Airports
Car rental at Milan Malpensa Airport
- Airport & city pick-up
- Trusted booking partner
- Transparent search
Car rental search and booking are provided by our partner DiscoverCars. BoingCars may receive a commission from qualifying bookings — at no extra cost to you.
Malpensa (MXP) is Milan's intercontinental hub and the most convenient pick-up point if you are heading straight for the Lakes or the Alps — you bypass the city entirely. Both terminals host rental desks, and the competition between suppliers keeps the choice wide.
Pick-up locations
Desks are in the arrivals areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with cars collected from the adjacent parking structures. A free shuttle links the two terminals around the clock. If your booking names a specific terminal, double-check it against your flight — T1 and T2 are several kilometres apart.
Driving there
The airport connects directly to the A8/A9 motorways: Milan in about 50 minutes, Lake Como in around 40, and the Swiss border near Chiasso in under an hour. Tolls are paid at exit barriers; keep some flexibility in your schedule during Friday-evening and Sunday-evening peaks.
Good to know
Heading into Switzerland? You need a motorway vignette for Swiss highways, and your supplier may apply a cross-border fee or require notice. It is worth confirming this before you book rather than at the desk.
Terminal 1: desks and pick-up
Terminal 1 hosts most international flights and most rental suppliers: desks are in the arrivals area and cars are collected from the adjacent car parks. In the search you can filter by location and read each supplier's terms before booking.
Terminal 2: how it works
Terminal 2 mainly serves low-cost flights and also has a rental area. A free 24-hour shuttle links the two terminals (about 15 minutes). Check your voucher for the correct terminal — T1 and T2 are several kilometres apart.
Returning the car
On your way back, follow the 'Car Rental Return' signs from the A8 motorway to your supplier's car park. For full-to-full returns, fuel stations near the airport are the practical choice — keep the receipt. Allow a 20–30 minute buffer before check-in.
Choosing the right category
For lake villages and historic centres a compact is the nimble choice; for long drives or families, consider larger categories. Prefer an automatic or an electric car? Use the search filters — real availability depends on dates and suppliers.
Why book ahead
Malpensa demand is high year-round: summer, trade fairs and fashion weeks sell out popular categories quickly. Comparing and booking in advance widens your choice and speeds up desk pick-up.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to find your car?
