I apologize if this mat have been asked a million times but I still not sure of the answer
We are arriving in early April from Berlin into Milan Malpensa. We have heard there is an express train to Milan Centrale that runs every half hour and we do not need to pre-purchase tickets. However we are going for 3 nights in Varenna and are wondering should we pre purchase a round trip ticket from Milan Centrale to Varenna or do the trains run often enough that we should not have to worry? We are travelling lighly so lareg luggage is not an issues
Posted by
Green Bay
20117 posts
Both trains are Regionale trains operated by Trenord. No reservation required or available. You can buy both tickets and return to Milano Centrale at the Malpensa train station ticket window. Tickets must be validated in the stamping machine on the platform before boarding. "Validation" activates the ticket and makes it a legal ticket for that train. If the ticket isn't validated, it is considered riding without a ticket and subject to a fine.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23273 posts
You can buy all your tickets at the ticket office at the airport. So when you get to Centrale, just find your train, validate your ticket (watch the locals doing it) and get on and find a seat.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
One other point to note is that the train from Milan to Varenna may not be listed on the electronic display, as Varenna is an intermediate stop on that route. The final destination may be Tirano or Sondrio, so that's the one to look for. The trip to Varenna (officially called "Varenna-Esino) is ~1H:03M, and be ready to disembark promptly as the train doesn't stop for long.
You can also buy your outbound tickets from Varenna while at the Malpensa rail station, but DON'T validate them until you use them. You can also buy your outbound tickets at the Tivano Tours office in Varenna.
Posted by
1413 posts
and yes, round trip is a good idea, the station in Varenna does not have an attendant, tickets can be purchased at the tobacco shop half way down the hill in Varenna, but to avoid that extra anxiety , buy round trip.