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Wanting to see the famous Duomo di Milano, or do some shopping in the fashion capital of Italy, and one of the most fashionable cities in the world? Well, Milan is one of the best day trips from Verona! A quick trip gets you to the NYC of Italy, and it’s a city with a lot to offer. There’s a few different ways to do the trip, and it really comes down to what your needs are when you’re traveling. Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or economy, there’s a mode of transport to suit your needs. It’s a trip we’ve made plenty of times ourselves, so here’s our comprehensive guide on how to get from Verona to Milan and back!
About Milan: Italy’s Most Modern City
Really quickly, before we get into how to get there, here’s a little bit about the city: Milan, Italy, is most well known as a global fashion and design capital, hosting prestigious events like Milan Fashion Week and the Salone del Mobile. And this is probably what brings the most tourism here (and the primary reason we go ourselves). However, being in Italy, there’s no shortage of art, culture, or history if that’s what you’re looking for. Hands down the most famous historical site to visit is the iconic Gothic cathedral, the Duomo di Milano. Built over 600 years, it’s the third largest cathedral in the world. Of course, the most famous art piece in Milan is certainly Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper”, which is in the stunning Santa Maria delle Grazie convent.
Historically, Milan has always been a significant political and cultural center throughout Italy’s history. Founded by the Celts, it was conquered by the Romans in 222 BC and named Mediolanum. During the Middle Ages, Milan flourished as a trading hub and later as a powerful kingdom under the Visconti and Sforza families. The Renaissance period saw Milan become a center of art, attracting artists like Leonardo da Vinci. And today, Milan is Italy’s economic powerhouse, hosting the country’s stock exchange as well as the HQs for many of Italy’s largest companies, and holding offices for many multinational organizations. Milan is the face of modern Italy, and there’s been a large migration from rural Italy to the Milan metro area.
How far is Milan from Verona?
Milan is roughly 167 kilometers, or 103 miles, from Verona. That distance is by car, and Milan is actually only 88 kilometers, or 54 miles, from Verona as the crow flies (city center to city center). Getting to Milan (or Milano, as Italians say it) from Verona takes roughly about two hours no matter what method you choose, but they each have their pro’s and cons. So planes, trains, and automobiles, let’s see how you’re going to get from Verona to Milan…
Verona to Milan by Train: Our Favorite Way to Go
Taking the train is one of the most popular and efficient ways to travel from Verona to Milan. It’s also hands down the fastest, and what we’re going to recommend for most travelers. Trains are going to get you there between 1 hour 15 minutes, and 2 hours 30 minutes. Tickets range from €15 each way for the cheaper and slower regional trains, to €50 for a better seat on a high speed line. For day trips, or those traveling without a lot of luggage, trains are absolutely the way to go. Also, the Milano Centrale Train Station is incredibly nice, so that’s an added bonus.
High-Speed Trains
- Frecciarossa: This train takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Verona Porta Nuova to Milan Centrale. The trains are frequent, departing roughly every hour. Prices can vary, but booking in advance can secure lower fares. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and food services, ensuring a comfortable journey.
- Italo: Similar to Frecciarossa, Italo trains also cover the distance in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. They offer competitive pricing and excellent onboard services, including comfortable seating, ample luggage space, and complimentary snacks and beverages for premium class passengers.
Regional Trains
For a more economical option, regional trains (Regionale Veloce) are available but take longer, approximately 2 hours. These trains are less frequent and can be more crowded, especially during peak hours. However, they are a budget-friendly choice for those who are not in a hurry. I would also keep in mind the typically more limited storage in the regional trains since they are more crowded. So if you’re planning on doing a lot of shopping, or you’re moving a lot of luggage, I might go for the more spacious high-speed trains
Booking a Train from Verona to Milan
Tickets can be purchased online through official train operator websites (Trenitalia, Italo), travel booking platforms, or at the Porta Nuova train station. What we recommend, is book for whatever time slot you need to get to Milan from Verona on Omio. Omio is just the best way (in our opinion) to book all your mass transit options like trains, ferrys, and buses, while you’re traveling through Italy, and it keeps all the tickets in one place.
Verona to Milan by Bus: Cheap & Luggage Friendly
Taking a bus is the most budget-friendly option, though of course it takes longer than the train or car. Several companies, including FlixBus and Itabus, operate this route. If budget is a major concern, the bus is a great option. However, the BUs is also the best option for those moving a lot of luggage, or who plan on doing a lot of shopping. Luggage space on trains is limited, but buses typically have much more storage for each passenger underneath.
