High speed train from Geneva to Milan and from Milan to Lucerne

Nongealaull99

Is it possible to book at HST from Geneva to Milan and then from Milan to Lucerne (separate dates) on SBB? If so, how early can I do that? If not, what is the most reliable place to purchase HST tickets for those departures/destinations? Thank you.

Danhiel

Hello Nongealaull99

Please also note that no direct train between Geneva and Milan will run from 29 May 2026 to 26 July 2026:

Kind regards
Daniel

Krist

You can indeed book these trips on SBB. But none of those are really high speed. You can book about six months out, but there is no need to book that early.

Nongealaull99

Danhiel

Nongealaull99

Thank you so much.

Given that there are no direct trains during that time frame we are considering hiring a driver. So many options. Is there one service in particular you would recommend as reliable for a family of four?

Really appreciate your guidance it’s our first time visiting Switzerland and northern Italy.

Also are there direct trains Milan to Lucerne in July or is that also affected by the construction?

Danhiel

Nongealaull99 Is there one service in particular you would recommend as reliable for a family of four?

Sorry, I have never hired a driver. We provide only advice on public transport in this community. But replacement buses will certainly be offered or you could travel by train via Lucerne.

Nongealaull99 Also are there direct trains Milan to Lucerne in July or is that also affected by the construction?

The line between Milan and Lucerne is not affected by the construction. But note that you have only a few direct trains between these cites. You must usually change once, in Lugano or Arth-Goldau.

Krist

Nongealaull99 Given that there are no direct trains during that time frame we are considering hiring a driver.

The previous time that this line was closed SBB ran direct coaches from Geneva to Milano. I am sure they will do that again this time. Expect these to be bookable in May.
A car service will be eyewateringly expensive. The kinds of people that can afford this usually have their personal assistant arrange it for them.

Don’t be to fixated on direct trains. Changing trains is a normal, trivial and expected feature of train travel.

Nongealaull99

Danhiel Thank you that is super helpful!

Nongealaull99

Krist Thank you so much for this great information…..we did find a great car service to use as backup but will check train situation in May.