7 1/2 days in Lombardy region

Can't tell you about clearing customs as it is dependent partially on what time of year you're visiting, if you have checked luggage, etc. Considering your late arrival, it's doubtful that you'll immediately board a bus to your destination. You might have to wait a few hours just to make that connection and then you've still got 3 hours of traveling ahead of you. I've rented cars after a long flight and have made similar trips to a destination. If you feel that you will not be safe and confident driving after your flight, definitely stay the night in Milan. I'd consider a hotel for one night rather than air b&b just to simplify things. Though I have stayed in air b&b apartments, I've never done it for just one night as getting the key is sometimes inconvenient or paying a cleaning fee for the apartment. Or discovering there's no TP!😂💩

I join Phillip in saying it's probably wiser to plan on spending your first night in a hotel near the airport. It could easily be 4:00 by the time you are ready to board a bus. Your instinct about not driving is sound. Picking up a car could add another hour to the time. Driving in a foreign country, with unfamiliar signs, on narrow, winding roads, in fading light. . . Doesn't sound like something I'd be eager to experience.

Totally LOL at the no toilet paper! I rented an apartment in Paris and when I arrived in the late afternoon, I saw that there was ZERO toilet paper in the apartment. There was directions to the closest grocery store in the neighborhood.

thanks for the tips. I will pass it on to my friend and let her know.

My best time in and out of Milan airport was an 50 minutes but i was also sitting at the front of the plane so the line was shorter at immigration for me. OTher times it's been 1.5 hours.

Where will you board the bus from? Can you catch the bus at MXP or do you have to go into Milan to catch the catch the bus? If the bus departs from the airport I would just catch the bus after landing. I'd rather travel all in one day and not waste the 3 hours the next day to travel. Also keep in mind the train from MXP to Milan City Center is around 40-52 minutes depending which station you choose (Cardona or Centrele)

I would get a hotel in Milano near the train station or near where the bus will depart. A real hotel, for a one-night stay. If you are in Milano for the night, you can have a nice walk around Piazza del Duomo and enjoy a nice dinner before you get a good night's sleep and set out the next day. Milano Centrale train station has rental car offices if you decide to do that the next morning; and you could spend a little time in Bergamo on your way to Clusone.