Landing at Milan Malpensa Airport puts you close to Lombardy’s lakes, fashion and business hubs. Hiring a car gives you control from the start, so you can reach Milan, the trade fair grounds, or Lake Como without changing trains or carrying bags on buses. Goldcar offers a modern fleet with clear pricing and extras designed for UK travellers. Booking early usually secures the best deal, especially around Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile. Express pick-up, multilingual support and 24/7 roadside assistance add peace of mind.
Why hire a car at Malpensa
Milan is linked by public transport, but a car saves time and opens up the region. From the airport, the A8 connects quickly to the city, Monza, Como and Maggiore. With your own vehicle you can shop freely, stop at villages, and make day trips without planning around timetables. Business travellers avoid late-night changes, while families can carry luggage, child seats and snacks with ease.
Malpensa is 50 km from the centre, usually about an hour’s drive. The lakes are quicker by road than by train, and with a car you can visit more than one in a day. A hire car also turns a Milan stay into a northern Italy road trip.
Vehicle types and extras
Goldcar’s fleet at Malpensa includes economy cars for city use, estates and hatchbacks for longer trips, SUVs for families, and people carriers with seven or nine seats. Automatics, hybrids and electric cars are available on selected dates. In winter you can add chains or winter tyres. The booking system lets you filter by boot size, gearbox and fuel type.
Extras include sat nav, Wi-Fi, child seats and extra drivers. Many travellers choose zero-excess cover for reassurance. Goldcar guarantees a car in your chosen category and offers round-the-clock roadside help.
Where to collect your car at Milan Malpensa airport
Most flights land at Terminal 1, where car hire desks are signposted in Arrivals. Follow Rent a Car signs and present your licence, passport, booking and payment card. If you land at Terminal 2, take the free shuttle to Terminal 1. Collection areas are in the terminal car parks. Staff will show you to your bay and explain controls. Before leaving, check the fuel type, vehicle condition and nearest petrol stations. Express services and the app reduce waiting time. Out-of-hours collection and return may be available. For returns, follow Car Rental Return signs, refuel if required and use the key drop if instructed.
Exploring Milan and beyond
Milan’s centre is best reached by driving to outer car parks and finishing by metro. Visit the Duomo, Galleria, La Scala and Sforza Castle, then relax in Brera or Navigli. Monza is nearby with its Royal Villa, park and racing circuit. Bergamo is about an hour away, with a beautiful hilltop old town. The Fiera Milano Rho exhibition centre is quick to reach by car.
The lakes are highlights. Como is under an hour away, with ferries to Bellagio and lakeside roads to towns like Cernobbio. Lake Maggiore offers Stresa and the Borromean Islands. Lake Iseo and Franciacorta’s vineyards make for relaxed day trips, while Turin and the Valtellina valley offer longer excursions.
Driving and parking tips in Milan
Milan’s centre has a restricted traffic zone called Area C, enforced by cameras on weekdays. Most visitors park outside and continue by metro. Public car parks are signposted at Porta Garibaldi, Cadorna and other metro stops. Street bays use colour codes: blue for paid, white sometimes free, yellow reserved. Always check signs. Keep valuables out of sight and lock the car.
Italian limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 on standard roads, 110 on dual carriageways and 130 on motorways, with reductions in rain. Seat belts are compulsory. Children must use suitable seats. The drink-drive limit is lower than in the UK. Motorways are tolled: take a ticket on entry, pay on exit by card or cash, and avoid Telepass lanes unless authorised. From November to April, winter tyres or chains are required on some routes. Carry a reflective vest and warning triangle, and use dipped headlights outside towns.
Best time to visit Milan
April to June and September to October bring comfortable weather and good driving conditions. Summer is hot, with quieter streets in August when locals leave the city. Winter has Christmas markets, sales and foggy days, so allow extra time on the road. Major events push up prices, so book early during Fashion Week or Salone del Mobile.
