Milan Airport Transfer Guide: MXP, LIN & BGY Explained

Milan is served by three airports: Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), and Milan Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY). Each has a different distance to the city centre and different transport options. Knowing which airport you are flying into is the first step to planning a smooth arrival.

Malpensa (MXP) is Milan's main international hub, located 49 km north-west of the city. It handles most long-haul and many European routes. Linate (LIN) is the city airport, just 8 km from the centre and ideal for quick business trips. Bergamo (BGY) is a budget airline hub 47 km east of Milan, widely used by Ryanair and other low-cost carriers.

From Malpensa, you have three main options: the Malpensa Express train, shared shuttle bus, or private transfer.

The Malpensa Express train takes approximately 51 minutes to Milano Centrale and costs around €13. It is a good option if you are travelling light and know the city's metro network. However, if you have luggage, are travelling with family, or need to reach a specific hotel or address, a private transfer is the better choice.

A private transfer from MXP to Milan city centre takes approximately 50 minutes on the motorway and costs from €85 for a sedan. The driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, monitors your flight for delays, and drops you directly at your hotel — no connections, no metro, no dragging bags.

Linate is the easiest Milan airport to transfer from. At just 8 km from the city centre, a private taxi takes only 20 minutes and costs from €35. The airport has a single terminal, so meeting your driver is straightforward.

Public bus lines connect Linate to the city, but with luggage and at peak hours, a private transfer is by far the most convenient option. Linate handles primarily European and domestic flights.

Bergamo Orio al Serio is 47 km east of Milan, a similar distance to Malpensa but in the opposite direction. The journey to Milan takes approximately 55 minutes by private transfer, starting from €90.

A common mistake is confusing 'Milan Bergamo Airport' with being near Milan — it is actually closer to Bergamo city centre (just 5 km away). If your destination is Bergamo city, a private transfer is just 20 minutes. If you are heading to Milan, allow 50–60 minutes depending on traffic.

One of the most popular transfers from Malpensa is to Lake Como. The drive takes around 60 minutes via the A9 motorway and covers destinations such as Como town, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

There is no direct public transport from Malpensa to Lake Como — you would need to take the train to Milan Centrale and then a second train to Como. A private transfer is therefore not just more comfortable but also significantly faster, taking you directly to your lakeside hotel. Prices start from €110 for a sedan.