How to Get from Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan: All Transport Options Compared

Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP) is Italy's second busiest international airport and the main gateway to the Lombardy region. Located approximately 49 kilometres northwest of Milan city centre, near the town of Busto Arsizio in the Varese province, Malpensa handles around 25 million passengers per year across its two terminals — Terminal 1 for most international and intercontinental flights, and Terminal 2 primarily used by easyJet and charter operators.

Getting from Malpensa to central Milan is a well-served route with multiple reliable transport options. This guide covers every option in detail: the Malpensa Express train, coach services, taxi and private transfer, and when each makes sense depending on your destination, group size, luggage, and budget. All prices and schedules cited reflect 2025–2026 published tariffs.

Overview: Distance, Travel Time, and Cost at a Glance

Before diving into the details of each option, here is a comparative summary to help you choose quickly.

Transport Mode Journey Time Approx. Cost (one-way, per person) Operates 24h? Best For
Malpensa Express (to Cadorna) 52 min €13 No (5:25–23:35) Solo/couple, light luggage, city centre
Malpensa Express (to Centrale) 50–74 min €13 No (early–late) Travellers connecting at Centrale
Terravision Bus 50–70 min €5–€10 No (5:00–00:30) Budget travellers, heavy luggage
Airpullman Bus 60–75 min €10 No Groups, flexible stop locations
FlixBus 55–75 min €5–€12 No (selected departures) Budget travellers, advance booking
Licensed Taxi 40–60 min (traffic-dependent) €97–€107 (fixed rate) Yes Groups of 3–4, late night, heavy luggage
Private NCC Transfer 40–55 min €80–€130+ Yes Business travellers, door-to-door service

Option 1: Malpensa Express Train

The Malpensa Express is the fastest and most comfortable public transport option for most travellers. Operated by Trenord (the regional rail company of Lombardy), the service runs directly from Malpensa Airport T1 and T2 to two central Milan stations: Milano Cadorna and Milano Centrale. The line has been running since 1999 and was substantially improved in 2010 when the Centrale branch opened.

Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2

If you arrive at Terminal 1, the Malpensa Express station is directly underneath the terminal, accessible via a short walk through the arrivals hall and down one level — no bus connection required. From Terminal 2 (easyJet, charter flights), a free inter-terminal shuttle bus runs every 7–10 minutes to Terminal 1, where you board the train. Allow an extra 20 minutes if you arrive at Terminal 2.

Routes and Journey Times

There are two distinct train routes from Malpensa:

Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes on both routes during peak hours, and every 60 minutes on weekends and early mornings. The first train from T1 towards Cadorna departs at approximately 05:25 and the last around 23:35. The first departure towards Centrale is around 06:05. Always verify the current timetable on the Trenord website or at the airport ticket office, as schedules are subject to seasonal changes.

Ticket Prices and How to Buy

As of 2025, the standard single fare for the Malpensa Express is €13 per adult for either destination (Cadorna or Centrale). Children under 14 travelling with an adult can travel free if they do not occupy a separate seat. Tickets can be purchased:

Note that tickets must be validated before boarding. Failure to validate your ticket before the train doors close may result in an on-board fine. Validators are yellow stamping machines on the platform.

Comfort and Luggage

Malpensa Express trains have designated luggage areas at the end of each carriage. Seats are comfortable for the journey length, and Wi-Fi is available on most trains. There is no fee for luggage regardless of size, unlike some airline coach operators. The service is wheelchair accessible at both T1 and all major stopping stations.

Connecting Onwards from Cadorna and Centrale

At Milano Cadorna, you can connect directly to Metro Line M1 (red, towards Sesto 1° Maggio/Rho Fieramilano) and Metro Line M2 (green, towards Gessate/Assago). Cadorna is also a stop on the suburban rail lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S13, and the Malpensa Express's own line. From Cadorna, the Duomo is approximately 10 minutes by Metro.

At Milano Centrale, you connect to Metro Line M2 (green) and Metro Line M3 (yellow). Centrale is also Italy's busiest high-speed rail hub: Frecciarossa and Italo services depart here to Rome (approx. 3 hours), Florence (approx. 1h 45min), Venice (approx. 2h 30min), and Naples (approx. 4h 30min).

Option 2: Airport Bus — Terravision

Terravision is a pan-European airport bus operator active at Malpensa since the early 2000s. Their coaches connect Malpensa T1 (with a T2 stop) directly to Milano Centrale station. The journey takes between 50 and 70 minutes depending on traffic, with the main variable being the afternoon and evening rush hour on the A8 motorway approaching the city.

Schedule and Frequency

Terravision buses run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day, with the first departure from Malpensa at approximately 05:00 and the last around 00:30. Buses depart from the covered bus bays in front of Terminal 1 Arrivals on the ground floor. The drop-off point in Milan is on Via Luigi Galvani, immediately adjacent to the north side of Milano Centrale station, which is convenient for those taking onward trains or staying in the Porta Garibaldi/Isola district.

