Milan Malpensa Airport

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest airport serving Milan and northern Italy, located about 40 km northwest of the city. It is the region’s main international gateway, handling long-haul and full-service carriers alongside low-cost airlines. It has two terminals set roughly 4 km apart: Terminal 1, used by the majority of airlines, and Terminal 2, which is dedicated largely to low-cost carriers. A free shuttle bus runs frequently between the two.

Getting to Milan

• Malpensa Express train: The most reliable option. From Terminal 1 it reaches Milano Cadorna in about 38 minutes and Milano Centrale in roughly 54 minutes; from Terminal 2 add a few minutes more. Trains generally run about every 30 minutes.
• Shuttle bus: Several coach services connect both terminals with Milano Centrale, typically taking around 50 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Taxi and rideshare: Available but a longer and pricier trip given the distance from the city.

Inside the terminal

Terminal 1 is the larger and better-equipped of the two, with a good range of Italian and international dining, cafes, shops, and several lounges. Terminal 2 is more basic and geared toward efficient low-cost turnarounds. Free wifi is available across the airport. Remember that the two terminals are separate buildings, so know which one your flight uses.

Layovers and connections

Malpensa serves as a hub with meaningful connecting traffic, and Italy is in the Schengen area, which affects passport control for some routes. If you are connecting between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, budget real time for the shuttle transfer. With the city 40 km away, only a longer layover really justifies heading into Milan, but the Malpensa Express makes it feasible when you have the hours.

Use the tools above to check whether your layover is long enough to leave, and how the transit, immigration, and security timings add up for MXP.