Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Overview: Two Terminals, Simple Rules

Malpensa's terminal assignment rule is among the simplest of any major European hub: if you are flying with easyJet, go to Terminal 2. If you are flying with any other airline, go to Terminal 1. The terminals are approximately 4–5 km apart on opposite ends of the airport complex. A free inter-terminal shuttle bus runs continuously every 7 minutes (24/7), and the Malpensa Express train stops at both underground stations (T2 station is connected via a covered pedestrian walkway). The shuttle journey takes approximately 5–7 minutes.

Terminal 1 (T1) — Main International Terminal

Terminal 1 is the newer, larger, and far more prominent of the two terminals. It opened in 1998 as part of the "Malpensa 2000" modernisation plan and was expanded in 2010. The terminal is divided into three distinct concourses handling different categories of flights:

• Concourse A: Domestic flights (Milan–Rome, Milan–Catania, etc.) and intra-Schengen European flights. Compact and efficient; gates A1–A10 on the first floor and A24–A26, A32–A39, A50–A61 on the ground floor.
• Concourse B: The largest concourse, handling non-Schengen international flights and intercontinental routes to the Americas, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Gates B1–B10 (first floor) and B26–B59 (ground floor + mezzanine). All major VIP lounges are in or adjacent to this concourse.
• Concourse C: Handles non-Schengen traffic with enhanced security screening for flights to security-sensitive destinations including the USA and Israel. Positioned separately from B for security reasons.

The ground floor (Level 0) of T1 contains arrivals, transport services (train, bus, taxi access), ATMs, basic shops, car rental desks, and the chapel. The first floor (Level 1) has full check-in halls and departures security. The second floor and mezzanine have duty-free shopping, restaurants, and airside bars. The Malpensa Express underground train station is at Level -1, accessed by lifts and escalators from the arrivals hall.

Airlines in T1: All airlines except easyJet — including ITA Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Air China, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Iberia, Swiss, Austrian, and 50+ more.

Services and amenities in T1: Full duty-free and luxury retail (Dufry operates the main concession, with Gucci, Prada, Bulgari, Armani, Hermès alongside standard duty-free goods), multiple dining options, all VIP lounges, Sheraton hotel, Zzzleepandgo sleep pods, pharmacy, Poste Italiane post office (landside, limited weekday hours), information desks (ground floor arrivals and first/second floor departures), Fast Track security (€9/person, purchase online or at self-service machines), baggage wrapping service, Sala Amica accessibility lounge.

Terminal 2 (T2) — easyJet Exclusive Terminal

Terminal 2 is the older, smaller, and more basic of the two terminals. Originally built in the 1980s, it closed entirely for three years from 2020 to 2023 (during and after the COVID-19 pandemic) and re-opened in 2023 exclusively for easyJet operations. T2 is utilitarian — fewer dining options, a smaller lounge presence, and a more compact check-in area — but efficient for the point-to-point travel for which easyJet is used. The underground train station at T2 is connected to the terminal by a covered outdoor pedestrian walkway (approximately 200 metres). Nearby is the MOXY Milan Malpensa Airport hotel, walking distance from T2.

• Airlines: easyJet only (100+ European destinations)
• Facilities: Standard check-in area, security, departure gates, ATMs, newsstand, café/bar options, pharmacy kiosk, car rental desks
• Parking: P5 Easy (2-minute walk, uncovered, 3,000+ spaces), P6 Smart/Smart Up (accessible via free shuttle)
• Note: easyJet flights at T2 are point-to-point with no protected connections; any transfer to another airline requires exiting, collecting bags, and re-entering security at T1

VIP Lounges

All major lounges at MXP are in Terminal 1 airside. T2 has no independently accessible pay-at-door lounges.

