Milan Malpensa Airport Guide (MXP) – Milan

Airport Overview

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest airport serving the Milan metropolitan area and northern Italy, handling approximately 28 million passengers annually. Located about 49 km northwest of Milan city center near Varese in Lombardy, it serves as the main intercontinental gateway for the region and operates as the primary hub for ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia) long-haul services and for easyJet's Italian operations. The airport is one of Italy's busiest and a key entry point for business travelers attending Milan's fashion weeks, design fairs (including the Salone del Mobile), and financial events.

Terminals

Malpensa has two terminals connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle bus (approximately 7 minutes):

• Terminal 1 (T1): The main terminal handling the majority of international and intercontinental flights. Served by ITA Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Delta, and most major network carriers. Split into Schengen (Gates A/B) and non-Schengen (Gates C) areas.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Dedicated to low-cost carriers, primarily easyJet and Volotea. Located about 2 km from Terminal 1 and accessed via a dedicated shuttle bus or the Malpensa Express train (which stops at both terminals).

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals under the network "SEA WiFi" (managed by the airport operator SEA Milan Airports). Register with an email or mobile number to access unlimited free browsing with no time restriction. Speeds typically range from 5–20 Mbps, sufficient for video calls and streaming. A premium paid WiFi tier is also offered for higher guaranteed bandwidth.

Transport to City Center

Malpensa Express Train

The Malpensa Express is the primary rail link, operated by Trenord. Two routes serve the airport: one to Milano Centrale (Ferrovie Nord) taking approximately 52 minutes (fare: €13), and one to Milano Porta Garibaldi and Cadorna stations taking 33 minutes (fare: €13). Both terminals have dedicated train stations. Trains run every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at station vending machines or via the Trenord app.

Bus Services

Several coach companies run frequent services: Terravision and FlixBus offer routes to Milano Centrale (60–75 min, approximately €6–8), while Autostradale runs services to Piazza Luigi di Savoia. The Malpensa Shuttle operates 24-hour services. Buses depart from outside the arrivals area of both terminals.

Taxi and Rideshare

Licensed white taxis queue outside both terminals. The fixed rate from MXP to Milan city center (within the municipality) is €95–100. Journey time is approximately 45–75 minutes depending on traffic on the A8 motorway. Uber and FREE NOW are available at Malpensa, typically offering competitive rates versus taxis.

Airport Lounges

• ITA Airways Lounge (Terminal 1, Non-Schengen): The flagship carrier's lounge for business class passengers and Volare frequent flyers, offering Italian-inspired catering, Nespresso, wines, and showers.
• Sala Monteverdi (Terminal 1, Schengen): A dedicated lounge accessible with Priority Pass and airline partner access for Schengen departures, with a buffet, bar, and comfortable seating.
• Airside Lounge (Terminal 1): A pay-per-use lounge with Priority Pass acceptance, featuring hot and cold food, cocktails, and workstations.
• Lufthansa Business Lounge (Terminal 1): Available for Lufthansa Group business class and Star Alliance Gold members on Lufthansa/Swiss/Austrian connections.
• No1 Lounge (Terminal 2): The only lounge at T2, accessible with Priority Pass and day-pass purchase, catering to easyJet and other LCC passengers seeking a quieter environment.

Hotels Near the Airport

• Moxy Milan Malpensa Airport: A modern, affordable Marriott-brand hotel located 5 minutes by shuttle, designed for millennial travelers with a lively bar and flexible rooms.
• Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Centre: Directly connected to Terminal 1 via an internal walkway. Full-service hotel with 432 rooms, pool, spa, and business conference facilities.
• Hotel Crowne Plaza Malpensa: A 4-star property 3 km from the airport in the business park area, with a complimentary shuttle and extensive meeting facilities.
• NH Hotel Malpensa: Well-located near Terminal 1 with complimentary airport shuttle, offering comfortable rooms at mid-range prices.
• B&B Hotel Malpensa: A budget-friendly option approximately 4 km from Terminal 2, ideal for easyJet travelers seeking economical accommodation.

Food and Restaurants

• Obika Mozzarella Bar (Terminal 1 Airside): A celebrated Italian restaurant serving fresh buffalo mozzarella, burrata, and regional antipasti — a genuine Italian culinary experience before boarding.
• Rossopomodoro (Terminal 1): A Neapolitan pizza chain using authentic Vesuvian tomatoes and wood-fired ovens, popular with both locals and visitors.
• Carlo e Camilla (Airside): A collaboration with a renowned Milanese chef, offering aperitivo-style food and Italian wines in an elegant setting.
• Caffe Vergnano: A historic Turin coffee brand with excellent espresso, cappuccino, and Italian pastries at multiple locations throughout both terminals.
• McDonald's and Burger King: Fast food options available landside for quick meals before security.
• Spizzico (Terminal 1 Food Court): Italian fast casual serving pizza by the slice, pasta, and salads at affordable prices.

Travel Tips

• Confirm your terminal (T1 or T2) before heading to the airport — the two terminals require different transport stops and are not walking distance apart.
• The Malpensa Express train is by far the best value transport option; buy tickets online via Trenord to avoid queues at vending machines during busy periods.
• Milan Fashion Week (February and September) and Salone del Mobile (April) see extremely high passenger volumes — book transport and hotel well in advance during these periods.
• Italian customs are strictly enforced at Malpensa for non-EU arrivals — ensure you have accurate declarations for goods over the duty-free threshold.
• Luggage storage lockers are available at both terminals at €6–10 per day, useful for day-trip exploration of Varese or Lake Maggiore before your flight.
• The shopping area at Terminal 1 includes a full Italian duty-free section with Ferragamo, Prada, and Gucci outlet shops — allow time if shopping is planned.
• Security queues at Terminal 1 can be 45–60 minutes during peak morning hours (06:00–09:00); arrive well in advance for early flights.