Milan Malpensa International Airport
Ferno (VA), IT · 49 km (30 mi) northwest of central Milan
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time |
|---|---|
| Air Pullman Malpensa Shuttle Bus | — |
| Autostradale Malpensa Airport Bus Express Bus | — |
| Caronte Bus · every hour | 60 min |
| Caronte Malpensa–Novara Bus | — |
Insider notes
Experience proper espresso near luxury boutiques in Terminal 1’s non-Schengen area. Prices match the quality you'd expect in Milan city.
If on a tight schedule during peak hours, paying for Fast Track security in T1 can markedly reduce queue times from 40 to 10 minutes.
Seek out the seating near B-gates in Terminal 1 or corners of T2’s mezzanine for a quieter airport work session.
Welcome
Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP) stands as more than just a gateway. It mirrors Milan's fashion district, with an abundance of luxury boutiques and authentic Italian dining experiences within Terminal 1. Terminal 2, by contrast, caters chiefly to budget flyers, serving as a functional hub for easyJet. Travelers marvel at the efficient rail links to Milano Centrale and Cadorna, though you might find airport navigation a trickier task than anticipated; signage doesn’t always uphold Milan’s sleek standards, often resulting in a hurried dash through security or connections.
At a glance
With a capacity of 26.1 million passengers annually and two active runways, MXP serves as a major hub for carriers like easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and NEOS. Positioned 49 kilometers northwest of Milan's center in Ferno, VA, the airport bridges the city to a global stage while embedding itself in a natural landscape bordering the Ticino river nature reserve.
Terminals & layout
T1 is where you find Alitalia, Emirates, and Lufthansa, indulging passengers with luxury shopping that includes brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Armani. Dining is no afterthought, with choices like Obicà Mozzarella Bar and Rosso Intenso Food & Wine. T2 remains utilitarian, prioritizing efficiency over frills, with McDonald's as a notable dining stop. A free shuttle between Terminals 1 and 2 runs approximately every 7–10 minutes, preferable for those in a hurry over the slower, albeit scenic, train option connecting the terminals.
Getting to and from the city
For those traveling into Milan, the Malpensa Express train provides a reliable 30-minute ride to Milano Centrale or Cadorna, with ample luggage space and infrequent delays relative to traffic-prone buses. Options for bus transport include the Malpensa Shuttle and Terravision, offering 30-minute segments. The Malpensa Airport Bus Express and Caronte services also cater to those preferring road travel.
Traveller essentials
Parking choices range from Long Term and Executive to Smart Covered Parking, each with varied pricing and proximity to terminals. The P2 Executive and P3 Express offer quick terminal access, while budget-conscious travelers might opt for Holiday or Easy Parking lots. Consider Malpensa's Wi-Fi provision: its reliability diminishes at some terminal ends, so downloading offline content in central areas is prudent. Notably, the Express train's platform provides a quieter waiting area than most terminal spaces.
Dining & shopping highlights
Terminal 1's post-security atmosphere might feel pressed, but landside dining on Level 3 offers space to savor meals. Panino Giusto and Briciole Bar provide familiar tastes, along with a variety of seating. Shopping in Terminal 1's non-Schengen area boasts a breadth of luxury stores and competitive duty-free offerings, especially on perfumes and alcohol, making it a shopping highlight among the travelsphere.
Lounges
Terminal 1 hosts several lounges, including Gae Aulenti Premium Lounge for €79 (promo €68) and The Lounge Terminal 1. The Montale and Pergolesi Classic lounges remain understated alternatives with quieter settings and shower facilities. For ease in T2, travelers can turn to The Lounge Terminal 2. Don't forget to check day pass availability in many lounges, enhancing access convenience.
Insider tips
- Insider: Experience proper espresso near luxury boutiques in Terminal 1’s non-Schengen area. Prices match the quality you'd expect in Milan city.
- Time: If on a tight schedule during peak hours, paying for Fast Track security in T1 can markedly reduce queue times from 40 to 10 minutes.
- Quiet: Seek out the seating near B-gates in Terminal 1 or corners of T2’s mezzanine for a quieter airport work session.
- Local: Regulars choose the Malpensa Express train over buses due to dependable schedules and easier baggage handling.
- Avoid: Early morning or late-night travelers should keep small change or a card for vending snacks and coffee, as T1 cafés open late.
- Money: Consider taking timestamped photos at car rental pickups, as disputes over scratches are common in Level -1 return procedures.