Milan to Venice

Milan-stay at Antica Locanda Leonardo near The Last Supper and Cadorna Station. Get your tickets to The Last Supper way ahead of time.

Deb, there's so much to see in Milan! The Cathedral, and the newly renovated Cathedral Museum. There are some great parks, one of which is just north of the center and is huge! There's also a great old fort turned museum there, Castello Forzesco. We had some great food in Milan, as well.

We stayed at the Lancaster, and loved it. It's north of the park, but walkable from the center. Great staff. We did ask to change our room after the first night because of a very noisy HVAC system - even when we weren't using the a/c. But that was not a problem, and they even moved all our stuff while we were out. Good breakfast, affordable rates. (€69 to €99 last July.)

We were there for four + days after our Village Italy tour last year, and never ran out of things to do.

There are indeed lots of things to see and do in Milan, but it's a real city and it's so much easier to be jet-lagged in Venice. Avoid the hassle of checking in and out of another hotel or apartment. Plus, my husband and I always thinks that if you have to be somewhere on time, just get to the place right away and relax there early.

With an extra day in Venice, you could see the things that are not on your tour or just wander around in the less touristed areas. We've spent a total of two weeks in Venice and would love to have that one more day if we could.

The Milan-to-Venice train is pretty easy unless you are over-packed, but I'm sure the tour already warned you about that!

I prefer Venice to Milan for its ambiance, architecture, and numerous smaller museums. If you were starting an Italy My Way tour that only includes 2 nights in Venice, then I'd definitely recommend arriving earlier. You're probably starting a Venice-Florence-Rome tour that includes 3 nights in Venice, but another day there, all on your own schedule, is still worthwhile.

If just for one night I would stay near Milan Central station. Easy access from the airport and for the train to Venice.

Many forum members enjoy and recommend Hotel Berna. I’ve stayed at the Hilton near the station and it was fine.

We can highly recommend the four star Hotel Berna located about 400 meters from Stazione Centrale. We've stayed here many, many times because it is extremely clean, first-rate staff, and they serve the best breakfast in Milano. The address is Napo Torriano 18.

Buon viaggio,

Thanks all for the great suggestions. I just booked a night in Milan with Hotel Berna. All the reviews were very good so I look forward to a relaxing sleep after more than 24hrs of travel from Seattle.
I see the hotel is close to the train station for our trip to Venice the next day. I looked at the train schedule and will book that in advance for a good discount.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel in midafternoon?

one choice--- https://www.terravision.eu/airport_transfer/busmalpensa-airport-milan/

another choice---https://www.italiarail.com/pages/routes/milan-malpensa-airport-to-milan

For Milan, I've preferred to stay near the train station, just easier to get around with all my luggage as I was usually starting or, ending a trip. I've stayed at both Hotel Garda and Hotel Berna, both satisfied my needs for a hot shower, and place to lay my head. Areas like Centro Direzionale neighborhood and Milan Cathedral/Galleria are within walking distance.

I am flying into Linate airport from Frankfurt so I suppose the same transport is available. Should I pre arrange or just wait until we get there?

Just take a taxi when you arrive. Enjoy the Hotel Berna! They have a fantastic breakfast buffet.

Just get on the train and head directly to Venezia S. Lucia and spend your nights in Venice before your tour. There's nothing like Venice.

From Linate, you can take a bus or taxi to Milano Centrale station. From the station you can get a train to Venice, or a metro to other places in Milan (of course, if you're taking a taxi and staying in Milan, you would take it right to your hotel).

I am booked at Hotel Berna for our Oct trip. How much should I pay for a taxi from Milan airport to the hotel? Must I pay in cash?

From Linate, take a taxi, it should be around €25... Ask the driver if they receive credit card, many do.

25 euros for 2adults would be less than the train at 15euro ea. Will use ATM in Frankfurter airport to have cash for taxi and insidentals the first day in Italy.

There is no train from Linate, you can take a local bus that leaves you near the Duomo (€1.50 pp), or I think there is a shuttle but I've never taken it... However with luggage I think the taxi is easier.