Quick Answer
Best overall: Take the Malpensa Express train from Milano Centrale or Cadorna — 50 minutes, €13–€14 ($14–$15). If you're near the Bovisa campus, take tram 2 or bus 92 to Milano Cadorna (15 min) then the train. Cheapest: Bus from Milano Centrale — €8–€10 ($9–$11), 70–90 min. Fastest door-to-door: Taxi (€95–€130 / $105–$145) — 45–60 min depending on traffic.
🚄 Malpensa Express Train — The Best Balance of Speed & Cost
The Malpensa Express is the most popular choice for travelers from Politecnico di Milano. It runs every 30 minutes from Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna, with a travel time of about 50 minutes to Malpensa Aeroporto Terminal 1. Some services also stop at Terminal 2.
Ticket price: €13.00–€14.00 ($14–$15) one-way. Discounts available for round-trip (€22–€24). Children under 14 travel free with a paying adult (up to 2 kids).
From Polimi campuses:
- Città Studi (Leonardo da Vinci): Tram 5 or 33 to Centrale (20 min), then Malpensa Express.
- Bovisa: Tram 2 or bus 92 to Cadorna (15 min), then direct train.
- Piacenza (remote campus): Regional train to Milano Centrale (1 hr), then Malpensa Express.
Train Schedule & Frequency
| Station | First departure | Last departure | Frequency | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milano Centrale | 5:25 AM | 11:25 PM | Every 30 min | 50 min |
| Milano Cadorna | 5:57 AM | 10:57 PM | Every 30 min | 52 min |
Source: Malpensa Express official timetable
Onboard Amenities & Luggage
Trains have dedicated luggage racks, air conditioning, power outlets (in newer cars), and wheelchair accessibility. No food service, but vending machines are available at stations. Seat reservation is not required — tickets are open boarding for the selected route.
Comparison: Malpensa Express vs. Regional Train
A cheaper regional train (Regionale) runs from Milano Centrale to Malpensa via Busto Arsizio, costing €8–€9 ($9–$10) but takes 70–80 minutes and runs less frequently. The Malpensa Express is faster and more reliable, especially for early morning or late evening flights.
Data point: A journey from Bovisa campus to MXP Terminal 1 via Cadorna takes ~75 minutes door-to-door (15 min tram + 5 min wait + 52 min train) and costs €14. Same journey by taxi costs €100+ and takes 45–60 minutes.
✈️ Connecting Flight — Rarely Practical
Flying from Milan Linate (LIN) or Bergamo (BGY) to another hub to connect back to Malpensa is almost never worth it. The door-to-door time is 4–6 hours, and costs €150–€300 ($165–$330) for a short domestic hop.
Example: Polimi → Linate (taxi 20 min, €30) → flight to Rome FCO (1 hr, €80) → flight back to MXP (1 hr, €70) → you arrive 5 hours later. The train does it in 50 min for €14.
When it might make sense: If you are already connecting from a long-haul flight arriving at Linate and your onward flight departs from MXP on a separate ticket — but even then, a direct bus or train is simpler.
Source: Milan Bergamo Airport and Linate Airport — combined flight data.
🚌 Airport Bus — The Cheapest Door-to-Door Option
Bus operators: Terravision, FlixBus, Autostradale, and Malpensa Shuttle run frequent services from Milano Centrale (bus station on Piazza Luigi di Savoia) and sometimes Milano Garibaldi.
- Terravision: €8.00–€10.00 ($9–$11) if booked online, €12 at the counter. Every 20 min, 70–90 min travel time.
- FlixBus: €8.99–€11.99 ($10–$13), 75–95 min, with free cancellation up to 1 hour before.
- Autostradale: €10.00 ($11), 80 min, also stops at Milano Garibaldi.
From Polimi: Take tram 5, 33 or bus 60 to Centrale (20–25 min), then walk to the bus platforms. Total door-to-door: ~1 hour 45 min to 2 hours.
Luggage: Buses have underfloor compartments — no size limit beyond reasonable airline standards. No extra fee for luggage.
Reliability: Buses can be delayed 10–20 minutes in Milan traffic, especially during rush hours (8:00–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM). The train is more punctual.
