Can anybody tell me the best/most convenient way to get from Malpensa airport to Desenzano? I think the alternatives are the Malpensa Shuttle Bus to Milan Central Station or the Malpensa Express Train to Cadorna station.

ttt

Go to Centrale--that is the connection to the Italy train system. See www.trenitalia.com

From Milano Centrale to Desenzano, you can take any Interregionale or Intercity train, but YOU MUST NOT TAKE the Eurostar, which does NOT stop at Desenzano (or at Peschiera).

The Interregionale costs a little less and does not take much more time than the Intercity. If you take an Intercity train which ORIGINATES in Turin, be SURE to request a seat reservation when you purchase the ticket. It will cost you 3 Euros per seat, but you'll avoid the high risk of standing. The Interregionale, by contrast, originates in Milan, and no seat reservations are possible.

BTW, don't take the Malpensa Express train to Cadorna station: you'll have to transfer by metro to Centrale, which is a real pain with luggage. Take the Malpensa Shuttle or Malpensa Express BUS to Centrale.

Thank you very much for your good advice!