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Compare cheap car rental deals for Milan Malpensa Airport
Pre-book a rental car for Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) through VIP Cars and start your journey the moment you land. With our easy-to-use booking engine, you can compare multiple car rental deals in one place and secure the most cost-effective option before arrival, saving both time and money at the airport.
Located about 49 km northwest of central Milan, Malpensa is the city’s largest international gateway, making it an ideal starting point for both urban exploration and scenic road trips across northern Italy.
We have partnered with leading international and local suppliers that are operating directly at MXP’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 rental centers, giving you access to a wide selection of vehicles.
With a rental car, you can easily move between iconic districts like Brera and Navigli, visit nearby attractions such as Lake Maggiore (around 45 km from MXP), or even take a day trip into the Swiss border region. Compared to relying on trains or airport transfers, renting a car directly from Malpensa allows you to travel on your own schedule.
Where are the car rental companies at Milan Malpensa Airport?
Car rental companies at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) are located at Terminal 1 (Level -1 rental area), in a dedicated building near Terminal 2 and at nearby off-airport locations with free shuttle service.
- At Terminal 1, the main rental desks are grouped on Level -1, just a short walk from arrivals. Follow the “Rent A Car” signs after exiting baggage claim to reach the rental area quickly. This terminal hosts a wide range of suppliers like Drivalia, Goldcar, Ok Mobility, Maggiore, etc, making it the most convenient pick-up point for most travelers.
- At Terminal 2, car rental offices of Avis, Budget, Dollar and others are situated in a separate building next to the terminal. After taking an exit through the arrival gate, follow the signs toward the railway station to locate the rental area. This setup is simple to navigate and clearly signposted.
A free shuttle bus connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, running frequently throughout the day. This service is ideal if your rental provider is based in a different terminal.
Several providers like Acarent, SurPrice, RentSmart24, Ecovia, B-Rent, Autovia, Noleggiare, and Optimo Rent also operate off-airport branches, offering complimentary shuttle transfers from the airport. These shuttles typically take 5–10 minutes, providing a quick and easy way to reach your vehicle while often benefiting from lower rental rates.
For a smooth pickup experience, always check your rental confirmation voucher for exact desk locations or shuttle instructions.
How to return car rental at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)?
The return process for Milan MXP Airport car hire is simple, with designated drop-off areas at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as clear directions for off-airport providers.
For Terminal 1, follow the overhead signs for “Car Rental Return” as you approach the airport. The return area is located in the P2 parking garage, where most major rental companies like Ok Mobility and Maggiore have dedicated parking bays.
Once parked, proceed to the rental desk on Level -1 to complete the return process, unless your provider offers a key drop service.
At Terminal 2, rental car returns are handled in a designated parking area near the terminal or in the same building as the rental offices. Follow the “Car Rental Return” signs upon arrival. After parking, return the keys at the counter or use the drop box if returning outside business hours.
If you booked with an off-airport rental company, follow the instructions provided in your confirmation voucher. Typically, you’ll return the vehicle to the supplier’s nearby office, and a free shuttle service will take you back to your departure terminal within 5–10 minutes.
What are the best self-drive car hire categories at Milan Malpensa Airport?
The best rental car categories at MXP Airport depend on where you are heading. The most popular options include:
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Economy/Compact cars – Best for Milan city & short distances
Compact and fuel-efficient, economy cars are ideal for driving within central Milan (approx. 50 km from MXP). These cars are perfect for short trips to areas like Brera, Navigli or Porta Nuova, and for quick drives to nearby towns such as Monza (20 km).
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SUVs – Ideal for lakes & Alpine routes
SUVs and 4x4 vehicles are best suited for longer journeys and varied terrain. If you are planning scenic drives to Lake Como (50 km), Lake Maggiore (45 km) or heading toward the Italian Alps or Swiss border, an SUV offers better stability, luggage space & comfort. They are especially useful during the winter months or for countryside routes.
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Vans & minivans – Great for group travel
Minivans with 7 to 8 seats are ideal for road trips when travelling in a group. These vehicles easily accommodate luggage while driving from MXP to destinations like Verona (180 km) or even planning a longer journey covering Milan to Como to Lugano in one trip.
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Luxury cars – Perfect for business travel & style
If you are visiting Milan for business meetings or fashion events, renting a luxury car like Audi, BMW and Mercedes adds prestige. Drive in style from MXP to the city center (45–60 minutes) or arrive at high-end districts like Quadrilatero della Moda.
Premium vehicles are also great for smooth highway drives to destinations like Turin (140 km via A4 motorway).
With VIP Cars, you can further refine your search by selecting features like automatic transmission, air conditioning or additional luggage space, ensuring your rental perfectly matches your travel plans, whether it’s a short city break or a multi-day northern Italy itinerary.
How to book a car hire at Milan Malpensa Airport with VIP Cars?
Booking a car rental for Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) with VIP Cars is quick, secure and designed to give you the best deal in just a few steps.
Our advanced booking engine lets you compare multiple offers in real time, so that you find the right vehicle for your trip to Milan or for planning a longer journey across northern Italy.
