Milan Malpensa is Northern Italy's main hub, located approximately 45 km from Milan. It handles the vast majority of intercontinental and cargo flights, representing vital infrastructure for the national economy.
The airport is divided into two terminals: T1 for scheduled flights and T2, the exclusive base of EasyJet. Malpensa is known for its logistics efficiency and rapid connections to the Alps and Lombard lakes.
How to get to Milano Malpensa International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MXP
Parking near Milano Malpensa International Airport
The ViaMilano Parking system offers over 9,000 spaces: P1 Long Term, P2 Executive (covered) and P3-P4 for medium stays.
At Terminal 2 there is P5 parking, perfect for quick stops. Free shuttle connects both terminals every 20 minutes.
Approximately the covered P2 Executive costs €4–5 per hour, while P3-P4 for medium stays and P1 Long Term drop significantly for stays of several days, often under €10–12 per day booking online. For unofficial private parking in the area, always check fencing, surveillance and updated reviews before leaving your car for a long period.
How to get to Milan from MXP
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Malpensa Airport T1/T2 (MXP): Transfer to/from Milan Center
Malpensa Airport: T1 & T2 Bus to/from Milan Central Station
Milan: MXP/LIN/BGY Airport Private Transfer ⇄ City Center
Milan City/Airport: Malpensa Express Train Tickets, 1-Way
From MXP to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less | Bus (Malpensa Shuttle/Autostradale) | ~10€ |
| Reach the city center as quickly as possible | Malpensa Express (40-50 min) | 15€ |
| Reach Cadorna directly instead of Central | Malpensa Express (both stations are served) | 15€ |
| Continue immediately to another Northern Italian city | Direct train from Central station | price varies based on destination |
Malpensa → Duomo / Center
The Malpensa Express to Cadorna is the most direct connection to the historic center, just minutes on foot from the Duomo via metro line M1.
Malpensa → Fiera Milano / City Life
Those heading to the Rho-Pero Fair find the Malpensa Express to Cadorna with metro change convenient, or direct buses during major events.
Malpensa → Navigli
From Central or Cadorna stations, the Navigli are reachable by metro (line M2) in about 15-20 additional minutes.
Car rental at Milano Malpensa International Airport
Car rental counters at level -1 of T1 and in a dedicated area at T2. All major international brands are present.
Verify which terminal your flight departs from before heading to the rental location. Photograph the vehicle condition at handover and verify the fuel policy before return.
Required documents: driving license, passport, credit card, and normally an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Milano Malpensa International Airport
At the airport
The Sheraton Milan Malpensa is inside Terminal 1, with an internal entrance; the Moxy Milan Malpensa is opposite Terminal 2, about 200 metres on foot, and has a free round-the-clock shuttle to Terminal 1.
Best for: Dawn flights, one-night layovers and late arrivals, when you don't want to depend on the train.
- To check-in on foot, with no trains or taxis on the motorway
- Two hotels, one per terminal, depending on where the flight leaves from
- With the Moxy a free shuttle also links Terminal 1
- Outside the hotel there are only terminals and car parks: for dinner you stay in
- To see Milan you need 40-50 minutes of Malpensa Express
- If you sleep in one hotel and depart from the other terminal, allow for the transfer
Recommended hotels
- Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Centre The only hotel with an internal entrance to Terminal 1, about five minutes on foot from the gates; 437 rooms, indoor pool and spa for those with many hours of layover. View availability
- Moxy Milan Malpensa Airport Opposite Terminal 2, about 200 metres away, with a free round-the-clock shuttle to Terminal 1; a more understated option than the Sheraton. View availability
Centrale station
From Centrale the Malpensa Express takes you to the terminals in about 40-50 minutes; alternatively the buses to Malpensa leave from the station every 20-30 minutes.
Best for: Those continuing by train to other Italian cities or wanting the metro and trains a few steps away.
- National trains, the metro and airport buses in the same hub
- Many hotels in different price ranges a few steps from the station
- Metro lines M2 and M3 leave from the station towards the centre
- Around the station in the evening the venues are less appealing than in the historic centre
- The Malpensa Express from here takes longer than from Cadorna
- With the buses to Malpensa, traffic can lengthen the journey
Cadorna and Sforza Castle
From Cadorna station leaves one of the two Malpensa Express lines, reaching the airport in about 40 minutes; the area can also be reached on foot from the Duomo.
Best for: Those who want a historic centre on foot and a train to the airport without going through Centrale.
- Cadorna is the terminus of the Malpensa Express, useful for the return
- Sforza Castle, Brera and the Duomo can be reached on foot
- The historic centre is on foot, with no need to take the metro
- The best-liked hotels in the area are small and sell out early
- From the Castle to Cadorna it is about ten minutes on foot with suitcases
- For dawn flights, check the first Malpensa Express from Cadorna in advance
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 6
- with Priority Pass
- 4
- earliest opening
- 05:00
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
Two terminals (T1 and T2) connected by a free 24-hour shuttle. T1 is subdivided into three piers (A, B, C).
If your flight departs from T1, identify your pier (A, B, or C) from your boarding pass: piers B and C require a longer walk from central security. For transfers from T1 to T2, the free shuttle takes 10 minutes: add this to your connection time if you have baggage to recheck.
T1 hosts most traditional carriers (including Neos intercontinental flights), while T2 is easyJet's Italian base. Routes vary seasonally: always verify which terminal your flight departs from at the time of booking.
Map of Milano Malpensa International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does the Malpensa Express to Milan cost?
Roughly 15 euros one way to any Milan station, cheaper with a same-day round-trip ticket (25 euros instead of 30).
Q. Does Malpensa have two terminals connected to each other?
Yes, T1 and T2 (EasyJet's base) are connected by a free shuttle, but the trip takes about 15-20 minutes: worth factoring in if your return flight departs from the opposite terminal.
Q. Is the bus better than the Malpensa Express?
The bus (Malpensa Shuttle, Autostradale) can be cheaper for those heading near Stazione Centrale, but the train remains faster and more punctual during traffic hours.
Q. How far is Malpensa from central Milan?
About 45 km: it's among the most distant airports from the city center among Italy's major hubs, worth keeping in mind when planning transfer times.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Montale Exclusive Lounge (T1), Monteverdi Classic Lounge (T1), Pergolesi Classic Lounge (T1) and Alda Merini Classic Lounge (T2).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 05:00: Alda Merini Classic Lounge (T2).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
