When to purchase train tickets - flying into Milan

What if you are able to catch an earlier train? (Does the train leave the airport at 2:37 or Milano Centrale?) Would you take an earlier train if it involved one extra change, even though it got you into Monterosso earlier? (I would.) If so, I wouldn't bother buying tickets in advance - just buy as soon as you arrive, so you can take the next available train. Saving less than $20 USD doesn't seem worth it if there's some chance I could take an earlier train. I don't think the three hour window goes backwards to let you ride earlier trains (I think it's actually four hours, if these are regional trains).

FYI, if you have a smart phone, install the Trenit app so you can buy tickets on your phone, check platform info and delay info, etc. I found this app extremely helpful when riding the trains in Italy.

Is there any reason you're not using the official trenitalia or italotreno websites? I can see trains on trenitalia for as low as 9 euros. There are also trains for 21 euros.

I would check the conditions of those tickets again. If they are regional trains you do have at least 3 hours to use your tickets. But if they are regional trains you are spending a lot more than you need to. A 10 minute stop to get tickets could save you 30-50 euros.

Donna

Donna - where did you see a fare for 9 Euros??? I just went on the Trenitalia website and put tomorrow's date in. Going from Milan Airport Terminal 2 to Monterosso, the fares ranged from 34 - 42 Euros. If I put my date in September, they were 23-46 Euros.

Yes, I suppose it's possible to get an earlier train. Not sure how much time to allow for getting our luggage, buying tickets and getting to the train. I read a couple of posts on here regarding the same thing and it seems like 2 hours would be pushing it.

I'll put the app on our phone. Always a good thing to have.

Sue, what I was getting at was: just take the next train when you arrive at the airport train station in Milan and don't worry about how long it takes to get bags. If it takes an hour, it takes an hour. Whatever. Take the next train after you get your bags. You might save almost $20 by booking a ticket now for the later train, but how will you feel if you arrive early enough to have taken a train that gets you in an hour earlier?

I would though know the schedules and know which train you are trying to get. Let's say there's a train at 1:00 - so try for that one. If the next good one after that is at 2:37 then you can shoot for that one.

Somehow you are missing a lot. I see a Super Economy fare at 1605, Intercity 673, no changes, for 9.90 euro. Most of the trains are Regionale or Intercity. The ONLY train that you can get on in a three to four hour window is a Regionale train. All other trains require a seat reservation for a specific train at a specific time. The walk up price (Base fare) for that train (673) is 28 euro or 56 for two in second class. First class is 75 euro for two. For three hours first class is hardly worth it. So I don't know where you are getting or seeing US 96.

Sue,
The only problem with buying a train ticket for your day of arrival is that if your plane is delayed, or you’re delayed going through passport control or waiting for your luggage, you may not be able to take the train you intend to and will have to buy new tickets.

When checking Trenitalia.com, I can see the train departing Malpensa T2 at 14:37 (2:37pm) and it arrives to Monterosso at 19:05 ( 7:05pm)
This intails taking a Regional train from Malpensa to Milano Centrale where you’ll need to transfer to an Intercity (IC) train ( departing at 16:05) which will take you the rest of the journey to Monterroso.

Keep in mind that if your plane is on time, you may be able to take an earlier train and arrive to your destination earlier.

Enjoy your trip!

Frank: I see the one with 0 changes, but I think that's from Milan Centrale, not the airport. Still don't see anything for 9 Euros. Don't know what I'm doing wrong!

I do understand what everyone is saying about waiting to get the tickets there. Never know what might happen.
Guess that's what I'll do. Thanks to all.

I don't know which day in September - but for a random date (September 4), the cheapest airport train + IC train from Milano Central is 22.90 Euros per person, 2nd class. Ironically, the short airport train is 13 euros, and the "Super Economy" fare for the IC train is only 9.90 Euros. This is on the Trenitalia website:

http://trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Try September 4th to see what I mean. (Click on the price for a detailed breakdown.) Your date might not have the same cheap tickets available anymore - they may be sold out.

But, I probably would buy the 9.90 euro Milano Centrale to Monterosso tickets now for 2:37 if they are available - and just get on the first airport train you can get (same price purchased now or on the day). I'd rather wait in Milano Centrale for an hour for the train to Monterosso instead of at the airport. It does look like the 2:37 is your best bet, unless you are really early (doubt it) and could make the 12:37 from Milano Centrale.

I just went on the Trenitalia website and put tomorrow's date

You must be very lucky to get a 9 Euro discounted fare on trains going to the seaside just one day in advance! It can happen, but not the week of a long week-end!

Ok. I put in my date, September 12, from Milan Central and saw the 9.90 fare. It departs at 2:05. Plane arrives at 12:15, get bags, get ticket from airport to Central, find the train in the terminal. t's about an hour trip from airport. think all the stars would need to be lined up just right to pull that off.

I really do appreciate all of the input.

You mean 4:05pm from Milano Centrale, right? The airport train leaves at 2:37 and takes about an hour. There is a 2:05PM from Milano Centrale, but it seems a risk to try to catch that one if you land at 12:15.

I have to agree with the others to purchase the tickets when you get there. If you have an app on your phone, you can purchase them waiting to get through customs (maybe it's not called customs in Italy). My flight was over 2 hours late arriving to Milan. Then we had a pretty big line to get the passport stamped. Then we had to wait for the express train in Centrale. For the $20.00 difference it would greatly reduce anxiety wondering if you'll make it, if you do hit a snafu. I am a hate to be late person & it would have drove my anxiety level through the roof. Not a nice way to start a relaxing vacation in Italy. In the end, it is your choice, what you are comfortable with. Enjoy your trip!!

At this point she's risking only 9.90 euros per person to buy the tickets now - it would be silly not to buy them early.

Sue -- You have a dilemma. If I was doing this, this is how I would play it. The best train is the 2:05 or the 4:05 - fastest and no changes. The probability of making the 2:05 appear to be very small. If you buy the super economy ticket for 9.90 euro and miss the 2.05 train you lose about 20 euro and need a new ticket at 56 euro (for two). I would play it the reverse. I would buy the 9.90 ticket for the 4:05 as the throw away if I make the 2:05. The downside dollar risk is the same if I get lucky enough to catch the 2.05. If you miss the 2.05 then hang out in the station. There are restaurants, grocery store, bars so the wait of about an hour and half would not be that bad. The risk reward probability is much higher with this approach. Buy a lot of gelato with the 36 euro savings.

There is no point in taking an in-between train since they are all slower with at least one change and get you there about the same time or later than the 4:05-7:05.

Thanks Frank. I think that's a good solution. .......and gelato is always good.