Milan Layover Guide (MXP)
What are you looking for in MXP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is one of the largest international airports in northern Italy. The airport is located 49 km (30 mi) northwest of Milan next to the Ticino river dividing Lombardy and Piedmont. It was opened in 1909 by Gianni Caproni and Giovanni Agusta to test their aircraft prototypes. Milan is famous for its majestic Duomo Cathedral, and its historical, cultural, extravagant fashion, culinary scenes, and architectural landmarks.
Can you leave Milan Airport (MXP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to leave the airport during the layover. But some visitors will require visa beforehand. (more info).
Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing
Italy Organized Tours
Sforza Castle Tour
Tour to the Milan’s one of the most popular landmarks is a must. This amazing Sforza Castle, a Medieval-Renaissance fortress built in the 14th century. You can explore the castle grounds and the museum’s countless works of art. During the tour explore one of the largest citadels in Europe and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this iconic structure. With this experience, you will surely understand why this the Milan’s most treasured and visited landmark. » book this tour
Milan Cathedral
Discver the iconic symbol of Milan with this tour to Duomo and see the 600-year-old cathedral. Also, learn about the history of St. Ambrose and the cathedral’s essential role during the evolution of the city both culturally and spiritually. Marvel the city panoramas from the Duomo Terraces which were built using Candoglia marble with the Alps and the Apennine Mountains. Admire the Duomo’s 27 halls and its 14th-century Palazzo Reale’s stained glass window, tapestries, and sculptures. Explore the archaeological remains of the S. Giovanni alle Fonti Baptistery and S. Tecla. » book this tour
Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci Museum Tour
Visit the attractive and famous historical site in Milan nestled in the cloisters of a Renaissance monastery, discover one of the most important science and technology museums in Europe. You can also see the artwork, a fragment of the moon, steam trains, and a submarine on this tour. Also, don’t miss the New Galleries which is the largest permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. » book this tour
Italy Things to do / Sightseeing
Florence and Accademia Gallery
Embark on a comfortable one day trip from Milan to the heart of Florence, the city of Renaissance. And get a chance to explore one of the most popular museums in the world in a completely different way. Enjoy the masterpieces of the Accademia Gallery guide to learn more about that museum. In addition, immerse yourself in Michelangelo’s world, discovering also his most renowned works of art such as ”I Prigioni” and ”San Matteo” and the “Palestrina Pietà”.
Time required: 10 hours.
Airport to here: 3 hours and 50 minutes via private transport.
Visit Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna
Enjoy a full day trip to Lake Como which is known for its beautiful villas and gardens. You can stop in the town of Como for a walking tour of the city center and visit the neoclassical Villa Olmo and its lovely Italian garden. Also, take a relaxing cruise on the lake by private boat, and enjoy the spectacular views. Moreover, visit the stunning villages of Varenna and Bellagio.
Time required: 11 hours.
Airport to here: 1 hour and 14 minutes via private transport.
San Siro Stadium and Museum
Explore the legendary San Siro Stadium which is the home of Italy’s two football teams, Inter Milan and AC Milan. You can discover the press room and stroll out onto the pitch the feel the vibe. Also, explore the San Siro Museum and find out more the teams and history.
Time required: 1 day.
Airport to here: 33 minutes via taxi.
Explore Milan Grand City Highlights On E-Bike
Hope on an e-bike and explore the city that combines the modernization and tradition. This day trip will cover most highlights of the city from the vibrant Navigli district to the Milan Stock Exchange and to the Duomo. Cycle through the luxuriant Sempione Park and the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery as you explore the city center. Also, discover the old town that shows both the glorious past of the city and its breathtaking modernity which characterizes the development of Milan during the 21st century.
Time required: 3.5 hours.
Airport to here: 45 minutes via taxi and 59 minutes via public transport.
Bernina and St. Moritz
During your layover at Milan Airport spend a full day traveling to St. Moritz on this exciting rail journey. The Bernina is one of Switzerland’s most scenic railways, climbing more than 1,800 meters, making it the steepest railway journey in the world. Your journey will start from Tirano, Italy, and takes you all the way to the world-renowned Swiss mountain resort of St. Moritz. Tirano is a picturesque Mediterranean town in a mountain setting dotted with palms and oleanders. Moreover, in St. Moritz, you will get time to discover Switzerland’s most popular mountain resort before your return journey to Milan starts.
Time required: 12 to 13 hours.
Airport to here: 37 minutes via private transport.
Cinque Terre
Explore the Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most scenic landscapes, go on a guided day trip from Milan by van. See Cinque Terre from different perspectives from a boat and a train. Also visit the enchanting medieval villages clinging to the coast with a breathtaking sight of the sea.
Time required: 13 houra.
Airport to here: 3 hours and 16 minutes via private transport.
Museo Mondo Milan
If you are true football fan then Mondo Milan can be a good place for you to visit. It is an exhibition that presents AC Milan trophies in a unique way and includes narration on the club’s history. Here you can relive AC Milan’s 115 years of history, from the Hall of Fame to the Ballon d’Or Winners’ Room, and from the Trophies Room housing, the most important cups won by AC Milan to the holographic theater.
Time required: 1 day.
Airport to here: 31 minutes via taxi.
Branca Tower
Reach the highest point in Milan at Parco Sempione with visiting Branca Tower. Milan built its totem in the clearing of Parco Sempione in the 1930s. It was designed by Gio Ponti and is considered a true work of art that meets new techniques and modern architecture. You can also reach with the elevator and can enjoy a relaxing drink at the Belvedere Club while you take in the views.
Time required: 1 day.
Airport to here: 41 minutes via private transport.
Things to Do in Milan Airport (MXP)
Relaxing and Sleeping
Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are several lounges available at the airport located in terminal 1. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online
Hotel and Sleeping
There are several hotels available inside and also near the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online
Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There is no designated rest or sleeping area inside the Milan Airport.
WIFI/Internet and SIM Card
WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available at the Milan Airport. You can connect with the “MALPENSA FREE WI-FI" network.
SIM/eSIM Card: You can buy the Iliad SIM cards from the shops available at the airport's terminal 2. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Milan Airport (MXP) sim/eSim page.
Transportation to/from airport
Taxi: Taxis can be found outside of the Arrivals Hall, ground floor at both Terminals 1 and 2 with different rates.
Train: Malpensa Express train is connected to the airport's terminal 1 and 2. (more info).
Bus: The airport is well connected with the bus system and to the Milan Central Station. (more info).
Shuttle: The airport offers a 24-hour courtesy shuttle service between Terminals 1 and 2
Car rentals: Different car rentals are available in both the terminals 1 and 2. » view available cars or rent a car now online
Parking: Malpensa Airport Parking offers a variety of car parking services according to the needs of its holiday and business travelers.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage service is available in Terminal 1, arrivals B, groud floor. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).