How to Get from Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Milan City Center
Malpensa Airport (MXP) is Milan’s largest international airport, located about 50 km northwest of the city center. Figuring out the best way to get from Malpensa Airport to Milan is easy with several efficient options available. This guide compares the Malpensa Express train, shuttle buses, taxis, and private transfers to help you choose the best transport for your budget and needs.
Comparison Table: Malpensa to Milan Transport Options
| Option | Price (Approx.) | Travel Time | Best For |
| Malpensa Express Train | € 13 | 30-50 min | Speed, reliability, city center access |
| Shuttle Bus | €8-€12 | 50-70 min | Budget travelers, going to Milano Centrale |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | €110-€150 | 40-60 min | Convenience, groups, door-to-door service. Big group. More than 4 passengers |
| Rental Car | Varies | 40-60 min | Travelers exploring beyond Milan |
From Malpensa airport to Milan by train
Malpensa Express to Cadorna Station
From Malpensa Airport, you can take a train to Cadorna Station in Milan. Trains run to both stations every 30-50 minutes, depending on the time of day. The train journey from Malpensa Airport to Milano Cadorna takes approximately 40 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices located in the Malpensa Airport terminal building. You can buy tickets either at the counter or from a ticket machine. Throughout Malpensa Airport, there are signs directing you to the trains heading to Milan.
Cost of the one-way ticket is 13 euro for one person.
If you’re staying in central Milan and need to use the green or red metro lines to get to your destination, the train from Malpensa Airport to Cadorna Station is your best bet.
Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale Station
Trains from Malpensa Airport to Centrale Station depart every 40 minutes, with a service break between 11:30 PM and 6:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.
This station is ideal for travelers staying near the Central Station or transferring to Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio). A direct bus from Centrale to Bergamo Airport takes about 50 minutes.
A one-way train ticket costs €13.
Bus from Malpensa airport to Milan city center
You can also travel from Malpensa Airport to Milan by bus, which departs once an hour. The bus stop at Terminal 1 is located near exits 4-5, and at Terminal 2, it is near exit number 1. You will see large white shuttle buses with clear identification signs. Cost of the ticket is 13 euro.
The bus from Malpensa Airport goes to Milano Centrale Station
Centrale Station is the main transport hub of the city. From there, it is convenient to take the metro to any district of Milan or a train to another city. This bus ride is a good option for passengers who are planning to continue their journey to Bergamo Airport, as buses to Bergamo Airport depart from Centrale Station. The travel time is about 1 hour.
There is also a direct bus from Malpensa Airport to Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport. This service allows you to travel between the two airports without any transfers. The exact schedule of departures and arrivals should be checked on the airport’s website. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
From Malpensa airport to Milan by rental car
There are a few major international companies for rental car set Malpensa airport.
Hertz, Avis, Europcar have desks in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1. You cold book a car in advance or when you will arrive at Malpensa.
Be aware of ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in central Milan where unauthorized vehicles are fined. There are cost of the enter to Milan city center in zona ZTL is 5 euro for 24 hours. In weekend enter is for free. For the enter to ZTL you could register online or by ticket in Tabackeria and than make a registration of your car online.
Taxi & Private Transfers from Malpensa airport to Milan (Most Convenient)
Where is the taxi at Malpensa Airport?
The taxi ranks are located right outside the airport terminal exits. These are white cars with official identification signs. At Malpensa Airport, taxi drivers operate on a strict queue system, so you should always approach the first car in line.
- At Terminal 1, follow the signs for “Taxi” to the dedicated area.
- At Terminal 2, the taxi stand is right outside the main exit.
Taxi Capacity and Vehicle Types
Milan’s airport taxis can accommodate different group sizes and luggage needs. The standard taxi is a sedan that can comfortably carry up to 4 passengers with their luggage. If you are traveling in a larger group or have a lot of baggage, you can request a larger vehicle, such as a minivan, which can typically seat up to 8 passengers. It’s a good idea to inform the dispatcher at the rank if you need a larger car.
When You Might Face Challenges Finding a Taxi
While taxis are generally readily available, there are certain times when you might encounter longer waits or limited availability:
- Early Morning Flights: If your flight lands very early (e.g., between 5:00 – 6:00 AM), the queue of taxis might be shorter.
- Late-Night Arrivals: Similarly, after the last trains and buses have stopped running (post-midnight), demand for taxis can be high.
- Major Strikes: On rare occasions during public transport strikes, the demand for taxis surges dramatically, making them very difficult to get.
- Peak Tourist Season and Holidays: During periods of very high traffic, such as summer weekends or major fashion weeks, you might face a longer queue.
A Good Alternative: Booking a Transfer
To guarantee a smooth arrival without any surprises, consider pre-booking a private transfer from Malpensa airport to Milan. For a fixed price, a driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and assist with your luggage. This is often a stress-free alternative to finding a taxi on the spot.
