Paris PAR to Milan MIL flight with Vueling Airlines

Traveling from Paris to Milan by Flight

Introduction

When planning our France-to-Italy adventure, my friend and I decided to fly from Paris to Milan to save time. With just over an hour in the air, it seemed the most efficient way to hop between two major cities, especially since we had limited time and wanted to make the most of it. In this post, I’ll share what flying from Paris to Milan is really like and how we navigated everything, from airport transfers to arrival in the city center.

Route Overview

Taking a flight from Paris to Milan is by far the fastest option, with direct flights clocking in at around 1 hour and 25 minutes. Most airlines operate between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN).

If you’re wondering about the best way to get from Paris to Milan, flying is ideal if you’re short on time, especially with budget airlines offering competitive fares. If you prefer a slower, more scenic journey, you can compare trains from Paris to Milan on Omio. For us, though, flying made the most sense for this leg of the trip.

Transportation Experience

We booked our flights on Omio a week in advance and ended up with a great deal on a direct afternoon flight from Orly to Linate via Vueling. The digital boarding passes made everything super easy.

The key thing to keep in mind is airport time. We arrived at Orly about two hours early, which gave us plenty of time for check-in, security, and, of course, a quick coffee. While flying did save us time overall, it definitely involved a bit more hustle compared to the ease of simply boarding a train.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Airports

We flew out of Paris Orly (ORY), which is smaller and more manageable than Charles de Gaulle. It’s about a 30-minute drive from central Paris, and we used a ride-share to get there smoothly. Security was efficient, and we found a decent café to grab a bite before boarding.

We landed at Milan Linate (LIN), a small, convenient airport just 20 minutes from the city center. We loved how quickly we were able to get our bags and hop into a taxi. You can also take public transport if you’re budget-conscious.

Schedule & Frequency

There are dozens of daily flights from Paris to Milan, with options from early morning to late evening. We chose an afternoon flight to give ourselves a relaxed morning in Paris and still make it in time for an aperitivo in Milan. Most airlines are punctual, but we recommend checking in online ahead of time just to avoid airport delays.

In-Flight Experience & Services

Flying with Vueling was efficient and smooth. The seats were basic but clean and comfortable enough for a short flight. Since it’s a budget airline, amenities are minimal, which means there's no Wi-Fi and no complimentary snacks unless you purchase them. However, the staff was friendly, and boarding was well-organized.

We had carry-on luggage only, which made getting through both airports quicker. If you’re checking a bag, make sure to account for that extra wait time upon arrival. On Vueling flights to Milan, you can usually bring one cabin bag and a personal item (like a laptop bag). Depending on your fare, checked baggage may or may not be included, so you might need to pay extra.

The flight path was mostly clouded over, but we did get some glimpses of the Alps through the window as we began our descent into Milan.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

We paid €48 each for a one-way ticket that included just a carry-on. Budget airlines like Vueling or EasyJet often offer great fares, but be sure to check luggage restrictions and add-ons, such as seat selection or checked bags.

Booking a week or two in advance typically gives you the best balance between price and flexibility. Early-morning and late-night flights tend to be cheaper, but they can eat into your sleep schedule or arrival plans.

Estimated budget:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Choose Orly to Linate for a faster overall trip: both airports are closer to city centers than CDG or Malpensa.
• Check baggage rules carefully: budget fares usually don’t include a checked bag.
• Arrive a couple of hours early: it takes a while to clear check-in and security, even if you check in online.
• Keep snacks handy: especially if you’re flying during meal times or with a no-frills airline.
• Try to sit by the window: on a clear day, you'll see beautiful aerial views over the Alps.

Conclusion

Flying from Paris to Milan is the perfect option when you’re short on time but want to make the most of both cities. While it doesn’t have the scenic charm of a train ride, it gets you where you need to be and fast. For us, it was a seamless and efficient part of our European itinerary. Just book early, pack light, and enjoy the quick hop across the border.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel and Lifestyle Content Creator

• Bio: Nancy Sevilla is a travel and lifestyle content creator who shares honest guides, helpful tips, and personal experiences from her global adventures. Based between Spain and the U.S., she specializes in solo travel, digital nomad life, and creating visually compelling content for her blog and social platforms.