Tips when renting a car at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Book your rental early: prices tend to rise during peak travel seasons, like spring or summer and major events like Milan Fashion Week, Football Events or Concerts, for example;
- A valid driver’s license and credit card are required: most foreign licenses are accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is very recommended;
- Compact or economy cars are best for navigating Milan’s traffic and parking areas or small cities around Milan;
- Inspect the car thoroughly at pickup and drop-off: taking photos or videos and save it for security;
- Be careful of the law in Milan: check for Milan’s Area C congestion charge if driving downtown, but some rentals include passes;
- For long drives through Northern Italy or the Alps, consider a diesel or hybrid vehicle for efficiency;
- Fuel stations are available near the airport and along major highways (Autostrada A8/A9).
Why rent a car at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Renting a car at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) offers maximum flexibility to explore not only Milan, but also the wider Lombardy region and Northern Italy.
While trains connect the airport to the city center in about 45 minutes, many of Italy’s most iconic destinations, such as Lake Como Garda Lake, Turin, and the Alps are best reached by car.
All major rental companies, including international brands and local operators, have desks in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with convenient access via shuttle or walking distance. Whether your goal is business travel or a scenic Italian road trip, a rental car from Malpensa provides independence, comfort, and convenience from the moment you land.
Driving from Milan Malpensa Airport etting started
Milan Malpensa Airport is located about 50 km northwest of central Milan, near Varese, and is directly linked to the region’s highway network.
- A8 motorway called Autostrada dei Laghi: connects Malpensa to Milan in around 45–60 minutes by car;
- A9 motorway: leads north to Lake Como and the Swiss border at Chiasso;
- A4 motorway: connects to Turin (west of Italy) and Verona/Venice (east).
Remember:traffic near Milan can be heavy during rush hours (7:30–9:30 in the morning and 5:00–7:30 in the afternoon). Always check real-time traffic apps such as Google Maps or Apple Maps.
Tolls are common on Italian highways, and payments can be made by cash, card, or Telepass (some rental cars include one) and there are several lanes dedicated to each motorway toll booth.
Explore Northern Italy from Milan Malpensa Airport
From Malpensa Airport, you can reach some of Italy’s most beautiful regions in just a few hours of driving:
- Milan city center (1 hour): Italy’s fashion and business hub, home to the Duomo, La Scala and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II;
- Lake Como (1.5 hours): elegant villas, mountains, and lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna;
- Turin (1.5 hours): the former capital of Italy, rich in Baroque architecture and world-class museums;
- Lake Maggiore (45 minutes) or Lake Garda (2 hours);
- The Alps (2 hours): ideal for skiing in winter or hiking in summer.
Whether you’re after culture, nature, or gastronomy, Northern Italy’s attractions are best explored with a rental car.
Recommended day trips and scenic routes
- Lombardy Lakes Route: drive from Lake Maggiore to Lake Como and Lake Garda for a breathtaking multi-day tour;
- Langhe Wine Region: south of Turin, famous for Barolo wines and rolling vineyards;
- Alpine Route to Switzerland: cross into Lugano or Lucerne for spectacular mountain views;
- Verona & Garda Route: head east on the A4 to discover romantic Verona and the shores of Lake Garda;
- Aosta Valley Drive: winding and amazing roads through castles, valleys, and snow-capped peaks.
Each route offers a unique blend of Italian scenery, history and cuisine, perfect for exploring by car.
