Milan, one of Italy's major cities, is served by three airports, each catering to different travel needs. The largest and main international gateway is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), offering the most international connections and long-haul flights. Located approximately 49 kilometers northwest of the city center, Malpensa is ideal for international travelers and those heading towards northern Italy destinations like Lake Como and the Italian Alps.
Closer to the city center is Milan Linate Airport (LIN), which primarily serves domestic and short-haul international flights. It is favored by business travelers and visitors looking for quick access to Milan’s core urban area, located only about 7 kilometers from downtown.
The third is Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), situated around 45 kilometers northeast of Milan. This airport is a hub for low-cost carriers, making it the most budget-friendly option for travelers prioritizing affordable flights within Europe. While it is located outside the city, many visitors use Bergamo Airport for its competitive fares and good connections to Milan and surrounding areas.
| Airport | Main role | Flight Connections | Transport to City | Proximity | Shopping & Food | Other Passenger Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) | Main international hub with long-haul and widespread connections | International and domestic flights connecting Milan globally, major hub for ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and others | Malpensa Express train (38-54 mins), shuttle buses (€10 tickets), taxis, car rentals; fairly direct and frequent to city center | 49 km (30 miles) northwest of Milan city center | Over 150 stores including luxury brands (Gucci, Armani), duty-free shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars spread across two terminals | Second busiest airport in Italy; terminals connected by free shuttle bus; advanced passenger services and lounges |
| Milan Linate Airport (LIN) | City airport focused on domestic and short-haul international flights | Mainly European flights, popular for business trips and quick access to Milan | Airport shuttle buses, public buses, and taxis; travel time approximately 25 minutes to city center | 7 km (4 miles) east of Milan city center | Limited but quality shops and eateries including cafés, bars, and quick dining options | Compact airport with easy navigation; preferred for convenience and closer proximity to the city |
| Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) | Budget airport serving low-cost carriers | International and domestic budget flights, major base for Ryanair and other low-cost airlines | Shuttle buses (50 mins, €9-10), taxis, limited train connections via Bergamo city | 45 km (28 miles) northeast of Milan city center | Varied shopping including clothes, accessories, souvenirs, food and wine products; several bars and restaurants | Ideal for budget-conscious travelers; strong connections to Milan via shuttle and public transport |
Milan's airports collectively provide a range of options for travelers depending on their destination, budget and preferences. Malpensa is well-suited for international and long-haul connections, Linate offers the closest access with primarily short-haul routes and Bergamo caters to budget travelers looking for low-cost flights. Each airport also offers varied shopping, dining and transport services to make travel convenient and comfortable.
If you are looking for detailed info on the different Milan airports, click on the airport profiles below.