• Club S.E.A. Sala Montale — T1, Concourse B (non-Schengen), accessible via lift after security. Hours: 06:00–22:00. Walk-in: €43. Accepts Priority Pass, Lounge Key, all major airline programmes. Showers available. Floor-to-ceiling runway views; main lounge for business class passengers of most airlines.
• Club S.E.A. Sala Monteverdi — T1, Concourse A (Schengen area, near gates A1–A10). Hours: 06:00–21:30. Walk-in: €42. Accepts Priority Pass. Showers available. Quieter atmosphere; ideal for Schengen business travellers.
• Club S.E.A. Sala Pergolesi — T1, Concourse B (first floor, gates B01–B23). Opened summer 2024 after a full redesign. 430 m² with up to 90 seats inspired by Milanese architect Gio Ponti. Hours: 06:00–22:00. Showers available. Priority Pass and pay-at-door access. One of the newest and most design-forward lounges in the SEA portfolio.
• Club S.E.A. Premium Lounge — T1, Concourse B (gates B50–B58 level). Hours: 06:00–22:00. Priority Pass access and pay-at-door.
• ITA Airways Lounge — T1, Concourse A, for ITA Business Class and Volare Elite members.
• Emirates Lounge — T1, Concourse B, for Emirates Business and First Class.
• Lufthansa Business Lounge — T1, for Star Alliance Business Class passengers and Senator/HON Circle members.
• Sala Amica — T1 arrivals, dedicated lounge for passengers with reduced mobility and special needs. Free access; services include wheelchair assistance, quiet space, and personal help.
• Visconti Lounge — T1 Baggage Claim area, accessible only to passengers who pre-booked the VIP Service with SEA.

Getting to and from MXP Airport

Malpensa's greatest challenge is its distance from Milan — 49 km of mostly motorway, with travel times ranging from 40 minutes at night to 90+ minutes during rush hour on the A8 autostrada. The good news is that the Malpensa Express train is fast, reliable, and runs from the airport basement — making it the preferred option for most travellers heading to the city centre. Buses are cheaper but slower; taxis are convenient and have a fixed fare but expensive. There is no direct metro connection to MXP.

Malpensa Express Train (Trenord)

The Malpensa Express, operated by Trenord (malpensaexpress.it), connects the underground train station at Terminal 1 directly to Milan city centre on two routes, running simultaneously. Terminal 2 passengers use the free inter-terminal shuttle bus (7 minutes) or the free mini-train to T1 before boarding. Both routes stop at Milano Bovisa and Saronno en route. From December 2025, both routes also stop at the new Milano Domodossola station.

• Route A — Milano Centrale: The longest route via Milano Porta Garibaldi, Bovisa, Saronno. Journey time: approximately 51 minutes to Centrale. Departures from T1 from 05:43 to 22:43, from Milano Centrale from 05:25 to 23:25. Frequency: every 30 minutes (68 round trips daily).
• Route B — Milano Cadorna (Piazza Cadorna): The faster route. Journey time: approximately 37 minutes to Cadorna. Departures from T1 from 05:26 to 00:26, from Milano Cadorna from 04:27 to 00:20. Frequency: every 30 minutes (79 round trips daily; first departure 04:27 from Cadorna).
• Fares (from August 2025): Single adult: €15.00; children 4–13: €7.50; under 4: free. Same-day return (adult): €25.00. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children 4–17): €36.00. 30-day return online only: €25.00.
• Purchase: Ticket office at T1 station (Level -1, 06:00–21:00), automatic kiosks 24h, online via Trenord app (Android/iOS) or Trainline, or contactless payment at turnstiles (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, NFC). Validate before boarding at yellow machines on the platform.
• Note for Milano Cadorna passengers: Cadorna station is adjacent to the entrance of Milan Metro Line 1 (Red) and Line 2 (Green) — ideal if your hotel is near the Duomo, Brera, or the fashion district.

Express Buses to Milan City Centre

Several competing bus operators run direct services between MXP (both terminals) and Milan's city centre (primarily Milano Centrale railway station). All stop at Terminal 1 first, then Terminal 2. Journey time: 50–70 minutes depending on traffic. Fares: approximately €10 single / €16 return for adults (children approximately half-price).

