Should I buy advance tickets from Milan Central to Venice St. Lucia station? We are flying into Milan and landing at 12:15. Not sure how long it will take to get through customs and get our luggage. Thinking 1 hour to 1.5 hour. Local train from airport to center of Milan runs frequently and probably don't need to purchase advance tickets. However, we are then going directly to Venice. Since I don't know the exact time we will get to Milano Centrale should we chance buying tickets at the station or buy advance tickets for 4 hours after touching down in Milan? Can I exchange my ticket for a train that leaves earlier if by some miracle things go smoothly?
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
No, you can't exchange your ticket once paid for, therefore do not buy a ticket in advance. That means you pay €39 (pay on the day price) instead of the reduced fare which can be as low as €19.90, but hopefully that won't break your budget.
P.S. "customs and get our luggage" are not the biggest causes of delay. It is immigration (aka passport control) and your flight being late that are the biggest risks.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Also note that MXP is a big airport (longish walk to the train platform, follow signs) and the train takes just under an hour to get to Milano Centrale.
Good news: you can buy your ticket to Venezia Santa Lucia station when you buy your ticket for the Malpensa Express.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks Chris and Zoe for the "Good news"
I will buy both train tickets at the station.