Malpensa to Centrale

You can take a train from Malpensa airport to Milano Centrale. Much better than the bus and not subject to road traffic delays.

There is a train station connected directly to the terminal, it is well signed throughout. You can buy a ticket on a ticket vending machine, credit cards usually accepted (and Euro banknotes/coins as well, change given).

Just beware there are two train destinations leaving from the airport: Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna; you do not want the train to Cadorna, only to M. Centrale.

cate,

A few other points to mention.....

Your transportation options will depend on whether you're arriving at MXP Terminal 1 (international flights) or Terminal 2 (budget airlines from other European destinations).

Assuming you're arriving on an international flight at T1, you can either use the Malpensa Express as described by Andre or the Malpensa Shuttle (Coach). Although the Coach is subject to traffic, I've found that there's really not much difference in travel times.

If you'd like to use the Express, there's a rail station right at Terminal 1 and you can buy your tickets for both the trip to Milano Centrale as well as Pisa. You can buy tickets either at a staffed ticket window or a Kiosk. Note that there are several stations in Pisa, so you'll have to know your destination when buying tickets. One other important point to mention regarding the Malpensa Express - as that's a Regionale train, BE SURE to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train or you'll face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!

If you'd rather use the Shuttle, as I recall there are ticket machines inside the terminal near the baggage claim area and also a ticket desk. You can also buy tickets from the driver. I don't remember the details, but I don't believe you'll need exact change. You can check THEIR WEBSITE for all the details.

what is the best way to locate train to Pisa.

To begin with, have a look at the Trenitalia website to get some idea on the trains that will be departing to Pisa. There are a few direct (no changes) trains on that route every day, but more than likely you'll have at least one change, probably in Florence.

THIS video isn't perfect but will give you an idea what Milano Centrale looks like. Check the "Partenze" displays for the departure time and track no. (Binario) of your train. The train number will be listed on your ticket. It's likely that the first train from Milano Centrale to Firenze SMN will be via Freccia train which have compulsory reservations (which will be provided with your ticket). With the Freccia trains, your ticket will be specific for a particular train, date and departure time, so you MUST use only the train listed on your ticket. If you board any other train, you'll face fines! If you'll have a change in Florence (or wherever), when you arrive at the next station you'll need to again check the "Partenze" boards for the track no. of your next train departure. The second train to PIsa will likely be a Regionale, so you MUST validate your ticket prior to boarding the train, or risk a hefty fine.

I flew in and out of Malpensa a few weeks ago. There is a lot of construction/renovation going on on the arrivals floor particularly if you arrive from Area B. This makes the signs to the train a bit more difficult to spot. The final sign that points to the down escalator is a bit ambiguous, but know that you must go down one floor from arrivals. Once there it is very easy to get to the train station. The train schedules and tracks are displayed on electronic boards. Tickets can be bought at the ticket desk, or from a machine. Remember to validate. It is a very easy trip.

Thanks to all.

I was taking the Malpensa Express 2 weeks ago and I can add two things:

1. If you buy a ticket for a specific departure (date and time printed on the ticket) you don't have to validate
2. if you need to validate, look for the arrow which shows which end of the ticket to put into the machine. This is obvious when you have tried it before, but I fumbled a lot and wasn't sure if it was validated or not (it wasn't), so I looked more closely on the ticket and finally noticed the arrow (it was so big that it was hard to see)

have a nice trip

Thanks, i remember having to validate the last tine I was there, but had bought tickets at the same time. So, good to know!