I just read on another thread on this forum that one should expect hour long delays on the trains running from Stresa to Milan during the month of Sept. I currently have purchased train tickets for both the train from Stresa to Milan and then a fast train from Milan to Verona. I do not want to miss my connection to the fast train, and now am concerned about that because of the delays predicted for the first leg, Stresa to Milan. Can anyone direct me to where I can find information on these probable delays and how I can get to Milan to catch my fast train to Verona? Thank you
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Can't you take an earlier train from Stresa?
Posted by
OP
120 posts
Perhaps. The ticket for that first leg of Stresa to Milan is a regional train, but the ticket says it is for a certain time. Can I use it on an earlier train without doing anything to change the ticket?
Posted by
OP
120 posts
I just checked the schedule. The earliest train showing for that day runs an hour earlier than my current ticket, but still arrives at the same time in Milan. So apparently it has more stops. I don't understand why there are only 2 trains running Stresa to Milan on that day. I had earlier been given to understand that trains run from Stresa to Milano Centrale every hour or so starting in the morning. Perhaps this is a result of what the other poster stated was scheduled repairs and delays on the trains. I now see that the train on which I am scheduled is going to travel from Stresa to Arona and then I will have to get on a bus to take us to Sesto Calends (another town) to get back onto the train to Milano Centrale. I am now wondering if we should just buy bus tickets to get us to Milano Centrale, and get a refund on the train tickets I have for that first leg of the trip
Posted by
OP
120 posts
Or alternatively I wonder if anyone has used uber or some other car service from Stresa to Milano Centrale, and how much that would cost us.
Posted by
California 🦋
5298 posts
Did you buy your journey, Stresa to Verona, as one ticket?
What type of tickets did you purchase?
You may be able to make changes on your ticket(s) depending on the type of tickets you booked.
Perhaps you could depart earlier from Stresa?
Edited to add…
Oops! I wrote my reply and took too long to hit send (searching Trenitalia website) and I didn’t see your replies.
Posted by
OP
120 posts
I believe I could technically change the regional ticket but I have discovered that there are NO POSSIBLE changes. There are NO OTHER TRAINS running that day. This is why I am now wondering if I should find another mode of transportation to Milan. Has anyone used a car hire from Stresa to Milan? Or ridden a bus on that route? I was avoiding driving in any form because I get car sick on twisty roads and my understanding is that there are a lot of twists and turns on that journey from Stresa to Milan.
Posted by
California 🦋
5298 posts
What date are you traveling from Stresa to Verona?
Posted by
OP
120 posts
September 15
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
On September 15 according to trenitalia.com there is a direct EC substitute bus departing from Stresa at 9:35 and calling at Milano Centrale at 11:17.
The regionale ticket you have already purchased would be wasted, but the EC bus Costs only 7.7 € per person.
Would 11:17 AM be too late?
Posted by
California 🦋
5298 posts
Unfortunately the rail maintenance work involving the Milano – Gallarate – Domodossola railway will be in effect from August 28 to September 18.
If the bus that Dario suggested doesn't work, and you need to arrive to Milano Centrale earlier, I would just take an earlier train and plan on the 2 hour journey.
You may want to check the Trenord.it website for train time changes.
Edited to add...
Why do you say this?
There are NO OTHER TRAINS running that day.
According to Trenitalia, and Trenord, there are several trains running from Stresa to Milano Centrale (involving 2 bus changes)
Posted by
OP
120 posts
That would work, and I saw that option on the Trenitalia site, but I was trying to figure out if that bus would take me directly to Milano Centrale so I could pick up the train there. I couldn't find a website for those buses. Do you know if they are operated by Trenitalia? I would only lose about $20 if I booked that bus instead of taking the regional train.
Posted by
California 🦋
5298 posts
Yes, you can book the bus on the trenitalia website.
Just input, your date of travel, your departure and destination (Stresa to Milano Centrale), and you will see that option at 9:35
Click on the small "i" within the circle to the right of the bus icon and "EC035", to see where the bus stop is located in Stresa. The bus will take you to Milano Centrale.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7276 posts
Ugh- we are training from Stresa to Bergamo thru Milan on 9/21.
Plan is 9:23 Stresa to Milano Centrale arriving 10:35- then Milano Centrale to Bergamo at 11:05. Next would be 12:05 so I think we are OK as long as the work is actually done by 9/18 as stated on Trenord site. Our ticket would be good on either of those trains, correct?
How accurate are the construction dates usually--Dario?
(Thank you Priscilla for that link)
OP- Sorry for piggy backing on your thread but real glad you posted this.
I hope you can find a simple way to get where you need to go!
Here is a transfer company you can check for cost of driver.
https://connectotransfers.com
Looks like about 165 euros- Stresa to Milan. YIKES.
(There is no Uber as we know it in Italy)
Posted by
California 🦋
5298 posts
Hi Christine,
Your online Regional train ticket, from Milano Centrale to Bergamo, is valid for 4 hours ( on the same route) from the departure time that you chose when you booked it.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
120 posts
Pricilla: To answer why I had said that there were no other trains earlier, it was because I hadn't seen the one leaving at 8:33 am and that is the only other one that would arrive in Milan earlier. There are also two buses listed on the Trenitalia site but no earlier trains than the one I have booked, which leaves at 12:36 and arrives at 14:14. .