How to Get from Milan Malpensa Airport to Florence

If you’re looking for the best way to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Florence, you’re in the right place. We’ve done the legwork for you, breaking down all the options: train, car rental, private transfer, and bus. Whether you’re after speed, comfort, or a budget-friendly solution, we’ve got the details to help you choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

What’s the Best Way to Travel from Milan to Florence?

Before answering the question of the best way to get from Milan to Florence, there are a few things to consider—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Sometimes, the best option might be taking a train, while other times a private transfer or renting a car may make more sense. And yes, even taking the bus might be a good idea, depending on your situation.

The answer largely depends on your personal circumstances—are you traveling with family, friends, or colleagues? Is this a vacation or a business trip? And, of course, your budget plays a role. What works for someone traveling light and solo might not be ideal for a family with small children.

Florence is one of Italy’s most enchanting cities, known for its Renaissance architecture, world-class museums, and incredible atmosphere. If you’re arriving at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, don’t worry—there are several ways to continue your journey to Florence, which is about 360 km (or around a 4-hour drive) from Milan.

Read also: How to Travel from Florence to Milan

Comparison Table: Milan Malpensa Airport to Florence Transport Options

Option	Approximate Duration	Cost (Starting from)	Details
Train	3 hours 30 minutes	€72.00	Requires at least 1 train change
Car Rental	4 hours	€150.00	Toll roads along the route
Private Transfer	4 hours	€950.00 for 4 people	Maximum comfort
Bus	4 hours 35 minutes	€15.00	Budget-friendly, but slow

Is Flying from Milan MXP to Florence an Option?

While Florence does have an airport, Peretola (FLR), located just 7 km from the central train station (Santa Maria Novella) and 10 km from the iconic Duomo, there are currently no direct flights from Milan Malpensa to Florence.

Read: How to Get from Florence Airport to the City Center

The main airline, ITA Airways, operates out of Milan Linate Airport (LIN), which is about a one-hour drive (70 km) from Malpensa. But here’s the catch: even from Linate, there are no direct flights to Florence. Instead, you’d have to fly to Rome first and then catch a second flight from Rome to Florence. Not exactly convenient, right?

But no worries—there’s a much better option, which we’ll dive into next: high-speed trains!

Train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Florence

One of the most practical ways to travel from Malpensa Airport to Florence is by train. Milan Malpensa has its own train station, which makes it easy to catch a train to the city center, Milano Centrale, where you can connect to a high-speed train to Florence.

Typically, you’ll need to change trains at least once, usually at Milano Centrale. If you’re lucky with the connections, you can complete the journey from Malpensa to Florence in about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets for a flexible fare on Italo Treno are around €72.90, but you may find promotions for as low as €30.

For example, you can catch a train from Malpensa T2 at 2:07 PM, arriving at Milano Centrale at 3:07 PM. From there, you can board a high-speed train at 3:40 PM, arriving at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station at 5:35 PM. The high-speed train will get you from Milano Centrale to Florence in just 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Both Trenitalia and Italo operate high-speed trains between Milan and Florence, so you can compare prices and schedules to find the best option.

Good to know: Discounted train tickets for passengers over 60 years old

• Duration: About 3 hours 30 minutes (including the transfer from Malpensa to Milano Centrale).  
• Cost: From €72.00 per person with a flexible fare (cheaper promotions may be available).  
• Pros: Relatively fast and affordable.  
• Cons: Requires changing trains, which can be tricky if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, small children, or anyone with mobility issues.

Renting a Car at Milan Malpensa Airport

If you prefer the freedom to travel at your own pace, renting a car at Milan Malpensa might be the perfect choice. You can head directly from the airport to Florence, stopping along the way as you please.

The route between Milan and Florence follows the A1 highway, also known as the Autostrada del Sole. The speed limit is typically 130 km/h, and you’ll need to pay tolls (you collect a ticket when you enter the highway and pay upon exit).

Be aware of the ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas) in Florence, which limit where you can drive and park within the city center. Additionally, Italian traffic cameras are notorious for issuing hefty fines, so it’s best to obey all speed limits and regulations.

• Duration: Approximately 4 hours.  
• Cost: Starting at €70.00 for the car rental, plus fuel (about €55 for gas) and tolls (around €25).  
• Pros: Great for those who enjoy driving and want the flexibility to stop along the way.  
• Cons: Risk of fines if you drive into restricted areas, and parking in Florence can be challenging.

Check car rental rates through Discovercars.com

Private Transfer from Milan MXP to Florence

For those who prioritize comfort and convenience, a private transfer is the best choice. A professional driver will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to take you directly to your destination in Florence.

This option is especially attractive if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or if organizing public transportation feels like too much hassle. A private transfer removes the stress of navigating Italian roads or dealing with parking restrictions in Florence.

• Duration: Around 4 hours.  
• Cost: Starting at €950.00 for up to 4 people (booking online with Get Your Guide).  
• Pros: You don’t have to worry about anything—just provide your flight details and destination, and your driver will handle the rest.  
• Cons: It’s a pricey option.

Bus from Milan to Florence

While it’s not the fastest method, taking the bus is the most budget-friendly option for getting from Milan Malpensa to Florence. Companies like Flixbus operate routes between Milan and Florence. However, the journey can take over 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

When booking, check whether the trip is direct (“senza cambio“) or if it involves changing buses (“1 cambio“). It’s best to opt for direct buses, as it simplifies the process of managing your luggage.

Itabus is another option for those considering bus travel, but currently, it doesn’t offer a direct route from Milan Malpensa to Florence. Instead, you would first need to take a bus from Malpensa to Milan’s city center and then catch another bus to Florence. It’s crucial to check whether the departure and arrival points for the buses align, as they can be in different locations.

Read: Getting from Malpensa Airport to Milan Center

• Duration: Around 4 hours and 35 minutes.  
• Cost: From €15.00 per ticket.  
• Pros: The cheapest option.  
• Cons: One of the slowest ways to travel from Malpensa to Florence.

---

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip from Milan Malpensa to Florence! If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to leave a comment below. And don’t forget to share this article with friends or family who are planning their own Italian adventures. Safe travels!