By train:
Pavia lies on the railway connecting Milan (Milano) with Genoa (Genova). Most trains call in Pavia after departing from, or calling in, either Milan or Genoa. Milan is however much closer to Pavia (30 km) than Genoa (120 km) and thus if you are considering taking a plane, we suggest you prioritise Milan.
From June 2011 a new S ("Sub-urban") train named "S13" started operating between Milano Bovisa station and Pavia station. S trains depart every 30' from each end and call at all stations ( see timetable, some notes in Italian).
From Milan, other, "non-S" trains to Pavia depart from the following stations:
- Milano Central Railway Station ("Milano Centrale")
- Milano Lambrate
- Milano Rogoredo (reference point: all trains to Pavia funnel through, almost all stopping here)
- Milano Greco Pirelli
From Genoa, trains to Pavia depart (or call at) the Genova (=Genoa) Piazza Principe station.
Please refer to the Italian Railway web site for up-to-date timetables; click on the flag on top of page to change the language. You may write "Milan" as place of departure or arrival to mean "any train station in Milan", the same applies for "Genoa".
As an alternative, a bus service is operated between Milan and Pavia by the PMT bus company. Most buses depart from Milan at the Famagosta bus station, which is also an underground station: see on GiroMilano how to reach it.
Timetables can be found on the PMT or on the regional transport web site. Buses however depart approx. every 15 to 30 minutes from 6 AM to 8 PM, and the ride lasts between 37 min (express) and 1h10m (omnibus).
The buses arrive in Pavia at the Central Bus Station, about 100 m N-E from Pavia railway station.
Once in Pavia railway station you may reach the "Polo Cravino":
- by taxy: it takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic conditions. A taxi stand is located just outside the railway station, marked by an orange sign "TAXI". Destination "Polo Cravino" or "via Ferrata, 5". Please be aware that taxis in Italy are definitely expensive with respect to European standards.
- by bus: get off the station into the square in front of it, and seek the bus stop for bus number 3. Take the first bus #3 in direction "TEVERE" or "MAUGERI/MONDINO". Get off at "FERRATA Tangenziale Ovest". On rush hours buses pass every 5 minutes, the ride lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Timetables on the LINE web site (in Italian - but click on the bullet with a "3" for the relevant timetable)
- on foot: take the underpass to the back side of the station, opposite the station square. As you reach the floor level again, turn right and walk straight on, always along the same large street (keep left at the fork just past the bridge). After about 2 km you will find yourself on a side of the "Polo Cravino", a cluster of colourful buildings on your right. A 20'-30' walk.
By plane:
Landing airports that may be worth considering are, in increasing distance and discomfort order: Milano Linate (LIN), Milano Malpensa (MXP), Milano Orio al Serio (BGY) and Genova Cristoforo Colombo (GOA). From GOA take the "Volabus" shuttle to the Piazza Principe Station and then a train to Pavia (see section "by train").
From MXP you may also take a Malpensa Express train towards Cadorna Station or a regular train to Milano Centrale. Malpensa Express trains generally call at Milano Bovisa and/or at Milano Porta Garibaldi, where you can change to an S13 train to Pavia.
From LIN you may also take bus # 73 to M1 SAN BABILA underground station, then the underground to the Central Railway Station. The urban journey planner on GiroMilano may be helpful here.
Direct shuttle service to Pavia from LIN is actually available from the Autoservizi Botti company, but with only a few rides a day.
The shuttle buses arrive in Pavia at the Central Bus Station which is about 100 m N-E of Pavia railway station. There you may follow the "by train" directions.
Another option is renting an electric vehicle from e-Vai, with collection at LIN, MXP, BGY and return at various parking stalls in Pavia including one next to us ("strada Cascinazza"). Fares are reasonable, see their web site for details.
By car:
If you travel by car from Milano or Genoa you should drive through the A7 Highway (Milano-Genova); to get into Pavia take the Bereguardo (Pavia Nord) exit, then go through the 'Raccordo per Pavia' (looks like a highway, though it is not) straight to its end. At this point take the "tangenziale Ovest" of Pavia, direction "Pavia Nord" and finally drive out at the "Istituti Universitari" exit. If you have rented a car at Linate (LIN) airport, take the "Tangenziale Est", then the "Tangenziale Ovest", (follow "Genova" signs) and finally get into the A7 Highway (direction "Genova"). Exit at "Pavia Nord", you are on the "Raccordo" so follow the instructions above.
If you have rented a car at Malpensa (MXP) airport take the A8 Highway, direction "Milano" or "Tangenziale Ovest", then get into the "Tangenziale Ovest", direction "Genova". Finally drive into the A7 Highway (direction "Genova"), then see above. If you have a navigation device or app with you, you may also take a shorter, secondary-roads path following the course of Ticino river. A bit slower in normal conditions, it keeps you safe from traffic jams that sometimes happen around Milan.