I have to agree that the train web site is somewhat difficult to manuver. I have 2 questions. We are due to fly into Milan on June18th at 8:00am. How much time will we need to get our luggage and move through immigration? Then how far is it to the train station from the airport. Do you really need to reserve. We will be traveling to Florence. If we pre-pay and reserve what happens if we miss the train???
so many questions so little time.

Just to clarify - you go through Immigration first (just you, your carry-on and your passport). Then you go to pick up your luggage. Then you go through Customs. Simply walk through the Green (Nothing to Declare) aisle without even slowing down.

How much time it will take depends on 1)how many places land at the same time - earlier AM is faster and 2)how long your luggage takes to show up (ditto) and 3) if there are any work stoppages or slow downs going on.

We have gone from plane out to car rental office in 35 minutes (landing at about 6:30 am - but it obviously could take much longer.

What train options do you have? And are you using train/class/tickets that will require reservations?

Don't buy your train tickets ahead of time. You never know if the plane will be late. There are plenty of trains between Milan and Florence.

Assuming you arrive at Malpensa Airport, you will have to take a bus to Milano Centrale, the main train station.

There are two bus companies offering service from Malpensa to Milano Centrale. One has buses every 20 minutes and the other has buses every 30 minutes. In either case the ride is scheduled to take 50 minutes.

Buy your ticket from a machine at the station. Instructions are available in English. Fast and simple.

Hi B,

You can get train schedules at http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

I also suggest buying your ticket when you get to Milan.