Starting from Milan to explore Austria by train is an experience that transforms the journey itself into one of the most beautiful parts of the holiday. From the Milanese stations you can easily reach the heart of the Austrian Alps, crossing spectacular landscapes that gradually change from the Lombard plains to the majestic alpine panoramas.
How to reach Austria from Milan
Main direct connections
Milan-Innsbruck (with gearbox)
Milan-Vienna (Nightjet)
Milan-Salisburg (with gearbox)
The most spectacular routes once in Austria
From Innsbruck: the Arlberg line
Once you reach Innsbruck from Milan, this route brings you to the heart of the Tyrolean Alps towards Bludenz and Vorarlberg.
Innsbruck-Budenz
Total cost from Milan: € 54 -124 € (Milan-Bolzano + Bolzano-Innsbruck + Innsbruck-Bludenz)
From Vienna: Semmering and Wachau
Arriving in Vienna with the Nightjet, two of the most beautiful routes in Austria open.
Vienna-Graz (Semmering line-UNESCO)
Vienna-Melk (Wachau valley)
From Salzburg: the Laghi region
Salzburg-Hallstatt (Salzkammergut)
Total cost from Milan: € 70 -123 € (Milan-Salisburg + Salzburg-Hallstatt)
Recommended itineraries starting from Milan
Long weekend (3-4 days)
Option 1: Tyrol via Brennero
Option 2: Vienna Nightjet
Complete week (7 days)
Gran Austrian tour
Real costs: detailed budget from Milan
Basic transport (return/round trip)
Convenient pass for Italians
Interrail Global Pass (for multi-paese trips)
ÖBB + Trenitalia combination
Additional costs to consider
Compulsory reservations
Luggage transport
Practical tips for the trip from Milan
Reservations and purchases
The ÖBB app and the Trenitalia website allow you to purchase Milan-Austria combined tickets with a single transaction. Sparpreis (Super Economy) tickets must be booked 2-3 months in advance for the best prices.
Necessary documents
Valid identity card or passport. They are not seen for Italian citizens. For the Nightjet it is advisable to have the documents easily accessible for any night checks.
Strategic timetables from Milan
Seasonality and prices
High season (July-August, Christmas-Epiphany)
Low season (March-May, September-November)
Winter (January-February)
Services and comforts on trains from Milan
International trains offer high standards with free Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, air conditioning and luggage spaces. The nightjet has different comfort levels: from the reclining seats to the deluxe cabins with private bathroom.
The train journey from Milan to Austria is not only a means of transport, but the beginning of an adventure that crosses different cultures, landscapes and traditions. With an expense that can vary from € 105 for an economic weekend for € 460 for a week of luxury, each traveler can find his ideal formula to discover the Austrian Alpine wonders starting comfortably from the Lombard capital.
Sources: ÖBB – Trenitalia – Interrail – Nightjet
