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Airport/Train Navigation in Milan

Posted by (USA) on

We are flying into Milan (Malpensa) on a Friday afternoon and heading straight to Venice via train. Do you think I should get train tickets a few days ahead or at the station? I'm a little hesitant to pre-order since the plane could be late or we could get lost, etc... But I've also heard of tickets selling out and super long ticket lines, esp on a Friday.

Also, a quick follow up, how much time would you allocate to get from airport to Milan central station to getting a seat on the train in terms of finding your way and trains being late?

Posted by
11613 posts

Check Trenitalia.com for train schedules, trains leave for Venice very frequently. No price advantage to buying a ticket a few days ahead, but if you want the peace of mind of having your ticket in hand, buy it from the website and print it out at home (8.5x11 works). But, if your flight is late, you need to exchange your ticket, don't just get on the next train. You may be able to buy your ticket to Venice from the airport train station, not sure about that.

The train from the airport to the train station takes about an hour, including waiting time if you don't catch a train immediately. Train from the airport may leave from alternating tracks, so if you miss one by seconds, check the departure board for the next train.

Posted by
32405 posts

To begin with, could you clarify if you're arriving at MXP on a flight from the U.S. or on a budget airline? You may be arriving at either Terminal 1 or 2, which will affect the method of transportation from the airport.

If you're arriving at Terminal 1, the easiest method of transport to Milano Centrale is the Malpensa Express. Note that they have two routes, one going to Centrale and one to Cadorna station, so be sure to board the correct train. I'd suggest buying all your tickets at the airport station when you arrive, for the reasons you mentioned either from a Kiosk or a staffed ticket office. If you pre-purchase tickets for the premium trains and you miss your assigned train because your flight is late, the tickets will be worthless and you'll have to buy more.

A few other important points regarding the trains. Prior to boarding the Malpensa Express, you MUST validate your tickets or you'll face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot. For the journey from Milan to Venice, reservations are compulsory and your tickets will be specific to a particular train, date and departure time (reservations will be included with the ticket you buy at the airport and you'll be assigned a car no. (Carrozza) and seat no's (Posti). You can NOT use any train other than the one specified on your ticket, or again hefty fines! Note that your destination station will be Venezia Santa Lucia.

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