Linate, Malpensa, or Bergamo | Which Is the Closest Airport to Downtown Milan?

Milan, Italy, often hailed as the global capital of fashion and design, is a vibrant city that draws travellers from all corners of the world. Whether you’re jetting in for a business meeting, a shopping spree, or to soak in the city’s rich culture, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is which airport to use. 

Milan is served by three main airports: Linate (LIN), Malpensa (MXP), and Bergamo (BGY – Orio al Serio). Each has its own charm and quirks, and your choice can depend on factors like your departure city, budget, and how much time you’re willing to spend getting to the city centre. 

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into these options to help you decide which Milan airport is best for your trip, with a special focus on answering a question many travellers ask: which is the closest airport to Milan? Let’s explore what each airport has to offer and find the perfect fit for your journey.

A Detailed Overview of Milan’s Airports

Linate Airport (LIN)

Location

Linate Airport sits just outside the city centre, a mere 5 miles (8 kilometres) southeast of downtown Milan. Its closeness to the action makes it a favourite for those who want to hit the ground running without a long transfer into the city.

Best If:

• You’re hopping over from another Italian city or a nearby European destination. Linate shines for domestic and short-haul flights.
• Proximity is your priority, and you’d rather not waste time travelling far to reach Milan’s bustling streets.
• You enjoy a smaller, less chaotic airport experience with quick check-ins and easy navigation.

There’s something comforting about landing at Linate. It’s small enough to feel manageable with decent amenities for Priority Pass members, yet efficient enough to get you where you need to go without fuss. Business travellers, in particular, love it for its speedy access to Milan’s financial district.

Avoid If:

• You’re flying in from halfway across the world. Linate doesn’t cater to long-haul international routes.
• You’re hunting for the cheapest fares possible, as budget airlines tend to skip this airport in favour of bigger hubs.
• You need lots of flight options; Linate’s focus on shorter routes limits your choices.

Distance to Milano Centrale Train Station:

From Linate, it’s just 5 miles (8 kilometres) to Milano Centrale, Milan’s main train station. A taxi to Milano Centrale will take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and typically costs around £35-£50. If you’d rather save a few euros, the M4 metro line whisks you to San Babila in about 12 minutes for £2, and from there, it’s a quick hop to Milano Centrale on the M1. There’s also an airport bus that’ll get you to the station in roughly 25 minutes for £6. For anyone asking which is the closest airport to Milan, Linate wins hands down with its unbeatable location.

Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Location

Malpensa Airport lies in Ferno, a suburb about 32 miles (52 kilometres) northwest of Milan. It’s the big player in Milan’s airport lineup, handling the lion’s share of international traffic and serving as the city’s primary gateway to the world.

Best If:

• You’re coming from or heading to far-flung destinations. Malpensa is your go-to for long-haul and international flights.
• You want plenty of airline choices, from budget carriers to premium options, all under one roof.
• You’re exploring beyond Milan, maybe to Lake Como or the Alps, since Malpensa’s location opens up northern Italy beautifully.

Landing at Malpensa feels like stepping into a bustling hub. With two terminals packed with shops, eateries, and lounges, it’s got everything you need to kick off or wind down your trip in pretty much a fair style.

Avoid If:

• You dread long commutes into the city; Malpensa’s distance means more travel time.
• You’re pinching pennies and want the cheapest possible transfer options since taxis here can add up.
• You’re not a fan of large airports where lines and crowds can slow you down.

Distance to Milano Centrale Train Station:

Malpensa sits about 32 miles (52 kilometres) from Milano Centrale. A taxi to Milan’s main train station can take an hour in moderate traffic and about 40 minutes without, but it’ll set you back a fixed rate of £95, so the cost of a taxi from Malpensa to Milan is predictable, if pricey. For a more wallet-friendly ride, the Malpensa Express train runs every 30 minutes to Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna trains every 30 minutes to Milano Cadorna too—taking 30-60 minutes depending on your stop, with a fare of £9. Buses are another option, clocking in at 50-60 minutes for around £9. While it’s not the closest airport to Milan, Malpensa’s connectivity makes it a solid choice for many.

Bergamo Airport (BGY – Orio al Serio)

Location

Bergamo Airport, officially Orio al Serio, is just outside Bergamo, about 31 miles (50 kilometres) east of Milan. It’s the farthest of the three from downtown, but its role as a low-cost airline hub keeps it buzzing with budget travellers.

Best If:

• You’re flying with budget giants like Ryanair or Wizz Air and want to snag a deal.
• You’re happy to trade a longer commute for cheaper tickets—perfect for savvy savers.
• You’re keen to explore Bergamo itself or nearby alpine gems, as its location offers a scenic detour.

Bergamo’s vibe is very laid-back yet lively, with enough amenities to keep you comfortable without the overwhelm of a mega-airport.

