Malpensa or Linate for outgoing flight?

Lola,

Spending more than one night in Stresa would be preferred, as it's a beautiful city and it would be a shame not to have time to see at least one of the Borromeo islands. Therefore I'm not sure if going there for just one night is worth it.

Yes, it's very easy to get from there to Malpensa. Take the train from Stresa to Gallarate (about 40 minutes) and then Taxi from there to the airport (about 15-20 minutes).

"has flights departing to LHR five minutes apart from Linate and Heathrow."

Do you mean Linate and Malpensa? I've never used Linate, so will have to leave that question to Roberto or one of the others. I have used Malpensa quite frequently (and will again this year), so I'm more familiar with that.

We used to fly out of Malpensa to London on BA until we discovered that Linate is much closer to Milan Centrale. Once we discovered Linate, it became our first choice. If I am remembering correctly, taxi to Linate was less than 20 euro and took less than 20 minutes.

Thanks, Ken, for catching my mistake. Yes, I meant flights 5 minutes apart from Linate and Malpensa, both to Heathrow, where we will catch our long-haul flight to Seattle. We have never flown from Milan so looking for advice.

If you're staying in Milan itself, Linate is MUCH closer to the city than Malpensa is (look at a map - the difference is almost comical). There are buses from Milano Centrale to Linate, and on weekdays there's a subway to bus connection that's even cheaper. And, as said above, a taxi is affordable and fast.

Of course, if you want to stay in Stresa instead of Milan, Malpensa is closer.

I've never used Linate, so I can't speak to the difference in congestion, ease of use, etc.

To make a comparison with the US, Linate is the equivalent of Washinghton Reagan National, Malpensa is Dulles.

LIN can't have intercontinental flights, because the runway is only 8000ft. In order to develop MXP flights from LIN are limited to the EU capitals and major hubs. There are also noise restrictions due to the proximity to the city. The airport closes at night, and there can be only a limited number of flights hourly.

Linate is the City airport that is preferred by business travelers because of its proximity. Most intra Europe flights with traditional airlines are from LIN. For example I don't think you can fly to CDG from MXP anymore. AirFrance uses only LIN. It is also the preferred airport by major carriers, because it's the more lucrative (business travelers pay more). I've used both, and both are easy to use. LIN is certainly preferable if you are in Milan. It's only 8km (5miles) from the Duomo, rather than over 50km of MXP, The taxi (or bus) can get you there in 15 min and the cost is obviously less. But check the prices of airfare. LIN might cost a bit more.

If you want to stay in Stresa, MXP is better. However one night in Stresa only is not worth the trouble. If you don't have a car, getting from Stresa to MXP requires a train to Gallarate (for two people 10 euro for 35 min) then a taxi (35 euro for 10 min). There is also a bus with SAFduemila, but it has limited runs. Arona is also on the lake, but closer to Gallarate. Both train and bus stop there too.

Both are easy. Between Linate and Milano Centrale (P. Luigi di Savoia on the east side of station) I've used the Starfly or ATM airport buses for 5 or 6 euros. There's also a taxi stand there.

Good information---thank you. It sounds like LIN is the better choice, as we will be arriving in Milan by train and probably staying close to the station. Getting to Stresa sounds like too much trouble for just one night.