From the airport to Milan
Two airports, two different ways into the city: Linate sits on a metro line, Malpensa is the international hub and needs a train.
- Linate (LIN)
- 7 km from the centre
- Malpensa (MXP)
- 40 km from the centre
- Best for
- Linate: shorter flights
Milan has two airports in regular use, and they don't resemble each other. Linate is closer, just seven kilometres from the centre, and sits on metro line M4, running direct to San Babila in 12 min. Malpensa is the main international gateway, forty kilometres further out, with no metro — a train covers the run into town.
Inside the city, direct by metro
Linate is only seven kilometres from the centre, close enough to work as a practical city airport. Line M4 runs direct to San Babila station, two stops from the Duomo, in 12 min, for the price of an ordinary city-transport ticket, M4 to San Babila, €2.20. Before M4 reached the airport, the only link was a bus stuck in traffic — which is why the habit of reaching for a taxi has stuck around, even though the metro is faster.
Farther out, but with a direct train
Malpensa is the city's main international gateway, about forty kilometres to the north-west, with no metro. The Malpensa Express runs to Cadorna station in about 37–40 min, or to Centrale in about 50 min, every half hour, for €15. Which station to pick depends on the district you're sleeping in.
WWhere to stayWhich district favours Malpensa, and which favours Linate:Where to stay in Milan →Which airport for which flight
Linate mostly handles European and domestic routes, and its closeness means a shorter travel day. Malpensa also takes intercontinental flights, so it's the better choice for an early-morning or late-night departure, since the Malpensa Express runs every half hour while Linate has no metro after midnight.
If your ticket says 'Milan Bergamo'
Orio al Serio airport, sold by low-cost carriers as 'Milan Bergamo', isn't in Milan at all — it sits by Bergamo, on the opposite side of the city from Malpensa. A coach runs into central Milan, but its timetable and fare change by season; check them with the operator before buying a ticket, not after landing.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Which airport is better for Milan, Linate or Malpensa?
Linate for a shorter flight and a quick metro ride in on M4, 12 min; Malpensa for intercontinental and early or late flights, by train in about 37–40 min.
Is Bergamo airport in Milan?
No. It sits by Bergamo; a coach runs into Milan, on the operator's own timetable.
How much does transport cost from each airport?
From Linate M4 to San Babila, €2.20, the same as a city ticket. From Malpensa €15 on the Malpensa Express.
Ready for Milan?
Where to next
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How well does Milan suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
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