• Terravision (terravision.eu): Departs hourly from 05:10 to 01:10 (T1), fare €10 single / €16 return. From January 2026, T1 stop relocated to Level -1 in front of the Sheraton Hotel.
• Malpensa Bus Express / Autostradale (autostradale.it): Departs every 20 minutes (04:00–23:00); €9–10 single.
• Malpensa Shuttle / Air Pullman (malpensashuttle.it): Departures every 45 minutes (05:45–02:10); one of the latest-running services.
• Caronte: Additional bus option, comparable pricing.

Note: Buses are significantly slower than the train during peak hours (07:30–09:30 and 17:00–20:00 Mon–Fri) due to A8 motorway congestion. The train is always preferable unless your destination is near Milano Centrale and the train schedule doesn't suit.

Taxi

Licensed taxis are available at the official ranks at Arrivals, Gate 6 (Terminal 1) and Gate 4 (Terminal 2). The fare from Malpensa Airport to any destination within Milan city centre is a fixed tariff of €95 for licensed white taxis — set by municipal regulation, regardless of traffic or time of day. Only use official white cabs from the rank; unlicensed touts inside the terminal charge far higher prices. The journey takes approximately 45–60 minutes in normal conditions and up to 90 minutes during peak rush hours.

• Official taxi operator: ICTM Consorzio Taxi Malpensa — Tel: +39 0331 231312
• Fixed fare to Milan city centre: €95 (per vehicle, not per person)
• Other destinations: Lake Como area ~€100–€130; Lake Maggiore ~€60–€80; Varese ~€70; Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (inter-airport) ~€170; Lugano, Switzerland ~€90–€120
• Payment: Most accept cards; confirm before entering

Uber and Rideshare

Uber operates at MXP but with important restrictions — only Uber Black and Uber Lux (licensed chauffeur services) are permitted. Standard UberX is not available. Fares to Milan city centre via Uber Black are approximately €80–€110, comparable to or slightly higher than official taxis. Pre-booking is recommended. The 99 app does not operate at MXP. Regular ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar connect the airport to various cities but are not suitable for same-day transfers.

Car Rental

Car rental desks are located in the Arrivals level of both terminals. Major operators: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, Maggiore (ACI-affiliated), Sixt, Thrifty. For travel to Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, or across northern Italy, renting a car at MXP is very practical — the airport has direct motorway access (SS336/A8). EV rentals are increasingly available. Booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended in summer and during Milan fashion weeks (January, February, June, September).

Inter-Airport Transfers

For connections between MXP and other Milan-area airports: Linate (LIN) is served by bus (Terravision or Autostradale via Milano Centrale, approximately 90 min + transit); Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) is served by direct bus shuttles (approximately 80–100 min, ~€16 one-way) operated by Autostradale. No direct inter-airport train exists.

Hotels Inside the Airport Complex

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Centre ★★★★ — The only hotel physically connected to Terminal 1 by an internal corridor on the departures level, the Sheraton is the definitive airport hotel at MXP. With 437 soundproofed rooms, air conditioning, mini-bar, flatscreen TVs, and Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds, it is a strong choice for both red-eye departures and long layovers. The hotel emphasises business travel, with meeting rooms and conference facilities able to accommodate events of various scales. A fitness centre, bar, and restaurant round out the amenities. Day rooms (check-in from noon, check-out by early evening) are available, as are five-hour short-stay rates — useful for connection passengers needing a proper rest. Price range: approximately €130–€300/night depending on season. Fashion Week (September, January) and major Milan trade fairs (Salone del Mobile in April) send prices significantly higher — book 2–3 months ahead for those dates.

MOXY Milan Malpensa Airport ★★★ (Marriott) — A modern, trendy budget-premium hotel located a short walk from Terminal 2, ideal for easyJet passengers and those who don't need T1 direct access. Features lively communal spaces, a bar, and the casual Marriott aesthetic. Free shuttle to T1 available. From approximately €80–€150/night.