Bus Details
- Duration: Buses take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The duration can vary depending on traffic conditions, or how many stops they’re making.
- Cost: Tickets are pretty cheap, starting from as low as €10 if booked in advance. Bus fares generally tend to be lower than train fares, making this the best option for budget travelers.
- Comfort: Modern buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. They often have restrooms onboard and make stops at service areas for longer routes. As far as comfort goes, they’re right on par with trains.
Booking a Bus from Verona to Milan
Once again, we typically recommend just booking all your mass transit option during your Italy trip through Omio. It’s just easy. That being said, the buses also pickup from the Verona Porta Nuova train station, and you can always book your tickets when you arrive there as well. And of course, you can book directly through the operators websites as well.
Verona to Milan by Car: On your own Schedule
Driving from Verona to Milan gives you the flexibility to explore the Italian countryside at your own pace. The distance is about 160 km (100 miles), and the journey can take around 2 to 2.5 hours via the A4 motorway. Personally, I avoid driving in most of Italy, simply because the public transit can get you wherever you need to go, and everything is so walkable. Parking in Milano can also be tough. But, if you’re moving a lot of luggage, or want to stop at some of the small towns along the way, or don’t want to have to worry about keeping a schedule, then a car is certainly the way to go.
Renting a Car
- Cost: Renting a car for a day can cost between €40-€70, excluding fuel and tolls. Additional costs can include insurance and rental company fees, so it’s important to read the rental agreement carefully.
- Route: The most straightforward route is via the A4 motorway, which is a toll road. Alternatively, you can take scenic provincial roads, but this will add time to your journey. The A4 motorway offers rest stops and service areas where you can take breaks and refuel. The A4 will also take you right through another one of our favorite day trips from Verona, Brescia.
Booking a Car from Verona to Milan
If you’re set on driving to Milan from Verona, there’s a few different car rental agencies around the city. You can rent online and head to that agency, or if you would rather do it in person, there’s several at the Verona Porta Nuova Train Station: Sixt, Locauto, and Autovia Verona Stazione. If you only speak english, I would stick to Sixt.
Verona to Milan by Taxi or Private Transfer
There’s really not many reasons to take a taxi or private car from Verona to Milan. I can think of only two: Either you’re famous and wanting to avoid the public (in which case you’re not reading this article!), or you have a lot of young kids who are tough to juggle at a train station. Either way, this is hands down the most expensive option by far, and also the most isolating when it comes to actually experiencing Italy.
Private Transfer
- Cost: Approximately €200-€300 depending on the service provider. The cost can be higher during peak times or for larger vehicles.
- Duration: Around 2 to 2.5 hours. This can vary based on traffic conditions and the exact pickup and drop-off locations, but 2 hours and 30 minutes is a good estimate.
Things to do While in Milan
Plan the perfect trip to Milan from Verona!
How long should I spend in Milan? We usually say a day in Milano is enough, because only because people taking a day trip to Milan from Verona are typically going for a specific reason. They’re either hitting the fashion district or they’re just there to see the Duomo or “The Last Supper”, so one day is enough. That said, you can spend a whole week in Milan and not get bored, it is Italy’s most modern city after all.
How do I get to Milan from Verona? Train is the best way. Especially with how much public transportation is in Milan, you really don’t need a car once you’re there. And you can walk to all the interesting places you would want to go for the most part anyway.
The best tours in Milan
Being the New York City of Italy, there are endless things to do in Milano, but if you’ve only travelled from Verona to Milan for a day or so, we recommend a tour that focuses on the most famous things.
Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket – Explore Milan’s most significant historical landmarks, including skip-the-line access to da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, during this walking tour. With your local art historian guide, visit sites like Sforza Castle, the Scala Theater, Piazza dei Mercanti, and the Duomo. View ‘The Last Supper’, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, without waiting in the general admission line. All entrance fees are included on this small-group walking tour.
Verona to Milan Conclusion
So that’s it! We hope you found this guide informative, and we hope you have a great trip in Verona, in Milan, and in Italy in general! If you have any tips, tricks, or comments on your favorite ways to travel to Milano from Verona, or your favorite things to do in Milano, make sure to leave a comment down below. We read them all, and knowing what our readers are doing or want to know about helps us keep this site more useful to you guys! Ciao!
