After an amazing 3 nights in Turin, it is time to head to Milan which is just an hour away via train for the next part of my trip. Here I am, finally being back in Milan after 9 years. I had first visited Milan when I was 17 years old. That was a rushed trip and I barely covered a tenth of the city. While I won’t say that Milan is top of my list, I will certainly be back to give it the attention it deserves and of course, plenty more pasta and pizza. The best way to get between the city will be via high-speed trains and I would like to share my journey on the Italo Prima Class from Turin to Milan!

Booking Process

In reality, when you are talking about high-speed trains or fast intercity trains between major cities in Italy, you have two avenues. The national rail, Trenitalia as well as Italo, which is a private company that specialised in high-speed connections between major cities. Italo also only runs within the country itself in comparison to Trenitalia. I don’t really have a preference for either company since they are rather similar. I do have good experience travelling on the Italo, especially their Prima class which is like first-class and even comes with drink service. Before this trip, I have also tried it when travelling from Naples to Rome. You can also check out some of my trips on the Trenitalia high-speed trains, Frecciarossa. The key to take note of here is that for Italy, there is another operator and you can compare the price before booking. We are so used to just remembering that you only have one company in each country. Like DB Bahn for Germany.

I need to get from Turin to Milan for the next destination of my trip. I wasn’t considering the regional trains as they are significantly longer. I got on both Trenitalia and Italo and got a good rate for the Italo train departing at 11.28am. It cost me 27.90 Euros for a Prima Class seat. Do note that all train travels in Italy require an FFP2 Mask as well as a green pass.

Porta Nuova Station

Turin has two main train station in the city, Porta Nuova in the South and Porta Susa in the West. Both cater to long distance high speed rail so it really depends on where you arrive at. Both are near the city centre and have great connections. They are directly connected to the Metro.

Italo Prima Class

Do note that all trains travels in Italy requires a FFP2 Mask as well as a green pass. Travelling on Italo trains, you have the options between 4 different classes. This is much more further segregated from the usual 1st Class and 2nd Class in Intra-europe trains travels. You have the Smart Class, Comfort Class, Prima Class and the best of the best, Club Class.

I was thinking about splurging on a club class ticket to review the Italo Club Lounge but it kind of doesn’t make sense since I am coming right after breakfast.

The Prima Class and Club Class is located towards the front of the train and it is in a 2-1 configuration. It is much more spacious and comfortable than the usual first-class in Intra-Europe trains. Prima Class passengers also come with various benefits, reclining leather seats, fast track entrance and queue, a welcome drink as well as individual power sockets. Here are some pictures of the train cabin.

I certainly enjoy the abundance of space and it was pretty quiet on the train. It was a fast and smooth journey and I arrived in Milan before I even realised it. During the journey, I also had a welcome drink from the staff who push the cart over. You are offered a packed snack and a non-alcoholic drink of your choice.

Conclusion

One of the best ways to get between Italian cities fast and comfortably. I have no qualms about taking Italo during my travels. The slight increase in cost might not seem worthwhile for this low occupancy and short ride but it is definitely very much useful as I can see from a crowded train when returning from Naples previously. It might be a good way to have a less dense travelling environment these days as well. Next up is my stay in Milan.