Milan Malpensa Airport: Info & Tips
Quick Terminal Guide
Milan Malpensa Airport is the main international airport of Lombardy, modern and well organized, ideal for both business and leisure travel, with efficient connections to Milan, the Lombardy region, and other Italian and European destinations.
Overview
✅ To search for or book a flight to/from Milan, check the Booking.com Flights service.
Milan Malpensa Airport (see the official website) is the main international airport of Lombardy, modern, efficient and well connected, ideal for both business and leisure travel, with easy access to Milan, Lake Maggiore and the rest of the region.
A strategic hub for Lombardy
The airport serves domestic, European and intercontinental flights, acting as the main gateway for travelers wishing to reach:
- Milan city center, major districts and exhibition areas
- The tourist destinations of Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and the Lombard mountains
- Other Lombard cities such as Bergamo, Brescia and Varese
Thanks to its location and the network of highways, trains and shuttle services, Malpensa is an ideal starting point for short trips, multi-stop itineraries or quick connections to other Italian and European cities.
Main terminals and transfers
The airport has two main terminals: T1 for international flights and T2 mainly dedicated to low-cost airlines and Schengen flights. Both terminals offer intuitive connections and fast links between terminals and parking areas.
Services and accessibility
Inside Milan Malpensa terminals you will find:
- Bars, restaurants and cafés
- Duty-free shops, boutiques and retail stores
- Banks and ATM services
- Car rental, taxis and information desks
- Facilities for travelers with disabilities, including reserved parking, elevators, ramps and accessible restrooms
- Free Wi-Fi and device charging stations
Services generally follow flight schedules, from early morning until late evening, ensuring comfort for all travelers and facilitating connections or early departures.
Getting Around
How to reach other major Italian cities by car
Thanks to the strategic location of Milan–Malpensa Airport and its direct connection to the national motorway network, it is easy to reach several Italian cities, either with your own car or a rental vehicle.
- Milan: by taking the A8 or A4 motorway, you can reach the city center in about 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Turin: take the A4 motorway heading west. The average travel time is about 2 hours.
- Verona: follow the A4 motorway eastbound. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Genoa: take the A26 and then the A7 motorway heading southwest. Travel time: about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Bergamo: take the A8 northbound and continue on the SS336; average travel time: about 40 minutes.
This strategic location makes Malpensa an ideal base not only for visiting Milan, but also for planning road trips throughout Lombardy and Northern Italy.
✅ To rent a car at the airport, check the service offered by Booking.com Auto.
Connections with Milan and other cities
Reaching Milan and other cities from Malpensa Airport is easy and efficient thanks to trains, buses, shuttles and private transfers, suitable for every type of traveler.
Malpensa Express trains
The Malpensa Express connects the airport with Milan Central Station, Milan Cadorna and Milan Porta Garibaldi. Travel time is about 50 minutes with no transfers. It is a fast and convenient solution, ideal for those staying in the city or needing to reach connecting stations for other destinations.
✅ For timetables, routes and tickets, you can book here, or consult the official Malpensa Express website.
Buses and shuttle services
Several companies connect the airport with Milan and other Lombardy cities such as Bergamo, Como and Varese. This is an affordable and convenient option, ideal for budget travelers or those without strict time constraints.
✅ For routes, schedules and tickets, check the services offered by Malpensa Shuttle.
Private transfers and door-to-door services
Private transfers are perfect for those traveling in groups, with lots of luggage, or who want a direct service with no waiting time. They offer high comfort and predictable travel times, especially during peak hours.
Taxis and ride-hailing services
Official taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber are available outside the terminals. Fares to Milan city are fixed to ensure transparency and peace of mind for travelers.
Parking and stopping areas
The airport offers several parking options suitable for short or long stays, with free shuttle services to the terminals and low-cost solutions for multi-day trips.
- Parking near the terminals, ideal for short stays or drop-offs, with direct access to the terminals.
- Long-stay parking with free shuttle service to the terminals, perfect for stress-free multi-day parking.
- Low-cost parking, convenient solutions for longer trips, bookable online to save time and money.
