Malpensa Airport-Milan
 

I am contemplating a trip later in the month which would have me flying into Malpensa.
0. How bad is the airport/how bad are the delays?
1. Is the rail link ready--some things I have seen say yes, some things no.
2. Any reports on it
3. I actually am heading north into Switzerland (Lugano). Is there any way to head north without first heading south (either by bus or train)?

I flew their in late May on United. I was through immigration and had my luggage in about 20 minutes. I then went out front and boarded a bus to the central train station where cabs were waiting to whisk me to my hotel. The bus was about $8.00 and the cab about $6.00. No problem and Milan is a wonderful place. Avoid the overpriced hotel restaurants and eat anywhere else. Lastly have some Lira with you when you arrive.

I was there in March and the rail link was no where near ready.

I think that you should be able to get a train from central station in Milan to Lugano without having to go out of your way. The European rail system is much, much better than the sorry excuse of a rail system here in the States.

trains form Milan Central to Lugano run at least every two hours - travel time less than 2 hours - if ... the italian railway is not on strike.


Swiss passport controle is in the train between Como and Chiasso).

yes, I know how the trains work--did Milano-Lugano 18 mos ago. Mostly just need to know whether or not to plan on the extra time to go to Milano Centrale or whether there is alternate (less out-of-the-way) way to get where I'm going. I'll grant that less out-of-the-way may mean more time, and that's part of the bargain!