One of the things I love most about living in Turin is how easy it is to get out of the city for the day. Turin is in a really convenient location, which means you can reach mountains, vineyards, lakes, and small towns without much planning.
The best part?
Many of these trips are completely doable in one day, either by train or car.
If you’re visiting Turin or living here and want to explore more of northern Italy without changing accommodation, these are some of my favourite day trips from Turin.
1. Alba – A Wine and Truffle Day Trip from Turin
Getting there
Alba is about one hour from Turin by car. You can also take a direct train, which drops you close to the centre and takes roughly the same amount of time.
What to do
Alba is best known for wine, food, and white truffles (especially in autumn). It’s a small town, so it’s easy to explore on foot. Walk through the old town, browse local food shops, and if you have time, book a simple wine tasting at one of the nearby vineyards.
Even without a tasting, just being in the area and stopping for lunch makes this a great day out.
Budget
Expect to spend around €70–€100 per person for transport, food, and a basic wine tasting. You can easily spend less if you keep it simple.
Before spending money on travel, there are also plenty of free things to do in Turin.
2. Venaria Reale – A Royal Day Trip Near Turin
Getting there
Venaria Reale is just 30 minutes from Turin. You can drive, or take public transport buses run regularly and are easy to use.
What to do
Venaria Reale is often compared to Versailles, and it’s easy to see why. The palace and gardens are huge, and you can spend several hours wandering around without rushing.
If the weather is good, the gardens alone are worth the visit. It’s also a nice option if you want a slower day without travelling too far.
Budget
Tickets for the palace and gardens cost around €20–€25. Including transport and food, a day trip usually comes to around €40 per person.
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3. Bardonecchia – A Mountain Day Trip from Turin
Getting there
Bardonecchia is around 1.5 hours from Turin by car or train. The train journey is scenic and very straightforward.
What to do
Bardonecchia is popular in winter for skiing, but it’s also a nice place to visit in warmer months. There are walking trails, cable cars, and plenty of places to stop for lunch with mountain views.
In winter, costs go up because of ski passes and rentals, but outside ski season it’s a relaxed and affordable escape.
Budget
A return train ticket costs roughly €20. Including food, expect to spend €50–€70 per person, depending on the season and activities.
If you’re still deciding how long to stay, this Turin FAQ covers what to expect.
4. Lake Orta – A Peaceful Lake Day Trip from Turin
Getting there
Lake Orta is just under two hours from Turin by car. By public transport, take a train to Orta-Miasino and then a short bus or taxi.
What to do
Lake Orta is quieter and less busy than nearby Lake Maggiore. Visit the village of Orta San Giulio, walk along the lake, and take a short boat ride to San Giulio Island.
It’s an easy place to slow down and enjoy a calm day away from the city.
Budget
You can do Lake Orta for around €50 per person, including transport, food, and a boat trip. Staying until sunset is highly recommended if timing allows.
One of the best things about Turin is that you don’t need to go far to see something completely different. From wine towns and royal palaces to lakes and mountains, these day trips from Turin show just how much variety there is nearby.
Whether you’re visiting for a short time or living here long term, hopping on a train or driving out for the day is one of the easiest ways to experience more of Italy without the stress of packing or overnight stays.
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Turin before heading out on a day trip this post will point you in the right direction.
Day Trips from Turin – FAQs
Can you do day trips from Turin without a car?
Yes. Many popular day trips from Turin, including Alba, Venaria Reale, and Bardonecchia, are easy to reach by train or bus. A car is useful for flexibility, but it’s not essential.
What is the best day trip from Turin by train?
Alba and Bardonecchia are two of the best day trips from Turin by train. Both have direct connections and can be comfortably visited in one day.
Are there good day trips from Turin in winter?
Yes. Winter is a great time for mountain day trips like Bardonecchia, as well as indoor attractions such as Venaria Reale. Trains run year-round.
