Trying to figure out best way to buy train tickets for our excursions within Italy. Pretty much figured out that we will save money by not getting a RailPass. However, on the way in, we arrive at Milan Malpensa at 11:10 AM. We need to go through baggage and customs, then get to the local train to Milan Centrale, then change for the fast train to Venice. Just off hand, I have allowed about an hour to get through baggage and customs and to the local train. So I'm thinking that if that is true, we probably would be taking a 12:30 PM train to Centrale, which would get us there at about 1:30PM. But to be on the safe side, I'm kind of thinking we ought to take the 3:00 PM (approx.) train to Venice. Here are my questions: 1. Do you think my assumptions are close to accurate? and 2. I'm really worried about not being able to get a seat (even 1st class) on the Venice leg, unless I buy it in advance. But, if for some reason, we are late for the Venice leg, will I just forfeit the fare and the reservation, or can it be transferred to the next train, space available? Or should I just not worry about it and buy the ticket when we get there?
Posted by
94 posts
buy the ticket when you get there.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15209 posts
In a lifetime spent in Italy either living there or traveling ( yearly) there I've never seen a train with all seats sold out. I've seen trains with all second class sold out, although very very rarely, (and 2nd class seats were available in the very next train), but I have never seen a train with ALL seats sold out.
I would buy the tickets when you are at the Malpensa train station.
Posted by
Atlanta
4873 posts
Wait until you get there. One assumption you made but did not mention is that your plane will arrive on time. We've been on several flights that were delayed 2 1/2 to 3 hours for mechanical issues or weather. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks for all the replies so far. That was the way I was leaning. And you are right, the plane may very well be delayed, or actually arrive ahead of time. Really trying to get to Venice 1. in time to eat at a small restaurant on one of the back canals!, and 2. Get there in time to check into our B&B. It's tight, but I'm hoping we can make it. Hopefully the inn keeper will work with us if we are a little later than maybe 5 or 6 pm.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16359 posts
Buy your tickets when you get through immigration and customs, and then call the innkeeper to let him or her know what time you will arrive in Venice.
And be sure to purchase you tickets to Venice Santa Lucia, NOT Venice Mestre which is on the mainland. The trains coming from Milano probably all go the whole way to Venice S.L., but just make sure.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15593 posts
Based on my experience this past February:
Know the train schedule from Malpensa to Centrale. Stop at the bus kiosk and find out when the next bus leaves. I just missed a train and had to wait an hour for the next one. I probably could have gotten on a bus and been in Milan a lot sooner if I'd done that.
The Malpensa Express train is not run by Renfe. At the airport, you can only buy Renfe tickets from machines outside the manned ticket office. My U.S. credit card didn't work and none of the machines accepted cash.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32828 posts
Any delay at the airport is unlikely to be related to customs - you say baggage and customs.
Customs is related to what you are carrying. Unless you are smuggling, customs tends to be a non issue. The delays can arise in immigration - where they check your passport and stamp it, and allow you into the country. Make sure your passport is valid 6 months after the end of your visit. Have it out, and be ready to answer some questions.
Delays can be because others ahead of you are having difficulties, or because they don't have enough inspectors on duty, or because many planes landed at the same time and some if them got into the queue before you.
Or it can be a breeze.
RENFE has nothing to do with Italian trains - they do Spain, a few hundred miles west.
It is TreNord for the Malpensa Express, and Trenitalia to Venice.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Wow! Thanks for some really useful info. And yes, I misspoke about Customs, I meant immigration. I've suffered through some really horrendous jams at some airports, but then pretty much walked straight through others.
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
Last year I arrived in Milan at around 13:00. Went through customs and jumped on the Malpensa express to Milano Centrale. Wanted the soonest train to CT I could get. The preferred train had all second class seats sold out, but, first class was only a few euro more. Jumped on those, and all was well. Mind you I still could have gotten standing room only on the second class tickets.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
No hotel will have a problem with arrival after 6 p.m., but a credit card on deposit helps to "guarantee" the booking, and it always helps to tell them your arrival plan. If you're working with an AirB&B host who has to come to the room to meet you, then it might be more important to have a phone number or back-up plan in place with the host in case of delay (e.g., do they leave the key with a neighbor?).
Posted by
OP
7 posts
We're staying at a B&B not too far from the Rialto bridge near Campo di San Stefano. I think you are probably correct that if I correspond with the owner he will make arrangements if we are an hour or so late.