I am always excited when friends ask me how to get to Milan from various parts of the world. Milan, the city where fashion and art seamlessly coexist, attracts millions of travelers every year. From its historic churches to world-class shopping districts, and from the magnificent Milan Cathedral to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” Milan has a special charm that captivates me every time I visit.
However, the journey to Milan can vary significantly depending on where you are traveling from. Whether you’re planning a future trip or currently in the midst of booking your next getaway, this comprehensive guide will explore the best ways to travel to Milan, the airports you’ll encounter, and how to choose the most convenient flights for your journey. There are many ways to reach Milan, and understanding the transportation options can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth arrival.
1. Milan’s Main Airports: Understanding the Key Hubs
Milan, being Italy’s second-largest city, is a major hub for air travel, and it has three main airports: Malpensa Airport (MXP), Linate Airport (LIN), and Bergamo Airport (BGY). Each of these airports offers different options depending on where you are flying from and what you’re looking for in terms of convenience and budget.
1.1 Malpensa Airport (MXP)
When I first arrived at Malpensa Airport, I was immediately struck by how bustling and international it felt. As Milan’s largest and busiest airport, Malpensa handles the majority of international flights to and from the city. It is situated about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of the city center, making it a little further away compared to the other two airports, but it offers the most extensive selection of international flights.
For travelers heading to Milan, Malpensa is a great choice for its variety of flights. Whether you’re coming from Europe, Asia, the Americas, or anywhere else, you will likely find a direct flight here. The airport has two terminals—Terminal 1, which is used by most international airlines, and Terminal 2, which is used by low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet.
How to Get to the City Center:
- Airport Bus: The shuttle buses from Malpensa Airport to Milan’s central train station (Milano Centrale) take about 50 minutes and cost around 10 euros.
- Train (Malpensa Express): The Malpensa Express train connects the airport to the city center in about 40 minutes, with tickets priced at 13 euros.
- Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage, a taxi is a more convenient option, taking about 50 minutes to reach the city center at a cost of around 90 euros.
1.2 Linate Airport (LIN)
Located just 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Milan’s city center, Linate Airport primarily handles domestic and European flights. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers coming from within Europe. Although it doesn’t offer as many international flights as Malpensa, Linate’s proximity to the city center makes it a very convenient option for those flying within Europe.
If you are traveling from major European cities like Paris, London, or Berlin, Linate is a perfect option for its ease of access and quick transfer times.
How to Get to the City Center:
- Taxi: A taxi ride from Linate Airport to downtown Milan will take around 15-20 minutes and cost about 20 euros.
- Bus: There are several bus routes that connect Linate Airport to various parts of Milan, with a journey time of around 30-40 minutes at a cost of 1.5 euros.
1.3 Bergamo Airport (BGY)
Bergamo Airport, located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) east of Milan, is another great option for travelers, especially those on a budget. The airport primarily serves low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers flying from smaller European cities.
Although it is farther from Milan’s city center than the other two airports, Bergamo is well-connected to the city with affordable transportation options. If you’re flying with a low-cost carrier, Bergamo can often provide the most economical flights to Milan.
How to Get to the City Center:
- Airport Bus: There are direct buses from Bergamo Airport to Milan’s central station, which take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with tickets costing around 5-6 euros.
- Taxi: A taxi ride from Bergamo Airport to Milan’s city center will take about an hour, with a fare of approximately 90 euros.
2. Flight Options from Major Global Cities to Milan
2.1 Flights from the United States to Milan
There are numerous direct flights from the United States to Milan, as the city is a major international destination. Leading U.S. airlines like United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines offer direct flights to Milan.
Popular Routes:
- Chicago (ORD) to Milan (MXP): Direct flights from Chicago to Milan usually take around 9 hours.
- New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP): This is one of the most common routes between the U.S. and Milan, with flight times of around 8-9 hours.
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Milan (MXP): Non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Milan typically take about 12 hours.
2.2 Flights from Major European Cities to Milan
Milan is extremely well-connected to other major European cities. There are frequent flights to Milan from virtually every European capital, and the travel times are usually short.
Popular Routes:
- London (LHR) to Milan (MXP): With a flight time of just 2 hours, this is one of the busiest routes in Europe.
- Paris (CDG) to Milan (MXP): Another short flight of about 1.5 hours.
- Berlin (TXL) to Milan (MXP): Flights between Berlin and Milan take about 1.5 hours.
2.3 Flights from Asia and Australia to Milan
Flights from Asia and Australia to Milan generally require at least one layover, but there are still various options available.
Popular Routes:
- Tokyo (HND) to Milan (MXP): This flight typically requires a stopover in the Middle East, with airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways. Flight time is about 14 hours (excluding layovers).
- Hong Kong (HKG) to Milan (MXP): Similarly, this flight often requires a layover, typically taking around 13 hours.
3. How to Choose the Best Flight for You
When selecting a flight, it’s important to consider not just the flight time, airline, and price, but also your departure city and budget. For those pressed for time, choosing a direct flight is often the most convenient option. For those open to longer journeys, flights with layovers can be a great way to save money, and even take advantage of a brief stopover in another city.
4. Plan Ahead, Book Early
No matter what flight you choose, planning ahead is crucial. I recommend starting to search for flights at least 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons such as summer or holidays. Booking early will give you more options for cheaper flights and better seats.
I hope you now have a clear understanding of the various flight options available from different parts of the world to Milan. Whether you’re traveling from Europe, the U.S., Asia, or elsewhere, Milan’s major airports provide multiple choices to help you arrive swiftly in this city of art, fashion, and cuisine. I’m sure you’ll enjoy every moment of your journey, and I look forward to hearing about the unforgettable experience that awaits you in Milan!
