EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals at Milan Malpensa Airport. Compare prices and book in one place. Pick up your car rental at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 from many providers, with options including automatics and after-hours key drop. Hit the A8 for easy drives to Milan city center, Lake Como and the wider Lombardy region.
Car rental is available at both terminals of Milan Malpensa Airport.
| Rental Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 Rental Center |
|
|
| Terminal 2 Rental Desks |
|
|
| Milan city center |
|
|
| Milano Centrale station |
|
|
On average, car rentals at Milan Linate Airport cost around €96 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €42 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup. Airport hires include a 16-18% surcharge. If you’re staying in Milan first, pick up in the city to skip unused days and the surcharge. Factor in Malpensa Express or taxi costs.
Check both terminals. Rates and availability can differ between T1 and T2. T2 is often quieter. Use the free 24/7 shuttle to book the cheaper option.
Time your booking by season. For summer, Fashion Weeks and holiday periods, book 2-3 months ahead. In shoulder or winter non-holiday periods, compare multiple dates and re-check prices before you lock in.
Pick the smallest practical car. Compact cars are cheaper to hire and fuel. Manual is usually €10-15 per day less than automatic.
Avoid city charges. Don’t drive into Milan’s Area C. Use Park & Ride lots like Lampugnano, or delay pickup until you’re leaving the city.
Fuel smart. Choose full-to-full and top up at the 24h station on the road to Terminal 1 to avoid premium refueling fees.
Understanding local car space systems and driving rules in Milan and surrounding areas.
| Location | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Milan Malpensa Airport | Multiple options | Short and long-term spaces in P1, P2, P3 |
| Milan City Center | Street spaces (blue lines) | Paid zones; limited availability and time limits |
| City Garages | Underground/covered | Higher rates but greater security; daily maximums may apply |
| Milan Outskirts | Park & Ride | Facilities at metro stations like Lampugnano, Cascina Gobba; lower rates plus metro access to center |
| Lake Towns | Limited spaces | Often paid; time restrictions apply; arrive early in peak season to secure space |
Speed Limits:
Book a rental car to get to:
Lake Maggiore – Stresa
Swiss Border (Chiasso)
Alpine ski resorts – Aosta Valley
What documents do I need to rent a car from Milan Malpensa Airport?
You will need a valid driver's license that you've held for at least one year, your passport, a credit card in your name and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
How do I transfer between terminals if my rental company is in a different terminal from where I arrive?
The airport provides a free shuttle that runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 all day and night. It comes about every 7 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. The trip takes around 10 minutes.
Is it better to rent from Milan Malpensa or in Milan city center?
Renting from the airport is easier if you plan to use the car mostly for trips outside Milan. If you are staying in Milan first, renting from the city center might save you money on airport fees and rental days you don't use. However, you will need to find your own way to the city pickup spot.
How much should I budget for tolls when driving from Malpensa to major cities?
You should budget about €19 for tolls to Turin, €25 to Venice and €14 to Genoa each way. These are just estimates, so the cost can change depending on the route you take.
Are automatic transmission cars available at Malpensa?
Yes, you can find a good range of automatic cars at Malpensa, especially at Terminal 1. They usually cost about €10-15 more per day than manual cars. We recommend you book well ahead of time to make sure you get one, especially during the busy season.
How early should I arrive for my rental car return before my flight?
You should allow at least 30 minutes to return the car and get to the terminal. You also need to add the 2-3 hours your airline asks for check-in before your flight leaves. During busy times, it's a good idea to add an extra 15-30 minutes just in case.
Can I drive to Switzerland with my rental car from Malpensa?
Yes, most rental companies let you drive to Switzerland. If you plan to use Swiss motorways, you'll need to buy a Swiss motorway sticker, called a vignette, which costs 40 CHF. Always tell the rental company that you plan to cross the border when you book or pick up the car.
What's the best strategy for avoiding traffic when driving from Malpensa to Milan?
Try to avoid driving during rush hour, which is usually 7-9 AM heading into Milan and 5-7 PM leaving the city. During these times, you could take the western ring road (Tangenziale Ovest / A50) using the A4. This can be a better option than the more direct A8, which often has a lot of traffic. It's a good idea to use a GPS that gives you live traffic updates.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support