Train from Milan to Verona

The Malpensa Express train leaves MXP at 11:22 and arrives at Milano Centrale at 12:05. Your chances of catching that train are slim to none. The next train departs at 11:43 and arrives at 12:35, right when the train to Verona will be pulling out of the station. The Malpensa Shuttle bus goes to Milano Centrale and departs every 20 minutes (on the hour, 20 minutes past the hour, and 40 minutes past the hour). The ride takes 50 minutes (in normal traffic conditions). Your chances of catching the 11:20 bus are slim to none. Taking the 11:40 bus gets you to Milano Centrale at 12:30. If you have to take the time to buy a train ticket, the train will be long gone. In short, the first train you have any realistic chance of catching is the one that departs at 13:05.

Do you mean you arrive on an international flight into Milan? If so- then I seriously doubt it. There are several trains from Milan to Verona. I'd focus on a later one.

Thank you. I will focus on a later one. I am on an international flight so will have to clear customs. Do you advise buying the ticket prior to arriving in Italy or buying it when I arrive?

Lucky you--that's a route on which the cheaper but slower "regionale" trains still run rather frequently--about one an hour, usually at 25 past the hour. It takes only half an hour longer than the faster, pricer trains (on this route, about double the price: 11.55 euro vs. 21.50). If you decide on the regionale, don't forget to validate your ticket in the little yellow machines at the head of most tracks or you could be fined. Also, board the train as soon as possible, since there are no reserved seats on regional trains and there's not even a guarantee you won't stand the whole way. The regionale train makes a lot of sense on an arrival day, when you can't be certain how long it will take you to get to the train station. Of course, if money is no object and your time is worth 20 euro an hour, you could also book the next fast train on arrival at the station. Don't stand in line to talk to a human--the ticket machines are multi-lingual. But do watch your stuff--Milan's Central Station is possibly the dodgiest place in town.

Is there a different station in Milan that you would recommend? Is it common to have to stand all the way on the regionale?

I would never buy a ticket in advance for a train after an international flight. There are so many reasons you could be delayed. Just buy the ticket after you clear customs at the airport. If you aren't traveling in rush hour, the likelihood of a full train are slim to none.

I agree on buying the ticket when you arrive. The ticket kiosks take euros and give change up to €20 if your credit card isn't a chip&pin type. The little yellow boxes are being replaced by gray/ blue or gray/green ones.

Thanks so much for all your help.

Yes, I agree, buy the ticket once you're through customs and immigration.
And don't forget to validate the ticket BEFORE you get on the train- there's little machines on every platform.