Sleeping in Airports

Milan Malpensa Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Milan Malpensa Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

If you’re planning to sleep at Malpensa bring food and hand sanitizer, and sleep in Terminal B! -Carly

MXP Airport Overview

Milan Malpensa Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a guest traveller / September 2019)

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Milan Malpensa Airport.

What to Expect

Milan Malpensa Airport (code: MXP) consists of two terminals: a larger, newer Terminal 1 with three concourses (A, B and C) and a smaller, older terminal used exclusively by easyJet. The airport’s facilities include a small variety of shops and restaurants that close fairly early. If vending machine snacks don’t sound appetizing, you should keep food and beverages handy for late-night snacking! The vending machines on the right side of the departures level (Terminal 1) are rumoured to be cheaper than the other vending machines in the airport. Free WiFi is available to help pass the time. Economy class passengers can pay to enter one of the airport’s first-class lounges.

Sleeping in Malpensa Airport

Most of the seating here has armrests. However, the larger Terminal 1 has a decent amount of metal benches. Keep your eyes peeled for one; otherwise, you’ll likely need to rest on the floor. Many travellers camp overnight in Terminal 2, as it is home to many low-cost carriers, but there are fewer quiet corners. Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:

  • In Terminal 1, the Gran Cafe on Level P1 closes for the night, leaving some comfortable seats in a quieter area.
  • In Terminal 1, look for the hallway near the escalator by the food court on Floor 3 – it is relatively quiet and comfortable for floor sleepers if you have a sleeping bag or travel mat handy.
  • In Terminal 1’s Arrivals area, by Exit 4, there may be a bench behind a pillar near the Puro Gusto cafeteria. It offers some privacy for resting.
  • Gates A50-54, in T1, reportedly has some comfortable seats with armrests, but you could try to move them around into a makeshift bed.

For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Malpensa Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels, Day Rooms & Sleep Pods

If sleeping in Milan Malpensa Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are sleep pods inside the airport and hotels nearby:

Hotels inside Malpensa Airport:

  • Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods – Four soundproof sleep pods are located in the terminal’s public area. Pods have a bed, Wi-Fi, a flight status screen and electrical outlets. Location: Terminal 1, Landside, Level 2, Departures Area. Directions: look for check-in desk number 3 and follow the direction of “Sala Respighi.” The lounge is in front of the capsules. Rates: A reader says, “Sleeping pods at Milan airport must be booked for a full day at a minimum spend of €70 and reserved at least six weeks in advance”. » Check Rates
  • Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel – Located in Terminal 1. Day room rates and five-hour rates may be available. » Check Rates

More nearby hotels:

  • MOXY Milan Malpensa Airport – Walking distance to Terminal 2. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
  • First Hotel Malpensa – 24-hour airport shuttle for a fee.   » Check Rates
  • Holiday Inn Express Malpensa Airport – Located between Terminals 1 and 2. Airport shuttle to both terminals is available for a fee (€15 Euro per person). » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Milan Malpensa Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Club S.E.A. Sala Montale – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Departures Level, Non-Schengen Area, Boarding Gates B. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
  • Sala Monteverdi – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Schengen Area, boarding gates A. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Sala Pergolesi – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Non-Schengen Area, near Boarding Gates B01 – B23. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Non-Schengen Area, near Boarding Gates B50 – B58. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • Emirates Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside
  • Lufthansa Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside – schengen passengers only.

Related Pages: Malpensa Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

A reader tells us “There is a drinking fountain and a water refill station now, located in front of the toilets area after the security check/duty free. Terminal 1, gate areas A and B.” (September 2024)

Food & Drinks

At the time of this update, there is no 24-hour dining option. Food concessions throughout both terminals operate on varying schedules, with some open as early as 4:00 AM and closed as late as 10:00 PM. Here are some of the dining options available: Aroma Cafe • Briciole Bar • Gran Cafe • La S Romagnola • McDonald’s • Panella • Panino Giusto • Pizza Chef • Rossopomodoro.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

At one point, lockers were available at T1, Arrivals B, Ground Floor. However, at the time of this update, we could not confirm whether they are still available. Please click here to let us know.

