Car Hire Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

You’ll find our Avis counter at Milan Malpensa Airport located in the arrivals hall of the terminal building after you leave the baggage reclaim. Our Avis rental car collection is a short walk away in the multi-storey airport parking just in front of the terminal. When you return your car head for Car Hire A car park and follow the Avis rental car signs.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) began life in the 1910s when aviation pioneers the Caproni brothers flew a Cal biplane from the site. The airfield then became a leading centre for aircraft production before opening as a commercial airport in 1948.

Today Milan Malpensa airport is the second busiest in Italy after Rome Leonard Da Vinci Fiumincano and welcomes 30 million passengers annually with flights between 210 destinations in 80 countries.

The airport has two terminals, terminal one being the larger and busier of the two while terminal two currently serves EasyJet and is the subject of a rolling programme of improvements to enhance facilities for passengers.

The airport is located northwest of the city centre with good road access via the E62 and A8 highways.

If you are driving in Milan, Italy for the first time, make sure you familiarise yourself with Italian driving rules before picking up your car. Milan is busy at peak times – generally between 7am-9am and 5pm-8pm and it’s sensible to use GPS and plan your route before you travel.

While the Lombardy region’s road network is excellent, be aware that as in much of Italy, you will find routes in small towns and villages can be narrow and winding and road surfaces vary in rural areas.

Some key road rules in Italy include driving on the right, as in the rest of Europe and overtaking on the left. Dipped headlights must be used in certain situations including on motorways, at night outside built-up areas, and when visibility is poor in rain or snow.

Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device. It is forbidden to use the car horn in a built-up area unless in danger.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Milan, Italy?

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in Milan and the rest of Italy is 19. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in Milan, Italy?

To hire a car in Trieste, Italy, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence
• The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in Milan and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Milan Malpensa Airport and then return it to another Avis office in Italy or even in another European country. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car at Milan Airport?

Renting a car at Milan Malpensa Airport gives you the freedom to enjoy independent travel as well as the opportunity to plan a road trip around the Italian lakes and mountains.

The Avis team at Milan Malpensa Airport are experts on Milan and the surrounding area and can offer advice on the best routes to take and make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

What is parking like in Milan?

There are multiple parking options in Milan including central car parks and on-street parking, which is zoned and set at different rates. There are car parks near to the main attractions and around the railway station area too as well as park and ride options close to the metro stations MM1, MM2 and MM3 on the edge of the city.

If you are planning on driving into Milan be aware that there are congestion zones in the city.

From the Avis car park at Milan Malpensa Airport to the centre of Milan it’s a drive of 45km which will take around 40min depending on the time of day. Head south east from the airport and take the A8 and E62 highways following signs to the centre of the city.

Head first to Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square), the main hub of Milan. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer size and features of the Cathedral (it has 135 spires and a staggering 3,200 statues). The roof, accessible by stairs and lift, gives you a breathtaking view of Milan.

On the other side of the piazza you’ll see the entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an exclusive shopping arcade built in the 19th century.

At the other end of the Galleria, across the road, stands La Scala, the world-famous opera house. Join a guided tour to discover the many secrets of this splendid theatre. It’s a short distance from La Scala to the Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district, four streets forming a compact location for the biggest designer stores.

One of the city’s major highlights is Leonardo da Vinci’s Il Cenacolo or ‘Last Supper’, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Da Vinci also designed the defences of the imposing Castello Sforzesco in Piazza Castello, which now houses several museums with exhibits covering Palaeolithic history and furniture, among other things.

If you’re intending to visit one of Milan’s famous trade shows, car hire is a must as most events are now held in a location approximately 10 miles from the city centre. Fiera Milano at Rho can be reached via the A4 and the A8/A9 motorways or the Tangenziale Ovest.

Lake Como

Take a trip to the scenic Lake Como, around an hour and a half’s drive to the north, with its scenic views and lush vegetation. The town of Como is also the centre of the silk industry and the best place to shop for the material.

Pavia

Pavia is perhaps not one of the best known destinations in Italy, but is something of a hidden gem. This university city was once known as the city of a hundred towers, although few are left today. The impressive Certosa di Pavia monastery in Gothic and Renaissance style lies just over five miles north of the city.

Vigevano

Nearby Vigevano has arguably one of the finest piazzas, the Piazza Ducale in the town centre, designed by Bramante.