Data point: A round-trip bus ticket booked 2 weeks in advance costs €16 ($17.50) — the cheapest possible way to reach MXP from Polimi. For a family of 4, that's €64 vs. €52 on the train — the bus saves €12, but takes 30 min longer each way.
Source: Terravision official site, FlixBus, Autostradale.
Bus vs. Train — Quick Comparison
| Factor | Bus | Train (Malpensa Express) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (one-way) | €8–€12 | €13–€14 |
| Travel time (station → MXP) | 70–90 min | 50 min |
| Frequency | Every 20–30 min | Every 30 min |
| Traffic risk | Moderate (10–20 min delay) | Very low |
| Luggage space | Good (underfloor) | Good (racks) |
| Best for | Budget travelers, non-peak hours | Speed, reliability, any traveler |
🚕 Taxi & Ride-sharing — Premium Convenience
Official taxi (white cabs): Fixed rates from Milan city center to Malpensa — €95.00 ($105) for up to 4 passengers with luggage. From Polimi campuses slightly less (€85–€95) because you're outside the center. Night surcharge (10 PM–6 AM) adds €5–€8.
Uber: Uber Black and Uber Lux available in Milan. Estimated fare: €100–€150 ($110–$165). Uber X is not operational at MXP.
Ride-sharing (BlaBlaCar): Occasionally you can find a ride from Milan to Malpensa for €15–€25, but availability is sparse and timing unpredictable. Not recommended for time-sensitive airport trips.
When to choose a taxi:
- 🔹 Late-night / early-morning (first train 5:25 AM, last bus ~11 PM).
- 🔹 Heavy luggage (more than 2 large suitcases per person).
- 🔹 Group of 3–4 people (cost per person similar to train).
- 🔹 After a long flight — door-to-door convenience.
Data point: A taxi from Bovisa campus to MXP at 4:30 AM (before first train) costs ~€90 and takes 40–50 minutes. The alternative is a pre-booked shuttle (€45–€60 shared) or waiting until 5:57 AM for the first train from Cadorna.
Source: Taxi Milano official rates and Uber Italy.
🎟️ Tickets & Cost Comparison — All Options in One Table
Below is a comprehensive comparison of every transport mode from Politecnico di Milano (Città Studi campus) to Malpensa Airport. Prices are for a single adult one-way, updated for 2025.
| Mode | Time (door-to-door) | Cost (one-way) | Cost (round-trip) | Transfers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚄 Malpensa Express (train) | ~75 min | €13–€14 ($14–$15) | €22–€24 ($24–$26) | 1 (tram/bus to station) | Best overall |
| 🚌 Bus (Terravision/FlixBus) | ~1 hr 45 min | €8–€12 ($9–$13) | €16–€20 ($17–$22) | 1 (to Centrale) | Cheapest |
| 🚕 Taxi (official) | 45–60 min | €85–€130 ($93–$143) | €170–€260 ($187–$286) | 0 (door-to-door) | Convenience / groups |
| 🔀 Regional train (via Busto Arsizio) | ~1 hr 40 min | €8–€9 ($9–$10) | €16–$18 | 2 (tram + change at Busto) | Budget + adventurous |
| ✈️ Connecting flight (Linate → FCO → MXP) | 4–6 hr | €150–€300 ($165–$330) | N/A | 2+ (taxi + 2 flights) | Almost never |
Ways to save: Book bus tickets online 48h in advance for the lowest fare. Buy Malpensa Express tickets via the ATM app or at ticket machines — avoid third-party resellers. Children under 14 ride free on the train with a paying adult.
Source: ATM Milan official ticketing and Malpensa Express fares.
🧳 Traveler Experience & Real-World Tips
Based on hundreds of trips by Polimi students and staff, here are the key things to know:
- 🚉 Bovisa campus is the easiest — tram 2 to Cadorna is a 15-min ride, then direct train. No need to go to Centrale.
- ⚠️ Milano Centrale is large — allow 10–15 min to walk from the metro/tram stop to the Malpensa Express platform (track 1–4, west end).
- 📱 Use the ATM app — buy your Malpensa Express ticket digitally and validate it on the platform. No paper validation needed.
