The second-busiest airport in Italy is Milan Malpensa (MXP), roughly 30 miles outside of Milan. The easiest way to get into central Milan from the airport is by taking the airport express train.
The Malpensa Express is operated by Trenord, a division of Trenitalia, and serves three stations in the city center—Milano Centrale, Milano Porta Garibaldi, and Milano Cadorna. The trip takes roughly 35-50 minutes, and trains leave the airport every 20-30 minutes. These trains don't run non-stop, but the journey is fast and efficient. The first train leaves the airport from the lower level in Terminal 1 at 4:28 a.m. and the last of the day is at 12:26 a.m. Tickets cost €12 for adults one-way, or €18 round-trip.
Trains departing Malpensa don't all stop at all three of the aforementioned stations. There are two different routes, so you'll need to pay attention to which station you need and which train you will board. Trains headed for Milano Cadorna only go to that station, while other trains stop at both Milano Porta Garibaldi and Milano Centrale. The trip to Cadorna is 35 minutes; to Porta Garibaldi, 41 minutes; and to Centrale 52 minutes.
Photo credit: Timothy Vollmer