Thanks to its extensive range of flight connections, Malpensa is often the cheapest option for getting to northern Italy. However, you should expect the journey to the coast to take longer than from airports located directly on the coast.
The airport is located approximately 50 km northwest of downtown Milan inthe Lombardy region. It consists of two terminals and offers connections to dozens of European and long-haul destinations.
Car Rental at Malpensa Airport
If you’re heading to Liguria, renting a car is usually the most convenient option. You’ll find virtually all major global car rental companies at the airport, and the selection of vehicles is very wide.
Renting a car is especially worthwhile if you plan to visit multiple resorts, want to explore coastal villages, are traveling with your family, or are staying outside the resort centers.
The drive from Malpensa to Genoa takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
How to get from the airport to the coast without a car?
Even without a car, getting to the coast isn’t a problem—you just need to plan for a longer transfer.
Train
The most common option is to take the Malpensa Express train, which connects the airport to the center of Milan. From Milan, both long-distance and regional trains continue toward the Ligurian Sea.
By train, you can comfortably reach destinations such as Genoa, Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, Sestri Levante, Levanto, and Cinque Terre.
The advantage is that most of these resorts have a train station right in the center.
Buses
Regular bus services run from the airport to the center of Milan, from where you can continue by train. Direct bus connections to coastal resorts are limited, so most travelers opt for the train.
Taxis and private transfers
Taxis are best suited for trips to Milan. The cost for a transfer all the way to the coast would be very high. The trip to Genoa takes about 2 hours, to Santa Margherita Ligure 2 hours and 20 minutes, and similarly to Portofino or Finale Ligure.
For groups, a pre-booked private transfer is usually more cost-effective.
Is it worth flying to the coast via Malpensa?
If you find a good deal on a ticket, definitely yes. However, you need to factor in that the transfer to the coast takes at least two hours. If Liguria is your only destination, the airport in Genoa is usually more practical. On the other hand, Malpensa offers a much wider selection of flights and often lower prices.
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