
https://www.trainline.eu/

You have to search both means of transportation obviously on the dates you want. How do you expect anyone here to be able to answer that definitively?

Travelling in September 2018. I guess my concern is if the train views justify the additional time a train would take - in your opinion.

The train does not take extra time. It takes 3.5 hours, downtown to downtown, on the fastest direct trains. There will be a bit of nice scenery and also a very long tunnel.

We almost always take the train when there is a choice. Even if the trip is 5 hours on a train versus a one hour flight, you save time going by train since, as Laura points out, the train stations are central. You don’t have to go thru extensive security screenings and you can move around, have a meal, relax. Go by train!

Train would be faster in the long run and cheaper if purchased in advance. No contest.

There are frequent trains from Milano Centrale to Zurich. Using the Deutschland Bahn website, a second class non refundable ticket for Sep. 12 would cost €39. Trainline.com says €29. Both direct trains, no changes.

Yes, under 3 1/2 hours direct by train. Flights to Zurich go from Malpensa, so it is 1 hour on the train to the airport, at least 1 1/2 hours to check in, go through security, wait to board, 1 hour in the air, then at least 1 hour to get off the plane, wait to get luggage, get a train into Zurich. So that is 4 1/2 hours.

If you want scenery, there is a route over the mountains the old way, medium length tunnel, lots of switch backs and loops. It takes 1 1/4 hours longer and you have to change trains twice.