I see a few references to direct travel on public transport from Malpensa airport to Stresa without having to go into Milan. I will be arriving at 7.30pm. Does anyone know how I could do it at that time?

Hello greynomad, here is the website you will need (I hope it isn't too long so that it messes up the screen as I have never figured out how to the the tiny url.

http://www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en...=come_arrivare

Scroll down until you see the bus for Lago Maggorie. There is a bus after 7:30pm greynomad but note you must phone for a reservation the day before which is a pain in the neck isn't it? No online reservation for that bus line and evidently no buying a ticket when you arrive at Malpensa.

Thanks LoveItaly
That is a useful website and I will have a better look at it soon. I see the latest trips seem to be at 8.30pm It could be a bit stressful wondering if I am going to get out of customs and immigration in time!

ttt

The info about buses to Stresa is correct -- you can also access timetables through www.vcoinbus.it.
Going to Orta is trickier; best would probably be to take the bus from MXP to Novara (see airport erbsite mentioned above) and a trin from there.