Rail travel from Milan Malpensa airport

Pick the one that fits your schedule. If you are going to prepurchase a ticket, then allow at least three hours to clear immigration (assuming you are coming from the US), catch the train to Centrale and then to Venice. If a local flight then allow a couple hours.

Thank you!

And hope that your flight is not delayed.

civa,

You might consider just buying your tickets when you arrive in Milan, as that way you won't have any problems if your flight is delayed. Keep in mind that the trip from Milano Centrale to Venice will likely be via Freccia high speed train, and those have compulsory reservations which are specific to a particular train, date and departure time. If you miss the train listed on your ticket, you'll have to buy another ticket at full price (Base fare). If you don't have valid reservations for the train you're riding on (if required), you'll be subject to hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!

Also, you'll need to validate your tickets prior to boarding the Malpensa Express, or again hefty fines!

I assume you'll be flying into MXP Terminal 1? If that's the case, you can use the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale, where you'll connect with the train to Venice. Note that there are two routes with the Malpensa Express, one to Centrale and one to Cadorna station. Be sure you board the correct train! There's also the Malpensa Shuttle (Bus), which is the best option if flying into Terminal 2. Either the train or bus will get you to Milano Centrale.

I just want to say how nice it is that perfect strangers have taken the time to respond to my question! I like the advice about waiting until we arrive to buy tickets in case our train is delayed, but are trains so booked in Italy that I would struggle to reserve one?

civa,

"....waiting until we arrive to buy tickets in case our train is delayed"

I assume you mean waiting until we arrive to buy tickets in case our flight is delayed?

I doubt that you'll have any problems waiting until you arrive to buy tickets. The Malpensa Express has frequent departures so you should have no trouble finding a place there (although if it's busy, you may have to stand for part of the trip).

It's not likely that the Freccia train from Milan to Venice will be fully booked but if it is, no big deal as there will be another train in an hour or so. If you find second class fully booked, check first class seats. Those will cost more, but in a tired and jet-lagged state, I wouldn't hesitate to book first class if that's all that was available.

Many thanks for all of the helpful and reassuring advice.

I agree with the plan to buy tickets upon arrival, so you don't waste money on a train you might possibly miss. If your flight arrives in the morning, you have all day to get to Venice, and plenty of trains to choose from, even if a departure (or a class of service) sells out.