The Frecciarossa did to this route what the TGV did to Paris–Lyon: killed the plane. At 300km/h, you're in Milan in under 3 hours, city center to city center. No security lines, no airport shuttle. Just tap your phone and board.
Italy's busiest high-speed corridor. Departures every 15–30 min from Roma Termini to Milano Centrale. Prices start at €19 booked 2–4 weeks ahead. Both operators offer WiFi, power, bar car.
Door-to-door is 4–5 hours with check-in and Malpensa transfer — longer than the train. Only worth it for connecting flights.
573km motorway. Tolls €35–40, fuel €50–60. Milan parking is expensive. Only if stopping en route.
Frecciarossa or Italo, booked 2–3 weeks early for €19–29. One of Europe's great train rides. The 8am departure gets you to Milan at 10:55.