Book flights to Milan

Milan is the primary gateway to northern Italy, and is a global centre for finance, fashion, and design. This metropolitan destination combines a fast-paced urban energy with a strategic location that connects travellers to the Lombardy region and the Alps.

The city landscape has a rich architectural heritage, with the white marble spires of the Duomo di Milano. Art enthusiasts often journey here to view The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie or to explore the medieval fortifications of Sforzesca Castle. Nearby, the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has a historic setting for luxury commerce and social life.

A trip to this northern hub reveals a sophisticated atmosphere where historic traditions meet modern innovation. Whether the focus of a visit is high-end shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda or discovering the canal-side culture of the Navigli district, the city maintains a distinct character centred on style and culinary excellence.

High season in Milan

Milan experiences its peak energy during the late spring and early autumn, specifically from May to June and throughout September. During these months, temperatures typically range between 20°C and 26°C, which creates an ideal climate for exploring the city's streets. Visitors arriving at Malpensa Airport or Linate Airport encounter a metropolis in constant motion, where the sidewalk cafes and rooftop bars are filled with locals and travellers enjoying the mild air.

The high season is defined by world-class events such as Milan Fashion Week and the Salone del Mobile, which bring an influx of international designers and enthusiasts. This period has a fast-paced, sophisticated atmosphere as the city hosts numerous outdoor gallery openings and public installations. The social life of the city shifts to the Navigli district and the parks, where the daylight lasts well into the evening, and allows for long walks through the Sempione Park or around the Duomo di Milano.

Low season in Milan

Milan enters its low season during the winter months of January and February, when the weather turns crisp and often foggy. Temperatures frequently hover between 1°C and 8°C, and a quiet stillness settles over the grand boulevards. For those landing during this time, the city has a more intimate and authentic experience, as the pace of life slows down and the focus shifts to indoor cultural pursuits and cozy culinary traditions.

Despite the cooler weather, the city remains a cultural hub with the prestigious season at Teatro alla Scala in full swing. The lifestyle becomes centered on the historic covered galleries and elegant cafes where residents retreat for a traditional thick hot chocolate. While the outdoor crowds thin, the interior of the Pinacoteca di Brera and the city's many museums have a tranquil environment for exploration. This season highlights the architectural beauty of the city, as the winter light casts a unique glow on the stone facades of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Three distinct gateways provide air access to northern Italy, ensuring that travellers booking a flight to Milan have several options depending on their carrier and point of origin. These hubs are spread across the Lombardy region, each offering specific transit links to the city centre and surrounding provinces.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest international hub in the region, situated approximately 50 km northwest of the city centre near Busto Arsizio. It consists of two main terminals, with Terminal 1 handling the majority of long-haul international traffic and major flag carriers, while Terminal 2 serves as a dedicated base for low-cost airlines. As the primary entry point for intercontinental flights to Milan, it manages a vast network of routes connecting Italy to North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Upon arrival, the Malpensa Express train is the most efficient way to reach the urban core, departing from both terminals with a journey time of roughly 40 to 50 minutes. Passengers can choose services terminating at Milano Cadorna or Milano Centrale, depending on their final destination. Alternatively, several private coach services, such as the Malpensa Shuttle, run frequently to Milano Centrale, usually taking about one hour depending on traffic conditions. Taxis are available at the arrivals forecourt, providing a direct but more expensive fixed-rate service to any point within the city walls.

Milan Linate Airport (LIN)

Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is the city's primary corporate and domestic gateway, located just 7 km east of the central districts. Because of its proximity to the heart of the metropolis, it mainly hosts short-haul European routes and frequent domestic shuttle flights operated by major carriers. The airport has a single, compact terminal building that allows for quick transitions from the aircraft to ground transportation.

The most modern connection to the city is the M4 Metro line (the Blue Line), which links the airport directly to the San Babila station in approximately 12 to 15 minutes. This underground service provides an immediate connection to the wider metro network and the main shopping district. Travellers can also use the Linate Shuttle or local bus Line 73, which travels toward the Duomo area. Given the short distance, a taxi ride to the city centre is relatively quick, typically reaching most central hotels in under 20 minutes.

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), officially known as Il Caravaggio International Airport, is located about 45 km northeast of Milan, near the city of Bergamo. It is a major Mediterranean hub for low-cost carriers, providing an extensive network of budget-friendly connections across Europe and North Africa. Though it is further away than other options, it is a popular choice for those seeking competitive fares on regional routes.

Reaching the city from this terminal is most commonly done via dedicated airport buses, such as the Orio Shuttle or Terravision, which transport passengers to Milano Centrale in about 60 minutes. There is no direct train station at the terminal, so rail travellers must first take a short 10-minute bus ride to the Bergamo Railway Station, where frequent regional trains depart for the city. For those heading to the nearby lakes or the Alps, various coach services also link the airport directly to destinations like Brescia and the Orio al Serio area.

Stepping off a plane and into the crisp air of northern Italy, travellers soon find that Milan greets them with an immediate sense of purpose and high-calibre style. The city moves with a sophisticated energy, where grand historical architecture has a backdrop for a global centre of fashion and innovation.

Duomo di Milano
This white marble cathedral has thousands of statues and spires that create a jagged, beautiful silhouette against the skyline. Visitors can walk upon the rooftop terraces to see the intricate stonework up close while looking out over the sprawling city below.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Often called the city’s drawing room, this 19th-century glass-vaulted arcade contains mosaic floors and high-end storefronts. It is a place where the tradition of a midday stroll meets the height of luxury, perfect for observing the local dedication to "la bella figura."

Teatro alla Scala
This world-renowned opera house has a plain exterior that belies the gilded, red-velvet opulence found within its walls. It remains a premier destination for those seeking the profound emotional power of live classical performances in a setting of immense prestige.

Brera District
Walking through these narrow, cobblestone streets reveals a bohemian side of the city filled with art galleries, botanical gardens, and small boutiques. The air here carries the scent of espresso and old parchment, and it is a tranquil escape for those who love quiet discovery.

Santa Maria delle Grazie
This church and Dominican convent houses Leonardo da Vinci’s mural, The Last Supper, which captures a moment of intense human drama. The presence of such a masterpiece highlights the deep artistic roots that have influenced the city for centuries.

Navigli Canals
The waterways of the Navigli district come alive as the sun sets, with reflections of colourful buildings shimmering in the water. It is the heart of the social scene, where locals gather along the banks to enjoy the evening ritual of an aperitivo.

Reaching the fashion capital of Milan is simple when you use search filters to compare different departure times and airlines, and ensures your journey fits your schedule perfectly. For those who love frequent travel, an eDreams Prime subscription has additional benefits that make reaching this stylish destination even more seamless.