Hotels Near the Airport (Free Shuttle Service)

Crowne Plaza Milan Malpensa Airport (IHG) ★★★★ — Full-service 4-star hotel minutes from the airport with a complimentary shuttle. Features a pool, spa, fitness centre, restaurant, and extensive conference facilities. Popular with business groups. From approximately €110–€220/night.

Holiday Inn Express Milan-Malpensa Airport (IHG) ★★★ — Reliable, comfortable 3-star property with shuttle service, complimentary breakfast, and a no-fuss business traveller focus. From approximately €70–€130/night.

Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa ★★★★ — Good 4-star hotel with shuttle, pool, fitness centre, and solid dining options. Consistent Hilton quality. From approximately €90–€180/night.

Idea Hotel Malpensa ★★★ — Budget-friendly, practical option near the airport, popular with cost-conscious business travellers. From approximately €55–€100/night.

MALPENSA GARDEN Rooms — A smaller, quieter property with garden surroundings for travellers seeking tranquillity over brand-name amenities. From approximately €60–€100/night.

Transit Rest Options Inside Terminal 1

Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods — Four soundproof sleep pods located landside in Terminal 1, Level 2, Departures area (near check-in desk 3, follow signs for "Sala Respighi"). Each pod has a single bed, free WiFi, flight status screen, electrical outlets, and a call system. Hourly rate: €9/hour. Note: a reader reports that pods must be booked for a minimum of €70 (approximately 8 hours) and should be reserved at least 6 weeks in advance during peak periods. Book online at zzzleepandgo.com. Ideal for long layovers where a hotel seems excessive.

Parking at Malpensa Airport

MXP is managed by SEA's parking subsidiary (branded as ViaMilano Parking). Six official parking areas cover the airport, with options ranging from 3-minute walks to free-shuttle lots for multi-week stays. All lots have 24/7 security, and theft/damage insurance is included. Telepass (Italian automatic motorway toll transponder) is accepted at most lots. Substantial discounts are available for online pre-bookings — always compare the online price on milanomalpensa-airport.com against the walk-up rate. Private off-airport parking companies located 5–10 minutes away via shuttle typically offer 30–50% lower rates.

Kiss & Go (10-Minute Zone): A free traffic management area outside both terminals allows free access for up to 10 minutes (electronically monitored). No payment needed for brief drop-offs/pick-ups within this window; overstaying triggers automatic charges. 10-minute zones are located at multiple points around both T1 and T2.

Fast Link: A valet-style premium service — a driver meets you at the terminal, parks your car, and delivers it back upon return. Higher cost but maximum convenience. Book in advance on the airport website.

Disabled parking: Reserved spaces in P2 Executive (ground floor, directly accessible). 4-hour exemption available with valid disability documentation presented at the Help Desk in T1 Arrivals near Gate 6.

WiFi

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals under the network name "MALPENSA FREE WI-FI". The service is unlimited and does not require credit card registration — connect, accept the terms, and browse. Speed is generally adequate for streaming and video calls. Charging points are more plentiful airside than landside; bring a power bank or European adaptor (Type F, two-pin, 230V) if you plan to work landside.

Shopping — The Milan Fashion Premium

MXP's airside duty-free and retail offering is one of the most distinctive in Europe, reflecting Milan's status as the global fashion capital. Terminal 1's airside Concourse B features the highest concentration of luxury boutiques, including Gucci, Prada, Bulgari, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, and Salvatore Ferragamo — operated by Dufry alongside the standard duty-free spirits, cosmetics, and confectionery. In 2024, T1 luxury shops posted a 13.9% revenue increase; spend per luxury passenger rose 14.9%, driven primarily by Asian, UAE, and North American visitors. The airport also offers an excellent selection of Italian food products: aceto balsamico, parmigiano reggiano, panettone, local wines, and limoncello. Pre-order VAT refund (Tax Free Shopping) is available for non-EU passengers — look for the Dufry or Global Blue desks on the departures level.

