Como to Malpensa: Your Transport Guide

When planning a trip to or from the picturesque city of Como, understanding your transport options to Malpensa Airport (MXP) is crucial for a smooth travel experience. Whether you're arriving in the UK and heading north, or departing from the UK and need to reach Malpensa, knowing the best routes can save you time and money. This guide will explore the available methods of transport, focusing on direct services and alternative routes, ensuring you can make an informed decision for your journey.

Direct Bus Service: The Convenient Choice

For those seeking a straightforward and direct connection, a bus service operates between Como and Malpensa Airport (MXP). This is often the most convenient option for travellers who prefer not to deal with multiple changes or complex ticketing. The bus departs from Como and arrives directly at Malpensa Airport – Milan. Services are scheduled to run twice daily, operating every day of the week. The journey itself is remarkably efficient, taking approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. This makes it a highly competitive option, especially when considering the overall travel time and ease of use.

Booking your bus ticket is generally a simple process. While direct booking at the station is possible, services like Rome2Rio offer online bookings for selected operators, allowing for easy and straightforward reservations. This is particularly useful for international travellers who want to secure their transport in advance, ensuring peace of mind before their departure or arrival.

Train Travel: Exploring the Alternatives

When considering train travel, it's important to note that there is no direct train service available from Como to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). This means any train journey will involve at least one change, typically in Milan itself. While trains can be a reliable mode of transport, the lack of a direct link adds an extra layer of complexity to this route.

If you opt for the train, your journey would likely involve taking a train from Como San Giovanni station to Milan. From Milan, you would then need to catch a dedicated airport train service, such as the Malpensa Express, which runs from various Milanese stations (like Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna) directly to Malpensa Airport.

Comparing Train Routes and Times

The quickest way to get from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Como San Giovanni, via train, takes approximately 41 minutes, excluding transfer times within Milan. This 41-minute duration typically refers to the Malpensa Express journey from the airport to a central Milan station. The subsequent train journey from Milan to Como San Giovanni would add further travel time.

Here's a simplified comparison of potential train-based journeys:

It's crucial to factor in the time needed to transfer between stations in Milan and to purchase tickets for each segment of the journey. This can significantly increase the overall travel time compared to the direct bus service.

Cost Considerations: Budget-Friendly Options

When travelling on a budget, cost is often a primary concern. The cheapest way to get from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Como San Giovanni is reported to be around €8. This figure likely refers to a combination of public transport options, potentially involving regional trains and buses, which may not be the quickest or most direct route.

The direct bus service, while convenient, may have a slightly higher price point than the absolute cheapest train combinations, but its value lies in the saved time and reduced hassle. It's always advisable to compare current prices for both bus and train tickets before making a booking. Online travel platforms can be invaluable for this comparison, offering real-time pricing and booking facilities.

Making Your Choice: Factors to Consider

Choosing between the bus and train options depends on your priorities:

• Convenience and Time: If you value a direct, no-fuss journey and want to minimise travel time, the direct bus service is likely your best bet. Its scheduled twice-daily operation and 1 hour 5-minute journey time make it highly efficient.
• Cost Savings: If your absolute priority is to spend the least amount of money, exploring the train options, particularly those involving regional services and potentially longer journey times, might be more economical. However, be prepared for potential changes and longer overall travel durations.
• Flexibility: Train services generally offer more frequent departures throughout the day compared to the twice-daily bus. If your travel times are more flexible, trains might offer more options, albeit with the need for transfers.
• Luggage: Consider the amount of luggage you are carrying. Boarding a direct bus with luggage can be simpler than navigating train stations and changing platforms with multiple bags.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there a direct bus from Como to Malpensa Airport?

Yes, there is a direct bus service that departs from Como and arrives at Malpensa Airport – Milan. Services run twice daily and take approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Q2: Can I take a train directly from Como to Malpensa Airport?

No, there is no direct train service from Como to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). You will need to take a train to Milan and then transfer to an airport train service like the Malpensa Express.

Q3: What is the quickest way to get from Malpensa Airport to Como?

The quickest way to get from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Como San Giovanni takes approximately 41 minutes for the train portion from the airport to a central Milan station, followed by another train journey to Como. The direct bus service takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes, offering a competitive and simpler option.

Q4: How much does it cost to travel from Malpensa Airport to Como?

The cheapest way to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Como San Giovanni can cost as little as €8, likely involving a combination of public transport. The direct bus service may be slightly more expensive but offers greater convenience.

Q5: Where can I book tickets for the Como to Malpensa bus?

You can book tickets at the bus station in Como or through online booking platforms like Rome2Rio, which offers reservations for selected operators.

In conclusion, whether you choose the direct bus for its simplicity and speed or opt for a train journey with transfers for potential cost savings or greater frequency, planning your transport between Como and Malpensa Airport (MXP) is key to a stress-free travel experience. Always check the latest schedules and prices to ensure you select the option that best suits your needs.

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