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: flying home this summer, we got a ticket to Arlanda from Malpensa for about 35% less than the same route direct from Zurich. As an example, Zurich to Oslo priced out at €179, while Milan to Oslo was €70 for a comparable flight.
Why Fly from Milan Instead of Zurich
Figure: 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’re traveling as a family, since the savings scale up per ticket
- You don’t 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 doesn’t require a big detour. If you’d 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.
Figure: The Milan-area airports within reach of southern Switzerland.
| Route | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Lugano → Malpensa | ~1.5–2 hours |
| Zurich → Malpensa | ~3.5–4 hours |
| Bern → Malpensa | ~4–5 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
Figure: 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) |
Don’t 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’re heading back into Switzerland
A cheap ticket isn’t always the cheapest overall trip if the extra costs add up.
Bernina or Lugano to Reach Milan?
| Route | Best For |
|---|---|
| Lugano → Malpensa | Fastest and most practical |
| Bernina → Tirano → 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. For a detailed comparison of these rail routes, see our guide on the 3 best ways to travel from Switzerland to Italy by train.
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.
