How to Get to Milan - By Plane, Train or Car
- Lili
- Feb 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 27
Milan is one of the main destinations in Europe, serving as an economic, cultural, and tourist hub. If you're coming from another European country and want to know the best ways to get to the city, this guide will help you. We'll cover the transportation options from the main airports: Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
If you're already in Europe and want to fly to Milan, there are two other alternatives: flying to Linate Airport (LIN), which is only 9 km from the city center, making it very convenient, or flying to Bergamo Airport (BGY), which is 51 km away, in a neighboring city to Milan, with a well structured airport that operates flights from many low-cost carriers.
How to Get to Milan from Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Malpensa Airport has two very different terminals, separated from each other, so it's extremely important to know which terminal you're arriving at or departing from. Both terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every 7 minutes.
Initially, Terminal 1 is where most airlines depart, while Terminal 2 is dedicated almost exclusively to low-cost airlines, especially EasyJet.
Malpensa Airport is located about 52 km from Milan city center, and there are several ways to get to/from it. Here are the main options:
Train – Malpensa Express
The Malpensa Express is the fastest and most efficient option that connects Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP) to the city's main stations, such as Milano Centrale, Milano Cadorna, and Milano Porta Garibaldi. The train departs every 30 minutes and takes about 50 minutes to reach Milano Centrale Station.
Price: €13 per trip.
Where to catch: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport.
Destination: Milano Centrale, with stops at other important stations such as Porta Garibaldi.
Frequency: Trains every 20-30 minutes.
Shuttle Bus
Four companies operate the route between the airport and Milano Centrale: Terravision, Malpensa Bus Express, Malpensa Shuttle, and Caronte.
Price: €10 (one-way) or €16 (round-trip).
Duration: About 50 to 60 minutes.
Frequency: Departures every 20 to 30 minutes.
Private Transfer
For those who prefer comfort and convenience, there are private transfer services that take you directly to your hotel. Booking a transfer in Milan can be a good alternative for those arriving at dawn, in groups, or with large luggage, as the transfer will drop you off at your hotel door without needing to wait in the taxi line.
Price: Starting at €40 per person, depending on the service.
Taxi
Due to the distance between Milan-Malpensa Airport and the city center, taking a taxi can be quite expensive. The fixed price for a taxi from Malpensa to the city center is €110. The travel time is around 50 minutes.
Car Rental:
Renting a car can be a great option, especially for large families, those with bulky luggage, or traveling with children. The freedom to travel at your own pace and the convenience of having a comfortable vehicle can make the trip more practical. Additionally, the distance from Malpensa to Milan city center is 52 km, making it a viable option for those who want to avoid public transport or other more restrictive transportation options. Here are some options.
Price: Varies depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
Where to pick up: There are several car rental agencies at the airport.
Other options Private Transfer for you
How to Get to Milan from Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
If you're arriving in Rome, the Italian capital, there are several options to continue your journey to Milan.
High-Speed Train (Frecciarossa or Italo)
The high-speed trains from Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italo take around 3 hours to travel between Rome and Milan, offering comfort and speed.
Price: Starting from €29 (when purchased in advance).
Where to catch: Termini Station (Rome) or Tiburtina Station.
Destination: Milano Centrale.
Domestic Flights
Airlines such as ITA Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet operate flights between Rome and Milan, with a duration of about 1 hour.
Price: Starting from €40, depending on how early you book.
Bus
This is the most economical option, but also the slowest. FlixBus and other companies offer trips between Rome and Milan, taking around 7 to 9 hours.
Price: Starting from €15.
Where to catch: Tiburtina Station (Rome).
Car Rental
Renting a car could be a good option if you wish to explore the region. The distance between Rome and Milan is approximately 570 km, and depending on the route, it might be interesting to stop at small towns or attractions along the way.
Travel time: About 6 hours with 2 stops, not including detours.
Price: Varies depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
Other Transportation Options in Europe to Milan
Milan is well connected to several other locations in Europe. If you're already in a neighboring country, here are ways you can reach the city:
• Low-cost flights: Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and WizzAir offer affordable flights to Milan from various European cities such as Malpensa, Linate, or Bergamo.
• High-speed trains: Traveling by train from cities like Paris, Zurich, or Munich is a fast and comfortable way to get to Milan.
• International buses: Companies like FlixBus operate routes to Milan from various European cities.
Traveling by Train to Milan
Traveling by train in Italy is very common, as the rail system is efficient, affordable, and offers great options, especially for those who buy tickets in advance. Milan's main station is Milano Centrale, only 3 km from Piazza del Duomo, with other important stations such as Milano Garibaldi and Milano Rogoredo.
Getting to Milan by train is a popular option, especially for those already in Europe. The city provides easy access to nearby destinations like Como, Bergamo, Verona, as well as more distant cities like Turin, Genoa, and Lugano in Switzerland.
Traveling by train in Italy is simple and practical. Milan, being a central city, has connections to various Italian regions and neighboring countries. Trenitalia is the main train company, offering both regional (more affordable) and high-speed trains like Frecciarossa, which exceed 300 km/h. Other companies, such as Italo and Trenord, also offer fast and regional options.
We've put together some different tours that are well worth doing. Book your tour:
Tip to Save on Train Tickets:
In northern Italy, high-speed, regional (R), and fast regional (RV) trains operate. Regional and fast regional trains are more affordable, as they are slower and make more stops. They function like a surface metro, connecting several cities.
If you didn't buy your ticket in advance, regional trains are a good option. With fixed fares and schedule flexibility, the ticket is valid all day, without needing a specific time reservation. Just make sure to validate the ticket at the station before boarding.
Taking advantage of Italy's rail system is a practical and affordable way to explore Milan and its surroundings. Plan your trip and enjoy!
Arriving in Milan Comfortably and Conveniently
Milan offers a variety of transportation options for those traveling to the city, whether by plane, train, bus, or car. The important thing is to choose the option that best suits your travel style and budget. For those staying only in Milan, renting a car may not be the best choice, as the city is very walkable and many of the main attractions are within walking distance. In fact, for those staying only in Milan and the surrounding region, there are great options on GetYourGuide for tours to places like Lake Como and other nearby cities, where you can explore without needing a car.
However, renting a car can still be an excellent choice for those seeking more comfort and flexibility, especially for longer stays or for those wishing to explore areas beyond Milan, such as scenic trips or visits to smaller cities.
No matter your choice, enjoy your trip to Milan, an incredible city full of history and culture.
Plan your trip to Milan now! Check ticket prices, book your car, and don't miss the tours we've prepared for you in Milan!
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