Milan Malpensa International Airport

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest international airport in northern Italy, located 49 km northwest of Milan city center. Officially renamed Aeroporto internazionale Milano Malpensa "Silvio Berlusconi" in 2024, it serves as a major gateway for Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, and the Swiss canton of Ticino. The airport handles approximately 28.5 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals that are completely separate, located about 3 km apart:

• Terminal 1: The main terminal, handling all airlines except easyJet. Divided into three concourses: Concourse A (domestic and Schengen flights), Concourses B and C (non-Schengen and intercontinental flights). Features extensive shopping, dining, and nine lounges.
• Terminal 2: Exclusively used by easyJet. Smaller and older, with fewer amenities and limited dining options.

Terminal 1 is spread across five levels: Level -1 (car rental and train station), Level 0 (arrivals), Level 1 (departure gates), Level 2 (check-in), and Level 3 (restaurants).

Milan Malpensa is located 49 km northwest of Milan city center. Journey times depend heavily on traffic and transport method.

Typical travel times:

• Milano Centrale (train): 51 minutes by Malpensa Express
• Milano Cadorna (train): 39 minutes by Malpensa Express
• Milan city center (taxi): 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
• Bergamo: 80 km, approximately 1 hour by car

The airport is well-connected by train, bus, and taxi. The train station is located beneath Terminal 1, with a separate station at Terminal 2.

Taxi

Taxis queue at designated stands outside Arrivals in both terminals. Milan operates fixed-rate fares from Malpensa to the city center.

Destination	Fixed Fare	Time
Milan city center	EUR 104-114	45-60 min
Milano Centrale station	EUR 104-114	45-60 min
Milan Fiera (Rho)	EUR 65-75	30-40 min

Important: Fixed fares are all-inclusive. Drivers cannot legally charge extra for luggage, late-night travel, or additional passengers. If the taximeter shows more, the fixed rate still applies.

Taxi stand locations:

• Terminal 1: Gate 6 exit, Arrivals hall
• Terminal 2: Gate 4 exit, Arrivals hall

Uber & Rideshare

Uber operates at Malpensa but with limited services due to Italian regulations. Only Uber Black (licensed limo service) is available.

• Uber Black to city center: Approximately EUR 120
• Pickup: Follow the app for designated pickup zones; location may vary

Alternative apps: Bolt and Free Now also operate in Milan. Fares may be slightly lower than Uber Black.

Tip: For budget travelers, the Malpensa Express train offers significantly better value at EUR 15 one-way.

Malpensa Express (Train)

The Malpensa Express is the fastest and most reliable way to reach central Milan. Trains depart from stations beneath Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Two routes available:

To Milano Centrale (via Porta Garibaldi):

1. Follow signs to "Train" in arrivals
2. Take the Malpensa Express toward Milano Centrale
3. Journey time: 51 minutes (43 minutes to Porta Garibaldi)

To Milano Cadorna:

1. Follow signs to "Train" in arrivals
2. Take the Malpensa Express toward Cadorna
3. Journey time: 39 minutes

Ticket Type	Price
Adult single	EUR 15
Child (4-13) single	EUR 7.50
Adult return (same day)	EUR 25
Family (2 adults + 2 children)	EUR 36

Frequency: Every 15 minutes during peak hours First/last trains from Milano Centrale: 05:25 / 23:25 First/last trains from Terminal 1: 05:43 / 22:43

Tip: At Milano Centrale, trains depart from Platform 3. At Milano Cadorna, Platform 1. Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices, machines, or using contactless Pay&Go at turnstiles.

Bus Services

Multiple bus companies connect Malpensa to Milan. Buses are cheaper but slower and subject to traffic.

Operator	Destination	Fare	Journey Time	Frequency
Terravision	Milano Centrale	EUR 10 (EUR 5 online)	50 min	Every 20-60 min
Autostradale (Malpensa Bus Express)	Milano Centrale	EUR 10	50-60 min	Frequent
Flixbus	Various	From EUR 6	Varies	Multiple daily

Bus tips:

• Book online for EUR 2-3 savings
• Buses stop at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
• Children under 4 travel free

Terminal 1 Parking

Lot	Location	Daily Rate	Notes
P1 Indoor	Adjacent to terminal	EUR 26/day	Covered, most convenient
P1 Long-Term	4 min walk	EUR 45/day (EUR 39/week)	Uncovered
P2 Long-Term	Near terminal	Varies	2,900 outdoor spaces
P3 Express	Close to terminal	EUR 22/day max	815 spaces, outdoor

