Turin to Milan

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Turin and Milan are two of northern Italy's most important cities, separated by about 140 km and linked by one of the country's busiest transport corridors. The high-speed train is fast and frequent, but there are also coaches and the option of driving the A4 autostrada. Here is how to choose between them.

The quickest way: high-speed trains with Trenitalia or Italo

Both Trenitalia (Frecciarossa services) and Italo operate high-speed trains between Torino Porta Nuova and Milano Centrale, covering the distance in around 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes depending on the service. Some trains also stop at Torino Porta Susa, which is useful if you are arriving from elsewhere by rail or using the metro.

Trains run very frequently — at least every hour during the day, and more often at peak times — making this a genuinely turn-up-and-go service, though advance tickets are cheaper. Seat reservations are compulsory on both Trenitalia's Frecce services and Italo, so remember to include a reservation in your booking. The full fare can be surprisingly reasonable if purchased early; last-minute tickets on the busiest trains are more expensive. See our guide to seat reservations for how the Italian system works.

Regional Trenitalia trains also cover this route, taking somewhat longer — typically around 1 hour 30–45 minutes — but they are cheaper and do not require a reservation. They use Milano Porta Garibaldi rather than Centrale at the Milan end.

The cheapest way: the bus

Coach services link Turin and Milan at lower fares than most trains, with journey times of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic and stops. FlixBus and Italian regional operators serve the route. Departure and arrival points vary — buses tend to use peripheral coach stations rather than city centres. Given the high-speed rail frequency and typically modest advance fares, the bus only makes financial sense if you book very last-minute on the train or want the absolute cheapest option.

See our FlixBus guide for booking tips and what to expect on a coach journey.

Flying: not a realistic option

No scheduled airline offers a direct flight between Turin and Milan for a very obvious reason: they are barely over an hour apart by train. Any air route would involve a hub transfer and result in a total journey of many hours. Forget flying on this corridor.

The drive: the A4 autostrada

The drive between Turin and Milan follows the A4 autostrada, a distance of around 140–150 km that typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes in normal traffic. Toll charges apply. The road is efficient but unremarkable, and traffic around Milan can be heavy, particularly in the morning rush and during evening commuting hours. If you are heading to Linate or Malpensa airports rather than the city centre, the drive can make practical sense. Otherwise the train beats it convincingly on speed and convenience.

If you are planning to rent a car and tour the Lakes or Piedmont wine country, driving may be the right choice for the broader trip even if the Turin–Milan leg itself is not ideal by road.

A note on airports

Both Turin and Milan have airports, and you may be starting or ending your journey at one of them. Turin Airport (TRN) is about 16 km from the city and connected by bus. Milan has two main airports: Malpensa (MXP), connected to Milano Centrale by Malpensa Express train in about 50 minutes, and Linate (LIN), closer to the city centre. If your onward journey involves these airports, plan for the connection time when comparing options.

Arriving at Milano Centrale — what to expect

Milano Centrale is one of Europe's grandest railway stations, a monumental early-20th-century building with a soaring departure hall — worth a look even if you are only passing through. It is a large station, though, and can be a little overwhelming on a first visit: platforms are on an upper level, with ticket offices, shops and the metro station below. Allow a few extra minutes to find your way, particularly if connecting onward to the Milan metro (lines M2 and M3 both serve Centrale) or a taxi. The area immediately around the station is not the most attractive part of Milan; the city's main sights around the Duomo are a short metro ride rather than a walk away.

Torino Porta Nuova, by contrast, is smaller and more central, sitting at the southern edge of the city's main shopping boulevard, Via Roma, with the Piazza Castello and much of central Turin within easy walking distance.

Tips for first-time travellers on this route

• Double-check whether your train uses Porta Nuova or Porta Susa in Turin — both are valid options, but if you are being collected or connecting to the metro, it matters which one your ticket specifies.
• Seat reservations are included automatically when you book a high-speed ticket online, so there is no separate step — just check your confirmation for the seat and carriage number.
• Avoid very early morning and Friday evening trains if you dislike crowds — this is a heavily used business and commuter corridor, and those departures fill with regular travellers.
• Keep valuables close at both stations, particularly Milano Centrale, which like many large European termini attracts pickpockets in the busiest concourse areas.

Which should you choose?

For the vast majority of travellers, the high-speed train is the obvious choice: about an hour between city centres, frequent departures, no parking costs, and affordable if booked in advance. Choose the regional train if you want a cheaper option and an extra 30–40 minutes is not a problem. The bus is only worth considering for the lowest possible fare. Drive if you have bags, family, or are continuing on by car to the Lakes or beyond. For more on the Italian rail network, see our Italy by train guide, and for onward travel around Milan itself, see Milan public transport.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train take from Turin to Milan?

High-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) cover the route in around 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. Regional trains take about 1 hour 30–45 minutes and are cheaper but do not require advance booking.

Which Turin station should I use?

Most high-speed trains use Torino Porta Nuova, which is centrally located. Some services also stop at Torino Porta Susa, which connects to the metro and is useful if arriving from the airport or from the north.

Do high-speed trains between Turin and Milan require a reservation?

Yes. Both Trenitalia Frecce and Italo services require a compulsory seat reservation included in the ticket price. Regional trains do not.

Is it worth taking the bus instead of the train?

Only if you are on a very tight budget and willing to accept a journey of roughly 2 hours instead of 1. Advance train fares can be very competitive, making the time saving generally worth the small extra cost.