Milan's Malpensa Airport: Mxp's Basics

which airport in milan is mxp

Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP) is an international airport in the Province of Varese, Lombardy, Italy. It is Milan's largest and busiest airport for freight and cargo, handling over 730,000 tons of international freight and 28.5 million passengers in 2024. The airport is located 49 kilometres (30 mi) northwest of Milan and offers various transportation options to the city centre, including train, bus, and taxi services. With two terminals, MXP provides easy access to Milan and serves as a gateway for travellers visiting northern Italy and beyond.

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Milan Malpensa Airport is the largest airport in northern Italy

Milan Malpensa Airport is the busiest airport in Italy for freight and cargo, handling over 730,000 tons of international freight annually. It is also one of the busiest airports in Italy in terms of passengers, handling 28.5 million passengers in 2024. The airport forms the Milan airport system along with Milan Bergamo Airport and Milan Linate Airport, which together handled 56.9 million passengers in 2024, making it the largest airport system in Italy by number of passengers.

Milan Malpensa Airport has two terminals and is served by two train stations, with one at each terminal. The Malpensa Express provides a direct train connection between Terminal 2, Terminal 1, and Milan's city centre, with four services per hour in both directions. The airport is also accessible by bus, with Terravision buses providing a direct route between Malpensa Airport and central Milan. Taxis and private airport transfers are also available but can be expensive due to the airport's distance from the city centre.

The history of Milan Malpensa Airport dates back to 1909 when Giovanni Agusta and Gianni Caproni opened the site to test their aircraft prototypes. Aviation activities commenced on 27 May 1910, when the Caproni brothers flew a Cal biplane. The site was later used by Gianni Caproni and Giovanni Agusta to establish factories, and it became the largest aircraft production centre in Italy. During the Second World War, the airfield was taken over by the Luftwaffe, and it suffered heavy damage. However, it was restored after the war, and commercial operations began on 21 November 1948.

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It is located 49km from Milan

Milan Malpensa Airport, with the airport code MXP, is situated 49 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Milan's city centre, in the Lombardy region of Italy. This distance equates to approximately a 50-minute drive by car, depending on traffic conditions and your starting point in the city. The airport is strategically positioned outside the city, in the municipality of Ferno, within the Province of Varese.

The distance between the airport and the city centre provides a balance between convenient access to Milan and proximity to other destinations in the region. This location allows for efficient transportation connections to both downtown Milan and surrounding areas. Malpensa Airport serves as a significant gateway to Northern Italy, catering to both domestic and international travellers.

Being located 49 kilometres from the city centre offers certain advantages. For one, it helps alleviate potential congestion issues that might arise if the airport were located closer to the densely populated urban core of Milan. This distance also enables the airport to have ample space for expansion and the development of necessary infrastructure, ensuring it can accommodate increasing passenger traffic and maintain efficient operations.

Additionally, the 49-kilometre distance between MXP and Milan's city centre underscores the importance of efficient ground transportation options. To facilitate smooth travel between the airport and the city, several transport alternatives are available, including shuttle buses, taxis, and private transfers. These options ensure that passengers can conveniently navigate the distance and reach their desired destinations in and around Milan.

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Malpensa Express trains connect the airport to Milan Central Station

Milan Malpensa Airport, also known as Malpensa Airport or MXP, is Milan's largest international airport. It is located in Ferno, in the Province of Varese, Lombardy, Italy, and is about 49 kilometres (30 miles) from Milan's city centre.

Malpensa Airport is served by two train stations, with one at each terminal. The Malpensa Express is a direct train service that connects Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 with Milan's city centre. The Malpensa Express trains were initially Treno ad alta frequentazione (High-Frequency Trains) or TAF trains. These trains feature a livery of burgundy, dark green, and cream colours, sometimes with sponsored coaches. Since February 2010, a new class of trains, the Convoglio Servizio Aeroportuale (Airport Service Convoy) or CSA trains, has been introduced specifically for Malpensa Express services. Both the TAF and CSA trains are push-pull articulated electric multiple units, with powered sections at each end and unpowered sections in between.