Terminal 2 Parking

Lot	Location	Daily Rate	Notes
Short-Term	Adjacent	EUR 26/day max	3-hour maximum
Easy Class	2 min walk	EUR 18/day (EUR 49/week)	3,000 spaces

Tips:

• Book online at milanomalpensa-airport.com for discounts up to 30%
• First 10 minutes free in express lots for drop-off
• Off-site parking available from EUR 10/day with shuttle service

Terminal 1 (Airside)

• Obica Mozzarella Bar: Fresh Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP with traditional Italian products
• Caffè Milano: Traditional Milanese cafe, risotto alla milanese, panettone year-round (7am-9pm)
• Spontini: Authentic Milan-style pizza, fast service (8:30am-9:30pm)
• Wagamama: Japanese-inspired noodles and Asian dishes
• Chef Kitchen: Traditional Italian dishes served fresh (8:30am-10pm)
• Starbucks: Coffee and light bites (6am-9:30pm)
• Venchi: Premium Italian chocolates and gelato (6:30am-10pm)
• Ciao Antica Pizza Romana: Gourmet pizzas (7am-9pm)

Terminal 1 (Landside)

• Briciole Bar: Sandwiches, salads, pastries, open 24 hours
• Acafé: Coffee and snacks (6am-9pm)
• Time Café: Quick service at railway station level (7am-7pm)
• Carrefour Express: Grocery store in corridor to Sheraton (9am-8:30pm)

Terminal 2

Limited options with basic cafes and a small food court. Plan to eat before departing or at your destination.

Note: No restaurants at Malpensa operate 24 hours. For late-night arrivals, Briciole Bar (Terminal 1 landside) is the only all-night option.

Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout both terminals.

Detail	Information
Network name	MALPENSA FREE WI-FI
Registration	No registration required
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Up to 20 Mbps

Simply connect to the network, accept terms on the welcome page, and browse. Faster connections available in airport lounges.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though prices are higher than in the city.

Where to Buy

• Forexchange (Terminal 1, Arrivals): Sells Vodafone SIM cards
• Vodafone store (Terminal 2): Direct carrier store

Warning: Avoid "Tutto Communications" kiosk near Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall B - reported to charge inflated prices up to EUR 169 for basic plans.

Prices at Airport

Airport SIM cards typically cost EUR 64-85 depending on data allowance.

Better City Alternatives

For better value, purchase in Milan city center:

Provider	Price	Data	Notes
TIM	EUR 25	100 GB	Good 4G/5G coverage
Vodafone	EUR 15	200 GB	Free EU roaming (18+ GB)
WindTre	EUR 15-25	Various	Available at carrier stores

Requirements: Passport and Italian address (hotel booking works). Phone must be unlocked.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in arrivals and departures areas. Major Italian banks include Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and Banca Popolare di Milano.

Currency

• Italy: Euro (EUR)

Currency Exchange

Forexchange and Travelex counters are in both terminals. Airport exchange rates include significant markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw EUR from ATMs using a no-fee debit card
• Use Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates
• Italy is highly card-friendly; contactless widely accepted

Tip: Many restaurants and shops accept foreign credit cards. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at most terminals.

Milan Malpensa showcases Italian fashion and design, particularly in Terminal 1.

Piazza del Lusso (Luxury Plaza)

Terminal 1 features a modern reinterpretation of Milan's famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele with luxury brands:

• Armani - Italian fashion house
• Bulgari - Fine jewelry
• Bottega Veneta - Leather goods
• Ermenegildo Zegna - Menswear
• Gucci - Fashion and accessories
• Hermès - French luxury (scarves, leather)
• Louis Vuitton - Fashion and luggage (new 2025)
• Dior - Fashion and beauty (new 2025)
• Salvatore Ferragamo - Shoes and leather goods
• Tod's - Italian shoes and leather

Piazza del Pop

Contemporary fashion and Italian design:

• Zara - Flagship store
• Benetton - Italian casual wear
• Kiko Milano - Italian cosmetics

Duty-Free

Dufry operates two duty-free stores in Terminal 1, both open 24 hours. Pre-order online at milan.shopdutyfree.com for collection at the airport.

Non-EU residents: Claim VAT refunds (22% Italian VAT) on purchases over EUR 154.94.

Terminal 2

Limited shopping with a small duty-free shop and basic retail.

