Milan Malpensa Airport serves as Italy’s main international gateway in the Lombardy region. Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Milan, it handles flights from around the world and connects travelers to major European cities and beyond. The airport features modern terminals with shops, restaurants and lounges for passengers. It is a hub for both budget carriers and full-service airlines, making it convenient for tourists visiting Milan’s museums, fashion districts or nearby lakes. Efficient trains link the airport directly to central Milan in under an hour.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Italy, particularly in cities. While larger establishments and chains are fully cashless, smaller shops may still prefer cash.
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| eSIM providers: |
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| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Italy, especially in restaurants where 10-15% is typical. Tipping for taxi drivers is usually rounded up or 5-10%. Small tips for hotel staff are also appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Italy, especially in public squares and during festivals. In some regions, it is illegal to drink alcohol in certain areas like public transport or near schools. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside. |
| Ferragosto (August) |
Many businesses close, and Italians take holidays. It’s very busy in tourist areas. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Christmas markets and festivities are popular, expect higher prices and crowded attractions. |
| La Befana (January) |
Celebrated on January 6, the Epiphany is a public holiday with festive events, and some businesses close. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Free Now, ItTaxi |
| Other: | Italy's tourist infrastructure is well-developed, but some rural or historical areas may require extra planning for accessibility. |
Il Caravaggio International Airport is located about 45 km northeast of Milan and just 5 km from Bergamo’s city center. As Italy’s third busiest airport, it is predominantly used by low-cost carriers like Ryanair, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers aiming to explore northern Italy. The terminal building is compact yet functional, with a focus on quick passenger processing and essential services.
Within the airport, you’ll find a good range of eateries and coffee bars offering traditional Italian flavors, alongside shops featuring local products and duty-free goods. Despite the practicality of the facilities, some travelers note that during peak periods the terminal can get crowded and queues for security and check-in lines may be longer than expected.
Getting from the airport to Milan or Bergamo is straightforward but requires some planning. Frequent bus services connect the airport with both cities in about an hour, offering an economical choice. Taxi rides are quicker but cost significantly more and pre-booking is recommended to avoid unregulated drivers. The airport’s location also makes it a good base for visiting nearby Lake Como and other scenic spots in Lombardy.
For those needing to relax, the airport offers two VIP lounges – the Check-in Lounge and the HelloSky Lounge – which provide comfortable seating, snacks and business facilities. The HelloSky Lounge also features shower facilities, a rare plus at smaller airports. Overall, Il Caravaggio is a practical gateway for cost-conscious travelers, though it lacks the luxury and size of Milan’s larger airports.
Featuring a more elegant atmosphere, this lounge includes premium services such as shower facilities, a quiet relaxation area, business amenities, and complimentary refreshments. Tickets cost about €32 – 35 (£26.87 – 29.39) if bought online in advance and provide a peaceful escape from the bustling terminal.
Located in the departures area, this lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi, and dedicated check-in desks. It includes a fast-track security lane for guests. Access can be purchased on-site for around €23 (£19.31) or online at a slightly reduced rate.
Accommodations near Bergamo city center are plentiful, ranging from charming boutique hotels to budget guesthouses. For those wanting quick access to the airport, several mid-range hotels are located close by. Milan itself remains the main hub for wider lodging options and vibrant city life.
To Milan City Center:
Buses operated by Terravision, Orioshuttle and others run regularly between the airport and Milan Central Station, taking about 50 minutes. Tickets cost roughly €5 – 10 (£4.20 – 8.40) and can be bought online or at the airport. Taxis are available but more expensive, costing around €90 (£75.57) for a direct ride; it’s recommended to use official taxi ranks. Car hire are also common for exploring the region at your pace.
To Bergamo:
From the airport, local buses link directly to Bergamo’s city centre in under 15 minutes at a low cost (around €2 – 3 (£1.68 – 2.52)). The city offers connections via train and bus to other regional destinations. Taxi rides to Bergamo are quick (10-15 minutes) but more costly.
To Lake Como:
Visitors typically travel from the airport to Milan city centre first, and then take trains or buses to Lake Como towns like Como or Bellagio. Total travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, with hire cars also popular for direct exploration.
