Train from Florence to Milan?

Last year we made the trip in reverse. It will be no problem. You just need to make reservations on a high speed train from Florence to the Milan Central Station. There you can get the Malpensa Express (no reservations required) to the airport.

As Bob mentioned, this trip is easy. There are high-speed trains hourly between Florence and Milan. You can just buy tickets a day or two ahead at the station, either from a ticket window or automated ticket machine (easy English instructions). If you are certain of your travel date and times you can save some money by buying tickets ahead online, either through Trenitalia, the Italian National Rail network - www.trenitalia.com or Italo, a private train company which runs trains on this same route - www.italotreno.com (except the Italo trains arrive at the suburban Milano Rogoredio station). Most advance-purchase tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, so be ready to commit at time of purchase. The train running from Milano centale to Malpsensa airport can be purchased on the spot. Just be sure to validate the ticket before getting on the Malpensa Express train or risk a fine from the conductor.

Be aware that the travel time between Florence to Milan C is nearly 2 hours, then from Milano Centrale to Malpensa is another 52 min with the Malpensa Express. Therefore if your flight is in the morning it would be a good idea to spend the night before the flight in Milan or even at the airport.

I need to go from MXP to Florence. Is there one high speed train? We arrive at 8:15 am from US.

Hi Patricia,

You will do just the opposite of Bob. From MXP you take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale (trains take 45 min. and run every half-hour). From Milano Centrale, there are trains every hour to Florence, taking 2 hours. You can buy tickets for both trains at the train station in MXP. Tickets for the Malpensa Express must be validated in a machine in the station prior to boarding or risk a hefty fine from the conductor. Trains from Milano Centrale to Florence and are high-speed reserved trains, where you have a reserved seat on a particular train. These don't need to be validated. See www.trenitalia.com for schedules and ticket prices. I wouldn't buy these ahead if you are flying into MXP, instead just wait and buy them on the spot upon arrival.

Thank you so much for the help.

cwilker,

One point to clarify is whether you're going to MXP Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. The answer to that will determine which mode of transport you use from Milano Centrale to the airport.

Patricia,

As suggested in a previous reply, the easiest method will be to buy your tickets for both trains when you arrive at Malpensa airport. There's a rail station right at the airport. One important point to mention is that you MUST validate your ticket on the Malpensa Express prior to boarding the train, or risk hefty fines!