Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale by Train: A Practical Guide

Taking the train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale is one of the simplest ways to reach central Milan after your flight.

The Malpensa Express connects Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) with Milano Centrale without requiring a change. The journey to Terminal 1 takes about 51 minutes, trains normally run every 30 minutes, and the current one-way fare is €15. The airport rail service also serves Malpensa Terminal 2.

Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale: Quick Facts

Schedules can change, so check your departure before travelling.

Is there a direct train from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale?

Yes!

The Malpensa Express runs directly between Malpensa Airport and Milano Centrale, making it particularly useful if you are staying near Milan's main railway station or continuing your journey by train to another Italian city.

You do not need to change trains on the way to Milano Centrale.

This is useful after a flight, especially if you are carrying luggage or connecting to a long-distance train.

Where do you catch the train at Malpensa Airport?

Malpensa Airport has railway stations serving both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

After landing:

1. Collect your luggage.
2. Follow signs for the railway station or Malpensa Express.
3. Check the departure board.
4. Make sure the destination shown for your train is Milano Centrale.
5. Check your ticket requirements before boarding.

Do not simply board the first train marked “Milano”.

Malpensa Express services also connect the airport with other Milan stations, including Milano Cadorna and Milano Porta Garibaldi. Make sure you choose the service that takes you to the station that best suits your trip.

How long is the train from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale?

The journey between Milano Centrale and Malpensa Airport Terminal 1 takes about 51 minutes on the Malpensa Express.

When planning your trip, remember that the train journey is only part of the total time.

After landing, you may also need time for:

• passport control;
• baggage collection;
• walking through the terminal;
• finding the airport railway station;
• waiting for the next departure.

If you have an onward train from Milano Centrale, build a reasonable buffer into your itinerary rather than booking an extremely tight connection.

How often does the Malpensa Express run to Milano Centrale?

The Milano Centrale–Malpensa service normally runs every 30 minutes.

That frequency makes the train relatively easy to use without planning your airport arrival around one specific departure.

However, timetables can change because of engineering works, special events or seasonal schedules. Check the current timetable on the day of travel if you have an important connection.

How much is the train from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale?

The standard one-way Malpensa Express fare between Milan and Malpensa is currently €15.

Discounted fares may be available for some passengers, and ticket conditions can change.

If you are travelling as a family or making a return trip, check the available ticket options rather than automatically buying two separate full-price tickets.

Do you need to book Malpensa Express in advance?

For most travellers, this is not a route where you need to book months in advance.

Services run frequently throughout the day, so the main advantage of buying or checking your ticket ahead of time is convenience rather than securing a heavily discounted advance fare.

It can still help to plan ahead if:

• you have an onward train from Milano Centrale;
• your flight arrives very early or late;
• you are travelling during a busy period;
• you want to know exactly which train to take after landing.

For longer European journeys, advance booking becomes more important. See our How Far in Advance to Book Train Tickets in Europe guide.

How do you buy Malpensa Express tickets?

Tickets can be purchased through official digital channels, apps, station machines and other authorised sales points. Trenord lists online purchase, its app, ticket machines, physical ticket offices and authorised retailers as available channels.

Before paying, check:

• departure and destination station;
• airport terminal;
• travel date;
• ticket conditions;
• whether you need to take any action before boarding.

If you are unfamiliar with European rail booking, our How to Book Train Tickets in Europe guide covers the process in more detail.

Malpensa Express to Centrale or Cadorna: which should you choose?

This is one of the most important details for first-time visitors.

Malpensa Express trains serve more than one major Milan station.

Choose Milano Centrale if:

• your hotel is near Milan Central Station;
• you are connecting to a long-distance train;
• you are continuing to cities such as Florence, Rome or Venice;
• Milano Centrale is more convenient for your accommodation.

Choose Milano Cadorna if:

• your destination is closer to Cadorna;
• it provides a better connection with your accommodation or local transport.

The Cadorna service is generally faster than travelling all the way to Centrale, so choosing the correct Milan station can save time. Official Malpensa Express information lists about 37 minutes to Cadorna and about 51 minutes to Centrale.

The right choice depends on where you actually need to go after leaving the airport.

What happens when you arrive at Milano Centrale?

Milano Centrale is Milan's main railway hub and one of the busiest stations in Italy.

From here, you can connect to high-speed and regional trains serving destinations across Italy and beyond.

Before your onward journey, check:

• the train number;
• departure time;
• platform;
• operator;
• whether your ticket has any specific conditions.

If this is your first time using the station, read our Milano Centrale Train Station Guide before travelling.

Travelling from Milano Centrale back to Malpensa Airport

The same route also works in the opposite direction.

If you are taking the train from Milano Centrale to Malpensa Airport, check which terminal your flight uses before leaving Milan.

Malpensa Airport has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and the rail service serves both.

For the return journey, allow time for:

• the train ride;
• walking from the airport station to your terminal;
• airline check-in;
• security;
• passport control when applicable.

Do not plan to arrive at the airport exactly at your airline's check-in deadline.

Train, bus or taxi from Malpensa Airport to Milan?

The best choice depends on where you are staying.

Train

Best suited to travellers heading towards Milano Centrale or connecting to another train.

Advantages include:

• predictable journey time;
• no road traffic;
• frequent services;
• convenient onward rail connections.

Bus

Airport buses can be useful depending on your destination and budget, but journey times are more affected by road traffic.

Taxi

A taxi provides door-to-door travel and can be convenient for groups, heavy luggage or accommodation far from the railway stations.

For travellers continuing through Italy by rail, the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale is often the most straightforward option.

Continuing from Milan by train

Many travellers use Milano Centrale as the starting point for the next part of an Italian itinerary.

From Milan, popular rail journeys include routes towards:

• Venice;
• Florence;
• Rome;
• Bologna;
• Turin;
• Lake Como and other northern Italian destinations.

If you are planning several journeys in the country, see our Italy Train Travel Guide.

For broader ticket planning, our European Train Tickets Guide explains how rail fares, operators and booking work across Europe.

Common mistakes to avoid

Taking a train to the wrong Milan station

Check that your service is going to Milano Centrale if Centrale is where you need to be.

Forgetting to check your airport terminal

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are different stops. Confirm your airline's terminal before your return journey.

Booking an onward train too close to your flight arrival

Flights can be delayed, and baggage collection or passport control may take longer than expected.

Assuming every Milan airport train takes the same route

Malpensa Express services connect the airport with different Milan stations. Read the destination carefully before boarding.

Looking only at the ticket price

For an airport transfer, convenience, journey time and where the train actually leaves you in Milan matter as much as price.

FAQ

Is there a direct train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale?

Yes. The Malpensa Express operates direct services between Malpensa Airport and Milano Centrale.

How long does the Malpensa Express take to Milano Centrale?

The journey between Milano Centrale and Malpensa Airport Terminal 1 takes about 51 minutes.

How much is the train from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale?

The standard one-way fare is currently €15.

How often do trains run from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale?

The service normally runs approximately every 30 minutes.

Does the Malpensa Express stop at Terminal 2?

Yes. Malpensa Express services serve both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Is Milano Centrale the same as Milano Cadorna?

No. They are different railway stations in Milan. Choose the station that best matches your accommodation or onward journey.

Plan your journey from Malpensa Airport

For travellers heading to Milan's main railway station, the Malpensa Express provides a straightforward connection between Malpensa Airport and Milano Centrale.

The most important things are simple: check your terminal, choose the correct Milan station, allow enough time if you have an onward connection, and confirm the latest timetable before travelling.

From Milano Centrale, you can continue by rail to destinations across Italy and the rest of Europe.