I will be in Italy for two weeks in mid-April, flying into and out of Milan. Bearing in mind that I've never taken a train, I arrive in Milan at 12:30p.m. and would like to train to Vernazza but I am wondering if it would be best to stay overnight in Milan and train the next morning to Vernazza. I wouldn't want to get to Vernazza at night! Any advice is appreciated!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11429 posts
Not sure when sunset is that time of year, so if arriving in daylight is important, overnight in Milan may be the thing to do and avoid uneeded stress
If sunset is 730 or later it probably can be done without undue stress
Posted by
1 posts
A train from Milan to Vernazza will take about 3 hours and 20 minutes. You have to consider the travel abilities of each person in your party to determine if it is a good idea to get off a plane, travel to the train station in Milan, and get on a train for over 3 hours. I find that entering Italy through Milan is very easy, but you still have to go into the city to get a train, so it can be a bit overwhelming. You might want to consider visiting Milan for a day or two to get acclimated (you don't say where you are traveling from, so I am assuming changing time zones). Milan is very nice: spend a day or two, see the Last Supper, visit the cathedral, take a walking tour. Then, when you get to Vernazza, you will be ready to enjoy Cinque Terre.
By the way, download the trenitalia app and make train reservations in advance. Many trains fill up quickly!
Enjoy your trip to Italy!
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Do not buy tickets in advance when taking a train after a long flight.
Despite what the above message says, Trains rarely sell out, very rarely. It's discounted tickets that are capacity controlled and that sell out.
Unfortunately those cheap tickets can't be changed of refunded: If your flight is delayed and you arrive 1 minute late at the station you have wasted your money. If you arrive earlier than expected, you can't take an earlier train: You have to wait for the train you booked.
The airport trains that go from MXP Airport to Milano Cadorna and Milano Centrale stations have no reserved seats and can't sell out. Since there are no discounts for advance purchases there is no reason to get these tickets in advance. There is nothing difficult in following the signs to the airport train station and get on a train to either Cadorna or Centrale.
There are direct trains from Milano Centrale to Monterosso, then you'll have to take a local to the Cinque Terre village where you are staying. The route via Florence may be quicker, but it involves 2 or 3 transfers.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32253 posts
BL,
To begin with, even though you'd arrive in Vernazza in the early evening, I'd suggest that you don't waste a night in Milan. Carry on straight through to Vernazza. The trip will involve one or more changes of trains (depending on which train solution you use).
You'll first need to get from Malpensa T1 to Milano Centrale. After you've gone through Passport control and collected your luggage, make your way to the airport rail station. You can buy tickets for your entire trip there. The first step will be to take the Malpensa Express from MXP to Milano Centrale (52 minutes). DON'T forget to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot. Note that the M.E. has two destinations, Centrale or Cadorna stations, so BE SURE to board the correct train. On the current schedules, there are departures at 13:13 and 13:43 (fare is €13 PP). You'll arrive at Centrale on one of the outer tracks, so make your way into the central hall and check the display boards to find the track no. (Binario) of your next train.
For the trip from Milano Centrale to Vernazza, there are numerous departures. You might be able to connect with the departure at 14:25, arriving Vernazza at 19:23 (time 4H:58M, one change at Genova Piazza Principe). Both of those trains are Regionale, so you MUST validate the tickets prior to boarding the trains. Note that on the current schedules there are two departures at 14:25 (the other has three changes). If you're comfortable with three changes, travel time on that one is an hour shorter and you'll arrive in Vernazza at 18:23).
An arrival at 19:23 is quite reasonable. Check into your hotel and then head for a fine first supper in Italy at one of the restaurants around the harbour. Sunset at that time of year will be at about 20:10 so you that would be a perfect time for a fine hot meal.
You can see all the rail solutions on the Trenitalia website. There will be a schedule change in December, but there likely won't be too many changes.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks for the primer; what a help! On arrival to Milan, Vernazza it will be. It's still somewhat daunting but we will survive!