Milan Malpensa (MXP) Airport Guide

Malpensa Airport handles over 23 million passengers annually and is situated around 45 kilometres north-west of Milan.

One of Italy's busiest airports, Malpensa is served by several major airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Aer Lingus and KLM, with flights to UK hubs such as Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport.

The airport comprises two terminal buildings, which are connected by a regular shuttle bus service. Terminal 1 is dedicated to scheduled flights, while Terminal 2 handles the majority of charter services.

Malpensa Airport Amenities

Passengers will find a wide range of services available, including currency exchange desks, bookshops, chemists, banks and laundry facilities.

Those with a long wait can visit the beauty centre in Terminal 1 for some pampering and preening. The centre boasts a Turkish bath and a hair salon, among other things.

Passengers will find information desks dotted around both terminals, with staff on hand to provide details about the city of Milan and the Varese Province.

When it comes to food, travellers will find plenty of options available, with snack bars and restaurants located in both terminal buildings. Terminal 1 is home to the Gran Cafe coffee bar and Milano, as well Idea Vino wine bar, while Terminal 2 boasts Mamma's Leone Pizza - an authentically styled pizzeria.

Those looking to pick up some last-minute gifts will find plenty of retail outlets, including large duty-free stores in both terminals. Shops include Piquardo, which stocks stylish Italian leather goods and luxury chocolate store Venchi.

Terminal 1 is home to a business centre, which opens from Monday to Saturday and offers internet access, meeting rooms, phone hire and a translation service.

Passengers with an overnight stopover will find several hotels in the vicinity, including the First Hotel Malpensa Airport, Hotel Villa Malpensa and the Best Western Jet Hotel.

Terminals at Milan Malpensa

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by a free shuttle bus which operates 24 hours a day at 15-minute intervals.

Malpensa Transport Links

Passengers can connect with Milan directly from Terminal 1, with train services departing every 30 minutes and journeys lasting around 40 minutes.

A bus service is also available which connects the airport with destinations such as Torino, Genova, Lago Maggiore and Verona.

Taxis are also available outside the arrivals hall; however, it's worth noting that queues can be pretty lengthy during the summer months. The journey from the airport to the centre of Milan takes approximately 50 minutes and fares range from 70-80 euros.

A number of car hire companies operate at the airport including Avis, Thrifty, Budget and Hertz.

Passengers making their onward journey from the nearby Linate Airport can travel from Malpensa on the Linate Airport Shuttle bus, which costs around eight euros for a one-way journey and departs regularly throughout the day, with the last service leaving at 00:25.