MXP to Monterosso by train

Advance purchase not necessary and not recommended when leaving direct from a flight (since it can be delayed, etc.). Just go to Trenitalia website to see schedules. I would download the app and buy tickets on arrival.

I know what you mean about delays etc. The only problem is I looked on train website and the schedules show that many of the trains show only a couple of tickets left. I am not sure if this means that if you go to the counter to buy tickets there will be none available or if it means only a couple are left on the website.

How far is where you get on the train at the airport from where you get through customs? Our flight is supposed to arrive at 9:10am. Is it reasonable to thing we could get on a train that is scheduled to leave airport at 10:50 if we are on time?
Thanks

Are you on Trenitalia? If you are on a site that can be trusted, are you sure that it's displaying only a couple of seats left and not a couple of discounted fares? There is a difference, discounted fares are capacity controlled.

There isn't a single direct train from Milan to Monterosso that's selling out on trenitalia.com. None tomorrow and none on the 4th of October.

October 4 is a working day and there is no reason because thousands of people should fill up all the trains to a seaside village in autumn.

You can easily buy tickets at the airport when you arrive, either from a staffed ticket office or from the kiosks, which have an English language option. If you have the Trenitalia app on your phone and internet access, you can also buy the tickets online when you arrive. If you use the train to Monterosso suggested below, it wouldn't be a good idea to buy the tickets in advance, as it's an Intercity train which has compulsory reservations which are specific to train, date and departure time. If you miss the train you booked because your flight was late, the tickets won't be valid.

You may find this helpful - https://www.milanomalpensa-airport.com/en/from-to/by-train .

You'll first take the Malpensa Express from MXP to Milano Centrale. Note that the M.E. has two routes, one to Milano Centrale and one to Milano Cadorna. Be sure to board the correct train, and also be sure to validate your ticket before boarding (if the ticket was bought when you arrive). For the ongoing trip from Milan to Monterosso, your best bet is direct train #IC 665 that departs Milano Centrale at 12:10, arriving Monterosso at 15:05 (time 2H:55M). I find that after a long international flight, a direct train is always much easier than dealing with one or more changes, especially when hauling luggage.

Thank you all for this great information. You have been very helpful, and I really appreciate it.

It’s very easy to get tickets in advance and I’d advise you to do so if that’s something you prefer to do. Sometimes it’s nice to have one thing already taken care of in case you have a delay. We flew into MXP and took the same trip you’re taking and we did it all in advance with no issues. We actually stayed in Levanto, one stop before Monterosso, but basically the same trip. We booked the Malpensa Express from MXP to Milano Centrale (get the Trenord app) and Trenitalia to Levanto. Like the others said, you don’t have to buy in advance. If it makes you less anxious to have one less thing to worry about, it’s an easy process. Good luck.