Milan Malpensa (MXP) is Milan’s main international airport, located approximately 45km northwest of the city centre. It handles long-haul flights from North America, Asia, the Middle East, and most major European cities. The distance from the city means transfer times are longer than at smaller Italian airports — plan accordingly.
Malpensa Express: the most convenient train
The Malpensa Express is a dedicated airport rail service operated by Trenord, running to two central Milan stations:
To Milano Centrale (main intercity hub):
- Journey time: approximately 52 minutes
- Fare: approximately €13 per person as of 2026
- Frequency: roughly every 30 minutes
To Milano Cadorna (city centre, metro connections):
- Journey time: approximately 40 minutes
- Fare: approximately €13 per person as of 2026
- Frequency: roughly every 30 minutes
Both routes stop at both terminals — Terminal 1 first, then Terminal 2. Trains run from approximately 05:40 to 00:40 from the airport. Buy tickets at machines in the terminal or via the Trenord app. Validate before boarding.
From Centrale you can connect to metro lines M2 (green) and M3 (yellow). From Cadorna you connect to M1 (red) and M2 (green) and the Malpensa Express terminal is adjacent to the FerrovieNord/Cadorna station.
Bus: cheaper but slower
The Autostradale bus runs between Malpensa and Milano Centrale. Several other operators (FlixBus, Terravision) also serve the route.
- Fare: approximately €8–10 per person as of 2026
- Journey time: approximately 60–75 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Frequency: roughly every 20–30 minutes during peak hours
Buses load outside the arrivals halls of both terminals. Buy tickets at the kiosk near the exit or online. The bus can be significantly slower than quoted times during morning and evening rush hours.
Taxi: door-to-door but expensive
Licensed taxis are metered at Malpensa — there is no official fixed rate. Expect approximately €90–100 to central Milan as of 2026, depending on traffic and exact destination. Journey time is approximately 45–70 minutes.
- Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals — do not accept offers from unlicensed drivers inside the terminal
- A taxi is cost-effective only for groups of 3–4 splitting the fare
Private transfer: fixed price, meet and greet
Pre-booked private transfers offer a fixed price agreed before travel — no meter surprises. A driver with your name on a board meets you in arrivals. Standard sedan prices from Malpensa to central Milan typically start at approximately €50–70 as of 2026.
Book a private transfer from Malpensa
For large groups or early morning flights, a private transfer often works out cheaper than two taxi meters running simultaneously.
Getting to Como, Bergamo, or other Lombardy cities
Malpensa is also a convenient entry point for northern Lombardy:
- Lake Como: bus to Saronno, then train to Como (approximately 1.5–2 hours total, approximately €10–15)
- Bergamo: shuttle bus services run seasonally (approximately 1.5 hours, approximately €10)
- Varese: regional bus or taxi (approximately 30 minutes)
Which option is right for you?
| Option | Fare (approx.) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malpensa Express (Centrale) | €13/person | 52 min | Most travellers |
| Malpensa Express (Cadorna) | €13/person | 40 min | City centre, Brera area |
| Bus | €8–10/person | 60–75 min | Budget travellers |
| Taxi (metered) | €90–100 | 45–70 min | Small groups |
| Private transfer | from €50 | 45–70 min | Confirmed price, meet and greet |
The Malpensa Express is almost always the best value for solo travellers and couples. Groups of three or more should compare the combined train fare with a private transfer — the latter often wins once luggage and convenience are factored in.
Practical notes
- Terminal 2 serves mainly budget carriers (easyJet). Terminal 1 serves all others. Confirm your terminal before travelling to the station
- The Malpensa Express ticket machines accept cards; change is available
- Night trains (after midnight) run less frequently — check the timetable at malpensaexpress.it
Plan Your Trip
Once you are in the city, our Milan city guide covers the must-see sights, best restaurants, and the neighbourhoods worth exploring beyond the Duomo. If you plan to continue north to Lake Como or beyond, the getting around Italy guide covers onward connections from Milano Centrale and Cadorna.
Plan Your Trip
- Flights - Find the best fares to Italy
- Travel Insurance - Get covered before you go
- eSIM - Stay connected from landing
- Car Rental - Compare prices across providers
See also: Milan city guide · 3 days in Milan itinerary · Getting around Italy · Train travel in Italy