Milan is the most efficient entry point for pets travelling to Northern Italy from London — roughly 1,500 km via the Eurotunnel and the Alps. If you are moving a dog or cat to Milan, the Lakes, or the Piedmont region, this is what the two-day journey actually looks and feels like. See London to Milan prices and book.
The Journey in Brief
London to Milan covers approximately 1,500 km and takes 20–23 hours of driving. We split this over two days with a full overnight stop in France or Switzerland. Prices start from £1,885 for a single pet, all-in, including the Eurotunnel crossing, French and Swiss/Italian motorway tolls, the overnight accommodation, and delivery to any Milan address.
Day One: London to the Alps
We collect early morning from anywhere in Greater London or the M25 corridor. After checking the Animal Health Certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination, we let your pet settle into the vehicle. The drive to Folkestone takes 1.5–2 hours, then the 35-minute Eurotunnel crossing keeps your pet in the vehicle throughout.
From Calais we drive south-east through Reims, Châlons-en-Champagne and Troyes, then turn towards the Alps. In summer we usually take the Swiss route via Basel and the Gotthard tunnel; in winter or shoulder season we may use the Mont Blanc tunnel via Chamonix and Courmayeur. We reach the overnight stop by early evening, typically around Basel, Geneva or Chambéry depending on the chosen route.
The Overnight Stop
The overnight is a proper rest in a pet-friendly hotel. Your pet sleeps with the driver or in their secure crate, gets a walk, fresh water and their normal food. This is especially important for cats, who need a quiet period away from vehicle motion. We choose stops that are quiet, cool in summer, and easy to access from the motorway.
Day Two: Into Milan and the North
Day two drops us into the Po Valley via the A4 motorway. We deliver door-to-door across Milan — Brera, Navigli, Porta Romana, Duomo area, and the outer suburbs — and routinely continue the same trip to Lake Como, Lake Garda, Bergamo, Verona, Turin, Genoa or the Piedmont wine country. For Tuscany or Rome we can arrange onward delivery.
Milan traffic can be dense, so we time deliveries for mid-morning or early afternoon and ask for parking instructions or concierge contacts for central addresses.
What Your Pet Experiences
One driver, one vehicle, one consistent environment. The cabin is kept at 18–22°C, the lighting is soft, and we stop every 2–3 hours. Alpine tunnels are smooth and ventilated — most pets sleep through them. We send updates after each major stage, including a photo from the overnight stop.
Route Choice: Swiss Alps vs Mont Blanc
We choose the route based on season, weather and traffic. The Swiss Gotthard route is usually faster in summer and has gentler gradients. The Mont Blanc route is scenic and avoids the Swiss vignette, and works well in milder months. Both are safe and well-maintained.
Flying vs Ground Transport to Milan
Flying puts most pets in cargo, requires airport handling, and excludes brachycephalic breeds on many airlines. Ground transport takes longer in hours but involves no cargo hold, no airport kennelling, and no separation from a familiar handler. For nervous pets, flat-faced breeds, and multi-pet households, it is often the only practical choice.
Documentation Checklist
- ISO 15-digit microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination valid and at least 21 days old.
- UK Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of departure.
- Tapeworm treatment only for dogs returning to the UK, not for Italy entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you deliver to Lake Como or Lake Garda?
Yes. Milan is our Northern Italy hub. We regularly continue to Lake Como, Lake Garda, Bergamo, Verona, Turin and surrounding areas in the same trip.
How do you choose between the Gotthard and Mont Blanc tunnels?
Based on weather, traffic and season. Summer heat favours the higher Swiss route; winter conditions may push us towards Mont Blanc.
Can one owner travel with the pet?
Yes, one owner can ride along if requested when booking, subject to seat availability.
Is two days necessary?
For Milan we strongly recommend it. A single 20+ hour drive is too hard on most pets. The overnight stop produces a calmer, healthier arrival.
Related Routes & Guides