✅ For advance bookings and better rates, consider services such as ParkingMyCar.
Selected Transfers
Discover our selection of the main transfer services to and from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), ideal for traveling comfortably between the airport, the city center and other destinations:
- Malpensa Airport T1/T2 (MXP): transfer to/from Milan city center – A convenient and reliable service to reach the city center directly from terminals T1 and T2. Ideal for stress-free transfers. Top Rated 🏆
- Malpensa Airport: T1 and T2 bus to/from Milan Central Station – Direct and frequent connection with Milan Central Station, perfect for train connections or stays in central areas. Top Rated 🏆
- Milan city/airport: Malpensa Express train tickets (one way) – The fastest rail connection between Malpensa and Milan, with arrival at Central Station, Cadorna or Porta Garibaldi.
- Milan: private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport – Ideal solution for families, groups or business travelers looking for comfort, punctuality and door-to-door service.
- Malpensa Airport shuttle to/from Milan – Practical and affordable shuttle service between the airport and the city, suitable for travelers with luggage.
- Milan: private transfer to/from MXP Airport – Personalized transfer with a dedicated driver, ideal for night arrivals, early departures or special requirements.
Where to Stay
Early morning flights or late-night arrivals
Staying near Milan Malpensa Airport is a practical solution for travelers departing at dawn, arriving late at night, having a short layover, or wishing to minimize travel time. The areas of Somma Lombardo, Ferno and Cardano al Campo offer numerous modern hotels, business hotels and functional accommodations, often equipped with airport shuttle services and amenities designed for travelers.
This option is also highly recommended for those continuing their journey the following day, renting a car, or preferring to avoid Milan’s urban traffic, while still enjoying fast connections to the city center, major highways and railway stations.
Hotels near the airport
Many hotels are located just minutes from the terminals and offer services such as:
- Free shuttle service to/from the airport
- Soundproof and comfortable rooms
- 24-hour reception and flexible check-in
- Free Wi-Fi and workspaces for business travelers
Bed & Breakfasts and budget options
For those looking for more affordable options, the areas around Malpensa offer several bed & breakfasts and functional guesthouses, ideal for short stays or business trips, often with direct shuttle connections to the terminals.
Extra services for travelers
Some accommodations near Malpensa provide additional services designed for frequent travelers, including:
- Secure parking for long-term stays
- Luggage storage service
- Early breakfast or 24-hour room service
- Meeting rooms or business centers for work needs
FAQ
How far is Milan Malpensa Airport from the city center?
Milan Malpensa Airport is located about 50 km from the city center. It can be reached in approximately 45–60 minutes by Malpensa Express train, taxi, bus, or private transfer.
What services are available at the airport?Malpensa offers bars, restaurants, cafés, duty-free shops, retail stores, banks and ATMs, car rental services, information desks, and facilities for business travelers.
Is the airport accessible for people with disabilities?Yes, the airport is fully accessible and provides reserved parking, elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and dedicated assistance upon request.
Is free Wi-Fi available?Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in both terminals, along with several relaxation areas and charging points for electronic devices.
📌 Learn more in the Overview section.
How can I reach Milan from Malpensa Airport?
You can reach Milan by Malpensa Express train, buses and shuttles, fixed-rate taxis, or private transfers, with direct connections to Milan Central Station, Cadorna, and Porta Garibaldi.
Are there connections to other Lombardy or Italian cities?Yes, thanks to motorway and railway connections, Malpensa provides easy access to cities such as Bergamo, Turin, Verona, Genoa, and the Lombardy lake districts.
📌 Learn more in the Getting Around and Selected Transfers sections.
Are there hotels near Malpensa Airport?
Yes, the areas of Somma Lombardo, Ferno, and Cardano al Campo offer numerous hotels, business hotels, and functional accommodations, often with airport shuttle service included.
Is it worth staying near the airport?Staying near Malpensa is ideal for early departures, late arrivals, or short layovers. Alternatively, Milan city center remains easily reachable by train or taxi.
📌 Learn more in the Where to Stay section.