Milano Linate Airport

Milan Linate Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true "city" airport, adored by the Milanese and experienced travelers for its incredible proximity to the heart of the fashion capital. Unlike the distant Malpensa, this aviation hub is located literally within the city limits, making it the ideal choice for short business trips and leisure weekends. A chamber-like and calm atmosphere reigns here: the compact terminal allows you to complete all formalities in a matter of minutes, and the view of the city districts during takeoff and landing is mesmerizing. This is the air haven for those who value time and wish to find themselves near the Duomo Cathedral almost immediately after landing.

Features and advantages of the airport:

• Record proximity to the center: This is Linate's main advantage over its competitors. Thanks to the new M4 metro line (blue line), the journey from the terminal to San Babila Square (just a couple of minutes' walk from the Duomo) takes about 12–15 minutes.
• FaceBoarding Technology: The airport is actively implementing an innovative biometric control system. By registering at FaceBoarding kiosks, passengers can pass through security checkpoints and boarding gates simply by showing their face to the camera, without the need to constantly take out their passport and boarding pass.
• Compactness and comfort: The airport operates with only one passenger terminal, so navigation here is intuitively clear, and walking distances are minimal. This eliminates the stress and long walks typical of giant hubs.
• Milan-level Shopping: Despite its small size, the departure area offers an excellent selection of Italian brand boutiques, allowing you to purchase high-quality gifts or update your wardrobe at the last minute before departure.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Milan Linate Airport. We recommend checking the data for currency on the official website before your trip.

• Official website: www.milanoairports.com/ru/linate. Here you will find the current flight schedule, terminal maps, information about services, and can book parking.
• Information service phone: +39 02 232323. This is the unified information center for the airports of Milan (Linate and Malpensa), where you can get advice on general questions.
• Address: Viale Enrico Forlanini, 20090 Segrate MI, Italy. The airport is located in the municipality of Segrate, just 7 km east of the center of Milan.
• Email: To contact specific airport services (for example, regarding parking or VIP services), it is recommended to use the contact forms available on the official website in the relevant sections.
• Social Networks: You can find out the latest news and ask questions on the official Milan Airports pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost & Found Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, contact the "Oggetti Smarriti" service. Contacts and the application form can be found in the "Lost Property" section of the airport website. For lost luggage issues, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: On-site assistance can be obtained by contacting the information desks in the terminal. They are marked with a special question mark symbol (?).

Getting to Milan Linate Airport (LIN) from the center of Milan is quite simple, as it is located just 7 kilometers from the city. This makes it the closest of the three Milanese airports, which also include Milan Malpensa Airport and Orio al Serio Airport. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

Public transport is the most economical and often the fastest way to get to the city center or back.

• Metro: The most modern and convenient option is the new M4 metro line (blue), which directly connects the airport to the center. The trip to San Babila station, located a stone's throw from the famous Duomo Cathedral, takes only about 12-15 minutes. This is the ideal choice to avoid city traffic jams.
• Bus: Before the metro opened, the popular option was city bus No. 73. It still runs between the airport and San Babila metro station (line M1); the trip takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Also, Linate Shuttle buses depart from the airport, traveling to Milan Central Station (Stazione Centrale) in approximately 25 minutes.

The cost of travel on the metro and city bus usually corresponds to the standard city fare, making these options very affordable.

Taxi and transfers offer maximum comfort, especially if you are traveling with a large amount of luggage or in a group. A taxi ride from the city center to Linate will take about 20-30 minutes, but the time depends heavily on the traffic situation. The cost of the trip is usually fixed, but it is better to clarify with the driver before starting the journey. For greater convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance — the driver will meet you in the terminal with a sign.

If you plan to travel around Italy by car, then car rental can be an excellent solution. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are represented at Linate Airport. It is recommended to book a car online in advance to get better prices. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, numerous parking lots are provided — both for short-term and long-term parking. Booking a parking space via the internet will also help save money.

Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is distinguished by its compactness and convenience, making it particularly popular for business trips and short journeys. A key feature of the airport is the presence of only one passenger terminal, which serves all flights. This significantly simplifies navigation and reduces the time required to complete all pre-flight formalities.

The structure of the terminal is intuitively clear and logical. The building is divided into two main levels:

• Ground Floor (Piano Terra) — this is the arrival area. Here you will find baggage claim belts, car rental counters, customs control, and the main exit to the city. Right at the exit are bus stops, a taxi rank, and the entrance to the station of the new M4 metro line, which connects the airport with the center of Milan.
• First Floor (Primo Piano) — the departure area. Ascending here, you will find flight check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security control zone, beyond which access opens to boarding gates, Duty-Free shops, cafés, and business lounges.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between different buildings. All gates are located within a single pedestrian zone after passing security. Navigation inside is very simple thanks to clear signs in Italian and English. Finding the necessary check-in counter or boarding gate will not be difficult; simply follow the information on the electronic displays.

One of the main advantages of Linate is the speed of procedures. Usually, check-in and security checks take no more than 20-30 minutes. However, during morning and evening peak hours, as well as during holiday periods, waiting times may increase. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, especially if you need to check in luggage. Thanks to recent modernization and the implementation of modern scanning systems, the screening process has become even faster and more efficient.

The history of Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is closely linked to the development of aviation in Italy and the growth of Milan as a business and fashion center. Its story began in the 1930s when it became obvious that the old Taliedo airfield could no longer cope with the growing air traffic. The new airport was built next to the artificial Idroscalo lake and officially opened in 1937. It was named after Enrico Forlanini, a prominent Italian engineer and aviation pioneer.

