Malpensa (MXP) sits well outside Milan itself, which catches some first-time visitors off guard. Here's what to expect on arrival and the most practical ways to get where you're actually going.
Terminal Layout
Malpensa has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles the majority of international, intercontinental, and domestic flights, including most full-service carriers. Terminal 2 is used primarily by easyJet. The two terminals are connected by a shuttle bus, so check which one you're flying into and, if you have a connection, whether it requires a terminal change.
Passport Control and Baggage
As with other major Italian airports, non-Schengen arrivals face passport control before baggage reclaim, while Schengen arrivals typically move through faster. Queue times vary significantly by time of day — early morning and evening long-haul arrivals tend to be busiest.
Getting to Milan and Beyond
The Malpensa Express train runs to both Milano Centrale and Cadorna stations and is a straightforward, fixed-schedule option if your hotel is near one of them. Buses run more frequently and serve Milano Centrale directly.
Malpensa is also the most convenient airport for reaching Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, and a private transfer avoids the need to route into Milan first before heading back out to the lakes — a common inefficiency for travellers unfamiliar with the geography.
Practical Tips
Malpensa is roughly 50km from central Milan — allow 45–60 minutes for the journey by road depending on traffic, more during rush hour. If you're connecting onward to Lake Como directly, mention this when booking your transfer, since it changes both the route and the realistic journey time compared to a straight run into Milan.
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