I seem to see so many inquiries of "from airport to Milan Central that I throught I'd this; Yesterday, it took 3 hours to go through PPC, get a ticket on the Malpensa Express, an arrive at Central. The line for "all other passports" went way beyond where the entry ropes began mainly because there was only 3 stations open. After 45 minutes or so, they began to really speed up for US PP's-it was present PP, stamp, and go. Then, went to the ticket kiosk to buy the express ticket, and no one"s (US or EU's) CC would work- the attendant was beside herself trying to figure out what as happening and on her phone trying to help-and it was finally figured out that only one of the 4 ticket machines was on line, and then only for cash. Fortunately, that I had, got my ticket and was on my way, however there must have been 20+ people around the kiosk trying to download the app so they could buy on-line when I left.
Finally, I want to add that I LOVE MXP, fly though it 2-3 times a year, and this was an way outside of normal in my experience. Thank goodness I didn't check bags on top of everything else going on Friday!
Posted by
Chicago
8164 posts
Another good reason to have some cash when you arrive anywhere and To know about other options like the bus service from the airport
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Wow! I flew into Venice Marco Polo last week, and it took all of eight minutes to get through immigration - with their new(?) "automated" system that scans your passport, takes your picture, and then one person stamps your passport. It moves pretty fast! I think it took almost an hour last time I flew in there two years ago.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11776 posts
Wow! What app did you use? Trainline? We will fly in there in Sept so I might as well be prepared.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Did MPX also have problems with the ATM cash machines working?
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Wow! What app did you use? Trainline? We will fly in there in Sept so I might as well be prepared.
Not the OP, but I've been in Italy for the last week, and I've used my phone to buy train tickets with the Trenitalia app. That's what I would have done at MXP. It is possible for Americans to register with them (not intuitive; you need to create a fake tax ID which is really not used for anything for non-Italians). Once you do that, buying train tickets is super easy - just a few clicks. I have mine tied to my Paypal account.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
The Trenit app is also really useful for checking train info in Italy. I've used it daily. You can buy tickets with it too (for Italio trains also) but I'm not registered with it - or I haven't bothered to try.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11776 posts
Andrew thanks. I have my codice fiscale from when we’d lived there so will sign up before we fly. I have always counted on ticket machines on arrival and pre-purchase where possible.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
If you will have a working smart phone when you land, then the Trenitalia app with registration is all you need. The only warning is that you can purchase train tickets only 15 minutes(?) before departure on your phone, so you can't walk right up to a train that's leaving and buy a ticket on your phone right there. But if you are buying regional train tickets, they are good for up to four hours(?) after departure of the original train, I think, so you could book a ticket as soon as you land and if you miss the intended train from MXP, take the next one within four hours.