Mobile Charging

A reader tells us there are power outlets and USB charging ports in Terminal 1, Airside, between exits 7 and 8 (in front of the “JuiceBar/MokaCafe”).

Showers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Shower facilities are available in the following pay-to-use lounges: Club S.E.A. Sala Pergolesi, Club S.E.A. Sala Monteverdi, and Club S.E.A. Sala Montale. See Airport Lounges above for locations and details.

WiFi/Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Milan Malpensa Airport. No registration is required. There are no time limits, and speed is up to 20Mbps.

Security & Safety

Airport staff seem to have no issue with airport sleepers, even those camping overnight.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Milan Malpensa Airport. In fact, a few travellers reported feeling safe inside the airport.

However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Chapel – Mass is held at 8:00 AM on Sundays and holidays. Location: T1, Landside, Check-In Area 1, Level 2.

Duty-Free & Shopping – There are three Dufry duty-free shops in Terminal 1 and one Dufry in Terminal 2, all located airside. A wide variety of retail shops are also available. Hudson News has three locations in Terminal 1 for last-minute drink and snack needs.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – A table with a changing top, a privacy screen and an ergonomic breastfeeding chair are available in the Baby Pit Stop feeding room. Look for the distinctive logo which marks the Baby Pit Stop. Locations: T1, Departures Level, near Check-in 11 • T1, near Gate B50 • T1, Boarding Gates A, near Guardia di Finanza office • T1, Baggage Claim Area, near Belt 5 • T1, Baggage Claim Area, near Belt 7 • T2, near Gate 09 • T2, Arrivals Area.
  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas, where you will find Interactive Geronimo Stilton-themed games and toys. Location: T1, airside, Satellite A, before the gates • T1, airside, Satellite B central, close to Gate B5 • T1, airside, North Satellite, near Gates B50-B59 • T2, airside, Gate D9.
  • Family Services – A special “Family Lane” exists when passing through security. If you are travelling with children under 12, follow the signs for Family Lane to breeze through security.

Fast Track Service – Fast Track services are available in both terminals. Passes can be purchased online. Visit Milan Airports Store for more info.

Grocery Store – If you need groceries, stop at the Carrefour Market. The market offers the convenience and assortment of the perfect city supermarket inside the airport. Location: near the Railway Station and Sheraton Hotel. Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Baggage wrapping services are available in the following locations: T1, Check-in Areas 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 • T2, Check-in Areas 3 and 4. Rates: 15,00€ when booked online.

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – A MedMxp Centre is available in T1, Departures Level, near Doors 11 and 12. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon – Fri) • 8:30 – 2:30 (Sat).
  • Pharmacy – Locations: T1, Landside, Arrivals, Ground Floor (Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) • T1, Departures B, Level 1 (Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) • T2, Landside, Check-In, Ground Floor (Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM).

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside areas of Terminals 1 and 2.
  • Banking Services – Banca Popolare di Sondrio. Location: T1, landside, Check-In Area 17, 2nd Floor. Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM (Mon-Fri) 8:35 AM – 12:00 PM (Sat). Banca Popolare di Milano. Location: T2, Arrivals, Ground Floor. Hours: 8:20 AM – 1:20 PM and 2:35 PM – 3:35 PM (Mon-Fri)
  • Currency Exchange – There are ten Forexchange locations:
    • Terminal 1 – Ground Floor, Arrivals A • Ground Floor, Arrivals B (exit 5) • Ground Floor, Arrivals B (exit 9) • 1st Floor, Departures A • 1st Floor, Departures Satellite B2 • 2nd Floor, Check-in areas 5 – 6 • 2nd Floor, Check-in areas 9 – 10 • 2nd Floor, Check-in area 17. Hours vary by location.
    • Terminal 2 – Ground Floor, Check-In • 1st Floor, Departures. Hours vary by location.
  • Tax Refunds – Tax refund offices are on T1, Level 2. Hours: Unknown.

