From Milan Malpensa to Courmayeur: the easiest way to start your Alps escape

Milan is all polish and pace. Courmayeur is alpine calm with a sharp sense of style. The only challenge is the move from runway to mountain street.



If you want a simple plan with a driver waiting in arrivals, book a transfer from Milan Airport to Courmayeur and skip the guesswork.

Courmayeur in one minute

Courmayeur sits in Italy’s Aosta Valley at about 1,224 metres above sea level. It is one of the gateways to Mont Blanc, with winter sports and summer hiking in the same compact town.

  • Best for: ski weekends, slow mornings, mountain spas
  • Vibe: elegant, quiet, outdoors focused
  • Good to know: snow days can change road speed fast
a group of people skiing down a snow covered mountain in Courmayeur
Photo by Francisco T Santos on Unsplash

How far is Malpensa from Courmayeur

The road journey is roughly 210 km and it is often a little over two hours in clear conditions. In peak traffic or fresh snow it can take closer to three hours.

Why timing matters

  • Friday evenings can be busy on northern routes.
  • Saturday changeovers create pressure on roads and taxis.
  • Winter storms can slow the last stretch into the valley.

Your main transport options

Option 1: private car with driver

This is the cleanest choice when you land tired or late. It is also the easiest when you have skis, a stroller, or more than two suitcases.

  • Meet in arrivals: look for a name sign and a clear pickup point.
  • Fixed route to your address: hotel, chalet, or apartment.
  • Practical extras: child seats and larger cars on request.

A pre booked ride saves time, and stress.

Option 2: direct bus from the airport

If you travel light and land early, the bus can be great value. There are direct rides from Milan Malpensa Airport to Courmayeur on selected schedules, and the fastest journeys are around three hours.

  • Best for: solo travellers, flexible plans, light luggage
  • Watch for: limited departures later in the day
  • Tip: buy ahead during winter weekends

Option 3: car hire

Renting a car works if you plan to explore the valley and nearby towns. You will deal with tolls, parking, and winter driving rules, so it suits confident drivers.

  • Check your rental for winter tyres and local requirements.
  • Plan a short break stop if you arrive after a long flight.
  • Keep your destination pin ready for final village turns.

What to choose for your trip style

For a ski weekend with tight check in times

  • Choose a private transfer for a straight arrival.
  • Send your accommodation address and phone number.
  • Request space for ski bags if needed.

For a relaxed budget trip

  • Take the direct bus if it matches your landing time.
  • Pack so you can handle luggage without help.
  • Have a backup plan if the next departure is hours away.

For families

  • Prioritise child seats and space for bags.
  • Keep snacks and water easy to reach.
  • Pick the option with the fewest steps after landing.

Arrival tips that make the trip smoother

  • Keep your phone online: messages help you meet fast.
  • Save your address as text: not only a map pin.
  • Allow buffer time: winter roads are not predictable.
  • Carry a layer: Courmayeur can feel much colder than Milan.

A simple checklist before you fly

  • Flight number and arrival time
  • Full destination address and a contact number
  • Passenger count and luggage count
  • Note for skis, boards, or extra large bags
  • Child seat request if needed

One last step: book the right service

When your winter break is short, planning transport is the easiest win. If you want a reserved car, clear pickup, and a direct ride to your door, you can arrange it with Kiwitaxi before you travel.

Arrive calm, drop your bags, and get straight to the mountain air. Courmayeur is better when you start it unhurried.

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Celia Abernethy

Celia Abernethy lives in both Milan and Lake Como in Italy. She shares her discoveries from her travels and experiences in Italy and beyond on MilanoStyle.com and LakeComoStyle.com, giving readers an insider’s view of what to do, where to go, and how to do it in style. Celia contributes to several lifestyle and travel publications.



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