Hello! I know Italy very well but haven't experienced the newer Italo trains nor le Frecce. We are flying into Malpensa/Milano around 12.15 from JFK and want to head straight down to Rome (don't ask...crazy cheap fare to MXP). I love the idea of taking the Italo trains since there will be no chance of a strike and now that Malpensa Express goes straight to Porta Garabaldi it seems easy to do. My question for you: since our plane could be delayed, is it worth buying a ticket in advance at all? How much will the fares change that day? Or could they be sold out? There seems to be a ton that leave for Rome daily. What kind of savings are we talking about for peace of mind of not worrying that we won't catch our train? I noticed that Italo has different rates w/ more flexibility for the most expensive but you still have to cancel/change 3 minutes before reserved train and what happens if we are still in the sky flying? Thanks so much! This forum is the best!!! I'm also open to taking a Freccia train...
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32500 posts
Linda,
You can certainly use either the Freccia trains from Milano Centrale or Italo trains from Milano Porta Garibaldi. However, note that in some cases the Italo trains terminate at Roma Tiburtina or Ostiense, rather than the more central Termini. In my experience, it's unlikely that the trains will sell out and if one train should happen to sell out, there will be another along in an hour or so.
Most of the group here don't recommend pre-purchase of rail tickets to connect with an inbound flight, exactly for the reasons you mentioned. Since the tickets (and compulsory seat reservations) for the Freccia trains are specific to train, date and departure time, if you miss your booked train due to flight delays or whatever, your ticket will probably be worthless and you'll have to buy another at full price. I don't know if the same rules apply on Italo.
I'd suggest making a decision which train you want to use when you arrive, and then buy tickets at that time. You'll pay more than purchasing in advance but won't have to worry about missing your train. Regarding rail strikes, I haven't found that they occur too often. They're announced well in advance and some trains continue running during strikes. Have a look at THIS website for information on that subject.
In the same situation, I'd probably just buy tickets for both the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale and Freccia to Roma Termini at the airport station, either at a Kiosk or staffed ticket office. If you'd prefer to try Italo, buy tickets for the Malpensa Express to Porta Garibaldi and then Italo to Rome. As you're probably aware, you'll need to validate your Malpensa Express tickets prior to boarding the train or you'll risk hefty fines.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
It would be a gamble to buy in advance, but if you can't resist the potential savings, I would suggest that you leave lots of time before your train leaves. Leave your luggage and have a look around Milano if your plane arrives on time.
Posted by
Green Bay
22427 posts
If you want to try the Italo, the nonstops at cheap prices are at 14:03, and 17:03, the 14:03 seems a little tight if you are landing at 12:15, so that leaves the 17:03, which means you may be cooling your heals a bit waiting. There are things to do and see in the Porta Garibaldi neighborhood.
You should be able to get advance purchase nonrefundable tickets for 29 euro verses the 86 euro full fare. I'm a gambler and with a 3 hour cushion, I'd do it since the savings are big. Just don't be broken hearted if something goes awry and you end up having to get the full fare ticket.
Of course, Trenitalia trains are hourly from Milano Centrale, and they are almost identically priced.