Milano Centrale railway station is one of the most beautiful train stations in all of Europe.
It’s also one of the busiest Italian train stations and the second-largest station in Italy (only Rome’s Roma Termini is larger), which won’t surprise you the moment you take the train from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Milano Centrale: Milan’s central train station is more like a platform palace surrounded by its own ecosystem of shops, restaurants, cafés, and the occasional busker on a break.
Now, we’re not telling you to fly all the way to Milan, take the Malpensa Express from MXP to Milano Centrale, and spend all of your time hanging around in a train station.
But if you were so inclined to soak up the vibes of this stunning railway station, we have some notes. Here’s everything you need to know for hanging out at Milano Centrale station.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Julian Elliot Photography. Image Location: Milano Centrale, Milan, Italy.
Your guide to Milano Centrale train station
Shopping: Because what else would you do first in Milan?
More than 40 shops fill Milano Centrale railway station, giving you plenty of reasons to window-shop and just barely make your departing train. The sexiest of Milan’s lingerie are on display at Yamamay, while MAC, KIKO, Yves Rocher, and Sephora have your cosmetic needs covered. Desigual, Zara, Parfois, and Mango are also on deck if you need new threads or shoes for your vacation.
Restaurants: Italian delights from coffee to cannoli
Milano Centrale station has over 40 restaurants, cafés, and bars. Quick takeaway options include Machapokè for healthy Hawaiian grinds and Spontini for pizza. A proper meal awaits with Neapolitan pizza and street eats at À Puteca di Rossopomodoro. Sit and stay awhile at one of the cafés or bars, like Caffè Napoli or PanBrioche.
For a taste of home, Five Guys, Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s, and yes, even a Starbucks are all within Milano Centrale station. You know, in case you want a Gran Crispy McBacon from Ronald the clown.
Image Credit: Getty Images.
Nearby: Make the most of your Milano Centrale railway station layover
Got a few hours to spend in Milan before you catch your train to the airport or elsewhere on your Italian adventure? A few suggestions for you within walking distance of Milano Centrale.
Via della Spiga/Via Montenapoleone: 1.2 miles from Milano Centrale
Part of the Quadrilatero della moda (or ‘fashion square’), Via della Spiga and Via Montenapoleone are home to high-end storefronts for Versace, Prada, Gucci, and more.
Santa Maria delle Grazie: 2.5 miles from Milano Centrale
Art and architecture admirers should take the walk to Santa Maria delle Grazie. A Renaissance church home to da Vinci’s The Last Supper, it’ll scratch your Italian-art itch. Booking in advance is recommended.
BAM Tree Library Milan: 0.5 miles from Milano Centrale
A city park and botanical garden with skyline views, community events, and restaurants flanking the greenspace. It’s a wonderful place to sit and soak in the Italian sunshine.
Image Credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Milan, Italy.
Fashionably Asked Questions: Milano Centrale railway station
How much is the train from Malpensa to Milano Centrale?
Tickets for the Malpensa Express train from MXP airport to Milano Centrale station start at just under $14. In euros? Like twelve espressos worth. It’s an affordable train ticket that beats high-priced cab and rideshare fare.
What is the difference between Milan and Milano Centrale?
It’s all semantics, really. ‘Milano Centrale’ is the Italian version of ‘Milan Central’. Milan, the city, is called ‘Milano’ in Italian. The operative word for you isn’t Milan/Milano, but rather, what comes after it. Milan has many train stations with Milano Centrale as its main hub; Milan also has multiple airports with Milan Malpensa (MXP) being the primary international airport.
How to buy a train ticket at Milano Centrale?
You’ve got options. You can go to the Milano Centrale train station and purchase your tickets directly from the help desk or kiosk. If you’re arriving at MXP airport, you can do the same at the airport’s service desk. Our best advice? Pre-purchase your train tickets to Milan via the Trainline app so you can get the lowest prices available.
How to get from Milan airport to city by train?
Without hassle, that’s for sure. Assuming you’re flying into MXP airport, you’ll grab your luggage and make your way downstairs to the train platform. The train connects both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Hop on and get off in Milan’s city center at Milano Centrale.
Where can I find Milan airport to city by train timetable charts?
Trains from MXP to Milano Centrale run every half-hour. You can find all of the info you need about getting from MXP to Milano Centrale, including train timetables, right on Trainline’s website. You can also purchase etickets right from our site or download the Trainline app to purchase tickets on the go.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Julian Elliot Photography. Image Location: Milano Centrale, Milan, Italy.