Train from Venice to MXP and fly out in same day, GOOD idea?

I generally get a little queasy about traveling that much to make a flight the same day, but I don't think in your case it's a BAD idea. If you are flying internationally from MXP, you need to be at the airport 3 hours ahead, right? The Malpensa Express takes about an hour but runs every half hour or so, adding two hours in case you miss one ME train. If you can be at Milano Centrale by noon, you should be fine. Note: last year I departed from Malpensa in August and there was major construction going on at the airport, the walk from the ME station to the departure gate was about an hour (not counting security checks).

I personally like to be much closer to my departure airport at least a day ahead. Italy is notorious for its transportation strikes. As long as you keep an ear out about potential strikes so that you could change your itinerary if needed, I think you have enough time since the flight is so late in the day.

I didn't have any trouble with construction at MXP last November, although it IS a big airport and it does take quite a bit of time to navigate. The line for security was quite long and moved slowly. Definitely give yourself plenty of time!

The procedure at MXP now is that flights going to US and Israel check in at a special "high security" check in area, which is at the far end of the airport to your left as you enter from the train station. Then, after getting your boarding pass and checking your bags, you walk back to the central part of the airport to go to your gate, where you pass through security. My rule of thumb is that if I depart from Milano Centrale 4 hours before flight time, I'm OK.

Your Honor (I presume you are a judge):

According to my sources there are no flights from MXP to JFK that late in the evening. Most flights to JFK are in the morning. There are only two in the afternoon. One with Alitalia at 13:00 hours and one with Emirates at 16:10 hours.

Maybe you are flying somewhere else in the evening and connecting to a JFK flight in some other hub, you don't say, in any case I encourage you to check your reservation for the correct time. I wouldn't want you to get to MXP late for your flight because of an improper translation from the 24hr clock to the American 12hr clock. If you are on the Emirates flight, 16:10 hours is 4:10pm, not 6:10pm.

You are correct, it is a 4:10 flight out of MXP not a 6:10 flight. I can't be sure of the train schedule this far out but, It looks like there are usually 8:50 trains out of Venice arrive Milan central at 11:25. Do you think that is cutting it too close. I would also be willing to spring for a cab from the train station to the airport if that is quicker. If I could get a bit earlier train, I would take it. Thanks!!

judge,

Travel from Venice to MXP is certainly possible, and I'd probably give it a try. however if there are disruptions or delays for any reason, you could be late and miss your flight.

Travel time on the direct Freccia trains is a short 2H:35M, so you should easily be able to get to the airport in time. Keep in mind you'll also need to add about an hour for the trip to the airport in the Malpensa Express. I wouldn't suggest using a Taxi as mid-afternoon traffic could be thick, especially with that Expo taking place in Milan at the moment. There will be no traffic issues with the train. One other point to mention is that the M.E. departs (as I recall) from Binario 2, which is slightly offset from the main tracks and in a different part of the station. It only takes a minute or two to walk there, so not a problem.

I have the same question as Roberto. Is your flight going directly back to the U.S., or are you connecting at another European hub? If the latter is the case, check-in two hours in advance should be adequate.

One other small point to mention, is that it will avoid confusion if you get used to using only 24-hour time when travelling in Europe as that's the only method used by railways and airlines.

Thanks so much for all your help. I do have to get used to the military time. Fortunately, my spouse was in the military, but I make all the plans!!! He is along for the ride. Speaking of the EXPO in Milan, do you think it is something that can be enjoyed by a tourist who only speaks English? I would assume most of the exhibits etc would be in Italian.
Thanks again,
Judge

Milan Expo is a World's Fair, with many counties presenting. Everything will be in English as well as other languages. When I attended the Lisbon Expo, there were also entertainment options that did not rely on language (like Cirque de Soleil-style presentations).