Our next summer trip will have us flying into Milan from Heathrow. We use British Airways and there are conveniently-timed flights to both airports. If the price is equal, is there any reason to choose one over the other? Easier or faster transport into Milan city?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Lola, you being a regular here, I assume you've already read Rick's guidebook writeup on each airport--his discussion of transport into Milan, from both airports, is at the end of his Milan chapter.
Linate is about 5 miles east of city center, whereas Malpensa is about 28 miles northwest of city center.
Malpensa is where many flights to international destinations depart from, whereas Linate is more for flights like yours that arrive from a European/UK starting point.
You don't say whether you are departing from a Milan airport or leaving Milan by train or car. If departing by air and your destination is an international (non-European) one, that might make a difference in a decision about which airport to fly out of (if departing by air).
Posted by
California
494 posts
We have flown into both airports from LHR several times and prefer Linate because it is closer to the city center; therefore, faster and cheaper to get into Milan. We also fly British Airways.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
As said above, Linate is much closer to the center of Milan. Malpensa works fine, particularly now that they have trains into the city (when I used it in the 1980's and 1990's there were only buses to Stazione Centrale, which still run as well).
But from Linate to the center is quicker and cheaper, with buses to Stazione Centrale and even cheaper buses to the metro. Linate is so close that even a taxi is reasonable (around €30 last time I checked), while a taxi from Malpensa is very expensive (a flat rate, currently €95).
Posted by
New England
1662 posts
Ok, I will add my couple of euros in -
Linate is my vote too for the reasons others wrote above. It is a very busy airport. I found the staff to be very nice and helpful.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
Ok, thanks to all. I think Linate will be cheaper if we pay for the flight, but we may use miles. It is good to know that it is closer and provides easy access, as we will,probably be making more than one trip to or from the city center.
Kent, yes I am a long-time regular here, but I must confess I do not have the RS Italy book. Others, yes, but not Italy. We have been so many times I can almost manage with my eyes closed, but have not had to choose airports before. We usually come to Italy from Switzerland.