We are scheduled to land at Malpensa Sunday, October 2. I have watched the flight status of our flight (from JFK) now for a couple of weeks and it seems that it either lands about 20 minutes early or 20 minutes late. One thing I can tell is that it never leaves JFK on time! From Milan we will take a train to Bologna. I have looked at the train schedule and we have plenty of options. Can anyone give me a rough estimate of how long it takes once we step off the plane to get through whatever the Italian version of immigration is? We will have carry on luggage. I keep wondering if it is worth the risk to buy train tickets in advance and save a bit of money or just wait until we get there. If we wait, is there any chance a train will be full at this time of year?
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
Murphy's Law dictates that if you buy the tickets ahead of time, you will likely be delayed and then have to buy new tickets when you get there. The Mini Fares have fairly severe restrictions so in this type of case, it is better to buy your tickets when you get arrive and really know which trains you can catch. Passport control lines can move very quickly or more slowly depending on how may other flights arrive near the same time as your flight. There are so many variables besides just the flights, how long it takes to de-plane, if you get stuck behind the slowest or faster walkers on the way to passport control, which line you manage to get in at passport control, etc.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I agree. Wait until you get there. One of the charms of Italy is how unpredictable it can be. You shouldn't have trouble getting tickets. Happy travels.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1269 posts
Hi Stephanie. Another option is to check your bags at the Milan station and spend the day in Milan; the city is close to the train station; you can walk or take the metro. The Milan church, outdoor shopping mall and famous opera house are all within a few blocks of each other. You could buy your train tix to Bologna in advance for a 6 or 7 pm train, or just buy tix right before you board. It's a way to see another city without using up an extra day of your trip. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Woodbury, MN, USA
46 posts
We flew into Malpensa at the end of April from JFK arriving at around 9 am. I was surprised that we basically just walked off the plane and right thru passport control. We all had carry on luggage. I bet from the time we landed until we were looking for the train was no more than 30 minutes. Again, I was surprised at how quickly and no lines it went. We took the train to the Central Station - not Cadorna- and got the tickets to Cinque Terre. I'd buy tickets when you get there.
It should be pretty easy. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23650 posts
There is merit to Bob's suggestion but you will be tired. From the time the plane lands you should be in the Centrale Station in an hour and half plus the any time need to wait for the train so it could be two hours at the max.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
It's a case in which it's better to buy tickets on arrival. If possible, buy tickets all the way to Bologna already in Malpensa airport. They have 2 or 3 (and increasing) high-speed services from Malpensa to Bologna (and other destionations) per day that don't require a transfer.