General
Overview
Milan Malpensa (MXP) is Milan’s main international airport, with Terminal 1 for major airlines and the Malpensa Express, and Terminal 2 exclusively for easyJet.
Transfer Options
Luggage Storage
Located on the Arrivals level (Ground Floor) near Gate 6. Open 06:00–22:00.
Note: Italian law requires a valid government ID or passport to store luggage at any staffed station facility. If you’d rather skip the queue or store bags closer to the city center, these apps connect you to nearby shops and hotels instead.
Visitor Cards and Passes
YesMilano City Pass
Milan’s official city pass, backed by the city’s tourism office. Includes ATM public transport plus entry to top attractions. Fully digital — activate on first use; no kiosk pickup needed. Tiers: Flash €39.90 (24h) · Standard €60 (3 days) · All Inclusive €90 (3 days).
YesMilano City PassTourist Museum Card
Entry to all 6 Civic Museums (Sforza Castle, Novecento, GAM, Aquarium, Archaeological, Natural History Museum) for €20 over 3 consecutive days. No transport included.
Tourist Museum CardATM Pass
Standard option for the metro, trams, and buses within Zone Mi1-Mi3:
- 24-Hour Ticket: €7.60
- 3-Day (72-Hour) Ticket: €15.50
MilanoCard (milanocard.it) and Milan City Pass (milancitypass.com) are privately operated with documented complaints about non-delivery and misleading inclusions. For transport only, buy ATM tickets directly. For a full city pass, use the official YesMilano City Pass.
Purchase ATM passes at the ATM desk or ticket machines in the Malpensa T1/T2 arrivals hall. The YesMilano City Pass is digital — buy at citypass.yesmilano.it before arriving.
Use Citymapper for the most intuitive step-by-step navigation and “best carriage” guidance.
Use official ATM Milano app specifically for purchasing multi-day digital passes or checking the real-time status of station elevators and escalators.
Public Transit
Train and Metro
From Malpensa (MXP), the Malpensa Express connects to Milano Centrale or Cadorna stations in 37–51 minutes for €15.
At MXP, buy tickets at Trenord machines or use Pay&Go by tapping your contactless card at the gate.
The Malpensa Express runs to two different main stations: Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna. Check your hotel’s location before boarding; Cadorna is better for the Sforza Castle area, while Centrale is the main hub for high-speed connections to Rome or Venice.
Bus
Shuttle buses (e.g., Terravision, Autostradale, Malpensa Shuttle) run between the airports and Milano Centrale. Tickets cost approximately €10.
The journey takes 50–60 minutes from MXP.
Unlike the train, buses are subject to Milan’s heavy traffic. On weekday mornings (7:30–9:30 AM), a 50-minute journey can easily double. If you have a tight connection or a scheduled check-in, the train from Malpensa is far more reliable.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
The Sala Amica service provides free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Request at least 48 hours in advance via your airline. The lounge is open daily 08:00–18:00 in Terminal 1 (Departures floor, follow “Sala Amica” signs) and in Terminal 2 (Departures, central door). Both terminals feature tactile guide paths, Braille lift buttons, and a synthetic voice system in elevators.
MXP – Passengers with Reduced MobilitySafety
Be wary of unofficial “porter” offers near the arrivals exit. Always use official airport trolleys or clearly identified licensed porters only.
Safety
Milan is generally safe, but Milano Centrale and other major stations are known hotspots for pickpockets and distraction scams.
At train ticket machines, people may offer to help you navigate the screen or carry your bags up the stairs. Their goal is either a “tip” or a distraction to steal your wallet. Politely say “No, grazie” and keep a firm hand on your belongings. Station staff wear official uniforms and will never ask for money.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
Items found in the terminal are managed via the SEA Foundspot online platform. For items left on board a flight, contact your airline’s Lost & Found desk in the customs area before exiting baggage claim.
MXP – Lost & Found (Foundspot)First Aid
A First Aid station is on the ground floor of Terminal 1 (south side), phone +39 02 7486 2402. Terminal 2 has a first aid post outside the terminal building.
Pharmacy
Terminal 1 has a pharmacy on the ground floor (Arrivals side), open daily 08:00–20:00. A second pharmacy is on the 1st floor, Departures B.
Arrival
Official Taxi
From Malpensa, there is a fixed flat rate of €114 to any address in central Milan.
As you exit baggage claim or the train platform, individuals may approach you whispering “Taxi?” or “Transport?”. These are unlicensed drivers. Always ignore them and walk to the official outdoor taxi rank where a dispatcher or a line of white cars is waiting.
Rideshare
Uber exists in Milan but only as Uber Black or Van, meaning it is significantly more expensive than in North America. Freenow is the most reliable app as it calls official city taxis.
Uber Black and NCC drivers typically meet passengers at the Arrivals level, Exit Gate 6. Note: Freenow (Taxi) uses the official taxi rank outside.
Do not expect the low-cost “Uber X” experience. In Italy, rideshare drivers must hold a professional “NCC” limo license. An Uber from Malpensa will often cost €120–€150, making the official flat-rate taxi a better deal.
Use Freenow for speed in heavy traffic (official taxis using bus lanes), Uber for consistent premium reliability at airports and major hubs, and Bolt for the most budget-friendly fares.
ATMs and Currency
When the ATM asks “Would you like to be charged in USD/CAD or EUR?”, always choose EUR (Local Currency) or “Decline Conversion”. Selecting your home currency allows the ATM to set its own poor exchange rate, costing you 5–10% more.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
Malpensa (MXP) For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Terminal 1 serves most major carriers; Terminal 2 is exclusively used by EasyJet. The terminals are several miles apart — check your terminal before leaving for the airport. Many airlines offer online check-in; bag drop counters are available for checked luggage.
If you go to the wrong terminal, a free shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes but the journey takes 15 minutes — and you must clear security again. Verify your terminal on your boarding pass before you leave.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Malpensa (MXP) is equipped with CT (Next-Gen) 3D scanners at all lanes. You may carry liquids in containers up to 2 litres and do not need to remove laptops or tablets from your bag. If directed to a non-CT lane, follow staff instructions.
Passport Control
Applies to non-Schengen departures only (e.g., UK, USA). EU/EEA/CH citizens with a biometric passport can use e-gates. Non-EU travelers are subject to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which captures fingerprints and facial biometrics at departure.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since April 2026. Non-EU passport holders on non-Schengen flights should budget extra time for passport control — wait times can be significantly longer than before EES was introduced.
VAT Refunds
Italy uses the OTELLO digital system for VAT refunds. You must present your unused purchases and tax-free forms at the Customs (Dogana) desk before checking your luggage.
If your items are in your checked bags, visit Customs first, then drop your bags. If they are in your carry-on, clear Customs after security. Global Blue and Planet kiosks are available at the airport for faster processing.
Source: OTELLO VAT Refund – Italian Customs