Milan Malpensa International Airport
Also known as: Malpensa Airport, Milano Malpensa, MXP Airport, Milan Airport.
Private transfer from MXPSee pricesSee pricesAbout Milan Malpensa International Airport
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) serves Milan and the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It handled about 31.2 million passengers in 2025. Milan has two other airports: Linate (LIN), on the city's eastern edge, and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY), near Bergamo.
easyJet has a large network here, and Ryanair and Wizz Air fly to cities across Europe. Long-haul airlines include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air China, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines, with routes to New York, Dubai, Doha, Singapore, Shanghai and Toronto. Neos flies to leisure destinations such as Cancún, Zanzibar and the Maldives.
Terminal 1 handles most airlines, with separate areas for Schengen and non-Schengen flights, while Terminal 2 is used only by easyJet. A free shuttle bus and the Malpensa Express train link the two.
The airport sits in the province of Varese, about 49 km northwest of central Milan. From here, travelers head to Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Turin and Genoa.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
SEA Aeroporti di Milano
- Passengers per year
About 31.2 million in 2025
- Runways
Two parallel runways, each 3,920 m long
- Location
Province of Varese, 49 km northwest of Milan
- Opened
1948 for civil flights
Arrival tips for Milan Malpensa International Airport
If you arrive from outside the Schengen area, you go through passport control before baggage claim; flights from other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks. Non-EU travelers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since 10 April 2026; the planned ETIAS travel authorization is not yet in operation.
After collecting your bags and passing customs, you exit into the arrivals hall of your terminal. easyJet flights arrive at Terminal 2, everything else at Terminal 1. Signs from arrivals lead to the Malpensa Express station, the bus stops and the official taxi rank outside. Use only licensed white taxis from the rank, and turn down offers of rides from people who approach you inside the terminal. If you booked a driver, look for them in the arrivals hall of the terminal where you land, and tell them if your flight changes terminal.
Milan has hot, humid summers and cold winters, often with fog. Italy uses Central European Time and the euro.
Ground transportation
The Malpensa Express train is the most direct way into central Milan for most travelers, while coaches, taxis and private transfers suit trips to the lakes or with heavy luggage.
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Book a transfer from MXPMalpensa Express train
Trains leave from stations at Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 for Milano Cadorna, or for Milano Porta Garibaldi and Milano Centrale, taking 30 to 50 minutes depending on the service. Check the departure board, as the two routes end at different stations.
Bus to Milano Centrale
Coach companies including Malpensa Shuttle, Malpensa Bus Express and Flibco run to Milano Centrale in 60 to 70 minutes. Journey times grow in heavy traffic, which the train avoids.
Taxi from Malpensa airport
The official taxi rank is outside arrivals, with licensed white taxis. The drive to central Milan takes around 50 minutes but can take longer at rush hour.
Coaches to Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Turin
Direct coaches run from the airport to Como, the Lake Maggiore area, Domodossola, Novara, Turin and Genoa. Departures are less frequent than buses to Milan, so check timetables in advance.
Private transfer
A pre-booked driver meets you in the arrivals hall and drives you directly to Milan, Lake Como or Lake Maggiore. It suits groups and families but has to be arranged ahead.
Rideshare
Uber operates at Malpensa with Uber Taxi, Black and Van options. Fewer cars may be available late at night, when the taxi rank is a reliable backup.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Free shuttle bus
A free shuttle runs 24 hours a day between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 about every 7 minutes, and the ride takes 15 to 20 minutes.
- 2
Malpensa Express train
Malpensa Express trains stop at both Terminal 2 and Terminal 1, so you can also ride the train between the two terminals.
- 3
Check your terminal
The terminals are separate buildings, so check whether your flight uses Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 and allow extra time if you need to change.
Terminals
Terminal 1
Handles most scheduled and charter flights. Concourse A serves domestic and Schengen flights, while Concourses B and C serve non-Schengen and intercontinental flights.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, Air China, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Iberia, Korean Air, LATAM Airlines, Lufthansa, Neos, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Vueling, Wizz Air
Terminal 2
The older terminal, used only by easyJet for all of its flights. It reopened in May 2023 after closing in 2020.
