Milan Malpensa to Milan Centrale

If you're going to Milan to connect to a train elsewhere, the bus to the Central Station is the way to go. Highway traffic can cause delays, though.

If you'll be staying in Milan, the Malpensa Express train to Cadorna station might likely get you closer to where you want to be. It runs on a reliable schedule.

Yep, I'm referring to the bus, sorry I didn't make that clear. We are landing a little after 1PM and want to catch a train out of Centrale at 4PM

You are of course referring to the BUS shuttle to Milano Centrale, and not the train to Milano Cadorna Station.

The only "pitfall" is heavy traffic. Travel time can be a little as 50 minutes, but during commute hours, it takes 80 minutes on average. If there is a major accident or heavy rain, it can take even a bit longer.

Therefore, it's good to allow plenty of connection time to take an outbound train from Milano Centrale (plus time to purchase the ticket).

Three hours is the minimum recommended connection time.

If you don't have your ticket already, make sure you read up on how to use the automated machines at the train station. The lines to see an attendant are usually very long. The machine is the way to go, but make sure you use the correct one, either the one for regionale trains or the one for the Eurostar. I think Ron in Rome's site has the best guide for getting through the train station.

Dan

I've taken the shuttle bus a couple of times and it was perfect to arrive and the Central Train station.
I had no problems at all.

I have used the Milan Shuttle many times and it is easy. Once you walk past customs go to uscita (exit) 2 and the shuttle will be outside. You can buy tickets from the driver. There is also a place inside to purchase tickets, but it is just as easy to buy from the driver. When you walk outside look at the sign posts because there are 2 shuttle companies. The cost is just about the same and make sure it is going to Stazione Centrale. The trip ia about 40 minutes, more or less, and it drops you on the side of the stazione, which is gigantic with its fascist architecture.

The Milan Shuttle goes directly to the Stazione centrale and the train goes to the Cadorno Station and you would need to transfer to the central station. The bus is easier.

Buon viaggio,

RB

Dianne,

The Malpensa Express is a bit quicker (especially as it isn't affected by traffic), but as the others mentioned this terminates at Cadorna Station and not Milano Centrale. You'd have to get from Cadorna to Centrale via Taxi or Metro.

As you're going to be connecting to another train that departs at 16:00, the Malpensa Shuttle is probably the best bet in this case. Hopefully there won't be any "traffic issues"? Check Their Website for all the details.

When you arrive in Milan, will you have tickets for the train? Again as mentioned, the queues at the ticket office (two floors down on "moving sidewalks") are often LONG. There are automated ticket machines at track level and adjacent to the ticket office. The machines at track level would only accept credit cards when I was last there in June, but those adjacent to the ticket office would also accept Euro's.

Be sure to keep some Euro coins at hand for the WC's in Milano Centrale, should that be required. Also, BE SURE to keep a close watch on your luggage and belongings!

Happy travels!