Interlaken and the Green Train of Swiss Alps Day Trip from Milan

Planning a day trip from Milan into the Swiss Alps? This tour promises a combination of scenic train rides, a lake cruise, and a stroll through charming Interlaken. While it’s an appealing way to tick Switzerland off your list without an overnight stay, it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for.

We like that this trip offers breathtaking views of the Alps and lakes and the chance to ride the famous Green Train of the Swiss Alps—a highlight for many. Plus, the local guide is often praised for their knowledge, adding some context and stories to the scenery. On the flip side, some travelers have found that long travel hours and crowded schedules can make the day feel rushed.

This experience suits those who love scenic journeys and want a taste of Swiss beauty without staying overnight. It’s especially good if you’re comfortable with a full day of travel, and don’t mind a busy schedule. But if you’re after in-depth exploration or a relaxed pace, this might not be your ideal trip.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery along train, boat, and mountain routes makes this a visual treat.
• The Green Train of the Alps offers panoramic views that are truly memorable.
• Guides are often knowledgeable, providing helpful insights into the areas visited.
• The lake cruise gives you a peaceful moment with iconic mountain reflections.
• The tour can be long, with a lot of time spent traveling on trains and buses.
• Some reviews note communication issues or disappointing stops, so manage your expectations accordingly.

A Modest Adventure into Swiss Nature

This tour is a solid choice if you’re after a day filled with Swiss scenery without the hassle of organizing transport yourself. From Milan, you’ll take a high-speed train to Domodossola, where the Swiss adventure begins aboard the famous Green Train. The journey through the Simplon Pass is often praised for its breathtaking mountain views, and if you love trains, you’ll appreciate the panoramic windows that let you soak in the landscape.

The train ride is a highlight, but it’s also a significant part of the day’s appeal—travelling through lush valleys and picturesque villages with a knowledgeable guide pointing out interesting sights. Several reviewers mention the guide’s helpful commentary, which elevates the experience from just a scenic ride to an educational journey.

The Stops and What You’ll See

Domodossola: The Italian Gateway

The tour kicks off in Milan, where you board a high-speed train heading north. The first main stop is Domodossola, the last Italian town before crossing into Switzerland. From here, the Swiss part of the trip begins, and the scenery starts to change dramatically. The route through the Simplon Pass is often described as stunning, with mountains and valleys unfolding before you.

Spiez and Lake Thun

After about two hours on the Green Train, you’ll arrive at Spiez, a charming Swiss village on Lake Thun. Here, you’ll have a chance to grab lunch (though it isn’t included in the price). The highlight is the lake cruise to Interlaken aboard a state-of-the-art steamboat.

Traveling across Lake Thun, you’ll get close-up views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, three of the most recognizable peaks in the Swiss Alps. Many reviewers have commented on how beautiful it is to see these mountains reflected in the water—it’s quite the photo opportunity.

Interlaken: The Swiss Jewel

Once in Interlaken, there’s roughly two hours to explore. You can stroll along the town’s picturesque streets, watch hang gliders drift overhead, or pick up some Swiss chocolate from local chocolatiers—an easy highlight for many.

The reviews suggest that guides often help visitors find good spots for lunch and shopping, which can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the area. A few travelers mention that the town itself isn’t packed with attractions, but its setting among the mountains makes it a peaceful and scenic stop.

How the Day Unfolds

The itinerary is packed, and the overall length is around 13 hours. Your day starts early, with a meeting point in Milan around 7:15 am, and ends back in the city late in the evening. Given the travel times—on trains, boats, and buses—expect to spend quite a bit of your day sitting and moving.

Some travelers have expressed that the schedule can be strenuous, especially older visitors or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The walking involved isn’t excessive but is enough to note, especially with transfers between trains and boats.

Travel Logistics and Transportation

You’ll be on multiple forms of transportation: high-speed train, scenic train, boat cruise, and bus. The air-conditioned coach back to Milan helps with comfort after a long day. In reviews, some noted that the initial plan was to take a train, but a switch to a bus happened, which didn’t seem to shift the experience significantly.

The Experience and Value

For $163.42 per person, this tour offers a lot in terms of scenery and variety. The train rides alone are worth it—especially for train lovers or those fond of mountain vistas. The lake cruise adds a peaceful, scenic element, with many travelers remarking how beautiful the reflections of the mountains are on Lake Thun.

Many reviewers mention that the guides are a highlight—knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. But a few have noted communication issues, such as poor audio or language barriers, which slightly detract from the overall experience.

While the price doesn’t include food and drinks, the lunch stop at Spiez gives you a chance to try local food, and the chocolates in Interlaken are a tempting souvenir. Some find the overall value for money to be fair, considering the transportation, scenery, and organization.

The Realities of the Trip

A common theme in reviews is that this is a long, busy day. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive Swiss experience in one shot but not ideal if you’re seeking in-depth exploration or a very relaxed pace.

The scenery on the train and boat is frequently praised, but some have found the town of Interlaken to be somewhat underwhelming, especially if you’re expecting a bustling tourist hub. It’s more about the views and the experience of the journey than discovering a vibrant destination.

A few travelers mention long walking distances during transfers and that some sections might be strenuous or tiring, especially for those less mobile. The communication issues reported by a minority also highlight the importance of patience and managing expectations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for scenic travel enthusiasts, train lovers, or those who want a taste of Switzerland in a single day. If you enjoy picturesque landscapes, lake cruises, and mountain vistas, you’ll likely find it satisfying.

It’s also a good option if you’re comfortable with full-day tours and don’t mind moderate walking and multiple transports. If you’re traveling with friends or a family who appreciates stunning views and doesn’t need lots of in-depth sightseeing, this trip can be a memorable highlight.

However, if your priority is relaxation or in-depth exploration of a specific region, you might prefer to spend more time in fewer places instead of rushing around the Swiss Alps in one day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves a lot of travel and walking, so older children or active teens should be fine. It’s best for those who can handle a long day and the physical aspects of moving between trains and boats.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers professional guides, the Green Train of the Alps, the lake cruise, the high-speed train from Milan, and air-conditioned transportation back to Milan.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll have a chance to buy lunch in Spiez before the boat cruise.

How long is the trip?
It lasts approximately 13 hours, starting at 7:15 am and returning in the evening.

What about the views?
Expect spectacular mountain and lake scenery, with many travelers quoting the reflection of peaks like Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in the lakes as breathtaking.

Are there any known issues?
Some reviews report communication problems or changes to the schedule, but overall, many find the organization reasonable given the scope of the trip.

Is the town of Interlaken worth visiting?
Most say yes; it’s a peaceful spot with beautiful views and a relaxed vibe, though not a bustling tourist town.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and some cash for meals and souvenirs. A passport is needed for crossing borders.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Milan to the Swiss Alps offers a beautiful combination of train travel, boat cruise, and mountain scenery. It’s a great way to experience the Alps without spending nights away from home, especially if you’re pressed for time or traveling on a budget.

While it has its flaws—like the long hours and some communication hiccups—the stunning landscapes and well-organized transport make it a worthwhile adventure. It’s perfect for those who want a visual feast and are comfortable with a full, busy schedule. If your goal is to tick Switzerland off your list and enjoy some postcard views, this trip will deliver.

But if you crave more relaxed exploration or personalized experiences, you might want to consider other options. Either way, the Swiss scenery will leave a lasting impression—and that’s what matters most.

Happy travels, and I hope your Swiss adventure is as gorgeous as you imagine!