Renting a Car at Milan Malpensa Airport
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the main international gateway for northern Italy — a region that combines the fashion and design capital of Milan with the Italian Lakes, the Alps, and the Po Valley wine country. Terminal 1 handles most international flights; the car rental area is in the basement.
Prices from €22/day. The drive into Milan takes 50 minutes but is entirely motorway. Like all major Italian cities, Milan has a ZTL (Area C) congestion zone in the centre — check that your rental is registered and that you understand the access rules.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate at MXP?
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Maggiore
Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.
How to Pick Up Your Car at Milan Malpensa Airport
Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.
You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.
Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.
Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
- Passport or national identity card.
- Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
- Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.
Young Driver Rules at Milan Malpensa Airport
Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.
Tips for Renting at MXP
- Milan's Area C congestion charge (€5/day) applies Mon–Fri 7:30am–7:30pm; confirm your rental is registered.
- Lake Como roads are narrow and winding — drive slowly and use passing places.
- The A8 Malpensa–Milan toll is about €4. The A9 north to Switzerland adds a Swiss vignette requirement.
- Stresa to the Borromean Islands: park in Stresa and take the ferry (10 min) — no car access to the islands.
Ready to Book Your Milan Malpensa Airport Car Hire?
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Compare Prices at MXPGetting from Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan City Centre
With a rental car, driving from Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan city centre takes approximately 50 min (50 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.
Driving in Italy
Italy uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in city centres — cameras fine rental cars automatically. Autostrada tolls apply. Currency: Euro (€).
Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To
- Lake Como — 55 km, 50 min. Europe's most glamorous lake — George Clooney's adopted home, dramatic mountains, and elegant villas.
- Bergamo — 55 km, 50 min. A perfectly preserved hilltop medieval city (Città Alta) alongside a modern lower town.
- Lake Maggiore / Stresa — 30 km, 30 min. Elegant resort town on the lake, with the Borromean Islands a short ferry ride away.
- Turin — 150 km, 1.5 hr. The former royal capital — the Egyptian Museum, the Shroud of Turin, and excellent Piedmontese cuisine.
For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.