I will be flying from the U.S. to Amsterdam and then to Milan (arriving at noon) in one day. I don't know how tired I will be but I'm determined to get as close to C.T. as possible. How long does it take to get there from Milan using the trains? Are there any worthy places that I could stop between, rest my head and check out some sights before ending up in C.T.? How is Genoa? I prefer hostels or econonmical lodging. Thanks for any suggestions!
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
You might just want to consider going all the way to the CT. It's about a one hour bus ride to Milano Centrale and then about three hours on the train to Monterosso. If you can make the 14:00 train you'd be there by 17:00
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
casey,
Given the circumstances, there are two options that I'd consider:
1.) Find a Hotel close to Milano Centrale (check the Italy guidebook for listings) and stop there for one night to rest. Buy your ticket to the C.T. when the Shuttle arrives at the station from MXP. That way you'd be close to the station and you could get an early start for the C.T. the next morning. You could also take the Malpensa Express (which terminates at Cadorna station rather than Milano Centrale) instead of the shuttle. There are Hotels in that area also, close to Via Dante. That would give you an opportunity to have a look at the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele if you're interested?
2.) Carry on and do the entire trip in one day as Ron suggested. Although you'll be arriving at noon, you'll need to collect your luggage and go through the "formalities" and then catch the next Shuttle to Milano Centrale (Check this site for Shuttle details).
At Milano Centrale, you can buy your train tickets either from the ticket office (two floors down via "moving sidewalks") or from automated machines (at track level or adjacent to the ticket office - the machines at track level are often "busy"). Watch your belongings while in the station! Also, you'll need small change (Euro's) if you think you might need to use the WC prior to your train trip.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Milan is costly for lodging. if you can make the 3 hour train ride go for it after your arrival. I do not care for Genoa in general. Too bad you can't stay 2-3 day in Amsterdam before you connect to Italy. Lots of tourist interest in Amsterdam and hostels available there to.
Posted by
OP
sacramento, CA, United States
7 posts
thanks for the suggestions- I think I will just stick it out and make the trip to C.T. the 1st day. I don't like spending alot of money on rooms and don't have any interest in seeing the big cities (I've already have been to Rome, Florence, Venice).
I will be staying 3 days in Amsterdam on the way back. I'm really looking forward to that!