Should I select Milan 10 hr layover option?
 

Should I select Milan 10 hr layover option for sightseeing?

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Flying from Rome to Munich on Nov 1. I can take a long layover in Milan. Would it be worth it for visiting? Is the airport close enough to the city? RT transportation cost to and from airport? Amount of time needed to clear customs out and back into the airport?

Any quick comments would be appreciated. Air price already went up $50 since I first looked so I would like to book soon.

Thanks much

Gwen

Depends which airport. Milan Malpensa Airport is about 1 hour drive from the city. The highway to the airport is always jammed and it might even take you more than that. I would not do it. To me it would be a punishment not fun.

Which airport are you flying into and what time of year are you going? Will your luggage be checked through for you?

It is never easy get in and out of security in Milano. I would say that from the time your Rome flight lands, you could not be in Milano any sooner than 2.5 hours later (presuming your lugguage is being checked through for you), and you should leave yourself 2.5 hours to get back.

So you really have 6 hours.

With that, you might try either of the following:

Take the Malpensa Xpress to Cadorna Station and make a visit to Leonardo's Last Supper, whichs a 20 minute walk from the station. Afterwards, do a stroll down the via Dante to see the Doumo, climb to the roof, take a taxi back to Cadorna and go back to the airport.

Or, from Malpensa, take a bus to Stresa on Lago Maggiore. From there, you can take a boat to Isola Bella, tour the palazzo and garden, go back to Stresa, get the bus back to Malpensa.

Have you considered taking a train from Rome to Milano, and simply flying out of Milano? You could spend more time in Roma.

Depending on time of day or whether you have a time reserved to see The Last Supper, you may not be able to walk right in (although November might be less crowded).

The Duomo is quite remarkable, but we climbed to the top, walking through the saints, in May. I'm not sure I would enjoy it as much in November---guess it depends on the weather the day you're there.

It's true Malpensa is a good hour or more away from town. I'm a worry wart and would be uncomfortable about missing my flight, but that's me.

The MXP Express only takes 40 minutes to get you into the city from that airport which is "an hour away..."

Yes, if you wanted to see the Last Supper, you would need to make a reservation in advance. I would make it for 3 hours after your flight is due to arrive.