Isabel:

The symbol "R' in italics means a "Regionale" train, which is a local (short distance) train used mainly for commuters (workers and students). Reservations are NOT available on a "Regionale" train, and many of these trains still don't have air conditioning. They cost less and are slower than ES and IC trains, and stop at local stations. Many "Regionale" trains carry only second class rail cars. A "Regionale" train is fine if going short distances (e.g. Florence to Pisa; Verona to Padova).

The symbol "R" in a box means that seat reservations are mandatory. This is the case for ES trains and CIS (Cisalpino) trains.

The symbol "R" with no box means that seat reservations are optional. This is the case for IC trains. If going in second class on popular routes, reservations are strongly recommended during peak periods.

I just finished my research, but looks as if everything has been spelled out clearly. I will post anyway for the information and links:

Malpensa Shuttle (a bus/coach) will take you from the airport to Milano Centrale in about 50 minutes. Fare is 4.5 Euro for an adult. Leaves every 20 minutes.
http://www.malpensashuttle.it/mxp-mil.htm

Malpensa Airport Website (English)
http://www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/Eng/Malpensa/

Malpensa Express Website (English) Fare is 9 Euro to Milan (Cadorna)
http://www.ferrovienord.it/webmxp/ing/index.html

Malpensa Express Map: This shows how you would need to make the connection at Cadorna Station to get to the Subway/Metro. It also looks like there is a bus stop there (which I presume you could get a connection to Milano Centrale).
http://www.ferrovienord.it/webmxp/in...rvizio-ing.htm

Metro/Subway Map: It looks like Metropolitana M2 (Line 2, green [or verde]) connect Cadorna and Centrale. Fare was 1 Euro (from website in 2002).
http://www.metropla.net/eu/mil/milano.htm


Ok, after investigating all of this, it really looks like taking a shuttle bus from the airport is the easiest and least expensive option and time savings will be minimal. For some reason, it seemed more expensive when we went ? or it just didn?t work for whatever reason. If I were to do this again, the bus from MXP to Milano Centrale would be my first choice. However, the information for the Malpensa Express to Cadorna, then the subway to Milano Centrale should be helpful for a back up plan.

In all the information I researched, a taxi would be the last resort as it would be very expensive.

I think I?ll keep this on file for future reference.

Hi Mamma,

Mind if I copy your post to Helpful Information: Italy?

Ira: not at all, please do.

Ok well I'm glad we got that straightened out! This is obviously valuable information for anyone arriving at MXP. And I might add, this information is sooooo much better than anything available in any of the guidebooks (even Rick Steves, which was the best of what I could find in print). And thanks for the reassurance that I can arrive without making a reservation ahead of time. And by the way, thanks GAC for your very helpful information from another thread about getting to and from Como/MXP. You definitly seem to know alot about atrains in and around Milan. Thanks