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Search
Enter your travel dates along with Milan Malpensa Airport pickup and your preferred drop-off location. The system instantly displays available car rental options based on your schedule.
You can also apply filters such as car type, transmission (automatic/manual), fuel policy and price range to narrow down results.
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Compare
Browse and compare deals from top international and local suppliers operating at Malpensa Airport. Review key details like pricing, inclusions, fuel policy and mileage.
You can also customize your booking by adding extras such as a GPS system, child seat or additional driver; ideal for longer drives to places like Lake Como or Turin.
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Book
Once you’ve found the deal that suits your needs and budget, confirm your booking by paying a given amount online. You will receive a Rental Confirmation Voucher at the registered email address with all the necessary details for your car hire pickup at Milan Malpensa Airport.
For added convenience, you can modify or manage your reservation anytime through the “Manage Booking” section on our website. With us, you benefit from a user-friendly platform, transparent pricing and secure payment processing, giving you a smooth and reliable booking experience from start to finish.
About Milan Malpensa International Airport
| Address: | 21010 Ferno, Varese (VA), Italy |
|---|---|
| IATA Code: | MXP |
Milan-Malpensa Airport is an international airport located in the province of Varese, 49km (31 miles) northwest of Milan’s city center. It is one of the three airports serving Milan along with Linate and Bergamo.
The airport has two separate passenger terminals, Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every 7-15 minutes. MXP is served by popular airlines such as British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Alitalia, United Airlines, Lufthansa and many more.
For passengers wishing to travel from Malpensa Airport to Milan or Milano Centrale Train Station, there are several options available for ground transportation, such as Malpensa Express, buses, cabs and car rentals.
For overnight stays at the airport, you can check in to popular hotels such as MOXY and Sheraton Hotel upon arrival.
Terminal Facilities at MXP
- Luggage Storage
- Duty-Free Shops
- Currency Exchange
- Short/long-term parking
- Lounges
- Lost and Found
- Smoking Area
- VAT Refund
- Restaurants & Cafes
Hire a one-way car rental from Malpensa Airport (MXP)
With a one-way car hire from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), you can pick up your vehicle at the airport and drop it off at a different location.
This option is useful if you are planning a multi-city itinerary or travelling long distances. From MXP (located about 49 km from central Milan), you can easily drive south, east or west and end your journey at another major city or airport.
Popular one-way routes from MXP
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MXP Airport → Milan City Center
Distance: 50 km Time: ~45–60 mins Perfect for travelers staying in areas like Duomo, Brera, or Navigli who prefer not to return to the airport.
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MXP Airport → Turin
Distance: 140 km Time: ~1.5–2 hours via A4 A smooth highway drive ideal for business or leisure trips to this elegant Piedmont city.
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MXP Airport → Lake Como
Distance: 50 km Time: ~1 hour A scenic and popular route for those planning a lakeside stay without returning to MXP.
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MXP Airport → Verona
Distance: 180 km Time: ~2 hours Great for combining Milan with northern Italy’s historic cities.
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MXP Airport → Venice
Distance: 280 km Time: ~3 hours A classic cross-country drive connecting Lombardy to Veneto.
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MXP Airport → Florence
Distance: 300 km Time: ~3.5–4 hours Ideal for travelers heading into Tuscany via the A1 motorway.
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MXP Airport → Rome
Distance: 600 km Time: ~6–7 hours Best suited for longer road trips with multiple stops along the way.
Cross-border one-way trips
Because of MXP’s proximity to international borders, you can also plan routes such as:
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MXP Airport → Lugano, Switzerland
Distance: 80 km Time: approx. 1.5 hours -
MXP Airport → Zurich
Distance: 280 km Time: approx. 3.5 hours -
MXP Airport → Nice, France
Distance: 320 km Time: approx. 4 hours
With us, you can easily select a different drop-off location during booking. The platform automatically shows available one-way deals and any applicable fees upfront, helping you plan your journey with complete transparency.
VIP Cars’ tips for hiring a car at Milan Malpensa Airport
- Milan is a major hub for fashion events, business travel and summer tourism. During peak periods, especially when travelers are heading to the lakes or the Alps, rental prices can rise quickly. So booking in advance helps secure better deals and vehicle availability.
- Central Milan has ZTL (restricted traffic zones), especially around the historic center. If your hotel is in areas like Centro Storico, check access rules in advance or choose parking outside the zone to avoid fines.
- If you are driving in Milan city or in places like Duomo, Navigli, Brera, opt for a compact or economy car as parking space is limited and streets can be narrow.
- If you are heading toward the Swiss Alps or longer highway routes (e.g., Zurich, about 280 km), many of our customers prefer SUV rentals for added comfort and luggage space.
- Many highways connecting MXP to cities like Turin (A4), Verona or Florence (A1) are toll roads. Keep some cash or a card handy or ask your supplier about electronic toll payment options.
- Traffic on routes like the SS336 (airport road) and A8 motorway in Milan can get busy during morning (7–10 AM) and evening (5–8 PM) rush hours. If you are driving from MXP to central Milan, which is approx 50 km, plan your pickup or departure accordingly.