Dining

MXP has a wide range of dining options, though most outlets close by 22:00–23:00, and 24-hour dining is not available (a known drawback for overnight layover passengers):

• Italian specialties: Obicà Mozzarella Bar (T1, excellent quality Italian food), Casa Vinicola (wine bar, Italian bottles), Lavazza (multiple locations near gates — the Italian coffee experience), Casa del Caffè Vergnano
• Fast food/casual: McDonald's, Burger King (both terminals), Rossopomodoro (pizza/pasta), Aroma Café
• Gran Cafe: A reliable sit-down café option; seating can serve as a night rest area after late closing
• Price range: Espresso €2–€3; cornetto €1.50–€2.50; full meal €15–€35; lounge dining included for lounge members
• Warning: Most restaurants close by 22:00–23:00. For arrivals after midnight, vending machines and the 24h bar in the Sheraton lobby are the only options.

Medical and Pharmacy

A medical centre is located in Terminal 1 (ground floor, landside). Pharmacies (farmacie) are available in T1 arrivals and departures. For emergencies, call 112 (Italy's universal emergency number). Airport security can summon medical assistance at any time.

Family Facilities

Baby-changing rooms are located in washrooms throughout both terminals. A children's play area is available in T1. All major lounges provide children's facilities. The terminal is generally pram-friendly with ramps and lifts throughout. Family Fast Track security is available at selected times — check milanomalpensa-airport.com for current information.

Accessibility

MXP has excellent accessibility provisions. The Sala Amica lounge in T1 arrivals is a free service offering a quiet space and assistance staff for passengers with reduced mobility, visible or hidden disabilities. Pre-booking assistance with your airline (at least 48 hours in advance) activates free escort service from check-in to gate and back. The airport has a dedicated autism programme with trained staff and visual guides. Fast Track security access is available for passengers with reduced mobility.

Luggage Storage

Secure lockers are available at Terminal 1 Arrivals B from 07:00 to 21:00 daily. Prices: approximately €4.50–€5.00 per item per day depending on size. A baggage wrapping service (for extra security on checked luggage) is available in both terminals — online pre-purchase costs €15/bag. A drop-off baggage service is available 07:00–21:00 at T1, Area B.

Fast Track Security

Fast Track security lanes are available at both terminals. Cost: €9 per person (10% discount for online purchase). Purchase online at the SEA website or at self-service machines in the terminal. Valid for all airlines and the specific date and time indicated on the booking confirmation. Recommended during peak summer (July–August) and Milan Fashion Week periods when regular security queues can reach 30–45 minutes.

Currency Exchange and ATMs

Currency exchange counters (Travelex and local operators) are available at T1 but offer poor rates — typically 5–10% below market. ATMs from various Italian banks are located in both terminals. Use an ATM and always select to be charged in euros (EUR); decline Dynamic Currency Conversion, which adds 3–5% in fees. The terminal is in Italy's eurozone — no currency is needed from the airport if you're staying in Italy.

Chapel

An ecumenical chapel is located in Terminal 1, ground floor. Open to passengers of all faiths for quiet reflection and prayer.

VIP Service (Concierge / VIP Arrivals)

SEA operates a premium VIP Service (prenotabile on milanomalpensa-airport.com) that includes private escort from kerb to gate (or reverse), use of the exclusive Visconti Lounge in the T1 Baggage Claim area, personal porter, and use of dedicated check-in desks. Cost varies by package. Ideal for celebrities, dignitaries, and high-net-worth passengers attending fashion week, design events, or business meetings. This is not a general passenger service — it must be pre-booked.

