We (2 senior ladies) will be arriving at MXP in Sep at 8:30 am and need to catch a train to Brig, Switzerland. Are there train connections at the MXP airport going that direction? I am somewhat handicapped and need to find the easiest route to Brig. Do we have to go through Milan Centrale or another station and, if so, what is the simplest way to get to a rail station going to Brig? We are not opposed to taking a taxi to a nearby station.
Ruth and MaryLou
Posted by
Green Bay
20143 posts
The easiest way is to take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale station and change to an EC train direct to Brig. That way, you arrive at the station on the same level as all of the other trains, no stairs to climb, just walk from the arriving track to the departing track of the EC train.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23281 posts
It is about an hour from the airport to Centrale train station. Check DBahn.com for schedules.
Posted by
California 🦋
5217 posts
Ruth,
If you have any type of mobility issues, you may consider requesting wheelchair assistance at Malpensa.
You'd need to call the airline that you'll be flying to make this request.
There will be a wheelchair with an assistant waiting for you once you deplane, & they will whiz you through passport control, and take you all the way to the train tracks where you can buy your ticket & board the 'Malpensa Express' to Milano Centrale.
I did this for my mom, who was 87 at the time, for our last trip to Italy in 2014.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Ruth and MaryLou,
The quickest and easiest way for travel on that route is to take the Malpensa Express from the airport to Milano Centrale, and then a EuroCity train to Brig. You can buy tickets for the M.E. at the airport station, but don't forget to validate the tickets (time & date stamp) prior to boarding the train, or you'll be subject to hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! The trip from the airport takes ~52 minutes. I can't remember if there's also a Trenitalia ticket office at the airport for buying the tickets to Brig? If not, you can buy the tickets at a Kiosk or staffed ticket office at Milano Centrale (however the staffed office is two floors down and requires some walking).
You'll arrive at Milano Centrale on track (Binario) 1 or 2 and there's a slight walk from there into the other part of the station where your next train will be departing from. When you get into the main part of the station, you can check the large electronic sign board to determine the track (Binario) number of your next train.
The most likely train you'll be able to connect with is a EuroCity departure at 11:23, arriving Brig at 13:16 (time 1H:53M, direct). Fare is currently listed at €38 PP. Many here don't recommend buying advance tickets to connect with an inbound flight, as if there are any delays (flight is late, long queues at Passport control, etc.) and you miss the train you've booked, the ticket may be worthless (depending on what class of ticket it is), so you may have to buy another one. The express trains have compulsory seat reservations which are specific to train, date and departure time, so the tickets can ONLY be used on the one train listed on the ticket.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1532 posts
An alternative idea: most trains to Brig stop en route at Stresa, that is 50 kms. (30 miles) from MXP. If you can book a taxi or a private transfer (that should be something like 75 to 100 euro), it could be easier than going to Milan and back.
Pros: you spare more than an hour travel time - Stresa station is small and easy to navigate
Cons: expensive - train stops only for a minute so you need to be quick
It is a real pity that trains to Brig transit from Gallarate, that is just a few miles from MXP, but only a very early and a very late train stop there; international trains call at Stresa. Younger travelers could consider a taxi to Gallarate (it should be something like 10-15 euro), then regional train to Domodossola, then switch to a Swiss train to Brig. This solution would be the cheapest one but involves changing trains.
Posted by
OP
Visalia
8 posts
Thanks. You have been a big help. I always use a wheelchair at the airport but wonder if there is any assistance at Milan Centrale even just with luggage.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
I don't recall ever seeing any Wheelchairs or whatever at Milano Centrale, but then I wasn't looking.
Perhaps you should buy one of these.....
(Sorry, I couldn't resist).
Posted by
Green Bay
20143 posts
It is an EC regulation to have services for people with reduced mobility. But you will need to phone and talk with someone. I assume you don't speak Italian, so you'll need to locate someone who speaks English.
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Purchase/Info-&-Contacts/Disabled-passengers