We will be arriving in Milan at 9:30 am on May 23rd and plan to take the train to Cinque Terre. Should I buy train tickets in advance? I understand some train tickets are not changeable/ refundable and I worry if we are delayed that would be a problem. Hoping for advice on best way to plan. We are a family of 5 with 3 young adults children.
Posted by
Green Bay
20103 posts
Quoting Clint Eastwood, "Do you feel lucky?"
I guess the point is, that right now, for a train midweek first week of June, there is a 12:10 IC train direct from Milano Centrale to Monterosso in the Cinque Terre. You could buy tickets today for 12.90 EUR per person, a substantial discount off the walk up Base price of 28.50 EUR. So your plane lands on time at 9:30, and you mange to clear immigration and get your luggage in 45 minutes. Now you make your way to the train station and get the 10:43 train to Milano Centrale, arriving at 11:37. You make your train and everything is good. But any significant delay and you miss it, and now you have to buy new tickets at 28.50 each.
You could buy tickets for the next departure at 2:05 pm, but if everything goes right, you will be waiting in Milano Centrale for 2 hours.
So it really does depend on your gambling instinct.
Posted by
Irving
2956 posts
I wouldn’t! Try to catch the train departing Malpensa Airport T2 at 10:37a because it has one transfer in Milan arriving in Monterosso at 3:05p. The next one departs Malpensa at 12:37p. All other trains have two connections.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
The others are trying to give long answers. The short answer is buy the tickets when you arrive at the ticket office at the airport. You will take the train to the Milan Central and trains on to CT. You could save money buying early but the early tickets are discount and are no refund, no change. The savings is not worth the hassle of catching the right train.
You can save money elsewhere in your trip. Good luck
Posted by
Southwest Florida
865 posts
I agree with Frank on this. While the savings can be alluring, the losses have to be considered as well. Make certain you download the Trenitalia and Italo apps to your phone as well. These are handy for not only receiving updated train info but also purchasing tickets.
Posted by
OP
New York
11 posts
Thank you all for the advice! I do not like to gamble when depending on flight arrivals so I will be taking everyones advice to purchase upon arrival after clearing customs. Really appreciate the help and advice. I have downloaded the Trenitalia app so hopefully all will go smoothly.