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Malpensa airport to Stresa

Posted by (Illinois) on

What is the easiest (most hassle-free) way to get from the airport to my hotel in Stresa? And then, what is the least expensive way to do the trip? We do not want to rent a car.

I have looked at the train and bus websites, and honestly I am just mentally challenged when it comes to reading them. I never use public transport at home, and the idea of using it in another country where there may be a language barrier really gives me anxiety.

Ideally I would like an arranged transfer service, but if the cost is significantly higher (there are 4 adults), then I will have to use the train or bus. If in the end I have to go by public transport, is anyone able to tell me specifically, step by step how to book it?

Or if a hired car does turn out to be reasonable, does anyone have a specific recommendation for a reliable service?

Thank you very much! I am just overwhelmed this morning :(

Posted by
15211 posts

In addition to the shuttle bus above, you can take the train.
The fastest and most hassle free way is to take a taxi from the airport to the station in the town of Gallarate (pronounce: Galla-RAH-tay). Gallarate is next to the airport and the taxi can have you at the station in 10 min. There is also a shuttle bus that goes back and forth between the airport and the Gallarate station. It costs less than the taxi but it might take a couple of minutes longer. I'll see if I can find you the schedule and post it later. Then from the Gallarate station there are many trains going to Stresa (a couple of trains every hour). The cost of the train is just a handful of euro (~€5), it's a short half hour ride.
You can see schedules here:
www.trenitalia.com
Enter from GALLARATE
to STRESA
Choose a date in the next 7 days to get an idea.
For time (hour) enter the time you estimate to arrive at MXP. The website will show all trains during the day after that time.

Edit:
below is the bus schedule from Malpensa airport to the Gallarate station. It's only €1.50 to be paid on board, but it takes almost 30 min instead of the 10 min by taxi.
http://www.airpullman.com/altri/saco/ORARI%20GALL-MXP-CASTEL.%20DAL%2001.03.14.pdf

Posted by
32219 posts

A few thoughts to add.....

With four adults plus luggage, be sure to choose a Taxi from MXP to Gallarate that uses a mini van.

Many of the trains from Gallarate to Stresa will be Regionale. Current fares are listed at €4.90 PP. One important point to mention is that you MUST validate your tickets prior to boarding the train or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! Note that Regionale trains are typically only offer second class seating, so you'll have to tolerate that for the short journey to Stresa.

There may be a few EuroCity trains on that route also, but they will likely require a change so I'd suggest waiting for the next Regionale. The travel time will be longer on the EC and they are also considerably more expensive.

The station in Stresa is on the side of the hill above town, so you can either walk down to your hotel (it's all downhill and not far to the lakefront) or take a Taxi (there should be at least one waiting). I usually take a Taxi when hauling luggage as it's so much easier.

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