Airport
Mxp
HualinXMN — CC BY-SA 4.0
Transport
Getting To & From Mxp
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is located roughly 50 kilometers northwest of Milan. The most efficient rail link is the Malpensa Express, which runs to both Milano Centrale (taking about 52 minutes) and Milano Cadorna (taking about 37 minutes), with departures roughly every 30 minutes on each route. A one-way ticket costs €13 (about $15). Multiple coach operators run frequent bus services between both airport terminals and central Milan (mainly Milano Centrale), taking around 50 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis charge a fixed fare between Malpensa and central Milan (about €110, or $125; confirm the price on the sign at the rank), and various car rental providers are available on-site.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
Malpensa operates via two distinct passenger facilities: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the primary, large-scale facility handling major domestic, European Schengen/non-Schengen, and intercontinental long-haul flights, featuring three concourses (A, B, and C). Terminal 2 is dedicated extensively to low-cost carriers, most notably easyJet. A complimentary 24-hour terminal shuttle bus connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, running approximately every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes overnight.
Hours of Operation
Milan Malpensa Airport operates 24 hours a day to accommodate cargo and late-night or early-morning flight banks, though specific airline check-in counters and retail outlets close overnight.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Security Regulations: Terminal 1 features advanced security checkpoints allowing passengers to leave liquids up to 2 liters and electronics inside hand luggage. Terminal 2 retains standard rules requiring liquids to be under 100ml in a clear plastic bag.
- Connection Times: If self-transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, budget at least 45 to 60 minutes to account for the terminal shuttle ride and waiting times.
- Train Disruptions: Always check regional rail schedules ahead of time, as scheduled engineering or national transit strikes can occasionally substitute late-night or daytime Malpensa Express trains with direct replacement buses.
Comfort
Lounges
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) distributes its VIP lounge options primarily across Terminal 1. In Terminal 1's Schengen zone (Boarding Area A), travelers can access the Monteverdi Classic Lounge, while the non-Schengen sector (Boarding Area B) hosts the Sala Montale Lounge and the Pergolesi Classic Lounge. For low-cost carriers operating out of Terminal 2, the primary paid and alliance option is the Alda Merini Classic Lounge. Standard access covers programs like Priority Pass (subject to specific card tier restrictions) alongside direct pay-per-use fees typically ranging around €38 to €45 (about $44 to $52).
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
The airport provides free, unlimited wireless internet across both terminals under the network SSID MALPENSA FREE WI-FI. Connecting requires no registration forms or SMS sign-ups; users simply select the network, agree to the terms on the splash page, and click browse. Electrical outlet availability varies by zone: while Terminal 1 features structured work desks with built-in power, traveler feedback indicates that charging infrastructure in parts of Terminal 2 can be sparse during peak hours.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
Dining options at MXP lean heavily into authentic Italian formats rather than generic international fast food, especially landside and airside in Terminal 1. Notable outlets include the Obicà Mozzarella Bar in Terminal 1's Schengen Area A for fresh buffalo mozzarella, alongside specialty spots like Ferrari Spazio Bollicine and the Davide Oldani Café. Briciole Bar is in Terminal 1's Piazza del Gusto. Terminal 2 offers more streamlined quick-service bars and cafés, suited to low-cost departures.
Driving In
Parking
Official on-site parking at Malpensa is managed under the ViaMilano Parking brand, split into short-stay and long-stay facilities. Short-term stopping is accommodated by the 10-Minute Express areas directly outside the terminals, which incur penalties if exceeded. For longer durations, options include the multi-storey covered garages (such as P2) and open-air long-term lots like P1 Long Term and P3 Express, with weekly rates that vary by season and booking window. Check the official booking page for current prices.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
Two major hotels sit directly integrated with the airport structures: the upscale Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel, which is physically connected via an indoor walkway directly to Terminal 1, and the Moxy Milan Malpensa Airport, positioned immediately adjacent to Terminal 2. For properties requiring a brief shuttle or transfer, options in the surrounding Vizzola Ticino and Case Nuove areas include the First Hotel Malpensa, which operates a dedicated 24-hour shuttle service.
Sources: Milano Malpensa Airport Official Website, Trenord Malpensa Express, Wikipedia - Milan Malpensa Airport, Priority Pass Milan Malpensa Lounges, Milan Malpensa Airport Official Wi-Fi Guide, Obicà Mozzarella Bar Malpensa, ViaMilano Official Parking Structure, Sheraton Milan Malpensa & Moxy Terminal Access