Trip to Monza WSB

Just got back from a trip to Monza for World Superbikes.

This was my second trip there and we decided to stay in Milan and use the public transport system to get around, as last time, we stayed at Lake Como and hired a minibus from airport.

This year we flew to Bergamo airport (Milan), with Jet2 from Manchester (most cheap flight airlines cover this airport) then we hopped on a coach from outside the terminal (Autostradale coach line @ 6.90euros each or 3 for the price of 2 from conductor or office in terminal) which runs every half hour and takes about an hour to arrive at Milan Central Station (taking a train was too awkward with a bus before the train required), this coach trip was a doddle.

We stayed at a hotel on the next block to the station called ‘Hotel Gonzaga’ a 3* and very clean and secure (large rooms) which only cost us £571 for 5 adults for 4 nights B&B.

We booked our weekend race tickets on-line at ‘www.monzanet.com’ – a 3 day ticket is cheaper than purchasing separate days (£50 for 3 days) and they send them through the post or you can collect them from a car showroom close to the circuit, then cross the road and into the circuit close to the paddock entrance.

Milan transport is very good although can be confusing at first about which tram to use or underground train to get. You have to purchase your tickets before using the transport, a bus ticket which can be used on any local bus or tram costs about 60cents and will allow you 75mins to get to any destination around town; you just stamp your ticket in the yellow machines on the bus or tram when you get on.

Travel from Milan to Monza is by using the local trains from Central Station or Garidaldi Station (about a mile away) which tend to run every 30mins or 1 hour outside peak time, local tickets cost about 3 euros (don’t take a national train which goes to Sweden etc but stops at Monza, as these trains cost about 12 euros for the same trip), you get your train ticket to Monza from yellow ticket machines in the station (credit card access) and stamp your ticket in the yellow machine at the end of the platform before you get on the train (heavy fine if you get caught).

When you get out of Monza station walk up to the main road and catch the bus (No4 or 721) but buy your ticket first at any news agents (inside the station, 60cents). These buses takes you right up to the circuit (721 is more direct, No4 goes around the houses).

When in Milan, the expensive bit is buying beers (@ 5euros a drink generally) but eating out is reasonable with a good pizza at about 7 euro. There are lots of McDonalds too around and they serve draft beer at 2.50euros. In a nutshell, a trip to watch WSB or GP at Monza doesn’t have to cost the earth if you plan your own trip carefully. We had a great time! It’s a magic circuit and atmosphere. If anybody wants any more info just ask.