Avoid If:

• You need to be in downtown Milan pronto, the trip takes longer than from Linate or Malpensa.
• You’re hauling lots of luggage; shuttle buses can feel cramped and less convenient.
• You prefer a polished, full-service airport experience over a budget-focused setup.

Distance to Milano Centrale Train Station:

Bergamo is roughly 31 miles (50 kilometres) from Milano Centrale. A taxi to Milano Centrale will take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost at least £70, not the cheapest ride around. Most folks opt for the shuttle bus instead, which takes 60-90 minutes and costs about £9, with frequent departures every 20-30 minutes. It’s not the closest airport to Milan by any stretch, but for the right traveller, the savings can make it worthwhile.

Transportation Costs and Time From Each Airport

Getting from the airport to downtown Milan is a key piece of the puzzle when choosing your landing spot. Here’s how each stacks up:

Linate: Quickest and Most Economical

Being the closest airport to Milan, Linate makes getting into the city a breeze. The M4 metro line zips you to San Babila—just 3 kilometres from Milano Centrale—in about 12 minutes for a steal at €2.40. From there, a quick switch to the M1 gets you to the station. The airport bus is another solid pick, taking 25 minutes to Milano Centrale for €7. Taxis, while pricier at €40-€60, offer door-to-door ease in 15-30 minutes. It’s hard to beat Linate for speed and value.

Malpensa: Express Train, Taxis

Malpensa’s farther out, but it’s got solid options to bridge the gap. The Malpensa Express train is a standout, whisking you to Milano Centrale or Cadorna in 30-60 minutes for €14—reliable and reasonably priced. Buses take a bit longer, about 50-60 minutes, and cost €10. If convenience is king, a taxi’s fixed rate of €110 gets you there in 40-60 minutes, traffic depending. It’s not as quick as Linate, but it’s a smooth ride for international arrivals.

Bergamo: Longer Transfers, Shuttle Buses

Bergamo’s distance means a longer haul into Milan, but it’s manageable if you plan ahead. Shuttle buses are the go-to, running every 20-30 minutes and taking 60-90 minutes to reach Milano Centrale for €10—a budget-friendly choice. Taxis are an option too, though they’ll take 45-90 minutes and start at €80, making them less practical for most. It’s the least convenient of the three, but for those flying in and out of a different one, it can still work.

Closest Airport to Downtown Milan

To make your decision even easier, here’s a handy comparison table breaking down time, cost, and distance to downtown Milan:

Linate, just outside the city centre, is undeniably the closest airport to Milan. Its short distance and fast, affordable options like the metro make it a no-brainer for anyone prioritising proximity. Malpensa’s a bit farther but offers quicker transfers than Bergamo, whose budget appeal comes with a longer trek. Which Milan airport is best? It hinges on what you value most: time, money, or flight options.

Another Good Read: Is Priority Pass Actually Worth It in 2025?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BGY or MXP Closer to Milan?

If you’re choosing between Bergamo (BGY) and Malpensa (MXP), Malpensa edges out as closer to Milan. It’s 32 miles (52 kilometres) from Milano Centrale, while Bergamo’s just a hair less at 31 miles (50 kilometres). But distance isn’t the whole story—Malpensa’s train cuts travel time to 30-60 minutes, compared to Bergamo’s 60-90-minute bus ride. That said, neither holds a candle to Linate, the true closest airport to Milan.

How Far Is Milan Malpensa From the City Centre?

Malpensa sits about 32 miles (52 kilometres) northwest of Milan’s city centre. By train, you’re looking at 30-60 minutes to reach Milano Centrale or Cadorna, while a taxi or car ride takes around 40 minutes in light traffic and up to an hour when it’s busy. It’s a manageable trip, but not as quick as Linate’s jaunt.

How Much Is a Taxi From Milan Malpensa to the City Centre?

A taxi from Malpensa to Milan’s city centre comes with a fixed rate for the journey, so the cost of a taxi from Malpensa to Milan is £95. That covers the ride to Milano Centrale or other central spots, though extras like luggage or late-night trips might nudge it higher. It’s the priciest option, but for hassle-free travel, it’s worth it.

Wrapping Up…

So, which is the closest airport to downtown Milan? Hands down, it’s Linate (LIN), sitting just 5 miles (8 kilometres) from the city centre with fast, affordable transfers that get you there in no time. But deciding which Milan airport is best isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your trip. Malpensa (MXP) shines for international travellers with its vast flight options, despite the 32-mile trek. Bergamo (BGY) wins for budget seekers, even with its longer 31-mile journey. Whether you’re chasing convenience, cost, or connectivity, Milan’s trio of airports has you covered. Pick the one that fits your vibe and dive into this iconic city.