Milan Linate vs Malpensa: Which Is Closer to the City?

Milan's two main airports serve very different purposes, and the distance difference between them is bigger than many first-time visitors expect.

The Distance Difference

Linate sits just 7km east of central Milan — genuinely close. Malpensa, by contrast, is about 45km northwest of the city — nearly 40km further out. That gap shapes almost everything else about choosing between them.

Which Airport Will You Fly Into?

As with Rome's two airports, this usually isn't really your choice — Linate mainly serves domestic and short-haul European routes, while Malpensa handles Milan's long-haul and wider international network. Where you land depends on where you're flying from.

A Recent Change Worth Knowing

Since Milan's M4 metro line opened, Linate has become genuinely fast to reach by public transport too — a direct 15-minute ride to San Babila in the city centre. Malpensa's train connection, the Malpensa Express, still takes 50–60 minutes to reach Milano Centrale given the much greater distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much closer is Linate than Malpensa?

Significantly — Linate is about 7km from the centre, while Malpensa is roughly 45km out, a difference of nearly 40km.

How long does a private transfer take from each airport?

Under 20 minutes from Linate; typically 50 to 60 minutes from Malpensa, depending on traffic.

Which airport should I choose if I have a choice?

If your route flies into both, Linate saves considerable transfer time given its proximity — but flight availability and price often matter more than the airport choice itself.

Is public transport from Linate faster now?

Yes — since the M4 metro opened, Linate offers a direct 15-minute ride to San Babila, much faster than Malpensa's 50–60 minute train connection.

Does Malpensa serve more international destinations?

Yes — Malpensa handles Milan's long-haul and broader international network, while Linate focuses on domestic and short-haul European routes.