MXP to Florence

Old Oct 2nd, 2015, 11:54 AM
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MXP to Florence

My wife and I are arriving at MXP at 22:45, meeting up with another couple that will have arrived at 08:30. Our initial destination is Florence. Due to award travel, this was the best we could come up with.

In looking at the Trenitalia web site, there are no trains that run this late in the evening, so it looks like we will have to spend the night in Milan. Staying up all night and catching the first train out in the morning doesn't sound too fun.

Questions I have....
- am I correct that there are no overnight trains from Milan to Firenze?

- anyone have any recommendations on a budget hotel near central train station in Milan?

This is for May 2016, so I have some time. Just trying to figure out logistics.

Thanks
Mark
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Old Oct 2nd, 2015, 12:51 PM
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Yup no overnight trains Milan to Florence. Last Florence train leaves Milano Centrale about the time you land at MXP - there are also hotels around the airport.
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Old Oct 2nd, 2015, 02:59 PM
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Look on booking.com for hotels near the central station that are available for your date.

However, also take a look at staying at the Sheraton, which is right at the airport. Don't bother with other hotels that advertise themselvies as airport hotels but are not actually on the airport grounds. Only the Sheraton is. You would have a very tough time finding transportation to some of these hotels that late, other than a pricey taxi.

I am not sure public transportation into Milan runs all night (might, but I don't know), but if it doesn't, and your flight is delayed, you might end up needing a taxi to get to a Milan city center hotel -- and the taxi rate that late would be really painful if you are looking for a budget hotel. That's why I am suggesting the Sheraton (but only the Sheraton). You can walk to the Sheraton, no matter how late your plane lands. Next morning, proceed onto Florence.

Do you think there is a chance you could get an earlier flight into Bologna, Pisa or Venice or Rome instead of Milan? If you can land at one of those airports a bit earlier in the evening, you might still be able to get train transportaion to Florence.
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Old Oct 2nd, 2015, 03:37 PM
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Yes, as Sandralist says: also - - on booking.com you can go to the map in the lower left and zoom in to the area around Milano Centrale and maybe pick something with a 24-hour reception that is the best combination of low price (hopefully under $100) and high customer rating (hopefully over 7.0 - - better is over 8.0).

The last train Malpensa Express train looks to leave at 11:35pm, but the last bus Malpensa Shuttle bus from MXP to the station is at 1:20am: http://www.malpensashuttle.it/carico...xp_2015(2).pdf
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 09:33 AM
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Thanks all. The Sheraton would seem to be the easiest, but $260 / night for about 8hrs sleep. Pricey. Wouldn't be bad if all 4 of us could flop there, but only 2 twin beds.

The bus to the Central train station might work. Any safety concerns this late at night? Say our flight lands at 23:00 and by the time we clear customs it might be midnight. We should still be able to catch the bus.

So, Sheraton at $260 or bus to Central train. Any other options come to mind?

Thanks
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 09:42 AM
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I just found the IBIS Milano Central hotel for $90 / night with a 7.6 rating. This might work. Thoughts?
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 09:52 AM
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There are buses to Milan all night but with a reduced frequency and not necessarily malpensa shuttle.

To get to the IBIS you will need a taxi at that hour. IBIS is part of the Accor hotel chain - a French group. IBIS hotels are clean and simple - ok for the night but perhaps not for a long stay.

Consider taking the bus from terminal 1 to terminal 2 (free) and stay at the Moxy hotel (part of the Marriot Group). It is right opposite the terminal and in the morning you can catch one of the buses to Milano Centrale.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...pensa-airport/
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 09:59 AM
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Nochblad, that doesn't sound like a bad idea. We're meeting another couple that get there at 8:30 in the morning. Is there something for them to do around there for the day? I've only been to MXP, never around the area.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 10:34 AM
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They could probably go to Stresa for the day and see the Borremean Islands. But it would make you jealous!

With the right train the trip to Stresa is only 1.25 with a change at Busto Arsizio.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 11:24 AM
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May I suggest that your friends go on to Florence and then you all can meet up there? If they are arriving at 8.30, they likely won't be able to check into a hotel until noon, by which time they could be checking into a hotel in Florence.

If your friends prefer to stay around the vicinity of Malpensa (Moxy sounds workable), they could also consider visiting Milan itself if weather turns rainy that day.

If all of you decide to stay in Milan city instead of the Moxy, try to pick a hotel within walking distance of Milano Centrale train station.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 11:48 AM
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After midnight I would not recommend a hotel within walking distance of Milano Centrale unless you know exactly where you are going. Not worth the risk.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 12:56 PM
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i agree. why don't your friends proceed to Florence and meet you there?

then you won't be worrying about inconveniencing them if your flight is delayed. I'd just book the Sheraton for the night - even if it is just for 8 hours being about to walk off the flight and into bed is worth paying for!
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 02:35 PM
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It's not hard to book a hotel near Milan Centrale where it is obvious how you walk to get there. The buses from the airport drop you off at via Ferrante Aporti. If you look ahead of time on a google map, you will see where to go to a nearby hotel.

Milan is a lively late night city. I don't think there is a lot of risk catching a midnight bus from Malpensa, arriving at 1am, and then walking to the hotel that is within a 5 or 10 minute walk from the bus stop. I am surprised to hear someone say there is a risk.

I still think it is better to stay at the airport, but not because I think you are taking any risks walking from the bus to a hotel in Milan.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 02:43 PM
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-- But I hasten to add that if you would feel uncomfortable in a big city with your luggage late at night, then take a cab ride to a hotel near Malpensa. You would need to go back to the airport the next day to continue on to Florence, but most of the airport hotels have shuttles. You'll be tired, so you don't want more stress if you'd feel stressed.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2015, 08:19 PM
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Thanks all for the advice. We'll chat with our friends and decide. Will report back.

Thanks again.
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Old Oct 4th, 2015, 12:18 PM
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Several nice B&Bs in the area, very inexpensive, some with airport pickup. Or your friends could rent a car for the day and see Lake Maggiore or some of the surrounding countryside...then check into the B&B in the afternoon and pick you up at MXP late night.
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