Novara

How to Get to Novara

Novara is a key transport hub in the Piedmont region. Most international visitors arrive via Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), located approximately 30–40 minutes away.

From Airport (Milan Malpensa - MXP)

• Direct Bus (Flibco): This is often the most convenient option. Buses depart from Terminal 1 directly to Novara (Piazza Garibaldi).
  • Journey Time: ~1 hour 3 minutes.
  • Price: €8–€17 (varies by booking time).
  • Payment: Book online via the Flibco website or app for the best rates and to guarantee a seat.
• Train (via Busto Arsizio Nord): There is no direct train. Take a Trenord regional train to Busto Arsizio Nord, then transfer to a connecting train to Novara Nord.
  • Journey Time: ~1 hour 17 minutes total.
  • Price: €5–€17.
  • Tickets: Purchase at the Trenord machines at the airport (English option available; accepts credit cards/cash). Always validate paper tickets before boarding if they are not pre-dated.

From City Center

Novara is compact and highly walkable. For longer distances or reaching hotels outside the historic center:

• Public Bus: The local bus network (ATC) covers the city. Tickets can be purchased at local tabaccherie (shops marked with a 'T' sign) or via the Moovit app.
• Walking: The main train station (Novara FS) is located at Piazza Garibaldi, just a 10–15 minute walk from the historic city center and the Duomo.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: ~35 minutes from Malpensa Airport.
• Approximate Cost: €80–€100.
• Note: Taxis are available at official ranks outside the airport arrivals hall. It is recommended to confirm the price with the driver before departing.

Platform Guide & Layout

Navigating Novara’s main railway station is a straightforward experience once you understand its layout. Unlike massive metropolitan hubs, Novara is a compact, through-station served by a single, surface-level passenger area. The station operates with 13 numbered platform tracks, all accessible from a central passenger building and connected via a convenient subway underpass.

Think of the station as a linear spine. The main entrance on Piazza Garibaldi leads you directly into the station hall. From here, you can access the platforms. Track 1 is located immediately adjacent to the station building. Tracks 2 through 7 are accessed via the subway underpass, which provides a safe, sheltered path beneath the rails. For those traveling with heavy luggage, please note that elevators are available to assist with the transition between the subway and the platforms, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

Because the station serves as a vital junction for the Turin–Milan railway, you will find a mix of high-speed, regional, and intercity services sharing the same general infrastructure. High-speed trains and major regional routes typically utilize the main through-tracks (such as 3 and 4), while terminating lines for regional destinations like Arona, Alessandria, and Biella often occupy the other available tracks. Always check the departure boards in the main hall; they are your most reliable source for real-time platform assignments, as these can shift based on traffic flow.

A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the nearby "Novara Nord" station. It is a separate facility located just a short walk (about 200–250 meters) away, serving the distinct Saronno–Novara line. If your ticket specifies "Novara Nord," do not wait at the main station; simply follow the signs leading toward the secondary building.

Given the station’s manageable size, you do not need to worry about long transit times between platforms. Even if your train is at the furthest track, you can comfortably navigate from the entrance to your boarding point in about 5 minutes. Take a moment to orient yourself in the main hall upon arrival, keep an eye on the digital displays, and you will find your train with ease.

Navigating a new train station can feel overwhelming, but Novara station is manageable once you know the ropes. I wish someone had told me these specifics before my first visit to save me the stress.

Before You Arrive

• Book via App: Download the Trainline or Trenitalia app before you arrive. It allows you to search for connections, check real-time schedules, and store your tickets digitally on your phone, so you don’t need to worry about paper tickets or language barriers at the machines.
• Ticket Strategy: For regional trains, you can easily buy tickets at the station machines on the day of travel. However, if you are taking a high-speed or intercity train, book online in advance to secure lower fares, as prices rise closer to the departure date.

At the Station

• Facilities: Restrooms are available at the station for a €1 fee (ensure you have coins, as cards are often not accepted).
• Station Layout: The station is divided into halls. Hall 1 handles regional and intercity trains (platforms 1–4), while Hall 2 is for high-speed trains (platforms 5–6).
• Accessibility & Luggage: While the station has elevators, they can be slow or crowded. Pack as light as possible, as you may need to navigate stairs if you are in a rush.
• Food: For cheaper, quick snacks, look for local kiosks or cafes in the station area rather than relying on sit-down restaurants, which will cost more and take longer.

Common Mistakes

• Platform Checking: Do not assume your platform is fixed hours in advance. Platforms are often posted on the departure boards (Partenza) only 15–30 minutes before departure. Stay vigilant, check the boards frequently, and look for your specific train number, not just the final destination.
• Validation: If you have a paper ticket for a regional train, you must validate it in the green or yellow machines before boarding. Forgetting to stamp it can lead to immediate fines, as conductors do not accept "I didn't know" as an excuse.
• Payment Issues: Don't get stuck at an old machine that only takes cash or specific local cards. If a machine looks outdated, head to the main hall for newer touchscreen models that reliably accept international credit cards.

Through station serving Novara, Italy. Opened in 1854, this historic transit hub remains a vital junction in the Piedmont region, connecting travelers to major lines between Turin, Milan, and beyond. While the station serves approximately 9.4 million passenger movements annually, it is not a massive, overwhelming terminal. Instead, it offers a manageable, straightforward layout that is well-signposted for those unfamiliar with the Italian rail network.

Travelers will find a variety of services here, including high-speed trains, regional connections, and suburban rail lines. The station utilizes multiple numbered platforms accessible via a central passenger subway. If you are nervous about navigating the hub, allow yourself extra time to locate your platform, as departure information—including specific platform assignments—often updates on digital displays 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled train.

The station is equipped with elevators and tactile paths to support accessibility. While you may encounter other travelers navigating the space, the station’s design is functional rather than complex, making it a reliable point of transit for your European journey. Ensure you verify your platform number on the station boards upon arrival, as these can occasionally change, and you will be well-prepared for your departure.