- 🕐 Peak hours 7:30–9:00 AM — trains can be crowded. If you have large luggage, board early or wait for the next train.
- 🌧️ Delays happen in fog/snow — Malpensa is in a fog-prone area. In winter, add 15–20 min buffer.
- 🍴 Food at MXP — Terminal 1 has a good food court after security. Terminal 2 is more limited. Eat before you go or pack snacks.
- 🔄 Returning to Polimi — the same routes apply in reverse. The Malpensa Express runs until 11:25 PM from MXP, buses until ~12:30 AM.
Case study: A group of 4 students from Città Studi took a taxi (€95, 50 min) vs. the train (€56 total for 4, 75 min). The taxi saved 25 min but cost €39 more per person. Their verdict: "Worth it for the 6 AM flight, otherwise take the train."
💡 Pro Tips — Luggage, Booking & Hidden Hacks
- 📦 Takkyubin (baggage forwarding): Use Yamato Transport or Pony Express to send your luggage from Polimi to MXP for €25–€35. You travel hands-free and pick it up at the airport. Available at selected convenience stores near campus.
- 🎒 Backpack vs. suitcase: If you're on the bus, backpacks are easier because you don't have to lift them into overhead racks. Suitcases are fine on the train.
- ⏰ Golden Week / exam period: Trains and buses can sell out during Polimi exam weeks (Jan–Feb, Jun–Jul). Book at least 3 days ahead.
- ♿ Accessibility: All Malpensa Express trains are wheelchair accessible. Bovisa tram 2 is low-floor. Notify ATM at least 24h in advance for assistance.
- 📶 Free Wi-Fi: MXP offers free Wi-Fi for 30 min. Trains do not have Wi-Fi — download your boarding pass before departure.
- 🛂 Check-in online: Save 15–20 min at the airport by checking in online and using bag-drop only.
Hidden hack: Buy a 2-day ATM pass (€7.40) if you're staying in Milan — it covers all metro, tram, and bus within the city, but not the Malpensa Express. Use it to reach Centrale or Cadorna for free.
Source: ATM passes and MXP official guide.
❓ FAQs: Getting from Polimi to Malpensa Airport
Is there a direct train from Politecnico di Milano to Malpensa Airport?
No, there is no direct train. You must take a regional train from Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna to Malpensa Aeroporto Terminal 1. From the Bovisa or Leonardo da Vinci campus, you first take a tram or bus to a main station.
How much does a taxi cost from Polimi to Malpensa?
A taxi costs between €95 and €130 (approx. $105–$145), depending on the campus and time of day. It is the most expensive option and best reserved for groups, heavy luggage, or late-night departures.
Which is faster: train or bus from Polimi to Malpensa?
The Malpensa Express train is faster: about 50 minutes from Milano Centrale vs. 70–90 minutes by bus. However, door-to-door time including access to the station may be similar depending on your campus.
Can I use the same ticket for metro and Malpensa Express?
No, the Malpensa Express requires a separate ticket (€13–€14 one-way). Regular ATM metro tickets are not valid on airport trains. You can buy a combined ticket that includes the metro ride to the station.
Is the bus from Polimi to Malpensa reliable?
Yes, buses by Terravision, FlixBus, and Autostradale are reliable and run frequently (every 20–30 minutes). They depart from Milano Centrale and sometimes Milano Garibaldi. Delays of 10–15 minutes can occur in traffic.
What is the cheapest way to get from Polimi to Malpensa?
The cheapest way is by bus: tickets start at €8–€10 (approx. $9–$11) if booked online in advance. The Malpensa Express train at €13–€14 is still affordable and faster.
How early should I leave Polimi for a morning flight from Malpensa?
For a morning flight (before 10:00 AM), leave at least 4 hours before departure. The first Malpensa Express from Centrale leaves around 5:25 AM, arriving at MXP by 6:15 AM. Buses start around 4:30 AM. Account for 30–40 minutes to reach the station from campus.
Is ride-sharing or Uber available from Politecnico to Malpensa?
Uber is available in Milan but limited to Uber Black or Uber Lux, costing €100–€150 ($110–$165). Local ride-sharing (BlaBlaCar) is rarely practical for airport trips. A taxi is usually easier and similarly priced.