Milan or Euro Rail to London

[SeatBackForward]

On an upcoming business trip, I am effectively going to have a Sunday free, where I can either spend the day in Milan then fly to London, or could spend it travelling by Rail from Milan to London through Paris.

Have never been on European rail before, and this would cross the Alps and across the French countryside, on TGV. Being a railway fan, This sounds like a treat.

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What could one do in a day in Milan? Not a city I know much about, nor had much desire to visit (other than the required business event I'm going to attend the days before)

Welcome any ideas and suggestions.

 

[codash1099]

Quite a bit to do in Milan, but my favourite two would be the Duomo, including a climb to the roof, and a viewing of the "Last Supper", but book ahead. You could also visit La Scala and see the Sforza.

This may help decide on the rail option, although it's in reverse.

 

[ric_melb]

I only went on the TGV once, from Paris to Nice, via Marseille. It was fabulous. I think you should catch a daytime train, for the scenery.
A great website to look at is "The Man in Seat 61." Just Google it.

 

[Denali]

Ive only done Lyon to Paris but I really enjoyed it. My advise is to put down the phone and look outside and get 1st class seats.

How long would Milan>London take?

 

[kelvedon]

Even though I’m a fan of European railways, I’d probably fly from Milan to London.
The train to Paris takes about 7 hours and you then have to haul yourself over from Gare de Lyon to gare du Norde on the metro and another 3 hours to London. The TGV route skirts south of the big alps, though it still passes big mountains.
An even more scenic route would be via Zurich. You’d then pass through either the Simplon or new Gotthard tunnels ( the simplon being the most scenic) but you’d then have to change again at Zurich for the train to Paris, though this arrives at gare de L’est which is physically next door to gare du nord.
As regards Milan, aside from the Duomo and the galleria next door, I found it to be rather uninspiring and a little industrial

 

[jase05]

I’d do the train personally as I find Milan a pretty bland City TBH. The scenery isn’t as spectacular as other routes but it’s still a nice comfortable journey with plenty to see. Allow yourself about 35 minutes to get from Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord even though the trip is only a couple of stops and about a 5-10 minute ride but if travelling on your own and light that would be the best way otherwise if lots of luggage or a family grab a cab. Allow 30 minutes for Eurostar check in aswell.
Approximately 13 hours all up.
As suggested in another post the scenery is better via Zurich and with the right train connections is actually a tad faster

 

[Denali]

13hrs? I would be getting a flight.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Ive only done Lyon to Paris but I really enjoyed it. My advise is to put down the phone and look outside and get 1st class seats.

How long would Milan>London take?

About 11hrs, leaving 6am and arrive into London 7:45. I can't spend enough time on trains..once did 52hrs in India on one!

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

I can't spend enough time on trains..once did 52hrs in India on one!

Given this I'd be taking the option via Zurich.

 

[docjames]

I vote the day in Milan and the flight to London.

Milan is fabulous - the Duomo, just wandering the streets, sitting at cafes watching the (fashionable) world go by......

 

[SeatBackForward]

Thanks for all the useful feedback everyone. Being somewhat a rail fan, I think the option to travel by train from Milan to London would be a good idea. Now to decide which route - the Zurich option mentioned by @kelvedon looks interesting.

 

[jase05]

Thanks for all the useful feedback everyone. Being somewhat a rail fan, I think the option to travel by train from Milan to London would be a good idea. Now to decide which route - the Zurich option mentioned by @kelvedon looks interesting.

Via Zurich is far better scenery wise and there is probably only about an hour tops journey time difference between the two routes. Just beware that there are only a few 1 direct trains per day between Milan and Zurich and likewise only a few 1 stop trains from Zurich to Paris so you would need to sort your connections out to ensure you don’t miss the correct one. To get the most of the daylight you are going to need the 0725 train from Milan

 

[kelvedon]

Agree, through Switzerland is more scenic. There are two routes you can take. Trains to Zurich go through the new Gotthard Base Tunnel, which cuts out the amazing climb to the old tunnel and its associated views. (Sit on the LH side of the train facing forward for great views of lakes after you exit the tunnel).
Trains to Berne or Basel go throgh the Simplon Tunnel, and is (in my view) even more spectacular. TGV trains are avialable to Paris from both those cities.
As mentioned before, The Man in Seat 61 is a fantastic website. I'd book via the SBB (swiss railway) website or Trenitallia (italian railways)

Connection | SBB

 

[bertflyer]

Another vote for the train option from me!
Any intra Europe travel I can do by train I will always choose ahead of flights (time permitting). Have done many 10+ hour train trips across the continent because, well, just because!