Milan

Departing from Birmingham Airport

Flying from Birmingham Airport is a fantastic choice for anyone flying from the UK. With great shops, restaurants and other amenities on offer, you can feel like your holiday has begun before your flight even takes off. 

Whether you’re arriving by car, train, bus, or taxi, Birmingham Airport is easy to get to. Drivers will find a choice of seven car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal on foot or via the courtesy shuttle bus. Book a parking space online in advance and save up to 70%. 

Taxis can drop you right outside the terminal or, if you prefer to take public transport, you will find bus services running directly to the airport or to Birmingham International Airport train station. 

When you arrive, you’ll find many shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to keep you entertained whilst you wait to board your flight. 

Whether you need last minute holiday essentials or a new outfit for your trip, you can get it at Birmingham Airport. Discover all your favourite brands at discount prices at World Duty Free. Any last-minute travel essentials will probably be found in InMotion (for electricals and gadgets) or Boots (for health and beauty). 

Need currency for your trip abroad? Look no further. Head over to our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge.  If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport. 

If you want to enjoy a meal before you fly, we recommend Factory Bar & Kitchen. Pret a Manger is great whatever time you’re at the airport, with organic coffee, sandwiches, wraps, salads, hot food and even sushi. 

If you prefer the finer things in life, why not book into one of our fantastic airport lounges? Enjoy comfy seating, complimentary food & drinks, and WiFi.  

To find out about our other services, head to our terminal facilities page. 

Whether you like to get through the airport as quickly as possible, or you enjoy spending time looking in the shops and having something to eat, check out our ‘Plan your Journey’ articles for the speedy and leisurely traveller.

Arriving at Milan Airport

Milan Malpensa Airport is located about 50 kilometres northwest of Milan city centre. There are several terminals at the airport, with our Flybe flights arriving to Terminal 1.

There are many onward travel options from the airport, including public transport and car hire. Passengers can take a train from Terminal 1 directly to the city centre in around 40 minutes. Alternatively, buses depart every 20 minutes and take around an hour. If you’d prefer a more direct route you can take a taxi, but you will pay a lot more. Car hire options are also available should you want to drive yourself around the city.

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Milan

Milan is a fast-paced metropolis where creativity is big business, looking good is compulsory and after-work drinks are a must. The city has long been known as a fashion and design capital and this is evident in everything it does, from the locals who strut down its streets to the sophisticated architecture.

Italian is the official and most widely spoken language in Milan. However, as Milan is a popular tourist destination, English is spoken widely. It’s still nice to learn some basic phrases though– si (yes), no (no), per favore (please), prego (you’re welcome), mi scusi (excuse me).

The weather in Milan is warm and pleasant for most of the year and it is a generally dry city. Some showers are seen in the spring and autumn. Summers can get very hot and winters are relatively cold with temperatures sometimes dropping to freezing.

Culture in Milan

Regarded as a global capital in fashion, industrial design and architecture, Milan has much to explore.

The city hosts the Milan Fashion Week twice a year (Spring and Autumn) which is one of the best known international fashion events. Milan is famous for its opera and Le Scala Opera House is considered one of the premier opera houses in the world.

Many people travel to Italy just for the food. Try traditional dishes like cotoletta (burnished, buttery veal) and saffron risotto – Milanese comfort food at its best. Milan is the native city of the Aperitivo which means you have a cocktail at happy hour (you can’t leave without tasting a traditional Aperol Spritz). Aperitivo usually starts around 6pm and is usually a pre-dinner activity.