Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest airport in the northern region. Linate Airport is the smaller, regional airport located in Milan’s city center. The commute from Malpensa to Milan City Center is about one hour (49km) and there are several transportation options to choose from:
How to Get from Malpensa Airport to Milan:
1. Shuttle Buses
There are a few different shuttle bus company kiosks located just outside of the arrival gates. The shuttle buses offer the most inexpensive option for getting into Milan City Centre at 10€ per person for the 50 minute bus ride. It makes pick-up stops at the two terminals. After that, the bus heads directly to the Milano Centrale railway station. From there, you can connect to the Metro, regional trains to other parts of Italy and Europe or take a taxi.
For the return trip to Malpensa Airport, shuttle bus kiosks are located at the back and front of Milano Centrale railway station. Tickets can be purchased right up until the point of departure pending space availability.
Pros: Inexpensive; Easy to access as the buses are parked on the side of the road and you don’t need to haul luggage through the busy railway station.
Cons: Though air conditioning is advertised, there really isn’t by North American standards! My friend sat next to a rather large guy who was sweating profusely and was wiping his face on the bus curtains. Gross. It’s a coach bus, but space is tight.
2. Take the Malpensa Express Train
Some people may be intimidated by taking the train but it’s really easy! From Terminal 1 at Malpensa, take the elevator to Level -1. Follow the signs directing you to Milano Aeroporto train station. Once there, simply use the self-serve ticket machines. Select your language of preference, type in your destination, and hit “purchase”. There is only one type of class for the airport train and it costs 12€ per person. The single ticket is an open ticket, meaning you could use it within 60 days from the date of purchase.
Depending on where your accommodation is located, there are two city centre train stations that you may want to consider: Milano Centrale and Milano N. Cadorna. To take a taxi from Milano Centrale Station to the Duomo area costs approximately 11€.
Pros: The airport trains have “real” air conditioning! It’s much more spacious than the shuttle bus. There is plenty of storage space onboard for baggage.
Cons: The train makes about 7 stops between Malpensa and Milano Centrale and costs a tad more than the shuttle bus.
Tip: Make sure you use the toilet before the hour-long train-ride, as the on-train toilets are sometimes closed off.
3. Taxi
This is the most expensive option. To travel the 49km from Malpensa into the city centre (any Milan city street), there is a fixed fare of 90€.
Pros: Private vehicle with air conditioning and more space (depending on the number of passengers).
Cons: More expensive than the bus or train.
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Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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