Prices

Terravision fares start at €5 if booked online well in advance, rising to €10 for walk-up purchases at the airport. The recommended approach is to book via terravision.eu at least 24–48 hours ahead for the lowest prices. Return tickets offer a small discount compared to two single fares. Children under 2 years travel free; children aged 2–12 are eligible for a child rate typically around €5.

Luggage Policy

Each passenger is entitled to one large suitcase and one item of hand luggage free of charge. Pushchairs and wheelchairs are accepted subject to space. Bicycles and oversize sports equipment must be declared at the time of booking and may incur a surcharge.

Option 3: Airport Bus — Airpullman

Airpullman is an Italian bus operator that has been running Malpensa airport shuttles since 1998. They serve both Milano Centrale and, on certain services, intermediate stops including Fiera Milano City (Portello) and Lampugnano bus terminal, which is also connected to Metro M1. This makes Airpullman particularly useful for travellers heading to the western fringes of Milan, including the trade fair grounds and the Navigli district.

Schedule and Prices

Services run approximately every 60 minutes. The fare is €10 one-way, payable online at airpullman.com or at the driver. Return tickets cost €16. Journey time to Centrale is approximately 60–75 minutes. The Lampugnano stop, where passengers can connect to Metro M1 towards the city centre or Rho Fiera for trade fair events, typically adds 10 minutes to the journey.

Option 4: Airport Bus — FlixBus

FlixBus entered the Malpensa route around 2018 and has been expanding its Italian airport connections. Their service links Malpensa to Milano Centrale (bus stop on Piazza IV Novembre) and occasionally to Milan Lampugnano. FlixBus fares are dynamic and can be as low as €5 when booked several weeks in advance, although last-minute fares can reach €12–€15.

Booking is exclusively online via flixbus.com or the FlixBus app — there is no walk-up purchase at the airport. FlixBus coaches are modern, with USB charging ports and Wi-Fi. Each passenger may check one piece of large luggage (up to 20kg) and carry one small bag; oversized items require an additional fee. Frequency is lower than Terravision and Airpullman — typically 4–8 departures per day — so advance planning is important.

Option 5: Licensed Taxi (White Taxi)

Milan operates a fixed-rate taxi system for journeys to and from Malpensa Airport. White licensed taxis are regulated by the Municipality of Milan and the Province of Varese. As of 2025, the fixed tariffs are:

These fixed rates apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays, and cover up to 4 passengers and standard luggage. There is no supplement for night travel, weekends, or additional bags up to normal suitcase size. However, if the taxi must wait due to a delayed flight, a waiting time fee may apply after the first 60 minutes.

Where to Find Taxis at Malpensa

Official taxi ranks are located directly outside the arrivals hall of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You must use the official queue — accepting rides from unlicensed drivers ("abusivi") at Italian airports is illegal and carries significant personal safety risks. Legitimate Milan taxis are white and display the municipal coat of arms. The driver must issue a receipt and cannot charge more than the published fixed rate for the journey.

Is Taxi Good Value at Malpensa?

For a solo traveller, a taxi at €97–€107 is expensive compared to the €13 Malpensa Express. However, for a group of three or four people, the per-person cost drops to approximately €24–€27, which begins to approach the cost of the train when you factor in Metro connections from Cadorna or Centrale. For travellers with significant luggage, small children, or arriving after midnight, taxis become the more practical and often more economical group option.

Option 6: Private NCC Transfer (Noleggio con Conducente)

NCC (Noleggio con Conducente, literally "hire with driver") is the Italian licensed private hire vehicle sector — the legal equivalent of a pre-booked minicab or black car service. NCC operators are not permitted to pick up passengers without a prior booking and are distinct from licensed street taxis.

NCC transfers from Malpensa to central Milan typically cost €80–€130 for a standard saloon (4 passengers), with prices varying by operator, vehicle class, and booking lead time. Business-class vehicles (Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series) typically start at €100–€120 one-way. Minivan transfers for groups of 6–8 passengers range from €100 to €160. All prices are for the full vehicle, not per person.

Advantages of Private Transfer

How to Book NCC

NCC services must be booked in advance — online, by phone, or through a travel management company. Many hotel concierge desks in Milan can arrange NCC transfers on request. Online platforms such as Welcome Pickups and various aggregator sites list vetted NCC operators with published prices. Avoid booking kiosk sellers inside the terminal unless you can verify their NCC licence, as unlicensed operators sometimes pose as legitimate services.

World Global Travel offers pre-booked private transfer services from Malpensa as part of tailored ground transportation packages. For enquiries about group and corporate transfers, visit our contacts page.

Travelling Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

Malpensa's two terminals are approximately 3 kilometres apart and are not connected by a walking route or airside corridor. The free inter-terminal shuttle bus (Bus 39) operates 24 hours a day, every 7–10 minutes, departing from the ground floor arrivals area of each terminal. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. There is no charge for this shuttle. Passengers should note that Terminal 2 does not have its own railway station — all train services use Terminal 1.

