Milan Malpensa Airport, Terminal 1. Photo: Armineaghayan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Best Milan Malpensa transfer guide 2025: comparing Malpensa Express train, shared shuttle, taxi and private car service, with real prices, travel times and honest recommendations for every type of traveller.
Published 1 June 2025 · Last updated 7 July 2026 · 5 min read
By Dorin G. · NexDriver
Official source: SEA Milan Airports, official Malpensa Airport site
Milan Malpensa Airport, Terminal 1. Photo: Armineaghayan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Flying from Milan Malpensa (MXP) and wondering what's the best way to get there from the city? You have four main options: the Malpensa Express train, a shared shuttle bus, a taxi, or a private car service. Each has clear trade-offs, and this guide cuts through the noise so you can choose the right one for your trip.
| Transport | Approx Price | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malpensa Express | ~€ 13 / person | 52 min (Cadorna) | Solo traveller, light luggage |
| Shared shuttle | ~€ 10–14 / person | 60–90 min | Budget solo/couple |
| Taxi (white cab) | ~€ 95–105 / car | 45–60 min | 1–2 people, city centre |
| Private driver (NexDriver) | from € 165 / car | 45–55 min (direct) | Families, groups, arrivals, business |
Indicative 2025 fares for Milan city centre – Malpensa T1/T2. Private car and taxi prices are per vehicle, not per person.
The Malpensa Express runs direct from Milano Cadorna (and some services from Milano Centrale) to Malpensa T1 and T2 in 52 minutes, for around €13 per person. It's the most budget-friendly option for a solo traveller with carry-on luggage.
Best if:
Downsides:
Operators like Terravision and Autostradale run coach services from Milano Centrale to Malpensa for €10–14/person. They depart on fixed schedules and make a few stops along the way: not the fastest option, but cheap.
Best if:
Downsides:
Milan's official white taxis charge a fixed fare (~€ 95–105) for journeys to Malpensa starting within the city limits. You can hail one immediately at a taxi rank or call one; no advance booking needed. For arrivals, however, you'll have to queue at the taxi rank regardless of how long you've been on a plane.
Best if:
Downsides:
A pre-booked private car service is the most reliable and comfortable option, especially for airport arrivals and groups. With NexDriver you pay from € 165 all-inclusive per vehicle (up to 6–7 people + luggage), with no hidden fees, no meter, no night surcharges.
For arrivals at Malpensa, the advantage is decisive: your driver tracks your flight in real time and greets you in arrivals with a name sign, even if you're 2 hours late. No queues, no taxis to find, no confusion on your first day in Italy.
For 2+ passengers, the per-person cost of a private car becomes very competitive vs. buying individual train or shuttle tickets, and you get door-to-door service from your hotel or Airbnb.
See our full Milan–Malpensa transfer page for detailed rates by pickup zone and vehicle options.
Solo traveller, carry-on only
→ Malpensa Express train: fastest and cheapest
Couple with suitcases
→ Taxi or private car: similar total cost, private car wins for luggage space and arrivals
Family (3–6 people)
→ Private car (best choice): one car, one fixed price, child seats available, everyone fits
Arriving at Malpensa (inbound)
→ Private car (best choice): driver tracks flight, waits in arrivals, no taxi queue after a long flight
Business traveller
→ Private car: punctual, professional, works during the journey, premium Mercedes vehicle
Absolute lowest cost, solo
→ Shared shuttle or Malpensa Express: cheapest per person
The Malpensa Express train (~€ 13/person from Milano Cadorna, 52 min) is the cheapest option for solo travellers with light luggage. Shared shuttle buses cost €10–14 per person but take 60–90 min with stops. For groups of 3–6, a private car at a fixed fare per vehicle becomes competitive.
A private car service is the best option for families: one vehicle for all passengers and luggage, child seats available on request, fixed fare agreed upfront, driver waits at arrivals even if the flight is delayed. NexDriver's Mercedes V-Class fits up to 6–7 passengers.
Milan's official white taxis charge a fixed fare of approximately €95–105 to Malpensa Terminal 1 or T2, valid for journeys starting within Milan's urban area. The fare is per vehicle, not per person.
Yes. The Malpensa Express train runs frequently and is reliable for arrivals, but you need to find it in the terminal and carry your bags. A pre-booked private driver who tracks your flight and waits with a name sign is the most reliable and stress-free option, especially after a long-haul flight.
For 2 or more passengers, a private car transfer is often comparable in cost to two taxis, and offers a fixed fare, door-to-door pickup, real-time flight tracking, and more luggage space. For business travellers and families, it's consistently rated the best value option.