Milan airports to city centre — Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo explained

From Malpensa, take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale in 52 minutes for €13. From Linate, the M4 metro line runs directly to the city centre in about 15 minutes for €2.20. From Bergamo Orio al Serio, an Autostradale or Terravision coach to Milano Centrale takes 50–60 minutes and costs around €10. Milan has three international airports serving it and the right transfer strategy for each is quite different — here is exactly what you need to know.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Malpensa is Milan’s main international hub, 49 kilometres northwest of the city in the province of Varese. It handles most long-haul flights and all major European carriers. It has two terminals: Terminal 1 (main terminal, served by most airlines including Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Swiss, and Emirates) and Terminal 2 (used almost exclusively by easyJet). A shuttle bus connects the two terminals every 7 minutes and takes about 10 minutes.

Malpensa Express — the best option for most travellers

The Malpensa Express train is operated by Trenord and is the most reliable, comfortable, and cost-effective option for most visitors. There are two services:

• To Milano Centrale: departs from Terminal 1 station (underground, below the arrivals hall) and Terminal 2. Journey time approximately 52 minutes. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day. Fare: €13 one way.
• To Milano Cadorna (in the Brera/city centre area): same ticket price (€13), slightly different journey time (about 52 minutes). Trains continue to Milano Bovisa and Milano Porta Garibaldi on some services.

At Terminal 1, the train station is directly below the arrivals hall — follow signs for “Malpensa Express” through the arrivals exit. Tickets are available from machines in the arrivals hall and at the station. Buy on the Trenord website or app to skip the queue. Validate your ticket before boarding at the yellow machines on the platform.

The service runs from approximately 05:45 until 23:45 from the airport. There is no dedicated luggage car but carriages have overhead racks and luggage space at the end of each carriage sufficient for standard travel bags.

From Terminal 2 (easyJet terminal), there is also a Malpensa Express stop — walk out of arrivals and follow signs. The shuttle bus between T1 and T2 is free if you need it.

Taxis from Malpensa

Licensed white taxis charge a fixed rate of €100 from Malpensa to the city centre (within the city ring road — the Cerchia dei Navigli). This rate is set by the municipality and covers up to 4 passengers and standard luggage. Insist on the metered or fixed rate; reject any driver who approaches you in arrivals offering a car service — these are unlicensed and can charge €150–200+.

Taxis pick up from the official rank outside each terminal. In normal traffic the journey is 45–60 minutes; at peak hours it can take 90 minutes.

Rideshare and private transfer from Malpensa

Uber operates in Milan and Malpensa and is typically cheaper than taxis (around €60–80 depending on surge). Book before exiting arrivals. Private airport transfer services (Blacklane, Welcome Pickups, etc.) offer fixed rates in a similar range with meet-and-greet at arrivals.

Autostradale and Terravision coaches from Malpensa

Several coach services run between Malpensa and Milano Centrale, including Autostradale and Terravision. Journey time is 50–75 minutes depending on traffic; fares are around €8–10 one way. Coaches drop off at a separate area near Centrale station. The train is generally faster, more reliable, and only slightly more expensive — most travellers prefer the Malpensa Express.

Linate Airport (LIN)

Linate is Milan’s closest airport, just 7 kilometres east of the city centre. It handles mainly domestic routes and short-haul European flights. Since September 2021, the M4 metro line (blue line) connects Linate directly to the city with no changes required.

Metro M4 — fast, cheap, and direct

The M4 metro station is directly outside the Linate arrivals hall. Take the metro to San Babila (the eastern end of the main shopping district, near Piazza San Babila) in approximately 12 minutes, or to Milano Centrale via an interchange at Dateo (one change, around 20 minutes total). The fare is the standard ATM urban ticket: €2.20 for 90 minutes of travel, covering the metro and any bus/tram within the validity period.

The M4 runs from approximately 06:00 to midnight. Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours. This is by far the best option for most travellers arriving at Linate — cheap, fast, and completely stress-free. Buy tickets from the machine at the Linate M4 station entrance.

For more on Milan’s metro system and public transport tickets, see the Milan metro and transport guide.

Taxis from Linate

Licensed white taxis charge a fixed rate of €17 from Linate to the city centre (within the ring road). Given the M4’s speed and frequency, taxis from Linate are hard to justify unless you have significant luggage or are travelling late at night when metro frequency drops. The taxi rank is immediately outside arrivals.

Bus 73 from Linate (for reference)

Before the M4 opened, bus 73 was the standard transfer from Linate, running to San Babila in about 25 minutes and costing €2.20. It still operates and can be useful if the M4 is disrupted, but the metro is clearly superior.

Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)

Orio al Serio is marketed as “Milan Bergamo Airport” but is actually 45 kilometres northeast of Milan, near Bergamo. It is the home of Ryanair’s Italian operations and handles a large volume of low-cost traffic. Most visitors who fly into Orio al Serio are planning to visit Milan, not Bergamo — but combining your arrival or departure with a few hours in Bergamo’s beautiful medieval upper town is entirely feasible (see the best day trips from Milan guide).

