Marco Bellini
Senior Travel Writer & Airport Transfer Specialist · Updated 2026-06-09
Quick Answer
Quick Answer
A private transfer from Nice (city centre or Nice Côte d'Azur Airport NCE) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) covers approximately 305 km and takes 3 hours 30 minutes. TellMyTaxi fixed price starts at €390, including all French and Italian motorway tolls. There is no direct rail connection from Nice to Malpensa — the closest rail link requires changing at Milan Centrale (4 h+), making a private transfer the only practical door-to-airport option.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Departure | Nice city centre or Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) |
| Destination | Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) — Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 |
| Driving distance | ~305 km |
| Drive time | ~3 hours 30 minutes |
| Main route | A8 west → Italian border → A10 → A26 → A8 → Malpensa |
| Border crossing | France–Italy at Ventimiglia — EU passport lane (no stop required) |
| Toll fees | Included (French A8 + Italian A10/A26 approx. €35 combined) |
| Monaco route | Available on request — adds 15 min but passes through Monaco |
| Fixed price from | <span class="tmt-price" data-source="tmt" data-from="Nice" data-to="MXP" data-vehicle="economy" data-fallback="390">€390</span> (Economy) |
| Operating hours | 24/7 including early morning airport departures |
How Far is Malpensa from Nice?
The road distance from Nice to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is approximately 305 kilometers. The route takes the A8 motorway west from Nice, crosses the French–Italian border at Ventimiglia (Ponte San Ludovico), and continues on the A10 Autostrada dei Fiori east along the Ligurian Riviera coast past Sanremo and Imperia. At the A26 junction the road turns inland north through the Ligurian Apennines, connecting to the A7 and the A8 west of Milan which leads directly to the Malpensa motorway spur. Drive time under standard conditions is 3 hours 30 minutes. Summer coastal traffic on the A8 Riviera between Nice and Ventimiglia is the main variable — Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings in July–August can add 45 to 60 minutes to the coastal section alone. Departing before 08:00 or after 19:00 avoids the worst coastal congestion.
Nice → Ventimiglia border crossing
Take the A8 Autoroute des Alpes west along the Riviera, crossing the France–Italy border at Ponte San Ludovico (EU nationals: no stop).
Ventimiglia → Savona (Riviera dei Fiori)
Continue east on the Italian A10 past Sanremo and Imperia along the scenic Ligurian coast to the A26 junction at Savona.
Savona → A7 → Malpensa spur (A8)
Head north on the A26 through the Apennines, join the A7/A8 west of Milan, and follow the dedicated Malpensa spur to the airport terminals.
Train: Nice → Milan Centrale (TGV/Frecciarossa)
Thello/direct services Nice → Milano Centrale take 4 hours 30 minutes minimum. From <span class="tmt-price" data-source="italyfare" data-from="Nice" data-to="Milan" data-mode="train" data-fallback="45">€45</span>/person. You still need the Malpensa Express for the airport (+50 min).
Riviera Summer Congestion
The A8 between Nice and Ventimiglia is one of Europe's most congested holiday routes. In July–August, weekend delays of 60 to 90 minutes are routine. TellMyTaxi recommends booking early-morning departures (before 08:00) or evening transfers (after 20:00) to guarantee arrival at Malpensa on time for your flight.
Monaco Route Option
For guests departing from Monaco or wishing to transit through the Principality, we offer a Monaco routing. The car travels from Nice via the Basse Corniche (D6007) through Beausoleil and Monte-Carlo, then rejoins the A8 Italian border crossing at Pont Saint-Ludovico. This adds approximately 15 minutes but provides a scenic coastal transit through Monaco and allows pickup from Monte-Carlo hotels. Request the Monaco routing when booking.
Fixed Prices by Vehicle Class
| Economy Sedan (up to 3 passengers) | <span class="tmt-price" data-source="tmt" data-from="Nice" data-to="MXP" data-vehicle="economy" data-fallback="390">€390</span> |
| Comfort Sedan (up to 4 passengers) | <span class="tmt-price" data-source="tmt" data-from="Nice" data-to="MXP" data-vehicle="comfort" data-fallback="460">€460</span> |
| Minivan (up to 7 passengers) | <span class="tmt-price" data-source="tmt" data-from="Nice" data-to="MXP" data-vehicle="minivan" data-fallback="530">€530</span> |
| Minibus (up to 8 passengers) | <span class="tmt-price" data-source="tmt" data-from="Nice" data-to="MXP" data-vehicle="minibus" data-fallback="820">€820</span> |
Why Choose a Private Transfer?
Only Practical Airport Link — Train requires 2 connections + 5+ hours
Rail from Nice to Malpensa requires changing at Ventimiglia (or Genoa) and again at Milano Centrale before taking the Malpensa Express. Total transit time exceeds 5 hours. A private transfer saves over 90 minutes door-to-door.
Cross-Border Fixed Price — One fare covers France and Italy tolls
French autoroute tolls and Italian A10/A26 tolls are fully included. No currency exchange needed, no toll booth stress — your driver handles everything.
Monaco Pickup Option — Pick up from Monte-Carlo hotels
For guests based in Monaco, we offer combined Monte-Carlo pickup with Nice routing, delivering you to Malpensa without returning to Nice first.
En-Route Stop Suggestions
Turn the Riviera crossing into a scenic journey with a stop along the route:
Related Routes
Explore more TellMyTaxi Riviera routes: Nice to Milan city, Monaco to Malpensa, Cannes to Malpensa, or Nice to Genoa.
What’s included on every transfer
Tolls & fuel included
All motorway tolls and fuel are in the fixed price — nothing to add at the end.
Meet & Greet with name sign
Your chauffeur waits in arrivals holding a name board, ready to assist with luggage.
60 min free waiting
An hour of free wait after landing covers passport control, baggage and customs.
Free cancellation (24 h)
Cancel up to 24 hours before pickup at no charge — no questions asked.
Make it a journey — custom stops
Unlike the train, a private car lets you build your own itinerary. Add a stop anywhere along the route — just tell us when you book.
Fixed Prices by Vehicle
All prices are per vehicle, not per person — tolls, fuel, meet & greet and free cancellation (24 h) included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Nice → Milan
305 km · ~3.5 h · from €390
Fixed price · Meet & Greet · Flight monitoring · Free cancellation
Book for €390