Getting to Specific Areas of Milan

Your choice of transport may depend on where in Milan you are heading. Here is a breakdown by destination area:

Duomo / Historic Centre

Take the Malpensa Express to Cadorna (52 min, €13), then Metro M1 eastbound to Duomo (3 stops, approximately 6 minutes). Total journey approximately 60–65 minutes from arrivals. Alternatively, a taxi door-to-door is around 50 minutes in normal traffic but costs €97.

Porta Nuova / Isola / Garibaldi (Business District)

Take the Malpensa Express to Centrale (50–74 min, €13), then walk 10 minutes north or take a brief Metro M2 ride one stop to Garibaldi. Alternatively, a Terravision or Airpullman bus to Centrale places you directly at the edge of this district. Journey total: approximately 65–80 minutes by public transport.

Fiera Milano (Trade Fair, Rho)

Take the Malpensa Express to Cadorna, then Metro M1 westbound to Rho Fieramilano (end of line, approximately 30 minutes from Cadorna). Total: approximately 95 minutes. Alternatively, Airpullman serves Lampugnano (M1), which is one stop east of Rho Fiera. A direct NCC transfer to Fiera Rho takes approximately 30–40 minutes from the airport, as the motorway route via the A8–A4 interchange is more direct than the city route.

Navigli District (South Milan)

Take the Malpensa Express to Cadorna, then Metro M2 (green line) southbound to Porta Genova (4 stops, approximately 8 minutes). Total: approximately 65–70 minutes by public transport. Taxi to Navigli is within the central fixed-rate zone at €97.

Linate Airport (Connecting Flight)

There is no direct bus or rail link between Malpensa and Linate airports. The recommended route is Malpensa Express to Centrale, then Metro M3 (yellow) to Linate (Aeroporto di Linate stop via the M4 Blue Line, opened 2023). Alternatively, taxi between the two airports costs approximately €80–€110 and takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Allow at minimum 3 hours for connections between the two airports, and ideally 4 hours for international-to-domestic connections.

Dealing with Delays and Strikes

Flight Delays

If your flight arrives late at night, be aware that the Malpensa Express last service towards Cadorna departs T1 at approximately 23:35, and towards Centrale slightly earlier. Flights arriving after approximately 22:30 may miss the last train, particularly if customs and baggage reclaim take 30–45 minutes. In this case, taxi (available 24 hours) or a pre-arranged NCC transfer are the only practical options.

Terravision and Airpullman also do not operate 24-hour services. The last Terravision bus from Malpensa typically departs around 00:30, but this should be verified for your travel date. If in doubt, pre-book an NCC transfer that includes flight tracking, so the driver automatically adjusts for delays.

Italian Transport Strikes (Sciopero)

Italy has a legal right to strike, including in the transport sector, and strikes (scioperi) in the rail and bus sector occur several times per year. Italian law requires a minimum service guarantee during strikes — typically at least some trains must run during morning and evening peak hours (generally 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00). Outside these windows, services may be completely suspended.

Trenord publishes strike notices on trenord.it at least 10 days in advance. If you are travelling on a day when a strike is announced:

Motorway Traffic

The A8 motorway between Malpensa and Milan is subject to significant congestion, particularly on Friday evenings (outbound from Milan), Sunday evenings (return traffic), and during major trade fair periods at Fiera Milano (typically April, May, September, October). During peak congestion, road journey times can double — a normally 40-minute drive can take 80–90 minutes. The Malpensa Express is not affected by motorway congestion and remains the most time-reliable option during these periods.

Practical Tips for the Journey

Buying Train Tickets in Advance

Malpensa Express tickets do not sell out, but buying in advance via the Trenord app saves time at the ticket machine queue, which can be long during peak hours at T1. The app also displays real-time train running information, which is useful if your flight lands and you want to know the next departure time while walking through arrivals.

Luggage Storage at the Airport

If you have time to spare before check-in or after landing with a late hotel check-in time, Malpensa T1 has a left-luggage facility (deposito bagagli) operated by Kipoint, located in the departures area. Fees are approximately €7 for the first 6 hours per item. Booking online in advance saves a small amount.

Currency and Payment

Major transport operators at Malpensa accept credit and debit cards. Taxi drivers in Milan are legally required to accept card payment, although some older drivers have been known to request cash — if a driver refuses card, you may note the taxi number and report to the Milan municipality. ATMs are available in both terminal arrivals halls if cash is required.

Accessibility

Malpensa T1 and the Malpensa Express platforms are fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchair assistance at the airport must be arranged with your airline at least 48 hours before travel (via EU Regulation 1107/2006). Trenord offers a dedicated assistance service for passengers with disabilities — contact [email protected] at least 12 hours before travel. NCC operators can typically arrange adapted vehicles on request with advance notice.

Summary: Which Transport Option is Best for You?

There is no single best option for all travellers. The right choice depends on your specific circumstances:

Whichever option you choose, the route from Malpensa to central Milan is well-served and straightforward. With proper planning — particularly checking strike dates and the last train timetable relative to your arrival time — the journey need not be stressful. For travellers seeking pre-arranged ground transportation as part of a wider travel itinerary, explore our travel research resources or contact our team directly.