Coach to Milano Centrale — the standard option

Two main operators run coaches between Orio al Serio and Milano Centrale: Autostradale (marketed as Orio Shuttle) and Terravision. Both charge around €10 one way and the journey takes 50–70 minutes depending on traffic (motorway toll road). Coaches depart frequently — every 20–30 minutes in the daytime — from just outside the arrivals exit.

At Milano Centrale, coaches arrive and depart from the bus area on Via Sammartini, on the east side of the station. It is not particularly well-signposted; look for the Autostradale/Terravision stands when you exit Centrale.

Book online to guarantee a seat, particularly for early morning or late-night Ryanair departures when the coaches fill up with passengers from many different flights.

Train via Bergamo city — more scenic, similar time

An alternative route: take the free shuttle bus from the airport to Bergamo train station (15 minutes), then a Trenitalia/Trenord train to Milano Centrale (47 minutes, €6). Total door-to-door time is roughly the same as the coach, but you get a proper look at Bergamo station and the option to pause in the city. This is particularly useful if you want to spend a few hours in the Città Alta before or after your flight.

Taxis from Bergamo Orio al Serio

Taxis from Orio al Serio to Milan city centre cost approximately €100–120 and take 45–60 minutes. Given the coach alternatives, taxis are hard to justify unless you are travelling in a large group with substantial luggage late at night.

Rideshare from Bergamo Orio al Serio

Uber operates at Orio al Serio and typically costs €60–80 to Milan, less than a taxi. As at Malpensa, ignore unlicensed drivers approaching you in arrivals.

Which airport is best for Milan?

For convenience: Linate, without question. The M4 metro connection makes it the easiest airport for reaching the city, and it is much closer. The downside is that fewer airlines fly there.

For international connections: Malpensa handles far more routes. The Malpensa Express makes the 49-kilometre distance manageable.

For budget flights: Bergamo Orio al Serio is the hub for Ryanair and several other budget carriers. The coach to Milan is cheap and frequent. Factor in the extra journey time when comparing flight prices — a fare that is €20 cheaper into Bergamo but requires an extra hour of travel and a €10 coach ticket is less of a bargain than it looks.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistake #1 — accepting a transfer offer in arrivals: At all three airports, unlicensed drivers actively solicit passengers in arrivals halls. They are illegal and overcharge. Only use the official taxi rank outside, or a pre-booked service.

Mistake #2 — not validating your Malpensa Express ticket: The Trenord conductor will check your ticket on board. An unvalidated ticket is treated as an invalid ticket and carries a €50 fine even if you have paid for the journey.

Mistake #3 — assuming Bergamo airport is close to Bergamo city: The airport is on the edge of Bergamo’s suburbs. It is technically in the comune of Orio al Serio, not the city. The distance from the terminal to Bergamo’s famous Città Alta is around 7 kilometres — about €15 by taxi.

Mistake #4 — arriving at Malpensa and heading to Cadorna when you need Centrale: Check where your Milan accommodation is before choosing which Malpensa Express service to take. Cadorna serves the Brera area well; Centrale is better for the eastern and northern parts of the city. Both trains cost the same.

For everything you need to know about getting around Milan once you have arrived, the Milan metro and transport guide covers the M1–M5 lines, ATM tickets (€2.20 for 90 minutes), daily passes, and tram and bus options.

If you are planning your first days in Milan, the 2-day Milan itinerary and the where to stay in Milan guide cover accommodation areas in relation to the major metro stations.

Frequently asked questions about Milan airports

How long does it take to get from Malpensa to Milan city centre?

By Malpensa Express train: 52 minutes to Centrale or Cadorna. By taxi or private transfer in normal traffic: 45–60 minutes. By coach: 50–75 minutes.

Is there a metro from Malpensa to Milan?

No direct metro. The Malpensa Express train is the most metro-like option — fixed price (€13), frequent departures, and it stops at Milano Centrale (which connects to metro lines M2, M3, and the suburban rail network). There is no metro line serving Malpensa.

How much does a taxi cost from Malpensa?

Fixed fare of €100 from Malpensa to the city centre (within the Cerchia dei Navigli). This rate applies to all licensed white taxis and covers up to 4 passengers. Outside the ring road, the meter applies.

What is the cheapest way from Malpensa to Milan?

The Malpensa Express at €13 is by far the best combination of price and speed. The coach is slightly cheaper (€8–10) but takes longer and is subject to traffic delays.

How do I get from Linate airport to the city centre?

Take the M4 metro from the station directly outside the Linate arrivals hall. The ride to San Babila takes about 12 minutes and costs €2.20. This is cheaper and faster than any other option.

Can I use Milan’s city transport card on the Malpensa Express?

No. The ATM urban ticket (€2.20) covers metro, bus, and tram within Milan’s city limits but does not cover the Malpensa Express or any Trenord/Trenitalia services. Buy a separate Trenord ticket for the Malpensa Express.

How long does the coach from Bergamo Orio al Serio to Milan take?

50–70 minutes in normal traffic, longer during evening rush hours on weekdays. The Autostradale and Terravision coaches leave Orio al Serio frequently throughout the day.

What terminal does easyJet use at Malpensa?

easyJet uses Terminal 2 (T2). A shuttle bus between T1 and T2 runs every 7 minutes and is free. The Malpensa Express also stops at Terminal 2.