Airlines commonly assigned here: easyJet
Airlines and destinations
Frequently asked questions
How far is Malpensa airport from Milan city center?
Milan Malpensa Airport is about 49 km northwest of central Milan, in the province of Varese. The Malpensa Express train reaches Milano Cadorna or Milano Centrale in 30 to 50 minutes depending on the service. Coaches to Milano Centrale take 60 to 70 minutes, and a taxi takes around 50 minutes, longer at rush hour.
Is Malpensa the same as Linate or Bergamo airport?
No. Milan has three airports. Malpensa (MXP) is 49 km northwest of the city and handles most long-haul flights. Linate (LIN) is on the city's eastern edge and serves mainly domestic and European routes. Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) is near Bergamo, northeast of Milan. Check the code on your ticket, as they are far apart.
How many terminals does Malpensa airport have?
Malpensa has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles most airlines, with Concourse A for domestic and Schengen flights and Concourses B and C for non-Schengen and intercontinental flights. Terminal 2, the older building, is used only by easyJet. A free shuttle bus runs between them 24 hours a day, and Malpensa Express trains stop at both.
Which terminal does easyJet use at Malpensa?
easyJet uses Terminal 2 for all of its flights at Malpensa, and it is the only airline there. All other airlines, including Ryanair, Wizz Air and long-haul carriers such as Emirates and Delta Air Lines, use Terminal 1. If you are connecting between terminals, take the free shuttle bus, which runs about every 7 minutes.
How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Malpensa?
A free shuttle bus links Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 around the clock, running about every 7 minutes, and the ride takes 15 to 20 minutes. You can also take the Malpensa Express train, which stops at both terminals. Allow extra time if you need to change terminals for a connecting flight.
Where do I get a taxi at Malpensa airport?
The official taxi rank is outside the arrivals area. Use only licensed white taxis from the rank and decline offers from people approaching you inside the terminal. The drive to central Milan takes around 50 minutes, and traffic at rush hour can make it longer. Taxis also go directly to Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
How do I get from Malpensa to Milan by train?
The Malpensa Express train runs from stations at Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 to central Milan. One route ends at Milano Cadorna, and the other runs to Milano Porta Garibaldi and Milano Centrale. Trips take 30 to 50 minutes depending on the service, so check the departure board for the station you need.
Can I use Uber at Malpensa airport?
Yes. Uber operates at Malpensa with several options, including Uber Taxi, Black and Van, and you request a ride through the app after landing. Availability can be thinner late at night. The official taxi rank outside arrivals, the Malpensa Express train and the airport coaches are alternatives if no car is nearby.
Do I need a visa or entry form to fly into Milan Malpensa?
Italy is in the Schengen area, so standard Schengen entry rules apply, and many nationalities can visit visa-free for short stays. Non-EU travelers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since 10 April 2026; the planned ETIAS travel authorization is not yet in operation. Flights from other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks.
How do I get from Malpensa airport to Lake Como or Lake Maggiore?
Direct coaches run from Malpensa to Como and to the Lake Maggiore area, as well as to Domodossola, Novara, Turin and Genoa, though they run less often than buses to Milan. You can also go by taxi or private transfer, or take the train into Milan and change to a regional train for Como.
What time zone and currency does Milan use?
Milan uses Central European Time (UTC+1) and switches to summer time (UTC+2) from late March to late October. The currency is the euro (EUR). Summers in Milan are hot and humid, while winters are cold and often foggy, which is worth keeping in mind for travel to the lakes and mountains.
Who operates Malpensa airport and how busy is it?
Malpensa is operated by SEA Aeroporti di Milano, which also runs Linate. It handled about 31.2 million passengers in 2025, up from about 28.9 million in 2024. The airport has two parallel runways, each 3,920 m long, and has served civil flights since 1948.