Traveling through Malpensa with children is manageable, but the distance to Milan means your transport choice matters more than at a closer airport. Here is what families need to know.
Child seats
Under Article 172 of the Italian highway code, children shorter than 1.50 m must use a child restraint. Cars in public service such as taxis and cars with driver are an exception: children under 1.50 m may travel without a restraint, but only on the rear seat and always accompanied by a passenger aged at least 16. That is a legal exception, not a safety guarantee. A proper child seat is not guaranteed in a taxi; to arrange one, book a private transfer and request the specific seat type when you make the reservation. Confirm the seat is actually in the vehicle the day before your flight.
Fixed-price private transfer
MXP Milan City Center
From€198for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €198 per vehicle, about €50 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
If you are bringing your own car seat, it works in both taxis and transfers. The downside is carrying it through the airport.
Strollers and luggage
Maneuvering a stroller, two suitcases, and a toddler through the station, onto the train, and then onto the Milan metro is doable but tiring. Many families find a transfer or taxi easier. The airport has a free shuttle service connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Best transport option for families
A pre-booked minivan transfer is a practical choice for families with children. You get door-to-door service, a vehicle large enough for luggage and strollers, a child seat if requested, and no need to navigate public transport with tired kids. A minivan is a fixed price quoted at booking (see the live From price on this page).
The taxi, at the predetermined fare of 114 euros to any street in Milan, is another option, but without a guaranteed child seat and with limited boot space in a standard sedan, it works better for families with older children.
Timing tips
If your child needs to sleep, a pre-booked transfer lets them doze in a proper car seat on the way to the hotel. Trains and buses do not offer that comfort.
Bottom line
A pre-booked minivan with a requested child seat is a convenient way to get a family from Malpensa to Milan. It costs more than the train but saves the kind of energy that matters when you are traveling with small children.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Child restraint rule under 1.50 m and the taxi exception: https://poliziadistato.it/articolo/pdf/172
- Taxi fare 114 euros to any street in Milan: https://www.comune.milano.it/documents/20118/68224/Tariffario+Taxi+(agg.+luglio+2024).pdf/a0372f46-b96d-11f6-3e03-9420e4f0cfd7?version=1.0&t=1746021632929&download=true
- Free shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2: https://www.milanomalpensa-airport.com/en/from-to/by-car
When a private transfer from MXP is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Milan City Center is from €198, about €50 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
MXP → Milan City Center from €198Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
MXP Milan City Center
From€198for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €198 per vehicle, about €50 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations