Which Milan Airport Is Best?
As Milan is one of Italy’s main gateways, there are several airport options for travelers arriving on domestic or international flights.
In addition to Milan’s international hub, Malpensa, the city also has two other airports: Linate and Orio al Serio (also known as Bergamo Airport).
But how do you choose the best Milan airport for your trip? Which airport is closest to Milan? In this post, I’ll answer all your questions.
Tip: When searching for flights, also factor in the cost and travel time between the airport and the city center or your accommodation. On tight itineraries, no one wants to spend 6+ hours on check-ins and connections. Weigh carefully whether the lowest fare is worth the extra hassle.
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Malpensa Airport (MPX)
Malpensa International Airport is Milan’s largest and main airport, which is why many people simply call it “Milan International Airport.” Most long-haul international routes, especially from outside Europe, use Malpensa as their base. For example, travelers booking international flights from the United States or UK to Italy typically arrive at Malpensa.
Malpensa is a base for several major airlines such as Alitalia, KLM, British Airways, Emirates, and even LATAM. Some low-cost carriers also operate at Malpensa, including Ryanair, Vueling, and Easyjet.
Malpensa Airport layout: terminals and services
Malpensa has two terminals. Terminal 1 is the main one and has pretty much everything – all international airlines, shops, duty free, an underground train station, car rental counters, restaurants, and so on.
Terminal 2 is much smaller and used almost exclusively by EasyJet. Because it serves mostly low-cost flights, expect longer lines and stricter carry-on checks. The second terminal has fewer restaurants and shops (it’s really compact), but it also has a train stop and several bus bays.
Tip: Most buses and transfer services to Malpensa stop at both terminals, but you need to pay attention and tell the driver which one you want.
How to get from Milan to Malpensa Airport
You’ll have a few transport options to travel from central Milan to Malpensa Airport. In this post, I’ll use Milan’s main railway station, “Milano Centrale,” as the city reference point.
- Bus (shuttle): Several companies run buses throughout the day between Milano Centrale and Malpensa Airport. I recommend departing from Milano Centrale for the widest choice, though there are other departure points in the city. I usually use Malpensa Shuttle or GetYourGuide transfers, but there are others with similar prices. Buying online, the ticket costs €10 (one-way) or €16 (round-trip). It’s worth booking in advance – there’s often a discount. Allow at least 1 hour for this journey between Milan and the airport – off-peak trips can be a bit quicker, but I wouldn’t rely on it.
- Train: the Malpensa Express connects central Milan to the airport and costs €13 per leg. Trains leave from Milano Centrale and arrive at the airport, stopping at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. You can buy tickets at the station or online – search for your ticket here. Trains depart every 20–30 minutes and the ride takes around 50 minutes with a few stops between Milano Centrale and Malpensa.
- Private transfer: book a car to take you straight to central Milan. This is the most comfortable option. Reserve your transfer here.
- Taxi: If you prefer, you can take a taxi between central Milan and Malpensa. The ride takes at least 45 minutes and costs from €85. We recommend agreeing on the fare before you get in to avoid surprises.
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Linate Airport (LIN)
Linate is the airport closest to central Milan, only 8 km from Milano Centrale. On the other hand, its flight offering is much smaller than the others because it’s a compact airport focused on short routes. Airlines such as KLM, Alitalia, and Easyjet operate at Linate.
Linate has a single terminal. You’ll find airline counters, restaurants, shops, and duty-free shopping there. In my opinion, it’s a very comfortable airport to fly from.
How to get from Linate Airport to central Milan
The options below work in both directions – from Linate Airport to central Milan or from the city center to Linate.
- Bus (shuttle): the ride from Linate to Milano Centrale takes about 30 minutes (with a possible stop at Piazza Dateo) and costs €5 per leg. Companies on this route include Linate Shuttle and Autostradale.
- City bus: two lines connect Linate to central Milan. Line 73 runs from Linate to San Babila metro station (also passing by Centrale), and line LIN runs from Linate to Porta Vittoria. Both operate daily every 5–10 minutes. This is the cheapest way to the airport – a single ticket costs €1.50.
Tip: buy your ticket in advance; if you purchase from the driver, you’ll pay a bit more. Read here how public transport in Milan works. - Private transfer: book a driver to meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. Make your reservation here.
- Taxi: the ride from Linate to the city center takes around 20–30 minutes and costs from €30–40.
Bergamo Airport (BGY)
Bergamo Airport is the farthest from central Milan – it’s nearly 50 km from Milano Centrale. Don’t worry, though, despite the extra distance, travel time is almost the same as to Malpensa. The airport is smaller but has grown in recent years, mainly thanks to low-cost carriers like Ryanair.
Bergamo has a single terminal with a few restaurants and shops. It’s relatively small but has a good range of services.
How to get from Bergamo Airport to central Milan
- Bus (shuttle): the journey between Milano Centrale and Bergamo Airport (either direction) takes about 1 hour and costs €8 per leg. The two main companies are Terravision and Orio Shuttle, and you can also buy a transfer via GetYourGuide. Buying online in advance can unlock discounts. I recommend using Milano Centrale as your base if you choose the shuttle – some companies stop elsewhere in the city, but the main station offers more operators and departure times.
- Train: Bergamo Airport doesn’t have an integrated train station, but the city of Bergamo does. A taxi from the airport to the nearest station costs €10–20, and from there it’s 50 minutes by train to Milano Centrale. This can be a nice option if you want to explore charming Bergamo a bit. Buy your ticket here.
- Private transfer: the most comfortable, VIP-style way to go between Milan and Bergamo Airport. Book a private transfer here.
- Taxi: the drive takes around 50 minutes and typically costs more than €100.
Where to stay near Milan’s airports
Now that you have what you need to decide which Milan airport is best for your trip, I’ve gathered a few hotel options close to the airports mentioned above.
Because many travelers end up flying very early or late, staying near the airport can be a smart move.
- Il Giuelìn Malpensa B&B: Simple, family-run, and highly rated – close to Malpensa, with shuttle and breakfast.
- Moxy Milan Linate: A modern hotel less than a 10-minute walk from Linate – great if you’re driving or want to rest before/after a long flight.
- NH Orio al Serio: Good-quality hotel with excellent reviews, less than 1 km from Bergamo (Orio al Serio). Besides being close to the airport, it has convenient links to the train station and bus lines, and it’s next to a shopping mall.
If you prefer staying in the city, check my guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels in Milan.
What to do in Milan
Now that you know how to arrive and depart, it’s time to plan your Milan itinerary. I’ve prepared a complete plan with what to see and do, including a map with all spots pinned. Read below:
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Italy, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
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- Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals.
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
- Recommended hiking gear: Check our recommendations on Amazon if you will be hiking in Italy!
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