Hub and Base Carriers

ITA Airways (AZ) — Star Alliance is Italy's national flag carrier, successor to Alitalia (defunct 2021). ITA operates from Terminal 1, Concourse A (domestic/Schengen) and Concourse B (intercontinental). Key hubs: Rome Fiumicino (primary hub) and Milan Malpensa (secondary hub). At MXP, ITA operates domestic routes (Rome, Catania, Palermo, Bari) plus European and transatlantic connections. ITA is in the process of joining Star Alliance and expanding its international network following its acquisition by Lufthansa Group in 2024.

easyJet operates its entire MXP operation from Terminal 2, with 20+ based aircraft making MXP one of easyJet's largest European bases (alongside London Gatwick, Amsterdam, and Geneva). easyJet serves 100+ European destinations from T2, including London Gatwick, Paris CDG/ORY, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, and dozens of secondary cities. All easyJet flights are point-to-point — no protected connections.

Ryanair operates from Terminal 1 at MXP (unlike at many other Italian airports where it uses secondary facilities), serving a wide range of European and select North African destinations with based aircraft.

Wizz Air is based at MXP, operating an extensive network to Eastern Europe and Central Asia from T1.

Neos (Italian charter/leisure carrier), Albastar, and Malta Air (Ryanair subsidiary) also have operating bases at MXP.

International Airlines (T1 Only)

MXP is Northern Italy's primary intercontinental gateway. Notable carriers and their routes include: Air France (Paris CDG — multiple daily), KLM (Amsterdam AMS — multiple daily), Lufthansa (Frankfurt/Munich — multiple daily), British Airways (London LHR — multiple daily), Emirates (Dubai DXB — daily A380 or 777 service), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi AUH — daily), Qatar Airways (Doha DOH — daily), American Airlines (New York JFK/Philadelphia PHL — seasonal), Delta Air Lines (New York JFK/Atlanta ATL — seasonal), Air Canada (Toronto YYZ/Montreal YUL — seasonal), United Airlines (Newark EWR — seasonal), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul IST — multiple daily), Korean Air (Seoul ICN — daily widebody), ANA (Tokyo NRT/HND — daily), Thai Airways (Bangkok BKK — resumed 2024), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong HKG), Air China (Beijing PEK + Chengdu), Hainan Airlines (Chongqing + Guiyang, new 2024), China Eastern (Xi'an, new 2024), Air India (Delhi DEL + Mumbai BOM — daily), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa ADD), TAP Air Portugal (Lisbon LIS — multiple daily), Iberia (Madrid MAD — multiple daily).

Top Routes from MXP

Distances from MXP Airport

*Traffic times on the A8 can significantly worsen during morning (07:30–09:30) and evening (17:30–20:00) rush hours on weekdays, and during summer weekends when Lombard families head to the lakes.

Traffic Growth and Records

Malpensa experienced significant COVID collapse in 2020 but has recovered strongly, exceeding its pre-pandemic 2019 peak in 2024 for the first time. Long-haul traffic grew 17% in 2024, reflecting renewed demand from Asia (particularly China, South Korea, Japan), the UAE, and North America — categories especially relevant to Milan's fashion and design industries, where international buyers travel year-round for trade fairs and fashion weeks.

Monthly peaks occur in July and August (summer tourism and Italian diaspora travel), September (Milan Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile), and December (Christmas). The airport handles approximately 600 daily flights during peak season (April–October) and approximately 450 daily flights in winter. As of 2024, MXP connects to 200+ destinations in 77+ countries, ranking 9th globally and 6th in Europe for countries served with direct flights — an extraordinary network breadth for a hub of its size. The Milan airport system as a whole (MXP + LIN + BGY) processed 56.9 million passengers in 2024 — the largest airport system in Italy.

Commercial revenues at MXP reached a record €432 million in 2024 across the Milan system (+15.4% year-on-year), with T1's luxury airside shops alone posting a 13.9% revenue rise. Average per-passenger spend grew to €11 (+3.4%), driven by the return of high-spending Asian, UAE, and North American intercontinental travellers.