We'll be flying into Milan on a Sunday morning in April. How much time do we need to allow to get through customs etc. (carry-ons only) at Malpensa and get to Centrale to catch an Intercity train?
Posted by
California 🦋
5202 posts
David,
It's difficult to predict how long it will take you to get thorough immigration (passport check-point) because that would depend on how many people are in line (from flights arriving at around the same time as yours)
It could take 15 minutes or 45 minutes...
Once you clear immigration, walk to the train ticket counter & purchase your ticket for the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale.
This will take about 52 minutes.
Are you asking this question because you want to buy your train ticket(s) in advance?
This is not recommended because your flight might be delayed and then your ticket will be useless.
Where are you traveling to from Milano Centrale?
Posted by
OP
10 posts
We're planning to head south, to Pisa or the Cinque Terre. My impression from the Trenitalia site is that the fares available this early are low enough that it would be worth the risk. I would plan to allow a couple of hours extra, just in case the flight is late.
Posted by
California 🦋
5202 posts
David,
It's your call if you want to take the risk but I'd probably give myself more that a couple of hours.
My flight was 2 hours delayed!
If you are planning to go to Pisa from Milano Centrale, you could buy the freccia (high speed) train for the first leg of your trip ( Milano Centrale> Firenze( Florence) & save $.
However, the ticket from Firenze > Pisa is a Regional (Regionale) Train & there is no advantage in buying this ticket in advance as the price does not change.
Are you planning to visit Florence and Rome as well?
If so, I'd go Milan -> Florence > Pisa > CT, then CT to Rome via (La Spezia)
Posted by
OP
10 posts
We've got four weeks. We'll probably do 5-6 days in Florence, 5-6 in Rome, maybe a week exploring the hill towns, then Venice.
Posted by
California 🦋
5202 posts
David,
4 weeks in Italy sounds great!
So are you flying to/from Malpensa or flying into Malpensa & out of Venice?
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Back to Malpensa to return to JFK. We hope to see a bit of Milan, the Duomo and maybe La Scala, at the end of the trip.
Posted by
California 🦋
5202 posts
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I would allow several hours and be prepared to buy a full-fare ticket if you are much delayed. In my experience, the Intercity trains have the worst on-time record, but I wouldn't count on a train departure being delayed. Are you arriving in Milano at 7am or 11am? I would allow 4 hours to make the train, but honestly I would probably spend the first night in Milano and take an early train the next morning. See something of the city and overcome any jet lag.