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-   -   I Need Help With A Question About Milan Train Station (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/i-need-help-with-a-question-about-milan-train-station-308689/)

i_am_kane Apr 19th, 2003 06:29 PM

I Need Help With A Question About Milan Train Station
 
I have done my homework on the public transportation from the Milan Train Station to Malpensa Airport. It comes down to six of one, half a dozen of another with respect to the shuttle bus vs. the train from the Cadorna Station. After traveling 4 hrs., when we arrive at the Milan Train Station, all we want is to keep it simple for the next leg of the trip. Does anyone know if the shuttle bus to Malpensa is easily accessible (and exactly where it is located), or is it quicker to go to Cordona Station. This may seem petty, but at the end of our two weeks of travel, I don't want to wander around like a dummy asking for help. So I'm here like a dummy asking for help!!

cmt Apr 19th, 2003 06:35 PM

I don't know anything about the Cordona station. I've taken the shuttle from Malpensa TO the Milan train sation, but not the other way around, since my departing flights were too early. The bus stops to pick up and discharge right near one of the entrance/exit doors of the station. However, the only problem could be figuring out WHICH side of the station. Someone hee may have more precise info.

Bootman4U Apr 19th, 2003 07:28 PM

I hope Alice twain is reading this because she seems to really know about Milan...if that doesn't work then I would say you could easily ask at the information desk in the station. I love taking public transportation myself but let's face it..it has been two weeks..you don't want a hassle...consider a "splurge" (right!!! after all you've just spent) and take a cab!

Natalia Apr 19th, 2003 07:45 PM

Hi Kane, I have taken the shuttle bus from the Milan Train Station to Malpensa. If you are walking out of the front exit of the train station, the shuttle buses are on your left. You may have to walk around the corner of the building a little more to the left to where they sometimes park. They are easy to see and the attendants at the buses speak enough English to steer you on the right bus. Don't worry it is easy, by the end of two weeks of traveling you will be savvy enough to find the buses.

i_am_kane Apr 20th, 2003 05:12 AM

Natalia, This is exactly the kind of help I need. I've been in the Milan terminal previously (2000), but I can't remember the layout.<BR>Bootman4U - you have a point about the taxi. It is a consideration.

Natalia Apr 20th, 2003 09:21 AM

I agree that a cab would be nice, if you want to spend the money, have your hotel arrange it for you including letting you know the price beforehand. But really the bus is easy, it just stops at the airport, so it is not like a regular bus. Your hotel can inform you more about the shuttle too, I would think.<BR>Have fun.

JLHood Apr 20th, 2003 06:21 PM

I don't know if it's &quot;quicker&quot; to take the trian, but I'd take the Malpensa shuttle. It's inexpensive and runs about every 20 minutes. The buses are clean and comfortable. I can't believe a cab would be so much faster as to justify the added expense. You can get timetable info from the shuttle's web-site.<BR> http://www.airpullman.com/shuttle/shuttlee.htm<BR>

Jean Apr 20th, 2003 06:32 PM

We preferred the train from Cardorna. (1) We could walk to Cardorna from our hotel. (2) The train was more comfortable than the bus. <BR><BR>However, since you're already at Centrale (which is what I think you mean by &quot;Milan Train Station&quot;), it makes no sense to go to Cardorna when the shuttle bus is steps away. The bus is so simple -- and you shouldn't feel like a dummy by asking for help --that I wouldn't bother with the expense of a cab.

LarryJ Apr 20th, 2003 08:11 PM

I've used the Malpensa Shuttle bus. It leaves every 20 minutes seven days a week from Centrale Station between the hours of 05:20 and 22:30 and costs 4.50 euros. It is quite a long ride from Centrale Station to Malpensa and while the trip is advertised to be 50 minutes I have seen it take up to 1 hour 20 minutes depending on traffic. I would not want to pay such a taxi bill with the bus costing just 4.50 euros. <BR><BR>Larry J

i_am_kane Apr 22nd, 2003 03:13 AM

J. L. Hood - thanks a bunch for the web site address. Jean, yes we will be arriving in the Centrale Station about 2:30 p.m. on a Tuesday. I will ask at the Information Counter where the buses are parked for boarding. If I recall correctly, someone on this board said you can purchase tickets inside the terminal or as you board the bus. <BR><BR>Only 11 days to go before we leave, but who's counting!

Alice_Twain Apr 23rd, 2003 10:59 AM

The bus is easier if you need to get to the station. the train might be far faster if you are going to travel in the rush hours (7-9 am, 6-8 pm).

GAC Apr 23rd, 2003 11:54 AM

The Malpensa Shuttle and Malpensa Express buses leave from the SOUTH side of the Milano Centrale Train Station. If you pay VERY close attention when alighting from your train upon arrival, you will notice very SMALL signs and arrows directing you to the south exit doors at the street level (one level down). If you miss these signs (which many people do), just turn LEFT once in the huge upper departure hall and go down the SIDE escalator towards the southern exit doors. Do not continue straight down the central escalator, which will take you to the lower central ticketing area and the taxi queue outside the central main doors. The bus service to Malpensa is excellent and inexpensive. Outside of rush hour, the trip lasts just under one hour.

i_am_kane Apr 23rd, 2003 05:21 PM

To GAC: Perfect answer...just what I was hoping for - explicit directions. I've posted a few questions for this trip, and everyone has been kind and helpful. We are leaving Sat. May 9th for the Italian Riviera (including the Cinque Terre town). The excitement is starting to build at our house.

Mille Grazie!

i_am_kane Apr 23rd, 2003 05:23 PM

SHOULD HAVE PROOF-READ MY MESSAGE. WE ARE LEAVING SATURDAY, MAY 3RD. Mental slap to the head!

kab17 Apr 23rd, 2003 07:37 PM

We just got back a few days ago and took the bus you are asking about. I'm not very good with directions and I'm not sure I would have known which was the south exit ot the front exit. As you exit the tracks, go straight ahead into the main part of the station. It is a long rectangular space with lots of shops on both sides. At one far end there is a large sign for Information and at the other end there are an escalator and stairs that go down to the street level. (There are also stairs directly across from where the tracks are, but those are the ones you don't want- you want the ones at the end). When you get down to the street level go out the doors in front of you and the Malpensa buses are just sitting there parked next to the sidewalk on your left. The driver will sell you a ticket. It was very easy and hassle free. Have a great trip. Wish we were just starting our trip instead of finishing.

nocinonut Apr 23rd, 2003 09:10 PM

That is the same information Natalia told you about four days ago.

Have a nice trip, write us a report.

Alice_Twain Apr 24th, 2003 03:38 AM

Kab17:
There are escalators ALSO on the information office side. Far simpler, as you exit the tracks and head to the main part of the station, turn left. That's the right side. On the same dide there is the bar and the restaurant.


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