masonsdad

My teenage son and I will be departing the USA and arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport at 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 19. We must be at Port of Genoa ABSOLUTELY NO LATER THAN 4:30 PM for a cruise that departs at 6PM. My question is this: After clearing immigration and retrieving baggage, is travel by train or rental car going to be our best bet? This will be our first international flight. Any other tips to make this as painless as possible?

PalenQ

If on time train will allow plenty of time - take train from Malpensa to Milano Centrale change there for frequent trains to Genoa - where a taxi is the best way to the boat dock. Car transfer from airport to Genoa would be quicker but don't rent your own - arrange for a private driver- may be your best bet overall for ease of mind.

masonsdad

Thanks PalenQ, Forgive my lack of knowledge, but how would I go about hiring a private driver? Would that be similar to Uber here in the US?

PalenQ

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Genoa/Mil...sa-Airport-MXP

check this site for info on various ways to Genoa.

nochblad

PalenQ - we have sometimes disagreed but I am very much in agreement on the excellent rome2rio site

masonsdad

Thanks so much for your help. This will be a new experience for us. I am excited and even a little nervous. Any other tips for a rookie?

PalenQ

Any other tips for a rookie?<

Relax -it is all very smooth. Chill.

HappyTrvlr

We rented a car at MXP and easily drove on tne autostrada to Santa Margherita Liguria which is past Genoa. I think it was a couple of hours.

masonsdad

Looking at it all, I think the train will be the best mix of cost/ease. Thank you all for your help.

PalenQ

Buy your train tickets at Malpensa Airport train station or rail desk - no reason to buy before leaving and doing once there means you will get the next convenient train from Milan Centrale station -after taking Malpensa Express from airport to there (about 40 minutes I think).

PalenQ

If it's a regional train or full-fare ticket I believe on a faster train you must self-cancel your tickets before boarding by sticking them in date-stamp cancelling machines in stations and on platforms for them to be valid. Sure of regional trains (which are dirt cheap) not sure about full-fare tickets on fast trains but ask ticket seller at airport station about that (should speak English there).

masonsdad

Thanks so much.

neckervd

Trains from Malpensa Terminal 1 to Milano Centrale at 11.42, 12.12, 12.42 and 13.12, journey time 58 min
Trains from Milano Centrale to Genova Piazza Principe at 13.10, 14.05, 14.25, journey time 1 hr 45 min.
Taxi ride from Genova Piazza Principe to the harbour: lasts not more than 10 min

Treesa

The train/taxi will work if your flight arrives on time. If there's a delay you could have a problem. When taking a cruise it's best to arrive the day before. Stress avoidance.

masonsdad

My family will be there a day in advance. I, however, am delayed by a prior engagement. Thanks again for all of your help.