London to Milan – Cheap Flights, Travel Tips & Attractions

Last updated: 12 August 2025

Milan blends cutting‑edge design with centuries of history — a compact, walkable city where good planning saves time and money. With frequent direct flights from London and three useful airports (MXP, LIN, BGY), you can tailor your trip around budget, comfort, or convenience. Use this guide to choose the right neighbourhood, time your booking window, and navigate airport transfers like a pro.

✈️ How to Find Cheap London → Milan Flights

Competition keeps fares honest on this route. Compare all London airports (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN) and be flexible by a day or two — midweek departures (Tue–Thu) and early mornings often price lower. For weekend trips, lock in 4–8 weeks ahead; for off‑peak city breaks, last‑minute steals sometimes appear midweek.

Airport choice: Malpensa (MXP) has wide long‑haul/low‑cost coverage and fast trains to Milano Cadorna/Centrale; Linate (LIN) is closest to the centre and now linked by metro; Bergamo (BGY) serves many low‑cost flights with frequent shuttles to Centrale.

🚆 Airport Transfers (MXP / LIN / BGY → City)

MXP → Milano: the Malpensa Express reaches Cadorna in ~37 min and Centrale in ~52 min. Trains run frequently; buy tickets at machines or tap contactless where available.

LIN → Milano: the new M4 metro links Linate to the centre quickly; buses and taxis remain options, but metro is usually fastest.

BGY → Milano: shuttle coaches to Milano Centrale take ~50–60 min depending on traffic. It’s simple and good value — ideal for low‑cost arrivals.

🏨 Best Areas to Stay

Centro Storico (Duomo/Brera): first‑time convenience near the cathedral, Galleria and La Scala. Expect higher rates.

Navigli: canals, aperitivo bars and weekends with a buzz; easy tram/metro access, lively at night.

Porta Nuova / Isola: modern architecture, leafy plazas and great dining; handy for Centrale and business districts.

Porta Romana: local vibe, thermal baths (QC Terme), and quick tram links to the centre.

Budget picks: look at Città Studi, Lambrate and Bicocca for cheaper stays with good metro links.

🌟 Must‑See Sights (with Quick Tips)

• Duomo di Milano: book a terrace ticket for rooftop views; go early to beat lines.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: admire the arcade, then step two blocks away for better‑priced cafés.
• S. Maria delle Grazie – The Last Supper: tickets are limited; reserve weeks in advance.
• Sforza Castle & Parco Sempione: museums plus a green break in the city centre.
• Brera district: galleries, cobbled streets and the Pinacoteca.

🛍️ Shopping & Fashion

From the Quadrilatero d’Oro boutiques to designer outlets, Milan rewards window‑shoppers and bargain hunters alike. For flagship browsing, walk Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. For better prices, look to outlet villages (e.g., day trips to Serravalle Designer Outlet) or seasonal sales (saldi) in January and July. Independent design stores cluster around Tortona and Brera.

🍽️ What to Eat (and When)

Classic plates include risotto alla milanese, ossobuco and cotoletta. Milan’s aperitivo culture stretches your budget: buy a drink and snack from generous buffets early evening. For pastry fans, try panettone in season and buttery cornetti at local bakeries. Vegan and gluten‑free options are easy to find around Isola, Porta Venezia and Navigli.

🚇 Getting Around

The metro (M1–M5) is fast and intuitive; trams offer scenic rides through historic streets. Tap contactless where supported or buy day passes for full flexibility. Central areas are very walkable; cycling is growing with shared bikes and protected lanes.

🗓️ When to Go

Spring: mild, great for walking and terrace dining. Summer: hot and busy; book air‑con rooms and museum slots.

Autumn: fashion events and pleasant temperatures; good hotel value outside show days. Winter: fewer crowds, Christmas markets and sales — pack warm layers.

🚆 Easy Day Trips

Lake Como (Como/Lecco): trains from Centrale make it a classic day out — ferries link postcard towns. Bergamo Alta: medieval streets and views, just up the funicular. Pavia: university town with a stunning Certosa monastery nearby.

💡 Practical Tips

• Reserve Last Supper tickets as soon as you book flights.
• Choose refundable hotel rates and re‑check a week before arrival.
• Carry a small coin purse for tram tickets and café bars.
• Dress codes apply at some churches — bring a light cover‑up.

📅 Sample 2‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive mid‑morning, drop bags at your hotel, and head straight to the Duomo for rooftop views. Stroll through the Galleria to La Scala, then wander Brera’s cobbled lanes. Aperitivo in Navigli at sunset, followed by dinner in Porta Romana.

Day 2: Take the Malpensa Express or shuttle from your airport if arriving that day, then spend the morning at Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione. Enjoy lunch at a trattoria near Moscova, shop along Corso Buenos Aires or Via Torino, and finish with gelato at Gelateria della Musica before your return flight.

🎟️ Museum & Transport Passes

The MilanoCard and ATM 3‑Day Ticket can be cost‑effective if you’re sightseeing heavily. MilanoCard bundles free public transport with discounts at major museums and attractions. For pure transport savings, the ATM pass covers metro, tram and bus for 72 hours — ideal for a long weekend.

🚗 Airport Pro Tips

• Malpensa (MXP): Arrive 2 hours before short‑haul flights; security queues can be longer in the morning.
• Linate (LIN): Great for quick getaways — check if your airline uses it for faster transfers.
• Bergamo (BGY): Book shuttle tickets online in advance to guarantee your seat during peak times.

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