We are 4 adults who want to hire transportation services in Milan to take us to a hotel located on Lake Garda. We will be traveling overnight from the states landing in Milan, at the Malpensa airport. We will arrive on October 8, 2015.
Would like recommendations of who we might contact for those services.
Where are you going on Lake Garda?
Google shows lots of car services in Milan, but I've never used any so can't recommend a specific one. The guidebook may have some listings also, but I haven't checked.
Have a look at this one to see if it looks promising.....
Perhaps your hotel can recommend a service?
I'd start with Zoe's idea - your hotel has no doubt had this request before, so they can give you the best advice.
If that doesn't work (for instance, if you're not staying at a hotel), here is the list of taxi companies at Malpensa Airport, from the airport's official website. You could Google them to see if they have websites, then e-mail them to get quotes for your exact trip: http://www.milanomalpensa-airport.com/en/directions-and-parking/by-taxi
Why not the train from Milan to Desenzano or Peschiera and then a taxi or car service from there to your town on the lake?
I have never used a private car service in Italy, at least none that I can remember, as I always drive my own rental car or some family member's car, therefore I can't recommend any in particular. There are however hundreds of such companies in Lombardy and I'm sure they are all reliable. Just to check prices, I checked with a major one based in Peschiera Del Garda called www.PeschieraTransfer.it.
For four pax with 1 suitcase each they charge about €300 one way. They offer a 20% discount if you book and buy a round trip transfer.
These are the alternatives:
1. Rent a car at MXP and drive your own car. €300 is about the price of a midsize car per week. That way you will have your own transportation during your stay. I know Garda well and frankly I think a car is useful in that area as trains serve only the south lake.
2. Go by train to Desenzano, then a taxi to your town.
The Malpensa Express train takes you to Milan Centrale in 45 min for €12 p.p.
Then from Milano C. there are two trains every hour to Desenzano. The regional trains take 1h25m and cost about €9 per person one way. The faster (but only 25 min faster) Frecciabianca trains take you there for €20 per person.
So basically the train option would allow you to get to Desenzano for a price ranging from €80 to €120 for the four of you, that is about 1/3 of the price of a private car transfer. Time wise the train is likely even faster than the car if you take a Frecciabianca, in spite of the layover at the Milano Centrale station.
I gave you the options. You think it over with the rest of your party. I would rent a car, but that is me.
