Jane

We will be arriving at the Milan airport at 8 in the morning. Then we need to take a train north to Kandersteg. Should we buy our train tickets at the airport? Someone told me that the train station is pretty crowded in Milan and that the signs/directions are not very clear. I think we could handle it if it weren't the first day - I'm guessing we'll be groggy. Any thoughts?

scubatv

As airports go, Malpensa is "calm", but you still would have to find your way around after a flight. <BR> <BR>After going to an ATM machine, I would quickly get on the <BR>Malpensa - Milano Central Train Station bus. 8,000 Lit. <BR> <BR>It's takes less than one hour and drops you off in front of the the central train station. <BR> <BR>Tickets are easy to purchase there and it seems that English is widely spoken. <BR> <BR>We did have to use the ATM in the departure area because the ATM in the arrival area did not work with our card. <BR>Bank employees next to the ATM have always graciously changed our large ATM notes into smaller ones.

Kathy

Thanks, scubatv, for the good advice. We'll be coming into Malpensa in October but going south to Rome. Sounds like an easy trip to the Milan train station, and we'll probably be there by late morning. Do we need to reserve the train to Rome ahead of time?

Tina

Jane: <BR> <BR>I can't remember if you can buy your train tickets at the airport --- if so, then YES, it might be best to do so. There is an information booth at Stazione Centrale (can't miss it --- it's at one end of train station with big INFORMAZIONI sign). But often there's a long line during peak travel times; which is usually early morning when all the tourists arrive. <BR> <BR>I'm not familiar with town, guessing that Kandersteg is in Switzerland ??? <BR>Did a quick search on Italy's Rail website (www.fs-on-line). There's a train that departs from Milano @ 1:30 pm for Kandersteg & takes 8 hours --- does that sound right? <BR> <BR>Do note that you have two choices to get from Malpensa airport into the city center. If you need to make a connection with the main train station (Stazione Centrale) then you'll want to take the Malpensa Shuttle Bus. Bus drops you directly in front of train station. <BR> <BR>Other option is the Malpensa Express, which is a train that goes into the Cardano Nord station in Milan--you can then change to the metro or take a taxi if you need to get to Centrale. <BR>Train takes 50 minutes & only makes 2 brief stops. Shuttle Bus, which is more convenient is also billed as taking 50 minutes, however you are travelling on the road & are subject to traffic.

Jane

Thanks for the info and help. Actually, I checked the train schedule on-line and I think the trip from Milan to Kandersteg takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. I think I will wait to buy the tickets at the rail station because I don't want to be sweating it out on the shuttle if there is traffic and the train is scheduled to leave soon. <BR> <BR>Thanks everyone.