I'll be arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport with Florence as ultimate destination. I understand there's a train from the airport to the central train station where I can catch a train to Florence. Does anyone have any experience with this route? Thank you!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Yes, many of us have lots of experience on that route.
From MXP you'll have to take the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale. The trip is about 52 minutes and you can buy your tickets at the airport rail station, either from a staffed ticket window or a Kiosk. NOTE that the M.E. has two destinations, Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna, so be sure to board the correct train. One other important point is that you MUST validate your ticket prior to boarding the train, or you'll risk a hefty fine.
From Milano Centrale you'll transfer to one of the high speed trains to Florence. You can also buy the ticket for this at the MXP airport station, and the trip is 1H:39M. NOTE that these trains have compulsory seat reservations that are specific to train, date and departure time, so the ticket can ONLY be used on the one train printed on the ticket. Your destination station will be Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
Expect to pay about €12 for the first leg and €40 for the second ticket in the cheapest class. How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it, but that doesn't reflect the (frequent) Malpensa Express train. If you have Rick's Italy book, see also pages 291 and 339.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you, Ken! Just the information I needed. Thanks, Laura for more info.
Posted by
616 posts
Hi!
I have done this route quite a few times.
The prices given to you are not exactly correct.
For instance, there are still place for speed trains Milano Firenze at 17, 24 euros. There is even an inter city train, which takes 3.30, so slower but for 9 euros. This is on 5 April?
When are you going?
Go to website www. lefrecce.it
You may reserve with your credit card and have your ticket on the I phone (in this case, be sure to know where you put it and eventually print it in case there is a technical problem)
If you need help, just ask.
Posted by
616 posts
There are also many buses just in front of the airport going to Milano Centrale and they are cheaper! Check what is best for you, your finance and your pleasure.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
A few additional comments.....
While you can buy discounted advance tickets, most of us here don't recommend that approach when connecting with an inbound flight. The tickets for the fast trains have compulsory seat reservations which are specific to train, date and departure time. If you miss the train you've booked because your flight was late, because of an exceptionally long line at Passport control or whatever, your tickets are worthless and you'll have to buy more at full (Base) price. The "safer" approach is to simply buy your tickets at the Malpensa rail station as I suggested earlier.
Also, regarding the Malpensa Shuttle (Bus) from the airport to Milano Centrale that's certainly an option, however keep in mind that the actual travel time is dependent on traffic at the time. The fare for the Malpensa Express (train) is currently €12 PP and for the Malpensa Shuttle (Bus) is currently €10 PP. The Express will be a better idea, especially if you're connecting with a train at Milano Centrale. The only time the Bus makes sense is if your flight is arriving at Malpensa Terminal 2.