Milan Linate Airport, known as LIN, serves as a convenient gateway to Italy’s fashion and business capital, located just 7 kilometres east of Milan’s city centre. Handling 10.6 million passengers and 118,060 aircraft movements in 2024, this compact airport focuses on domestic and short-haul European flights, serving 84 airlines across 264 routes to 32 countries. Its single-terminal design, modern amenities, and excellent transport links make it a practical choice for travellers exploring Milan or connecting to nearby destinations.
The passenger experience at Linate is generally efficient due to its streamlined layout. The three-story terminal houses check-in and baggage claim on the ground floor, departures and security on the first floor, and offices on the second. Passengers typically clear check-in and security in 20 to 30 minutes, though queues can extend to 45 minutes during peak summer periods or mornings.
Travellers are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three for international to account for security checks, enhanced by advanced TAC technology for baggage screening, reducing wait times. The innovative FaceBoarding facial recognition system, available for routes like Rome Fiumicino, speeds up boarding without document checks. Some flights require bus transfers to planes, which can be less convenient in poor weather. Accessibility is strong, with ramps, lifts, and wheelchair assistance available, though pre-booking with airlines is recommended.
Access to the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options. The Milan Metro Line M4 connects to San Babila in the city centre in just 12 minutes for £2.20, running every three to six minutes. Bus Line 73 operates every 10 minutes to San Babila for £1.50, while the Airport Bus Express reaches Milano Centrale in 25 minutes for £10.41.
Taxis, available outside arrivals, cost around £20 to the city centre, taking 20 to 30 minutes, though traffic on the A51 ring road can add delays. Car rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar are located in the arrivals hall, ideal for exploring Lombardy. Over 4,600 parking spaces, including P1 Top Class for short-term stays, are within walking distance or served by a free shuttle for long-term P4. The A1, A4, and A7 motorways provide easy access to Bologna, Turin, and Genoa.
The airport’s layout is compact and easy to navigate, with 74 check-in desks and 10 passport control desks ensuring smooth flow. Five jet-bridges serve direct boarding, while additional apron stands use bus transfers. The first floor’s central atrium houses shops, eateries, and gates, though seating can be limited during peak times. Fast Track passes, available for purchase, help bypass security queues, and self-service kiosks streamline check-in for airlines like Alitalia and Lufthansa. Congestion at security or passport control for non-Schengen flights can occur, particularly in summer, so monitoring the airport’s app or Pocket Flight QR code service for real-time gate and wait-time updates is advised.
Dining and retail options cater to most needs. The first floor features eateries like McDonald’s, open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Italian cafes such as MOKA and Illy Café, serving Mediterranean lunches. Duty-free shops, including Dufry, offer electronics, perfumes, and fashion from brands like Armani and Bulgari, though prices are often higher than in Milan. For better value, travellers recommend dining or shopping in the city centre. Free unlimited Wi-Fi, accessible via the “LINATE FREE WIFI” network, is reliable, and charging points are scattered throughout.
Facilities are comprehensive. A luggage storage service on the arrivals level operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, costing £6 per item for 24 hours. The Sala Leonardo and Piranesi Classic lounges, open 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, provide snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi for around £33, accessible to all passengers. A children’s play area near Gate A17 and a Sala Amica baby pit stop with breastfeeding facilities support families. Currency exchange, ATMs, and a medical clinic are available, though no showers are offered. Smoking is restricted to a designated airside box near Gate A16. The airport operates 24/7, but seating with armrests limits overnight comfort. Nearby hotels, like Moxy Milan Linate (£91 per night), are a 10-minute walk or shuttle ride away.
On-time performance is generally strong, with real-time updates available via the airport’s website, app, or Flightradar24. Delays, averaging 15 to 30 minutes, can occur due to high passenger volumes in summer, weather, or air traffic control issues. The airport’s single runway and high traffic can also cause minor disruptions. Passengers may claim up to €600 for delays over three hours under EU regulations if airline-related.
Connections are limited, as Linate focuses on point-to-point flights rather than serving as a major hub. Minimum connection times are 20 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international, though passengers must re-clear security for transfers, as there’s no dedicated transit area. Schengen-to-Schengen transfers avoid immigration, but non-Schengen flights require passport checks, which can take up to 30 minutes. Fast Track passes are recommended for tight connections. Popular routes include Rome, Paris, and London, primarily with Alitalia, easyJet, and Lufthansa.
