Linate is Milan city airport, about 70 km from Malpensa on the east side of the city.

About Milan Linate Airport

Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is Milan's city airport, located just 7 km east of the city center on the edge of Forlanini Park. Primarily serving domestic Italian routes and short-haul European flights, Linate is far more convenient for reaching central Milan than Malpensa, with a bus ride to Milano Centrale taking just 25 minutes.

The area around Linate borders the eastern neighborhoods of Milan, including the redeveloped Porta Vittoria district and the emerging Santa Giulia urban development. Forlanini Park, adjacent to the airport, offers green space and cycling paths along the Lambro River. The Idroscalo, an artificial lake built in 1930 as a seaplane base, has become Milan's summer leisure destination with beaches, water sports, and open-air concerts.

For travelers connecting between Malpensa and Linate, the route typically passes through central Milan, offering the option to briefly visit the city. The connection is important for passengers arriving on long-haul flights at Malpensa who need to catch domestic connections from Linate, or vice versa. Several bus services and the new Metro Line 4 (Blue Line) now connect Linate directly to the Milan metro network.

Nearby Landmarks

Forlanini Park Idroscalo Lake Porta Vittoria Milano Linate Terminal

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost EUR 110-130
Time 70-90 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale (55 min). Walk to Centrale Metro station. Take M4 to Linate Airport (12 min). Allow plenty of time.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi EUR 110-130 70-90 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Direct Malpensa-Linate shuttle services run limited schedules, with the last services typically in the late evening. After midnight, a taxi is the only option for this transfer (€95-120, negotiated). Linate's operating hours are more restricted than Malpensa's, with most flights between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM. For very early Linate departures, consider staying at a hotel near Linate the night before rather than attempting a Malpensa transfer.

Luggage Tips

The shuttle bus between Malpensa and Linate has luggage storage underneath. If transferring via Milan city center (Centrale), luggage lockers are available at the station. Metro Line 4 from Linate has standard metro luggage space. When connecting flights, ensure you collect checked baggage at Malpensa and recheck at Linate unless your airline offers through-checking (rare between the two airports). Allow time for this process.

Accessibility

Both airports are wheelchair accessible. The shuttle bus between airports is accessible with advance notice. If transferring via Milano Centrale, the station has elevators but the distance between bus stops and platforms is significant. Metro Line 4 (Linate connection) is the newest line and fully accessible. Taxis can accommodate wheelchairs. Request special assistance through your airline for inter-airport connections.