Munich to Milan -- train versus plane

Train times from "Malpensa Aeroporto" to "Milano Centrale" or "Milano Nord Cadorna" are on www.trenitalia.com/en.html. Use a day of travel before December 12.

The railways' booking engines are very smart. If you just put in your dates, departure station and destination station, it will show you the fastest route as well as some alternatives. You dont have to plot it out yourself. If you're interested in scenic routes and or interim stops, than thats a different story.

Milan has multiple airports. From Malpensa airport, its about an hour by train to the central station.

The fastest train connections with a single change at Verona are 7 1/2 to 8 hours. I would figure like this.
1 hour rail to Munich airport.
1 1/2 from arrival at the airport to departure, (luggage check, security, get to gate 30 minute before departure).
1 hour in the air
1 hour from arrival to get to the Malpensa train station, (walk to luggage carousel, wait for luggage, walk to train station and purchase ticket)
1 hour train ride into central Milan.
So that is 5 1/2 hours, maybe shave off some time if you have carry-on only.

If you are feeling adventurous, there is a night train taking 12 hours to Milano Garibaldi station. Leaves Munich Hbf at 8:10 pm and arrives in Milan at 8:10 am the next day.

I looked and I don't see anything that flies to close-in Linate airport.

If you have the time, I'd suggest the day train as the views are usually great when you're crossing the alps. And try to get a slightly slower route that goes through fewer tunnels. Otherwise, the night train is a very good option between Munich and Milan.

A quick look at skyscanner for flights and dbahn for trains shows flights of 1hr 5 min, and train trips of 8 hours. Even factoring trains to and from the airports, plus security, flying would still be faster.

The train might be a bit faster than that next year due to upgrades done to the rail lines in the area.

Todd,

Even though travel by train may be longer, it will be a much more pleasant journey. Travelling by air will mean rail journeys at either end plus the flight and the usual airport hassles, cramped seating, possibly expensive charges for luggage, etc. Travel by rail will involve two relaxing rail journeys, less hauling of luggage and no excess baggage charges, and some nice views when you pass through the Brenner Pass. You can pick up lunch at your departure station and perhaps a small bottle of wine, and enjoy a relaxing trip.

On the current schedules, there's a rail departure from Munich at 11:34, arriving Milano Centrale at 18:55 (time 7H:21M, one change in Verona). You may have to wear a mask for the entire journey regardless of which option you choose.

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Agree with you, Ken -- it does sound like a much more relaxing way to go.

Todd, I have not taken the train from Munich to Milan, but have from Munich to Venice and what an experience. Now if I had taken the plane, I would not have written about it. Shirley and I had no experience with trains, being from the south in the US, trains are not used (rarely). I had to teach myself to use the train system first in France, then Germany. I was a bit apprehensive at first on taking the train, but my fears were soon over after taking a few rides. Our trip from Munich to Venice was a Kodak moment around every bend, we stayed glued to the windows. We sat in a open 2nd class coach room or cubicle. meet a couple from the US and a elder lady from Italy, I used my 3 words of Italian I knew and discovered she was going home to see family. That was 8 years ago and I still recall every moment like it was yesterday. By research you will figure out if you need to reserve a certain route on the train, most times you can purchase the ticket at the station thru a machine, Don't be intimidated by it, if you can read, you can figure it out. YouTube and this site is your best friend.
The Hauptbahnhof in München,(two words you need to know) is so great!!, Busy, loud, full of travelers, local and tourist heading all over Europe, Be a tourist, take lots of pictures., Have fun

I would choose the train from Munich Hauptbahnof. The scenery is lovely and very relaxing. Having done this route, I would definitely recommend it, although slightly more time - infinitely more pleasant. Good travels

We have taken the train from Munich to Milan and enjoyed the journey very much. It was relaxing and scenic, two words that don’t come to mind when I think of a flight from city outskirts to city outskirts. We were on a weeks long trip so a day of relaxation, planning, rest, conversation and scenery watching seemed like a good change of pace.

Late to the party here, but I have to echo what many have said - if you can afford the time, take the train. Your trip will be much more laid back, and the scenery is gorgeous.