From Malpensa to Varenna - Malpensa express or shuttle

The train since it doesn't have to deal with traffic. BUT - your probability of making the 10.20 is low to zero. The train is about an hour and runs every 30 minutes. Checked luggage ?? Carry on ?? Unless you are sitting next to the exit door, just getting off the plane can take 15 minutes. You have to clear immigration and on a good day that can take 30 to 45 mins, get to the train station, buy your tickets, catch the train assuming you just catch it and don't have to wait for the next one. Change platforms in Centrale. You don't have the time. Book the 12.20 and that doesn't give you a lot of extra time especially if your plane would be just an hour late.

I would give the Cleveland Browns better odds of winning the next Super Bowl, than you making your hoped for connection.

Having been to Varenna, I understand your desire to get there 'ASAP'

Marie,

As the others have mentioned, your chances of connecting with the 10:20 departure to Varenna are "slim" at best. Some other complications that could affect you are that your flight is late arriving, several flights arrive at the same time meaning more passengers to be processed through immigration or there are only a few immigration officers on duty.

The Malpensa Express is your best option as it's not affected by traffic. Travel time is about 52 minutes. Don't forget to validate your ticket prior to boarding the M.E. or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot.

Were you planning to buy your ticket to Varenna in advance?

Yes I am well aware that chances are slim to make 10:20. Its a shame two hour to next train. Considering buying ticket in advance that can be changed . Thanks I will definitely opted for the express rather than by bus.

And yes only carry-on luggage

Considering buying ticket in advance that can be changed"

Changing tickets may be more trouble than it's worth. The ticket office is outside the security area and two floors below track level. There's often a long queue for people wanting to deal with a ticket agent. Waiting in the lineup could be a miserable experience in a jet-lagged state after a long international flight!

Both trains you'll be using are operated by TreNord. You should be able to buy tickets for both at MXP, as when you reach the airport station, you'll have some idea when you're arriving at Milano Centrale. They also have an App so you could buy tickets "on the fly" while on the ride from the airport (assuming you have a data connection and there are no glitches). Otherwise you could buy your tickets from a Kiosk when you arrive at Milano Centrale. There are some right next to the tracks.

www.trainline.eu also has an App and I believe they sell tickets for TreNord as well.

Again many thanks. Didn’t think changing tickets would be difficult. Will consider app.

Just read on trip advisor that you purchase tickets for a specific time but they are good for 4 hours. ??Anyone know if true

Yes, here is the fine print.
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Purchase/Regional-online-ticket-and-passes

Again many thanks. This has been helpful

OK, lets focus on the question. All of the trains between Milan and Varenna are Regionale trains. It makes no sense to buy Regionale train tickets on-line. There are no discounts for on-line Regionale train tickets. The on-line tickets come with more restrictions since you have to specify a start time (day and time) and then the ticket is only good for four hours. Granted those tickets are only about 10 euro so you don't have much at risk. And if you bought the Regionale ticket on-line and were delayed, you could not change the ticket because you are beyond the window to change it.

So - if you going to try for the 10.20, then buy the ticket to Varenna and the ticket for Malpensa express at the airport ticket office. The ticket office at the airport can tell you the platform for both the Malpensa express and the platform to Varenna (but the departing platform is always subject to change within the last fifteen to thirty minutes so double check the board after you arrive in Centrale.) If you buy the ticket to Varenna at the airport then that ticket must be validated (time stamped) in a little blue/yellow/green box near the platforms. Watch the locals do it. Once that ticket is stamped you have four hours to complete your trip. Regional trains are open seating so jump on the first car and look for seat. If full, you stand but with frequent stops people will be getting on and off.

Sounds complicated but really pretty simple and easy.

Frank thanks that spells it out pretty clearly