Terminal 1 has nine lounges. Terminal 2 has no lounge facilities.

Priority Pass Lounges

Sala Montale (Montale Exclusive Lounge)

• Location: Terminal 1, B Gates (B50-59), non-Schengen area
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, Diners Club, day pass EUR 35
• Hours: 06:00-22:00
• Amenities: Hot/cold buffet, bar, seating for 220, panoramic tarmac views
• Notes: No showers, limited power outlets. 2-hour maximum stay for Priority Pass

Sala Monteverdi (Monteverdi Classic Lounge)

• Location: Terminal 1, South Satellite near Gate A1, Schengen area
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass
• Hours: 05:30-21:00
• Amenities: Buffet, drinks, workstations
• Notes: The only Priority Pass lounge for Schengen flights

Airline Lounges

Emirates Lounge (Terminal 1, non-Schengen)

• Access: Emirates Business/First Class passengers

Sala Pergolesi (Terminal 1)

• Access: Star Alliance Gold, business class on select carriers

Sala Vivaldi (Terminal 1)

• Access: SkyTeam Elite Plus, business class on SkyTeam carriers

Pay-Per-Entry

Most lounges offer day passes for EUR 35-50. Book online for potential discounts.

At the Airport

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel

• Location: Direct covered walkway to Terminal 1
• Category: 4-star, 437 rooms
• Amenities: 1,000 sqm spa, indoor pool, 24/7 fitness center, Il Canneto restaurant
• From: EUR 120/night
• The only hotel with direct terminal access

Moxy Milan Malpensa Airport

• Location: Terminal 2
• Category: 3-star, modern budget design
• From: EUR 80/night
• Best for easyJet passengers

Near the Airport

Crowne Plaza Milan Malpensa Airport

• Location: Midway between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
• Category: 4-star
• Amenities: Spa, gym, free shuttle bus (24 hours), free parking
• From: EUR 90/night
• Free shuttle to both terminals

Other options:

• Idea Hotel Milano Malpensa Airport: Budget-friendly, shuttle service, from EUR 60/night
• Hotel Villa Malpensa: 3-star, complimentary shuttle, from EUR 70/night

Rest/Nap Options

ZZZleepandGo (Terminal 1, Departures)

• Sleeping pods available for short rest periods
• From EUR 15 for 2 hours

Milan is Italy's fashion and financial capital, offering world-class shopping, historic architecture, and access to the Italian Lake District.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Milan Duomo	60-75 min	Malpensa Express to Cadorna + Metro M1
Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion District)	65-80 min	Train to Centrale + Metro M3 to Montenapoleone
The Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie)	55-70 min	Malpensa Express to Cadorna + 10 min walk
Lake Como (Como town)	1 hour	Direct train from Cadorna station
Lake Maggiore (Stresa)	40 min	Drive north toward Switzerland
Bergamo	80 min	Car or bus via A4 motorway

Travel Tips

• Milan Metro: Three lines (M1 red, M2 green, M3 yellow) cover central Milan. Single ticket EUR 2.20
• Fashion District: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea - home to major luxury brands
• Last Supper reservations: Book weeks in advance at vivaticket.com
• Aperitivo culture: Evening drinks (typically 18:00-21:00) include free buffet food at many bars in Navigli and Brera
• Restaurant hours: Lunch 12:30-14:30, dinner from 19:30. Many restaurants close between meals.

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Stay at the airport; limited time after train travel
• 6-hour layover: Quick trip to Milan Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• 8+ hour layover: Add the Fashion District or a short visit to The Last Supper (with advance booking)

Day Trips from Milan

• Lake Como: 1 hour by train from Cadorna, stunning lakeside villages
• Bergamo: 50 min by train, medieval hilltop old town (Citta Alta)
• Verona: 1.5 hours by high-speed train, Romeo and Juliet's city
• Turin: 1 hour by Frecciarossa train, Egyptian Museum, Baroque architecture
• Swiss Alps (Lugano): 1.5 hours by train, lakeside Swiss city

Milan Specialties

• Risotto alla milanese: Saffron-infused risotto, Milan's signature dish
• Cotoletta alla milanese: Breaded veal cutlet (similar to Wiener schnitzel)
• Panettone: Sweet bread, traditional at Christmas but available year-round
• Aperol Spritz: Italy's iconic aperitivo cocktail
• Espresso: Standing at the bar is the Milanese way (and cheaper than sitting)