Three day trips from Milan by train: Monza, Lake Como and Valtellina

From Milan you can head out by train, without a car and without stress. Here we suggest three trips, from the closest to the longest: Monza in half a day, Como in a day and Valtellina, which is best enjoyed with at least one night. For each one you will find the line to check and our guides.

Before you leave

• Regional and suburban trains: they are run by Trenord. Check timetables, platforms and notices on the official app or website on the day.
• Tickets: buy them through the official channels before boarding. For Milan's urban transport, see Getting around Milan.
• Return: always check the last useful train, especially on public holidays.

1. Monza: Villa Reale, Duomo and Park

The closest trip. Monza is served by the S7, S8, S9 and S11 suburban lines; you can also take the M1 to Sesto 1° Maggio and then the bus (line z221). What to see:

• the Villa Reale and the Giardini Reali;
• the Duomo, founded by Queen Theodelinda, with the Iron Crown;
• the Parco di Monza.

Plan the day with A weekend in Monza and Getting around Monza. On the days of the Monza Half Marathon, which is run every year at the Autodromo, some streets are closed.

2. Como: the walled town and the lake

From Milano Cadorna you arrive at Como Lago, near the lakefront. From Milano Centrale and Porta Garibaldi you arrive at Como San Giovanni. In one day:

• the Duomo and the walled town;
• the funicular to Brunate, a 7-minute climb with views of the lake;
• a stretch by boat, with seasonal timetables.

See A weekend in Como and A boat trip on Lake Como. Every year in early October there is Orticolario at Villa Erba, in Cernobbio, and the Festival della Luce returns with dates that change from one edition to the next.

3. Valtellina: Tirano and Bormio

The RE8 regional train runs from Milan to Tirano. From Tirano, the Bernina Red Train (Trenino Rosso del Bernina) leaves for Switzerland and the bus for Bormio (Perego line A070).

As a day trip Valtellina is demanding: the journey is long and it is worth staying at least one night. See Getting to and around Bormio and Day trips from Bormio. In autumn: Bormio foliage and deer rut.

How to choose

• Half a day: Monza.
• A full day: Como and the lake.
• Two days or more: Valtellina and Bormio.
• If it rains: Monza in the rain and Como in the rain.

Looking for a place to stay in Milan, Monza, Como or Bormio? You'll find our homes below.

More guides on Milan: Milan with children, Milan in the rain and Eating in Milan. Some of our homes in Milan: San Marco apartment in Brera; Elegant apartment near La Scala; Apartment with whirlpool bath in Brera. Or see all properties.