MXP

Best window seat at Malpensa

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Lake Maggiore, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Ticino River

LandingLEFT

Southern tip of Lake Maggiore, Ticino Valley Regional Park, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese

🛫 Taking Off from Milano (MXP)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting north on runway 35L, the right side offers a good view of Lake Maggiore, whose southern tip sits just a few miles northeast of Malpensa. As the aircraft climbs, the lake's shoreline and the pre-Alpine foothills come into view on that side, while the left side mostly shows flat Po Valley farmland.
Look forLake Maggiore, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Ticino River, Po Valley farmland
Left window seat view during takeoff from Milano (MXP) — Lake Maggiore, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Ticino River, Po Valley farmlandLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Milano (MXP) — Lake Maggiore, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Ticino River, Po Valley farmlandRight Side

🛬 Landing at Milano (MXP)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 35R means approaching from the south and touching down heading north, so the final few minutes take you up the flat Lombardy plain toward the Alpine foothills. On the left side you get glimpses of the southern tip of Lake Maggiore and the wooded Ticino Valley park terrain northwest of the airport, with the pre-Alps forming a hazy backdrop.
Look forSouthern tip of Lake Maggiore, Ticino Valley Regional Park, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Sesto Calende town area
Left window seat view during landing at Milano (MXP) — Southern tip of Lake Maggiore, Ticino Valley Regional Park, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Sesto Calende town areaLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Milano (MXP) — Southern tip of Lake Maggiore, Ticino Valley Regional Park, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Sesto Calende town areaRight Side
MilanoPhoto: Earth Photart

Malpensa is Milan's main international and long-haul hub, located about 45 minutes northwest of the city center, with two passenger terminals connected by shuttle bus and train. It's significantly larger than the city-center Linate airport and handles most transatlantic and intercontinental traffic.

⛰️ Elevation768 ft
🛫 Runways2 (17L/35R, 17R/35L)
✈️ HubITA Airways, easyJet
📍 NearbyLUG 27 miLIN 29 miBGY 47 miTRN 60 miVBS 79 mi

Connecting at MXP?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Malpensa.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Malpensa (MXP)?

At Malpensa in Milano: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Lake Maggiore, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Ticino River, Po Valley farmland.

What can I see during takeoff from Malpensa in Milano?

When taking off from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing north on runway 35L, the right side offers a good view of Lake Maggiore, whose southern tip sits just a few miles northeast of Malpensa. As the aircraft climbs, the lake's shoreline and the pre-Alpine foothills come into view on that side, while the left side mostly shows flat Po Valley farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Maggiore, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Ticino River, Po Valley farmland.

What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?

When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 35R means approaching from the south and touching down heading north, so the final few minutes take you up the flat Lombardy plain toward the Alpine foothills. On the left side you get glimpses of the southern tip of Lake Maggiore and the wooded Ticino Valley park terrain northwest of the airport, with the pre-Alps forming a hazy backdrop. Notable sights include: Southern tip of Lake Maggiore, Ticino Valley Regional Park, pre-Alpine foothills near Varese, Sesto Calende town area.

What factors affect the best window seat at Malpensa?

The best window seat at Malpensa (MXP) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Milano (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.