Malpensa to Turin - bus or train

Posted by wells_vella on 05/03/14 07:52 AM

We will arrive at Milan Malpensa at 8.45am and wish to go Turin where we will stay for some days. Has anyone recently caught the bus from the airport direct to Turin? If so, where does it leave from and is it necessary to pre-purchase a ticket?
We had a very bad experience a few years back, arriving at Malpensa and expecting to take the bus to Stresa. The person on the information desk was very unpleasant and unhelpful and insisted we needed to have pre-booked our seats and did not really explain clearly where to catch the bus. After waiting in the rain (at the wrong place!) we ended up taking a taxi to a nearby town, then a train to Stresa.
Would it be safer this time to take the train into Milano Centrale and then a train to Turin?

Thanks, Lynne

Posted by Holly

Watertown, MA

05/03/14 02:38 PM

118 posts

sorry you had such a bad experience! It can very overwhelming to figure out logistics the first time. I do think the bus is your best option and the most direct, even though you will have to wait for the 10:30 am bus which matches your schedule.

From the sadem.it website it states that you must reserve your seats and you can pay on-line via credit card. That will save you some grief. I am sure you will have a print out that you could show for help locating the bus stop.
http://www.sadem.it/media/5191/000020.pdf

I think there may be some discussions on Trip Advisor about the bus or also try Slow Trav too

good luck!!

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

05/03/14 07:09 PM

32405 posts

wells,

I'd suggest travelling that route by rail. There are frequent departures and you can buy tickets on-the-spot when you arrive. You'll first need to take the Malpensa Express from the airport to Milano Centrale (about 50 minutes, fare ~€10 PP). Note that the Malpensa Express has two destinations, Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna, so BE SURE to board the correct train. Also, DON'T forget to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train!

When you arrive at Milano Centrale, you'll transfer to the train to Torino. There are several stations there and I used Torina Porta Nuova to check the times. There are also frequent departures on that route and the trip will be 1 - 2 hours, depending on which train you connect with and fares ~€12 - 20 PP, again depending on which train you use. You can buy tickets for both trains at Malpensa, either from a staffed ticket office or from a Kiosk.

Posted by wells_vella OP

05/04/14 06:49 AM

15 posts

Thank you Holly and Ken for your detailed replies. Plenty of information to help us decide.
Happy travelling, Lynne

Posted by Holly

Watertown, MA

05/04/14 01:06 PM

118 posts

from the airport to Milano Centrale is €12 and base fare, the only tickets that may be available on day of travel are €25.50 or €30 depending on the train. Total cost €37.50 to €42. This is for the fastest trains. There is the option of a slower regional trains which is €12.20, which does bring down the cost to €24.20, but it adds time to your journey but is closer in price to taking the bus. The bus is only €22 and direct and takes two hours but you have to wait until 10:30. A combination of trains means a longer journey but you can start right away on the next train from the airport.

you have your options and will do your research so you will be well-prepared!!
have a great time in Torino! It is an amazing city!

Posted by Dario

Italy

05/04/14 03:00 PM

3812 posts

If you look at a map, you'll see that Malpensa is between Milan and Turin. Going back to Milan to take the train would be a waste of time and money.
A few years back you had a bad experience with a grumpy person and now you're going to avoid all buses that leave from Malpensa? It isn't even the same company!