Going from Milan airport to cruise ports in Venice

If it were me, I'd go straight to Venice and spend the night there, in the centre of Venice. On cruise day, take the Alilaguna boat. It goes from San Marco to the cruise port (as well as other routes). We bought Alilaguna tickets upon arrival.

Others can respond on how to buy tickets in advance from Milan to Venice. When I did it I bought them after I got to Italy and paid more than I had to.

Take the nice high-speed train from Milano Centrale to Venezia Santa Lucia. From the train station, you are about 2,000' from the people mover at the Piazzale Roma out to the ships. You can walk it. Both the train station and the Piazzale Roma are on the Grand Canal so a land taxi is out. Just walk out of the train station, turn right, walk about 800'-1,000' along the promenade to the bridge over the Grand Canal. Once over the bridge, you are at the Piazzale Roma. Look for the people mover.

If you have never been to Venice before, a suggestion. When you walk out of the train station, stand of the top of the stairs before going down and take in the view. You will be looking at the Grand Canal. Everything will be in motion moving to the left and right. Boats and people. It's everything you expected but nothing you understand - yet. For us, it was one of those never to forget scenic moments.

How late does your flight arrive? For safety, you'd have to allow about 3 hours between flight arrival at Malpensa and departing the train station downtown. The last direct trains from Milano Centrale station leave at about 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00, with the last one arriving in Venice just before midnight. If that sounds too uncertain, then the overnight stay in Milan is the more comfortable plan.

If you plan to overnight in Milan and travel to Venice the following day, then you should consider purchasing your train tickets in advance. The standard second class fare is €37.50, but you may be able to get economy tickets for €19 or super economy for even less, possibly as low as €9. Discounted first class tickets also sometimes cost less than the standard second class fare. Keep in mind that discounted tickets are for a specific train and come with restrictions limiting or prohibiting exchanges, so they're a good option only wnen you can commit to travel at a specific time.

Thank you Andrea and Larry. We get into Milan at 1045 pm so it's not possible to go to Venice that time of the night and we have to spend the night in Milan. Any suggestion as to staying in the airport or go to a central station hotel?

Thank you Laura and Frank. Going straight to Venice is not an option but one advance option ticket purchase price appeared to be $29.