One thing that catches a lot of travelers off guard is how expensive flights out of Zurich can be to Scandinavian airports like Arlanda in Stockholm, Oslo, or Helsinki. One way around it: fly home from Milan instead, out of an airport like Malpensa.
Our own experience, traveling home this summer as a family of five: we got a ticket to Arlanda from Malpensa for about 35% less than the same route direct from Zurich. As a single-ticket example, Zurich to Oslo priced out at €179, while Milan to Oslo was €70 for a comparable flight. With three paid seats and two lap infants on the same routing, that gap becomes a real line item.
Why Fly from Milan Instead of Zurich
A Zurich departure, typically priced higher than the equivalent route out of Milan.
Zurich vs. Milan Malpensa
| Factor | Zurich (ZRH) | Milan Malpensa (MXP) |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket price | Usually higher | Often cheaper on low-cost carriers |
| Airline options | Full-service and low-cost | Many low-cost carriers |
| Easy to reach from Switzerland | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Good for budget travelers | 3 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
When Is This Strategy Worth It
Consider flying from Milan if:
- The price difference is CHF 80 to 100 or more per person
- You are traveling as a family, since the savings scale up per ticket
- You do not mind adding roughly 2 to 4 hours of travel time
For a family of four, a small per-ticket difference can add up to hundreds of francs in total savings.
Getting to Malpensa
Reaching Malpensa from Lugano costs around €15 and does not require a big detour. If you would rather make the journey part of the trip itself, the scenic Bernina Express to St. Moritz and onward to Milan is another option, though it takes noticeably longer than going via Lugano.
The Milan-area airports within reach of southern Switzerland.
| Route | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Lugano to Malpensa | ~1.5 to 2 hours |
| Zurich to Malpensa | ~3.5 to 4 hours |
| Bern to Malpensa | ~4 to 5 hours |
The Swiss Travel Pass covers the Swiss portion of any of these routes. The segment inside Italy needs a separate ticket.
Airlines That Serve This Route
Boarding a Nordic-bound flight from Malpensa, where the airline options tend to be wider.
Routes from Milan to Nordic countries are frequently served by:
- Ryanair
- easyJet
- Norwegian
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
- Wizz Air (select routes)
The airline selection is generally wider here than on the equivalent direct routes from Switzerland.
Example Savings
| Item | Zurich | Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Flight ticket | €180 | €70 |
| Transport to airport | €10 | €15 |
| Total | €190 | €85 |
Potential savings: roughly €105 per person.
Nordic Destinations Often Cheaper via Milan
| City | Airport |
|---|---|
| Stockholm | Arlanda (ARN) |
| Oslo | Gardermoen (OSL) |
| Helsinki | Helsinki Airport (HEL) |
| Copenhagen | Copenhagen Airport (CPH) |
Do Not Forget the Hidden Costs
Before booking the cheapest fare, check:
- Cabin and checked baggage fees
- Seat selection charges
- Transport to the airport
- Food costs during a longer transit
- The last train schedule if you are heading back into Switzerland
A cheap ticket is not always the cheapest overall trip if the extra costs add up.
Bernina or Lugano to Reach Milan
| Route | Best for |
|---|---|
| Lugano to Malpensa | Fastest and most practical |
| Bernina to Tirano to Milan | Chasing the scenic Alps experience |
If the goal is simply catching a flight, the Lugano route is generally more efficient. The Bernina route makes more sense if the train ride itself is part of the vacation.
Common Questions
Is flying from Milan usually cheaper than Zurich?
Yes, often significantly, especially on Nordic routes served by low-cost carriers. In our own case, a ticket to Stockholm's Arlanda from Malpensa came out around 35% cheaper than flying direct from Zurich.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover the trip to Malpensa?
Not the full way. It covers travel within Switzerland, but the segment inside Italy, including the final leg to Malpensa, needs a separate ticket.
Is the Bernina route the fastest way to Milan?
No. The Lugano to Malpensa route is faster and more practical if catching a flight is the priority. The Bernina route takes longer and suits travelers who want the scenic ride as part of the trip itself.
Does this strategy save more for families?
Yes. Airport transport and travel time stay roughly fixed per trip rather than per person, so a small per-ticket saving multiplies across a family of four into a bigger total saving.
Should you check hidden costs before booking?
Yes. Baggage fees, seat selection, airport transport, and food during a longer transit can offset a cheap fare fast, so it is worth totaling the real cost before assuming Milan is the better deal.
More Family Trip Reads
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Train ticket to Italy purchased
- At least 2 to 3 hours of buffer time before the flight
- Airline baggage rules checked
- Boarding pass downloaded
- Possible cross-border train delays accounted for
Who This Strategy Suits Best
| Traveler type | Good fit? |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | 5 / 5 |
| Family | 5 / 5 |
| Budget traveler | 5 / 5 |
| Business traveler | 2 / 5 |
| Short transit | 2 / 5 |
This approach works best for travelers who prioritize savings and have some flexibility with their schedule.
Linea
Professional mom of three and somehow still standing. Low-prep activities, cozy traditions, kid-friendly recipes & finds for curious kids, because we're all winging it together :)
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