- Must visit
Volandia - Parco e Museo del Volo
Large aviation museum beside Malpensa with historic aircraft, space exhibits, and family-friendly displays. The standout museum attraction in the airport area.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
2 h 48 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
45 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 2 trains that leave Lugano for Milan Malpensa Airport on Mon, May 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 2 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 48 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 2 h 48 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $44.
Distance: 27 miles (45 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 42m Average total duration 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport:
A bus is $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport costing on average $55 (€45).
Other travel options to Milan Malpensa Airport take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 12m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Trenord.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EuroCity 29+ Regionale TRENORD 2988 | 9:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h56 | 12:26 AM Malpensa Airport T2 | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 29+ Regionale TRENORD 2988 | 9:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h48 | 12:18 AM Malpensa Airport T1 | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) but you can travel from only $17 (€13) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 19:30, the last at 20:30. The fastest train covers the 27 miles (45 km) distance in 2h 48m.
Distance 27 miles (45 km) |
Average train duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 48m |
First train 7:30 PM |
Last train 8:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Milan Malpensa Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milan Malpensa Airport trip today.
Large aviation museum beside Malpensa with historic aircraft, space exhibits, and family-friendly displays. The standout museum attraction in the airport area.
Compact museum dedicated to Agusta helicopters and motorcycles, showcasing the area's aerospace and engineering heritage. A niche local favorite near Malpensa.
Contemporary art museum in nearby Gallarate with strong temporary exhibitions and modern Italian art. One of the best non-central cultural stops near the airport.
Major protected natural area surrounding the airport zone, ideal for walking, cycling, river views, and escaping the transport hub atmosphere.
Scenic canal source area with paths, waterworks views, and an increasingly popular photo-friendly setting. Great for a short outdoor excursion.
A quiet walking area along the Ticino near the historic hamlet of Castelnovate. Popular for nature, sunsets, and aviation-adjacent plane spotting.
Saffron-infused risotto from Milan, known for its rich golden color and creamy texture. It is one of the city’s signature dishes.
Breaded veal cutlet fried in butter, a classic Milanese specialty prized for its crisp coating and tender meat.
Braised veal shanks, often served with risotto alla Milanese. It is a traditional Lombard comfort dish with deep, savory flavor.
Established airport dining spot by chef Davide Oldani, known for refined Italian dishes, pastries, and a polished yet accessible atmosphere in Malpensa.
Well-known Italian chain serving Neapolitan pizza, pasta, and classic southern dishes in a casual airport setting.
Historic Milanese brand offering coffee, pastries, panettone, and light Italian meals, suitable for a quick but classic local stop.
Airport prices are above city averages. Coffee and snacks are manageable, but full meals cost more.
Service is often included or not expected at airport venues. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 for good service is appreciated but optional.
Official public transport app
Milan Malpensa Airport -> Milano Centrale
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Milan Malpensa Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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