Cheap flights from Sydney (SYD) to Milan (MXP)

Milan trades Rome's ruins for fashion houses, a Gothic cathedral you can climb for rooftop views, and Leonardo's Last Supper tucked into a quiet convent refectory a short walk from the Duomo. It's also one of the best-connected gateways into Italy's Lombardy region and the Lakes district beyond, even though getting there from Sydney means at least one stop over the Middle East or Asia.

Which airlines fly from Sydney to Milan?

There's no non-stop flight between Sydney and Milan Malpensa — every itinerary connects through a major hub:

• Emirates – connects via Dubai, a full-service option with a wide network of onward European connections.
• Qatar Airways – routes via Doha, another well-regarded full-service Middle Eastern connection.
• Singapore Airlines – connects via Singapore, popular for its shorter first leg and strong onward Europe network.
• Etihad Airways – connects via Abu Dhabi, generally one of the faster total journey times on this route.

Flight time from Sydney to Milan?

Total journey time depends heavily on your connecting hub, ranging from around 23 hours 15 minutes on the faster Middle East connections up to 25 hours or more via some Asian hubs, not including layover time. Abu Dhabi and Dubai connections tend to run toward the faster end of that range.

Average price of flights between Sydney and Milan

As a long-haul route with multiple competing hub options, fares vary noticeably by carrier and season, with the cheapest fares from AU$994. European summer (June–August) and the December holiday period both push prices up considerably.

Cheapest time to fly to Milan

Northern Italy's shoulder seasons — spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) — offer milder weather and noticeably lower fares and hotel prices than the height of European summer. Flying outside European school holidays and the Christmas–New Year period, and booking several months ahead for a long-haul route like this, both help keep costs down.

Where is the airport in Milan?

Milan Malpensa Airport sits about 50 kilometres northwest of the city centre.

The Malpensa Express train is the easiest way in, running every 15–30 minutes to Milano Cadorna (around 30 minutes) or Milano Centrale (around 50 minutes) for about €13. Taxis and rideshares are also available outside the terminal for a door-to-door option, or you can arrange an airport transfer ahead of time through Traveloka.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Milan

Australian passport holders can currently enter Italy and the wider Schengen Area visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and this covers short tourist and business visits. From late 2026, the European ETIAS electronic travel authorisation is expected to add an extra online pre-registration step (not a visa) for visa-exempt travellers, similar to Australia's own ETA system. Since these rules are changing, it's worth checking the current requirement shortly before you fly.

Time difference between Sydney and Milan

Italy runs 8 to 9 hours behind Sydney, with the exact gap shifting slightly depending on whether each country is currently observing its own daylight saving, since the changeover dates don't line up.

Our tips for getting the best price on flights

• Compare hub options – Fares and total travel time both vary by connecting city, so it's worth checking Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Singapore routings.
• Avoid European summer and Christmas – These are the most expensive times to fly to Italy.
• Book well ahead – Long-haul fares to Europe generally reward early booking.
• Be flexible with your connecting hub – Willingness to fly via a different city can unlock a meaningfully cheaper fare.
• Set a Price Alert – Let Traveloka track this route for you.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

Booking a long-haul connecting trip like this is easier through Traveloka:

• Compare fares across Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Etihad in one search.
• Easy Reschedule if your travel dates need to shift.
• Price Alert to flag genuine fare drops.
• 24/7 customer support across time zones.
• Book hotels and activities in Milan alongside your flight.

The Duomo, the Navigli canal district and day trips to Lake Como are all easily reached once you land — start planning your Milan trip on Traveloka today.