Hello, we are finishing our trip in Milan and we have a spare day before we leave. was wondering if someone could recommend a day trip to Switzerland by train. We are really regretting not planning to see Switzerland while we where here. Thanks!!
Melissa
Forget it. It's 4 hours each way to Lauterbrunnen. Rent a car and drive the Lake Como area.
I'll second Lake Como. You do not need to rent a car, there are 2 trains an hour from Cadorna Station in the cnter of Milan (near Sforza Castle) to Como. Trip takes anywhere from 50 to 63 minutes. At Como Nord Lago terminus, walk one block to the ferry dock and take one of the frequent ferrys up the lake. Some ferrys have snack bar service. You could go to Bellagio, then return to Como.
Of course, if you already have a car, you can go that way. Also, if you are not staying in central Milan, you can reach by public transport. If staying in the north suburbs, you can even shortcut by getting the train at intermediate stations like Bovisa or Saronno. Trains and ferrys are all reasonably priced.
Yes, it depends on what you mean by "Switzerland". A very lovely part of Switzerland is the Canton of Ticino just north of Milan. A lovely city there is Lugano. Every hour at xx:10 and it takes exactly one hour. Now if you want to get into the high mountains that will take quite a bit longer, but if you want to say you've been to Switzerland and see a nice town on a lake with a funicular though the town and a small mountain with a great view you could do worse.