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Milan Malpensa Airport

Milan · Italy · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Code
MXP
Size
Major Hub
Passengers a year
31.4M / year
Terminals
2
To downtown
49 km
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Getting to and from the airport
  3. Terminals and airlines
  4. Tips for travellers
  5. Good to know
  6. Climate, customs and advisory

Overview

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest airport in northern Italy and the second-busiest in Italy overall, located 49 km northwest of Milan. It serves as a major intercontinental gateway for non-European visitors and handles over 65% of Italy's air cargo.

Milan Malpensa Airport is an international airport located in Ferno, in the Province of Varese, Lombardy, Italy, approximately 49 kilometers northwest of Milan. Opened in 1948 for civil operations, it is the largest airport in northern Italy and serves the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, and Liguria, as well as the Swiss canton of Ticino. As of 2025, Malpensa handled 31.4 million passengers, making it the 21st-busiest airport in Europe and the second-busiest in Italy. The airport operates as a hybrid hub with Terminal 1 hosting legacy carriers and long-haul international flights, while Terminal 2 is dedicated exclusively to easyJet. Uniquely among Italian airports, Malpensa plays a critical industrial role, processing over 65% of Italy's air cargo and handling 763,118 tonnes in 2025.

Getting to and from the airport

  • Rail

    Malpensa Express rail service connects both terminals to Milan city center, with direct links to Milan Cadorna, Milan Porta Garibaldi, and Milan Central stations. Terminal 1 station opened in 1999; Terminal 2 station opened in 2016.

    Approximately 30-40 minutes to city center · €10-15 per person

  • Taxi

    Taxis available at both terminals for direct transport to Milan and surrounding areas.

    45-60 minutes depending on traffic · €60-90 to city center

  • Car Rental

    Multiple car rental agencies available at the airport for self-drive options.

    45-60 minutes to city center · Varies by provider and vehicle type

  • Shuttle Bus

    Airport shuttle services available for group and individual transfers.

    50-70 minutes to city center · €15-25 per person

The Malpensa Express rail service is the most convenient and cost-effective option for reaching Milan city center, with frequent departures and direct connections to major train stations. Taxis and car rentals are available but may face traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The airport's location 49 km northwest of Milan means that ground transport times can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions and destination within the city. For travelers heading to Switzerland or Piedmont, the airport's position near the Ticino river and its vast catchment area make it a convenient gateway to these regions as well.

Security wait: 30 minutes average

Terminals and airlines

  • Terminal 1

    Emirates, Delta, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Legacy carriers

    Covers 262,300 m², includes 256 check-in counters, 65 boarding gates, 20 airbridges and satellites at both ends. Capacity of 22 million passengers annually. Features a railway station (opened 1999). Handles domestic, international, and charter flights.

  • Terminal 2

    easyJet

    Covers 55,000 m², includes 57 check-in counters, 28 boarding gates and a satellite. Capacity of 6 million passengers annually. Exclusively serves easyJet and is the airline's largest base in continental Europe. Railway station opened in 2016.

Airlines: easyJet, Emirates, Delta, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines

Tips for travellers

  • Use the Malpensa Express rail service for convenient connections to Milan city center, with direct links to Milan Cadorna, Milan Porta Garibaldi, and Milan Central stations. Terminal 1 has a railway station that opened in 1999, and Terminal 2 has a railway station that opened in 2016.
  • Allow extra time for security screening; typical wait times average around 30 minutes, though this can vary during peak travel periods.
  • Terminal 1 handles legacy carriers and long-haul international flights, while Terminal 2 is exclusively for easyJet; confirm your terminal before arrival.
  • The airport is equipped with modern baggage handling systems and offers various amenities including dining, shopping, and business facilities across both terminals.
  • If traveling with cargo or freight, note that Malpensa has dedicated cargo facilities and is Italy's primary hub for air freight operations.
  • Consider that the airport serves a vast catchment area extending into Switzerland and Piedmont, so it may be convenient even if traveling to nearby regions.

Good to know

  • Malpensa Airport was originally opened in 1909 by Giovanni Agusta and Gianni Caproni as a testing ground for their aircraft prototypes before transitioning to civil operations in 1948.
  • The airport is located inside the Parco Naturale Lombardo Della Valle Del Ticino, a nature reserve that is included by UNESCO in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
  • Malpensa is ninth in the world and sixth in Europe for the number of countries served with direct flights, making it a major international hub.
  • Terminal 2 is easyJet's largest base in continental Europe, with the airline operating exclusively from this terminal.
  • The airport's Cargo City handles over 65% of Italy's total air cargo, with a dedicated freight handling capacity and logistics infrastructure supporting the manufacturing heart of Lombardy.
  • Malpensa has two parallel runways capable of handling all aircraft types, including the Airbus A380.

Amenities: Railway stations at both terminals, WiFi, Dining and restaurants, Shopping and retail, Business facilities, Cargo City with freight handling facilities

Climate, customs and advisory

Milan experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and cold winters. The airport region in Varese Province has similar conditions, with average temperatures ranging from around 2°C in January to 23°C in July. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher rainfall in spring and autumn.

Customs: As an international airport serving non-European visitors, Malpensa has dedicated customs and immigration facilities. EU/Schengen citizens enjoy streamlined processing, while non-EU visitors should be prepared for standard customs procedures. The airport is considered the main gateway into Northern Italy for non-European visitors. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and have any required visas arranged before arrival.

Sources (10)

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