After World War II, Linate was quickly restored and for many years became the main international airport of Milan. In the 1960s and 70s, it experienced a real boom, serving millions of passengers and becoming a symbol of Italy's economic miracle. However, with the growing popularity of long-haul flights, its runway proved insufficiently long for large aircraft, which led to a gradual shift of focus to Malpensa Airport.

Unfortunately, the airport's history is also marked by tragic events, such as the 2001 air disaster. This tragedy led to a massive review and tightening of safety rules in airports throughout Italy, making air travel significantly safer. Today, Linate continues to play a key role, but in a new capacity — as a "city airport", located just 7 km from the center of Milan.

In recent decades, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization. One of the most significant occurred in the summer of 2019, when Linate was completely closed for three months for major repairs to the runway and a massive reconstruction of the passenger terminal. As a result, today it is a modern, convenient, and high-tech transport hub specializing in domestic and short European flights, valued by travelers for its exceptional proximity to the city.

Milan Linate Airport (LIN) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable stay while waiting for a flight. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary here to pass the time, work, or relax.

For those who are hungry, the terminal has many cafés, lounges, and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Italian pasta and pizza, as well as international cuisine. After lunch, you can stroll through the shops: from boutiques of famous brands to the classic Duty Free, which features a wide assortment of perfumery, cosmetics, confectionery, and souvenirs.

Passengers who value comfort and privacy can use the services of VIP lounges (business lounges). Here, in a quiet atmosphere, you can work, have a snack, or simply relax in a comfortable armchair. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected.

To resolve financial issues, bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are provided. If necessary, passengers can contact the first aid station. For travelers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility — special parking spaces, ramps, elevators, and personal assistance upon prior request (Sala Amica service) are provided for them. If you need to stay overnight, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travelers, conference rooms and business services are available, allowing you to hold a meeting or work on urgent tasks.

Milan Linate Airport, despite its compact size, offers travelers a decent selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full lunch, enjoying true Italian hospitality. Dining options here are designed for every taste and budget, from a quick espresso before departure to a leisurely dinner.

Most cafés and restaurants are concentrated in the departure area after passing security control (airside), however, several establishments are also available in the general area (landside), where you can spend time with those seeing you off. The opening hours of most food outlets are tied to the flight schedule and are open from early morning until late evening, so you will not go hungry even during the first or last flight.

For a quick snack: If you are short on time, pay attention to the numerous cafés. Here you can order a classic Italian breakfast: cappuccino with fresh pastries (cornetto) or take a hearty panini sandwich, focaccia, or a slice of pizza with you. This is a great way to refresh yourself without interrupting your wait for boarding.

For a full lunch: Those who have time should visit one of the restaurants with à la carte service. Here you can enjoy classic Italian dishes — from pasta and risotto to meat and fish dishes. This is a wonderful opportunity to treat yourself to a farewell lunch in Italian style. The price range at the airport is generally higher than the city average, but the quality of the dishes is often pleasantly surprising.

Regarding special dietary needs, many establishments offer vegetarian dishes, for example, pasta with vegetable sauces or various salads. Finding gluten-free or vegan options is also possible, though the selection may be limited. It is recommended to carefully study the menu or ask the staff for assistance regarding ingredients, including Halal suitability where applicable.

To make your journey through Milan Linate Airport as comfortable and stress-free as possible, take advantage of our tips. Although Linate is a compact and conveniently located airport, it is worth arriving well in advance. For flights within the Schengen zone, allow at least 2 hours before departure, and for international destinations — about 3 hours. This time will be enough to complete all formalities without rushing.

The check-in and security control process at Linate is organized quite efficiently. To save time, check in for your flight online and save the boarding pass on your smartphone. At the security checkpoint, be ready in advance to remove laptops and other large gadgets, as well as the bag with liquids, from your carry-on luggage. Remember that the volume of each container with liquid must not exceed 100 ml.

The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences. If you want to admire the views during takeoff or landing (and from Linate, a beautiful panorama of Milan or even the Alpine peaks sometimes opens up), choose a window seat. If the ability to stand up freely and stretch your legs during the flight is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

When preparing carry-on luggage, adhere to standard rules: no sharp objects, flammable substances, or liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. All liquids must be packed in one transparent bag. Please note that different airlines may have their own, stricter restrictions on the weight and dimensions of carry-on luggage — be sure to clarify them before the trip.

Linate mainly serves domestic and European flights, so long layovers here are rare. If you have a connection within the Schengen zone, you will most likely not have to go through passport control, which significantly speeds up the process. For transit passengers, all necessary amenities are provided, including cafés and shops in the sterile area.

Customs control when entering Italy from non-EU countries follows the standard "green" and "red" channel system. If you do not have goods subject to declaration, feel free to go through the green channel. Otherwise, you must go through the red channel and declare goods exceeding the established limits.

To save time and budget, use public transport. The new metro line M4 (blue) directly connects the airport with the center of Milan — this is the fastest and most budget-friendly way to get to the city. You can also bring an empty water bottle (it can be filled after security checks) and light snacks for convenience.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline's counter for information. Depending on the duration of the delay, under EU rules, you may be entitled to drinks, meals, and sometimes hotel accommodation. While waiting for your flight, you can use the free Wi-Fi, relax in a café, or browse the shops.