Public Transport in Milan: Ultimate Guide to Getting Around the City
Discover everything about transport in Milan, from metro and buses to taxis and trams. Learn how to get around, pay for tickets and explore the city easily.
Milanized! Crew
Public Transport in Milan is renowned for its efficiency and accessibility, making it one of the easiest cities to explore in Italy. From its iconic trams and extensive metro network to reliable buses and regional trains, the city offers a variety of options to suit every traveler.
This guide covers everything you need to know from public transport to taxis, ride-sharing services and airport connections, helping you navigate the city like a local.
Public Transport Options in Milan
Milan offers a reliable and well-connected public transport network, making it easy to navigate the city and its surrounding areas.
Metro System in Milan
The metro is the most popular and reliable way to navigate Milan. It features five lines, each color-coded for simplicity.
The M1, or Red Line, connects iconic locations like the Duomo and the Rho Fiera exhibition center, while the M2 Green Line links Milan Central Station to suburban destinations such as Assago and Gessate.
The M3 Yellow Line runs through Milan’s main transportation hubs, including Duomo and Central Station, ending at San Donato. The recently launched M4 Blue Line is a game-changer, providing direct access to Linate Airport.
Meanwhile, the M5 Purple Line serves modern districts like the San Siro area, making it perfect for sports enthusiasts and concertgoers.
Trains are frequent, with services starting around 6:00 AM and continuing until midnight.
Trams and Buses
Milan’s tram network is a unique blend of history and modernity. The charming yellow trams, some dating back to the early 20th century, offer a nostalgic way to see the city while also being a practical mode of transport. Modern trams operate alongside these vintage vehicles, efficiently connecting neighborhoods and attractions.
Buses complement the tram and metro systems by covering areas that may not have direct tram or metro access. They are especially useful for getting to less central parts of Milan or for late-night travel when the metro is closed.
Tickets for buses and trams are the same as metro tickets and must be validated upon boarding.
Regional and National Trains
For journeys beyond the city, Milan’s regional and national trains are indispensable.
Trenord’s regional trains connect Milan to picturesque towns like Como, Bergamo and Pavia, making them perfect for day trips from the city. High-speed trains operated by Trenitalia and Italo link Milan with other major Italian cities, including Rome, Florence and Venice.
Milan Centrale is the city’s main railway hub and one of the most striking train stations in Europe. It handles most long-distance and regional trains. Other important stations include Porta Garibaldi, which caters to suburban and regional routes and Cadorna, the go-to station for trains to Malpensa Airport and nearby towns.
Getting To and From Milan’s Airports
Milan is served by three main airports: Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY). Each offers various transportation options to connect travelers to the city center, ensuring a smooth arrival or departure.
Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Malpensa Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers from Milan's city center, offers several transportation options to suit various preferences and budgets.
The Malpensa Express offers a fast and convenient link from the airport to central Milan, with stops at Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna stations. Trains depart every 30 minutes, and the ETA to Milano Centrale is about 52 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €13, while a round-trip ticket is priced at €20.
For a more economical choice, shuttle buses operate regularly between Malpensa Airport and Milano Centrale. Services like the Malpensa Shuttle run every 20 minutes, with a travel time of approximately 50 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €10, while a round-trip option is priced at €16.
If convenience is a priority, taxis and private transfers are readily available. Taxis offer a fixed fare of €95 to central Milan, providing a direct and comfortable ride. Private transfer services are also an option, with prices starting around €100, depending on the provider and specific requirements.
Linate Airport (LIN)
Linate Airport, situated just 7 kilometers from Milan's city center, offers several convenient transportation options to suit various preferences and budgets.
The M4 Metro Line, also known as the "Blue Line", provides a direct connection from Linate Airport to the city center. The journey from the airport to the city center takes approximately 12 minutes, offering a swift and efficient travel option.
For those preferring bus services, the Linate Shuttle operates between the airport and Milano Centrale railway station. The travel time is about 25 minutes, with tickets priced at €7 for a one-way trip. Buses run every 30 minutes, providing a reliable alternative for travelers.
Taxis are readily available at Linate Airport, offering a convenient door-to-door service. The fare to central Milan typically ranges from €20 to €30, depending on traffic conditions and the exact destination. This option is particularly advantageous for those with heavy luggage or seeking a more personalized travel experience.
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, approximately 50 kilometers from Milan, offers several transportation options to the city center.
Services like Terravision and Orio Shuttle operate frequent buses to Milano Centrale Station, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes. The trip typically lasts between 50 minutes and an hour. One-way fares start at €5, with round-trip tickets available for €9.
Taxis provide direct service to Milan's city center, with fares ranging from €80 to €100, depending on traffic and destination. Private transfers can be arranged, with prices starting around €100.
Payment Methods and Tickets
Milan's public transport network, managed by ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi), integrates buses, trams and metro services under a unified ticketing system. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, authorized retailers such as newsstands and tobacconists, or via the official ATM mobile app, which allows payments through credit cards, PayPal or Satispay.
For added convenience, contactless payments are accepted across the entire network. Passengers can use contactless credit or debit cards, as well as smartphones and smartwatches, to pay directly at metro turnstiles and on buses and trams. This system automatically calculates the best fare for your journey, applying daily caps where applicable.
Are Trams Free in Milan?
No, trams in Milan are not free. They require a valid ticket, just like buses and the metro. The same ticket is valid across all modes of transport within its validity period. It's important to purchase and validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines, which can range from €50 to €200 for fare evasion.
How Much Does Public Transport Cost in Milan?
As of January 9, 2023, ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) updated its fare structure to accommodate rising operational costs.
A standard single journey ticket now costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes from the first validation. This allows for multiple transfers across buses, trams and metro lines, with the condition of a single metro entry.
For those planning to travel extensively within a day, a 24-hour ticket is available for €7.60, permitting unlimited journeys within the specified time frame. Additionally, a 3-day ticket can be purchased for €15.50, offering unlimited travel for three consecutive days until the end of service on the third day.
For frequent travellers, a carnet of 10 tickets is offered at €19.50, with each ticket valid for 90 minutes from the first validation. It's important to note that tickets from the carnet cannot be used by multiple people simultaneously.
These fares apply to travel within Milan's urban area and the adjacent Mi3 fare zone. For journeys extending beyond these zones, different fares may apply based on the number of zones traversed.
Children under 14 years of age travel for free on Milan's public transport system when accompanied by an adult and carrying valid identification.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxi fares in Milan are regulated, with rates set by local authorities. The base fare starts at approximately €3.50 during weekdays and increases during nighttime hours and on holidays.
The fare per kilometer is around €1.10, with additional charges for luggage and travel to or from airports. While taxis offer convenience, especially for direct routes or when traveling with luggage, they can be more costly compared to public transportation options.
Ride-sharing services like Uber Black tend to be more expensive than standard taxis due to their premium nature.
Conclusion
Milan’s efficient and well-connected transport network ensures that navigating the city is simple and stress-free, whether you’re using its iconic trams, modern metro, or reliable bus and train services. By understanding your options and planning ahead, you can travel like a local and make the most of your time in this dynamic Italian city.
