Hello question if you think it is crazy flying into milan(family of 4, kids 10,13) should we take trains right to lake Garda, moving towards Venice. We are traveling by train only and first time taking these trains
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16595 posts
Not crazy at all. I presume you are staying at the lake a few nights before moving to Venice. It's not something you can visit in a few hours between landing and going to Venice.
The train stops at Desenzano and Peschiera along the southern shore. You can stay there and use either as your base to visit the lake.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Yes we would like to stay for a few nights after traveling and then onto Venice. Is it confusing to take the train from the airport? After traveling from US with the kids I don't want everyone to be cranky and we are trying to figure out trains
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Easy to take the trains.
Malapensa Express to Milano Centrale. 52 min.
Trenitalia Milano Centrale to Peschiera Del Garda. About 1H15 min.
Peschiera del Garda is a 15 min train ride from Verona.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Bear in mind that there are two trains departing from Malpensa station: one goes to Cadorna and the other to Centrale station.
http://www.malpensaexpress.it/it/malpensa-express/mxp-express.aspx
Pay attention to the monitors hanging over the tracks.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32456 posts
As the others have said, it's very easy to travel from MXP to Milano Centrale, and then to other parts of Italy. Here's a bit more information......
The quickest and easiest way to get from MXP Terminal 1 into Milan is to use the Malpensa Express (train). There are several departures each hour and the trip takes 52 minutes. You can buy tickets at the airport station either from a Kiosk or staffed ticket office, and the cost is currently €13 PP. There are a few important points to note. First, the M.E. has two routes, one to Milano Centrale and one to Milano N. Cadorna, so be sure to board the correct train! Next, it's necessary to validate (time & date stamp) your tickets prior to boarding the train, or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! You'll arrive at Milano Centrale on Track (Binario) 1 or 2, and will then have to walk into the main hall to either connect with another train or exit the station.
The Malpensa Express and the other train you'll be using to Lake Garda are different rail networks. You should be able to buy ticket for both right at the airport rail station. Using the Kiosks is very easy, so that's the method I normally use.
As mentioned above, you'll definitely have to validate your tickets for the Malpensa Express, but you may also have to validate the tickets from Milan to Lake Garda, depending on which type of train you connect with. Tickets for Regionale trains MUST be validated prior to boarding the train, while tickets for the Frecca or Intercity trains do not have to be validated (these come with compulsory seat reservations). Your tickets will specify which coach (Carrozza) to board and your seat numbers (Posti).
On the trip from Malpensa to Lake Garda, there will be at least one change of trains at Milano Centrale. You'll have to check the electronic board to find out which track / platform (Binario) your next train is departing from.
Of the two towns that Roberto mentioned, I preferred Peschiera Del Garda. It's a very scenic town and has a beautiful waterfront area. The boats seem to be based there, so good service to other parts of the lake. Depending on which hotel you choose, you may be able to walk from the station to your hotel. Otherwise there are usually Taxis waiting in front of the station.
You may find these websites to be helpful......