Post Office – Poste Italiane. Location: T1, Landside, Arrivals, Ground Floor. Hours: 8:20 AM – 1:45 PM (Mon-Fri) • 8:20 AM – 12:45 PM (Sat).

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Airlines
Milan Malpensa Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Air Albania • Air Algérie • Air Baltic • Air Cairo • Air Canada • Air China • Air Dolomiti • Air Europa • Air France • Air India • Air Malta • Air Senegal • Air Serbia • Albawings • American Airlines • Arkia • Austrian Airlines • Azerbaijan Airlines • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Cyprus Air • Delta Air Lines • EasyJet • Egyptair • El Al Israel Airlines • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Etihad Airways • Eurowings • Eva Airways • Finnair • Flyone • GulfAir • Hainan • Iberia • Iran Air • Ita Airways • Juneyao Airlines • KLM • Korean Air • La Compagnie • LATAM • LOT • Lufthansa • Lumiwings • Luxair • MEA • Neos • Norwegian • Nouvelair • Oman Air • Qatar Airways • Royal Air Maroc • Royal Jordanian Airlines • Ryanair • Saudi Arabian Airlines • Singapore Airlines • Sky Express • Sun Express • Swiss • TAP Portugal • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • Twin Jet • United Airlines • Uzbekistan Airlines • Vueling • Wizz Air.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus/Coach

MXP airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether you need a shuttle bus to the train station, a fast bus connection to Milan or a long-distance coach, there is probably a bus for you. To plan your route, visit the Malpensa Airport website.

Car Sharing

Car sharing is an economical and eco-friendly way to rent a car for a brief period. Vehicles can be picked up at one station and dropped off at another. There are over 80 stations (open 24 hours a day), including stations at Malpensa Airport. For more information, visit the E-Vai website.

Car Rentals

Passengers arriving at either terminal will have access to car rental agencies. Avis • Budget • Dollar • Drivalia • Europcar • Gold Car • Hertz • Locauto • Maggiore • Ok Mobility • Sicily by Car • Sixt • Thrifty are available in T1. Avis • Budget • Dollar • Europcar • Hertz • Locauto Rent • Maggiore • Sicily by Car • Sixt • Thrifty are available in T2. Rental desks are located in the Arrivals Areas.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Aer Hotel Malpensa   •   Best Western Jet Hotel   •   Cardano Hotel Malpensa   •   First Hotel Malpensa   •   Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa   •   Hotel Ristorante Cervo   •   Hotel Villa delle Rose Malpensa   •  Hotel Villa Malpensa   •   Ibis Milano Malpensa Aeroporto   •   Malpensa Inn   •   Novotel Milano Malpensa Airport.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttles

The airport provides a 24-hour courtesy shuttle service between Terminals 1 and 2. The service runs every 15 minutes from 4:00 AM – 1:30 AM and every 45 minutes from 1:30 AM – 3:45 AM.

Limousine

European Limousine Consortium and CTM Consorzio Taxi Malpensa offer chauffeur-driven sedans and limousines at Terminal 1. World Wide Group used to offer services at Terminal 2, but we could not confirm this during our December 2023 update. If you know whether this service is still available, click here to update the guide.

Taxi

Taxis can be found outside the Arrivals Hall, ground floor at Terminal 1 (exit gate 6) and Terminal 2 (exit gate 4). The following rates were current at the time of this update:

  • Milan > Malpensa Airport € 104
  • Malpensa Airport > Fiera Milano (Rho) € 86
  • Malpensa Airport > Linate Airport € 116
  • Malpensa Airport > Varese € 74

Train

Milan Malpensa airport can be easily reached from the centre of Milan with the Malpensa Express train from Cadorna, Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi stations. The Malpensa Express train stops at Malpensa Terminal 1 and Malpensa Terminal 2. To plan your trip, visit the Malpensa Express website.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.