Are you planning to visit Milan? Hop on a speed train and go on a day trip from Milan to Turin.
Why visit Turin?
Turin, commonly known as Torino, is the capital of the Piedmont region in northern Italy. The city lies at the foot of the Alps and extends along the Po River.
It’s one hour from Milan, a few hours from the coast of Genoa, and close to the French and Swiss borders. Turin is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
The city is famous for its extravagant palaces and public squares. It is home to some remarkable restaurants and picturesque monuments, so you will have a great time here. It definitely deserves a visit, even for a day trip from Milan.
About Turin
Turin has always had a significant spot in Italy’s history. In 1563, the city was the capital of the Kingdome of Sardinia and the Duchy of Savoy. Because of all the famous museums, architecture, and galleries, Turin was Italy’s capital between 1861 and 1865.
After WWII, Turin’s importance switched from political to economic. The city became an essential part of the industrial triangle along with Milan and Genoa. The most popular Turin-based brand is Fiat.
How to get from Milan to Turin
The journey from Milan to Turin is best taken on the high-speed train, which can get you there the fastest. Trenitalia (the national rail of Italy) and Italo (a privately run company) depart from Milan Central Station and have direct routes to Torino Porta Susa, Turin’s metro station.
A high-speed train will take you from Milan to Turin in 55 minutes.
Travel tip: I’ve been using Train Line app to purchase all train tickets. Train Line is an official distributor of hundreds of operators, and it compares the lowest prices for trains and buses, along with the shortest trips.
Best time to visit Turin
Spring or fall is the best time to visit. However, Turin is welcoming all year round. Winters are chilly, but they are reasonably dry, and summers can get warm, but most times, it is pretty lovely.
Day trip from Milan to Turin Itinerary
Milan’s position in Western Lombardy puts it within easy rich of several tourist destinations. Lake Como is an hour away, the Alps are so close that you can see them from the roof of the Duomo, and there are a few cities nearby with grand churches and cathedrals.
Because Milan is the rail hub of northern Italy, all of these places are easily accessible. High-speed trains can take you on a day trip to Venice or Cinque Terre.
Here is an itinerary for a day trip from Milan to Turin.
Egyptian Museum
Start your day at the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egezio). It is one of the city’s most famous and prominent tourist attractions, and the museum showcases the most extensive collection of artifacts from Egypt, second only to Cairo.
The Egyptian Museum is one of the best places to learn about ancient civilizations. You will see a statue of Ramses II, 24 mummies, and the untouched tomb of Kha and Merit. Because of its popularity, there are often endless queues, so book tickets online in advance.
The Shroud of Turin
The next stop on your itinerary should be the Shroud of Turin, located about 9 minutes from the Egyptian Museum.
The Shroud of Turin is an ancient sheet of linen cloth that bears the vague imprint of a crucified man. Many people believe that it was Jesus Christ. Because of that, since 1578, the Shroud of Turin has been well-kept and preserved at the Cathedral of Turin. The original Shroud isn’t usually displayed, but you will see a massive replica of the cloth.
The Cathedral was built in the 1400s, according to Guarino Guarini’s design. It is a beautiful sight and takes about 30 minutes to visit.
Royal Palace
Then, take a walk to the Royal Palace on Piazza Castello, the most striking historical building. Cruise the streets and enjoy beautiful archways, boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings.
The palace was built in 1646 and served as the royal residence until 1865. The palace is absolutely magnificent, and you can buy tickets onsite. You can visit different palace sections, including the luxurious King’s apartments and the Royal Armory. The Royal Gardens are admission free. The sight is a must-see in Turin!
Eat pizza with the locals
Your Italian holiday is not complete without pizza! Before heading to the next location, stop by one of the best restaurants, Crudo Fa La Pizza, for lunch. The pizza is excellent, and you’ll want to return for more!
Mole Antonelliana
For your last stop, visit Mole Antonelliana, the 167m tower, originally intended as a synagogue but was never used as a place of worship. This Turin landmark houses the National Museum of Cinema.
For dazzling 360-degree views of Turin, take the Panoramic lift to the outdoor viewing deck.
Monte dei Cappuccini
A better option for some stunning Instagram photos of Turin with the snowy Alps in the background would be a road trip to Monte Dei Cappuccini.
It is a famous hill overlooking Turin city center, popular because of its marvelous views of Turin. You can see across the River Po and see the iconic Mole Antonelliana dominating the city’s skyline.
Day trips from Turin
Turin offers a lot; you can learn about its culture, architecture, and history. However, many exciting options exist if you want to plan a day trip from Turin.
Lake Orta
If you need a break from the city, a 90 minutes trip by car will take you from Turin to Lake Orta. The nearby town is incredibly picturesque with lots of great cafes and restaurants, and the best part is that it is not crowded and you can relax. Enjoy the lake!
The Alps
A trip to see the Alps is always a great idea! Plenty of places are worth exploring; just make sure to start early.
Pian del Colle is a beautiful place to see, and you can even hop on a train to Bardonecchia.
Alassio
Head to Alassio, a charming town on the Ligurian coast. It is another great place if you want to escape Turin’s crowds. The beach is excellent, and there are many great clubs, and it is a fantastic way to recharge your batteries.
Le Langhe
Le Langhe, a fairy tale region, is home to the famous Barolo wine. Green hills, lovely castles, and charming villages will make the day trip worth your while. Organize a wine tasting for a memorable experience!
Bonus: Food tour
If you are in for a culinary adventure to taste local delicacies, book the Patisserie Tour and learn more about Cremino, Marron Glace, and Gianduiotti from a local food expert.
There is also the Private Aperitivo Tour and Tasting to visit three different locations and learn more about tradition.
If you plan a trip to Italy, check out the other Italy guides for the best memorable trip.
