Has any one actually done this?
I know it leaves at 11:30 am which would work perfectly for me as I will be there in the morning, but what is the ride like?
It seems redundant to get the 45 minute shuttle back into Milan, and then transfer to the train from there but if the bus is really uncomfortable, it would be worthwhile.
Experiences anyone?

I'm finally starting to get the hang of this posting business.

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I've never done it but only because that single departure never quite works for me. But my expectation would be that the bus is a very modern coach -- meaning, upholstered bucket seats, head rests, curtains on the windows, air conditioning, no smoking, clean, quiet except for cell phone chatter, not a lot of leg room except in a few seats, but probably not a lot of passengers on that run.

The route from Malpensa to Genova inevitably means going over some fairly high mountains, including sharply curving roads, steep downhils and Italian bus drivers are not sissies. I wouldn't plan to read en route. But I could probably sleep.

I assume the bus goes to one of the two major train stations in Genova, but no matter where it goes, it's an inexpensive cab ride if you wanted to go someplace else in Genova.

The way you describe it, it sounds alternately like a peaceful sleeper of a ride and a crazy kamikaze exciting slice of Italiano.
Maybe a bit of both - but would you do it?
I am still undecided.
I will be staying my first night on the coast in Nervi, as I couldn't get into any of the Camogli hotels I wanted, but it will be nice to walk the seaside stroll there in the evening. I will visit Camogli the next week.
Thanks Zeppole.
I find your posts intriguing.
Are you a permanent resident of Italy or just there for a few years?

Permanent, as far as I know. I don't have any property in the US anymore.

>>it sounds alternately like a peaceful sleeper of a ride and a crazy kamikaze exciting slice of Italiano.<<

Yeah, that's what I would expect.

I'd give it a go. I don't particularly enjoy the bus to Milano Centrale, and waiting for the next train. I just would give up all hope of being able to read on the bus.

However, I don't whether train schedule fits your timing, but I think you can get a one-seat ride from Milano Centrale to Nervi on some trains if that appeals to you more. Check out Trenitalia.

You'll no doubt enjoy walking off some of your jet lag along the Garibaldi promenade in Nervi.

PS: Have you been to Italy before? I would expect the Milano train station to be very busy (and muggy) during August, it would partly appeal to me to just buy my bus ticket at pokey Malpensa and head off to the Mediterranean.

But I would be hoping that the curvy ride wasn't going to upset my stomach. I'd avoid having a coke or lots of coffee, and I'd pretty much try to snooze or keep my eyes on the scenery.

I trust Italian bus drivers implicitly. I've seen take far worse roads than that one and they are amazing pros.

I took this ride exactly ten years ago. To be honest, I slept the entire trip (taking care of the jetlag).

Actually I won't be jet lagged - quite the opposite,
peacefully rested, I hope after 2 weeks in the lakes, but I will be staying the night at an airport hotel, seeing my son off in the morning, as he has a 6:30am flight home to Vancouver.
I think I'll try the bus. It won't be until mid September, but I will report back if there is anything worth reporting.
thanks