The Malpensa Express offers two direct routes to Milan's city centre. One route connects Terminal 1 with Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale), while the other route connects both terminals with Milan Cadorna station (Milano Cadorna). All services on both routes call at Busto Arsizio Nord, Saronno (with connections to Como, Novara, and Varese), and Milan Bovisa stations. The journey time typically ranges from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the service type and the number of stops.

In addition to the Malpensa Express, passengers can also take the TiLo train service to Bellinzona in Switzerland. Milan's Suburban Line S10 (Milano Rogoredo–Milano Bovisa) has also been extended to serve Malpensa Airport.

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The airport offers wheelchair and reduced mobility assistance

Milan Malpensa Airport, also known as Malpensa Airport or MXP Airport, is the largest airport in northern Italy. It is located in Ferno, in the Province of Varese, Lombardy, and is about 49 kilometres (30 miles) from Milan's city centre.

Passengers can request wheelchair and reduced mobility assistance when booking their flight online or by phone. Although advance notification is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended when travelling to or from airports in the European Union. This allows the airline to promptly provide the requested assistance.

Passengers with disabilities are entitled to assistance in navigating different areas of the airport, including from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to the gate and through security, as well as onto the aircraft to their seat. Airlines are also required to assist passengers with their gate-checked or carry-on luggage if they are unable to do so independently due to their disability.

Additionally, passengers with disabilities are permitted to board the plane before passengers without disabilities. Airlines must not leave a passenger with a disability unattended for more than 30 minutes unless the passenger explicitly consents to a longer period.

It is important to note that carriers are not obligated to provide wheelchair assistance to passengers who do not have reduced mobility but are seeking priority access or language interpretation services. Passengers may be asked to provide credible verbal assurance that the service assists with their disability, but the inquiry must not focus on the nature of their disability.

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MXP has indoor smoking areas, sleeping capsules, and water bottle refill stations

Milan Malpensa Airport, also known by the airport code MXP, is Milan's largest international airport. It consists of two terminals: Terminal 1, a larger, modern facility with three concourses, and Terminal 2, a smaller, older terminal used exclusively by easyJet. While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas or rest zones, it does offer unique amenities to enhance your travel experience.

MXP has indoor smoking areas for those who wish to indulge before their flight. For travellers seeking a more comfortable resting option, MXP features innovative sleeping capsules called Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods, located in Terminal 1's public area. These soundproof pods provide a private space with a bed, Wi-Fi, a flight status screen, and electrical outlets, ensuring both convenience and connectivity. The pods can be found near check-in desk number 3, with rates starting at €9 per hour.

When it comes to hydration, MXP has got you covered. While there are no dedicated drinking fountains, travellers can refill their water bottles using the tap water available in the toilet facilities. Additionally, the friendly staff at the airport's coffee shops may also assist in refilling your water bottles upon request. For those in Terminal 2, there is a convenient water fountain located by Gate D09.

MXP also offers a range of other facilities to make your travel experience seamless. Both terminals provide a selection of shops and restaurants, although these tend to close early, so it's advisable to have your own snacks on hand for late-night cravings. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, and for those seeking a more premium experience, economy class passengers can pay to access one of the airport's first-class lounges.

Frequently asked questions

Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP) is Milan's largest international airport.

You can get from MXP to Milan by train, bus, or taxi. The Malpensa Express train connects Terminals 1 and 2 to Milan's city centre, with stops at Milan Cadorna Station and Milan Central Station. The Terravision bus also connects MXP to Milan, departing every half hour. Finally, you can take a taxi from MXP to Milan, but it is rather expensive.

MXP has indoor smoking areas, sleeping and relaxation capsules, and water bottle refilling stations. The airport also has a variety of parking options, including long-term and uncovered spaces.

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