Malpensa Airport is the gateway to Milan. You begin to feel the spirit of Lombardy even before arriving in the city. From here, a short train ride takes you to Milan, the heart of fashion and architecture. One of the first things you should do is take in the view of the city from the magnificent terrace of the Duomo di Milano. If you have time, head north and spend a peaceful day at Lake Como, famous for its elegant lakeside towns. The region is also renowned for classic Milanese dishes such as risotto alla milanese, ossobuco, and panettone. Malpensa is the starting point for an enjoyable exploration of fashion, history, lake views, and gastronomy.
Malpensa Airport is not only Milan’s but also Northern Italy’s most important transportation hub. It is Italy’s second busiest airport. Malpensa Airport is approximately 50 km from Milan. Don’t be put off by the distance from the airport to the city center. There are many options for getting from the airport to the city center. Domestic, international, and European flights are operated from Malpensa Airport.
You can quickly reach the city center from Malpensa Airport by train. The Malpensa Express runs from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. The Malpensa Express train reaches Milan Centrale Station in 50 minutes and Milan Cadorna Station in 37 minutes. Trains depart every 30 minutes. You can also take a bus from the terminal to the city center. Terravision buses run every half hour between Milan city center and Malpensa Airport. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. Taxis at the airport operate 24 hours a day. There is a taxi rank in front of each terminal.
There are two passenger terminals at Malpensa Airport. The terminals are connected by free airport shuttles and trains. Passengers can transfer between terminals by both train and shuttle.
Interactive Milan-Malpensa Airport Map
Milan-Malpensa Airport Terminals
There are two terminals at Malpensa Airport: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. There is a free shuttle and train connection between these two terminals.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the largest terminal at the airport. This terminal is used for intercontinental flights. Terminal 1 is divided into three sections: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. Concourse A is used for domestic and Schengen flights. Concourse B is the section where intercontinental and non-Schengen flights are organized. Concourse C serves non-Schengen intercontinental flights. Boutiques of luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Versace are located in this terminal.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 mainly serves easyJet flights. It is a smaller and quieter terminal. The train station is north of the arrivals hall and is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway.
Basic services such as information desks, disabled access, baby care rooms, and free Wi-Fi are available within the airport. Terminal 1 has a large duty-free area, restaurants, and cafes.
Milan-Malpensa Airport Car Rental
If you want to explore the lake district of northern Italy and the northern reaches of Tuscany, you can rent a car from Malpensa Airport. When you set off from Malpensa, you can reach the enchanting Lake Como in a 45-minute drive. Milan city center is an hour away from the airport.
You can explore Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and the hidden corners of Northern Italy with your car.
There are car rental company offices in both terminals at Malpensa Airport. In Terminal 1, exit the arrivals gate, turn right, and follow the “rent a car” signs to reach the car rental area on the -1 floor. At Terminal 2, follow the signs for the train station after exiting. The car rental area is inside the train station. International and local car rental companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Maggiore, Siciliy by Car, Drivalia, and Locauto operate at Malpensa Airport.
Be sure to make your reservation online before your trip. This way, you can rent your car at a reasonable price and avoid wasting time filling out forms at the terminal. When driving in Italy, pay attention to “ZTL” areas. Driving is prohibited in some areas. Motorways are usually toll roads.
Milan-Malpensa Airport VIP Lounge
If you want to get away from the crowds before your flight, sip your Italian espresso while you work, and relax in a quiet environment, you can wait for your flight in the VIP Lounge areas at Malpensa Airport. There is a VIP Lounge in both terminals at the airport.
The Gae Aulenti Premium Lounge is reserved for non-Schengen flights. This lounge is located in Terminal 1, Concourse B, between gates B50-B58. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Montale Exclusive is located in Terminal 1. It is open to passengers on non-Schengen flights. It is located in Concourse B, after passport control. It is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Pergolesi Classic Lounge is located in Terminal 1. Passengers with non-Schengen flights can access this lounge area. It is located on the first floor in Concourse B. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Monteverdi Classic Lounge is open to passengers with Schengen flights. It is located in Concourse A, between gates A1-A10. It is open between 06:00 and 22:00.
The Alda Merini Classic Lounge is located in Terminal 2. It is open to passengers with Schengen and non-Schengen flights. It is located on the ground floor, near passport control. It is open from 05:00 to 22:00.
The lounge areas have fast Wi-Fi connection and work areas. Snacks and cold and hot drinks are served.
Hotels in Milan-Malpensa International Airport
If you arrive at the airport late at night and have a flight very early in the morning, you can stay at hotels at Malpensa Airport. There is a Sheraton hotel in Terminal 1 and a Moxy hotel in Terminal 2.
The Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Centre is located right inside Terminal 1. The hotel has 437 rooms, 19 suites, and 59 Club rooms. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, spa center, and meeting rooms.
Moxy Milan Malpensa Airport is right next to Terminal 2. This hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the terminal. The hotel has 162 rooms, a 24-hour reception, a bar, and free Wi-Fi.
The Crowne Plaza, Idea Hotel, and First Hotel Malpensa are also located close to the terminals. These hotels offer a free shuttle service.
Milan-Malpensa International Airport Location
Milan-Malpensa International Airport Address: 21010 Ferno, Province of Varese, Italy.
Milan-Malpensa International Airport IATA: MXP.
Milan-Malpensa International Airport ICAO: LIMC.
Satellite view of Milan-Malpensa Airport. Click to enlarge
Milan-Malpensa Airport destination map (February 2026). Click to enlarge
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