Taking Train From Barcelona To Milan
You’re crossing countries now — swapping Catalan charm for Italian swagger. Whether you’re chasing fashion, focaccia, or just love the idea of slow travel with scenery, taking the train from Barcelona to Milan is a bold but beautiful choice.
Is it fast? No.
Is it direct? Not even close.
But is it worth it? If you’ve got time, absolutely.
Let’s dive into how to make this long-haul Eurotrip feel like a proper adventure — not a mistake with a view. Talking of mistakes in Milan, if you don’t know that Milan is served by three airports: Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo, you might end up at the wrong airport on the bus. Then need to get a 160euro taxi to the correct airport just in time for your flight.
That though, is a story for another time!
The Basics – There’s No Direct Train (But You’ve Got Options)
Let’s cut to it: there’s no direct train from Barcelona to Milan. But with one or two changes, you can make the journey across Spain, France, and into northern Italy — all while skipping airport chaos.
Route Option 1: The Classic via France
- Barcelona → Lyon (TGV/AVE)
- Lyon → Milan (Frecciarossa or TGV)
Total time: ~11–13 hours
Fastest option and the one that gives you high-speed rail all the way, with proper comfort and fewer stops.
Route Option 2: Scenic via Marseille/Nice
- Barcelona → Marseille (TGV)
- Marseille → Milan (TER + regional or Intercity)
Total time: ~12–15 hours, but this one’s more flexible if you fancy a stopover on the Riviera.
You can do it in one go, or split it over two days and explore a French city en route. Either way, you’re crossing three countries in a single trip — not bad for a train ticket.
Booking – Multi-Leg, But Not Mental
You’ll need to book in chunks — but it’s easier than it sounds if you use:
These platforms let you plan multi-leg trips in one go, saving you from hopping between SNCF, Renfe, and Trenitalia like a maniac.
Expect to pay:
- Around €140–€190 if you book early
- Possibly more if you’re travelling last minute or around holidays
AVEs, TGVs, and Frecciarossas all have tiered pricing — so get in early and save your euros for Negronis.
The Ride – Vibes, Views & Very Long
This is no commuter hop. It’s a full-blown rail journey across Europe, and if you treat it like a mobile city break, you’ll love it.
- Barcelona to Lyon: High-speed, comfy, often with views of vineyards and the Pyrenees.
- Lyon to Milan: Through the Alps, across the Italian border — absolutely stunning. Seriously, this is “sit by the window and zone out to your playlist” levels of scenic.
All legs offer comfortable seats, power sockets, and (usually) a café car — though quality varies. Pack some snacks, maybe a little jamón to flex in France.
Wi-Fi exists on some TGV and Frecciarossa trains, but don’t count on it. Download before boarding. Always.
Overnight Stop or Power Through?
Honestly? Split it.
- Stop in Lyon for the food scene.
- Or Marseille if you want a beach break.
- Or Nice if you’re feeling a bit boujee.
Break it up, sleep in a nice hotel, enjoy two countries properly — and arrive in Milan fresh, not fried.
But if you’re on a mission, it is possible to do in one long day. Just start early and brace yourself for a full shift on the rails.
Why Train Over Plane?
Let’s be real: flying is quicker.
Barcelona to Milan by air is 1h40. Add in airport transfers, security, waiting, and delays, and suddenly you’re not saving much time at all.
With the train, it’s:
- City centre to city centre
- No baggage fees
- No legroom drama
- Actual travel experience, not just endurance
And you’re not contributing to the carbon footprint of 1,000 budget flights a day. So there’s that, too.
Top Tips for the Ride
- Book ASAP – International routes get snapped up fast.
- Travel early – Gives you buffer time if one leg is delayed.
- Sit on the right side leaving France – better Alpine views.
- Pack snacks – French train food is… okay. Italian stations? Better.
- Bring chargers and a good playlist – you’ve got hours to fill.
Arrival – Welcome to Milan Centrale
Milan Centrale is an absolute unit of a station. Beautiful, chaotic, massive. From there, you’re a metro ride or 10-minute taxi from anywhere central.
And Milan? Stylish, walkable, and packed with cafés, galleries, and aperitivo spots that’ll make you forget you ever spent half a day on a train.
Final Word
The train from Barcelona to Milan is not for people in a rush. It’s for travellers. For folks who like the in-between, the changing scenery, the border crossings with no passport stamps but loads of stories.
So take the slow route. Sit by the window. Watch Europe glide by. You’ll roll into Milan with creased clothes, an empty snack bag, and a full-on sense of having gone somewhere.
Soph and I had the most amazing pizzas in a restaurant here, but for the life of me I cannot remember the name. Oh the joys of getting older!
