I'll be flying into Malpensa Airport in early May in the morning and need to meet up with friends in Florence later the same afternoon. Is there a direct train from the airport? And if so, is it one I can use a rail pass with?

There are a couple of trains that don't require a change, but the times might not work for you.

One at 12:22 and one at 19:22.

There are lots of other trains, but require a connection at Milan Centrale.

If you haven't purchased your pass yet, you need to check prices to see if it's cost effective. All the faster trains in Italy require seat reservations (mandatory). Cost in addition to the pass will be 10€ (about $13).

Hi,
I have to travel to Florence from Milan Malpensa airport and want to take a direct train from the airport without changing trains enroute. I read on the Trintelia website and on other travel posts that I could do this since there were 2 trains departing from Milan Malpensa for Florence every day. I was hoping to take the 12:22 one since my flight arrives in the morning around 7:30 am. When i checked on the Trintelai website there is now no direct train on July 1. Does anybody have any idea if this could only be an online thing? the timetable for July 1 for all trains including the high speed trains that initially required no change at 12:22 now show a train change at other Milan train stations. I have a suitcase and small bag and do not want to change trains. Could somebody please offer some advice?
also is it easy to take a suitcase on the train? I heard that the Business or Premeir compartments in these trains offer more room for luggage?
would greatly appreciate some help..i am traveling alone and am a bit nervous.
Thanks.
Faryal

Trenitalia only offered that briefly. You will have to change trains in Milan.

how does one get from Milan airport to the train station to catch a train to Florence....only by bus???

You can take the bus or train to Milan Centrale and catch the train for Florence.

On Trenord, you can enter Malpensa Aeroporto and Milano Centrale to see the times/price (10€) for the train. You don't need to buy this in advance (the screen will switch to Italian in the purchase process) as these trains don't sell out (just like commuter trains/subways). I would buy at the airport for the next train to Centrale that doesn't require a train change.

Sorry, I forgot the Trenord link for you. Trenitalia doesn't list the prices for this train anymore, but Trenord (the trains for this region) does.

http://www.trenord.it/IT/servizi/motore-orario.aspx