I want to take a train from Cinque Terre, Monterosso to Milan Centrale Station on July 1st to arrive at around 10 pm. I checked a lot online through trainline Europe, www.trenitalia.com and more but all train bookings in July 1st are "N.A". In other words, not available. I would like to be at MXP airport on July 2nd at 9 am. What train station do I go to and how do I get to that train station? Is there a direct, fast train? Approximately how long will it take? Thank you!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15871 posts
asmaa-ahmed, I think the problem is that it's too early to purchase tickets for July. See this thread:
If I look at trains for the first Friday in June, booking options appear so I'm guessing they just haven't posted all schedules for July yet. Here's the one I think you'll want to book when it becomes available:
18:54 depart Monterosso
21:50 arrive Milano Centrale
Duration: 2:56 hours
Type of train: Intercity
Train number may change between now and July so it doesn't matter at this point
There is also a direct IC train 2 hours earlier that takes the same amount of time.
Posted by
Milan, Italy
308 posts
There are direct trains from Monterosso to Milan Central. I took one last year but mine was around 7 am. The previous poster is correct in that you're searching too early. Try searching 90 days ahead of time at the earliest.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15871 posts
Yes, just as Jackie did, we took a direct train from Monterosso to Milano Centrale.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32225 posts
asmaa,
There are direct Intercity trains from Monterosso to Milano Centrale several times per day, and numerous others with one or two changes. Using the direct trains is the easiest and quickest solution. You might consider travelling earlier in the day on July 1st as you'll have to check out of your hotel in Monterosso at about 11:00. What were you planning to do with your luggage while you're touring around Monterosso? If you'd prefer to travel later in the day there's a direct departure from Monterosso at 18:54, arriving Milan at 21:50.
When you arrive in Milan, there are hotels within about a five minute walk from Milano Centrale. For the trip to the airport, walk back to Milano Centrale and take the Malpensa Express to the airport. There's a direct departure at 07:55, arriving MXP at 08:46. I'd suggest buying your ticket for the Malpensa Express when you arrive at Milano Centrale from Monterosso, using one of the Kiosks. However, one IMPORTANT point - before boarding the Malpensa Express on the day of travel, you MUST validate your ticket prior to boarding, or risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all so much. Much appreciated. But when is the right time to book? I thought it would be 90 days in advance since I would be coming back in July 1. So, how later should I book and still gain the advantage of cheap fares?
Posted by
Milan, Italy
308 posts
The earlier you book, the better and cheaper. Prices go up when availability is limited.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Then my question would be how early? Since when I tried booking 3 months, the train schedules are not available.
Posted by
Milan, Italy
308 posts
Just keep checking every day. The new schedules will go up soon. You're pretty diligent so you will get the best price :)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32225 posts
Theoretically tickets for the fast trains are available for sale 120 days from travel date. However there will be a schedule change happening about mid-June and that may be affecting the usual booking. I'd suggest to just keep trying for the Intercity train. I'd suggest buying your ticket at the www.captaintrain.com website.
As mentioned earlier, just buy your Malpensa Express ticket when you arrive at Milano Centrale.