Getting Around Milan: A Practical Guide for Visitors
Milan has an extensive internal public transport network that makes exploring the city convenient and accessible. The system includes the metro, suburban railway, trams, and buses, complemented by taxis and bike-sharing services. Understanding your transport options will help you navigate this major Italian city efficiently.
The Metro System
The Milan Metro is a rapid transit system running mainly underground and serving Milan and surrounding cities. The network consists of 5 lines, each identified by different colors and numbers. This is the longest metro network in Italy and provides comprehensive coverage across the city.
The metro is an efficient way to move between different parts of Milan. All three metro lines connect at central interchange points, making it easy to change lines if needed. Metro line 4 runs from east to west across the city, with connections available to all other lines.
Suburban Railway Network
Beyond the metro, a suburban railway service connects Milan to the greater metropolitan area. This system comprises 13 lines operating from various stations, including an underground line known as the Passante that passes through the city. The suburban trains are useful for reaching destinations beyond central Milan and connecting to regional cities.
Trams and Buses
Milan has an extensive tram network comprising 17 urban lines. The tram system is one of Italy's largest and offers good coverage throughout the city. Trams are a traditional and scenic way to travel around Milan, with many historic lines still operating.
The city also has 65 bus lines and 4 trolleybus lines. Most bus routes operate during daytime hours, though night bus services on demand are available on weekends. Weekend night bus lines run from 2 am to 6 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Buying Tickets and Passes
Tickets for the metro, trams, and buses are integrated into a single ticketing system. Individual tickets work across all these modes of transport. At Linate Airport, for example, metro tickets cost €2.20, the same as regular public transport fares within the city. Tickets can be purchased from newsagents and ticket machines throughout the city.
Walkability
Milan's city center is generally walkable, allowing visitors to explore on foot between major attractions. The metro, trams, and buses extend coverage to areas beyond the pedestrian-friendly center, so you can combine walking with public transport depending on your itinerary.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis in Milan are white by municipal regulation. They can be found at designated taxi ranks throughout the city or booked via the unified taxi number 02 7777. Fixed fares apply for routes between the city center and airports, making these journeys predictable in cost.
Several car-sharing systems operate in Milan, including services managed by ATM, Car2go, E-vai, and others. These provide an alternative for visitors who want the flexibility of a personal vehicle for specific journeys.
Getting from Malpensa Airport to the City
Malpensa is Milan's biggest airport, located about 40 km northwest of the city center. The most convenient option is the Malpensa Express train service, which provides a direct rail connection to central railway stations including Centrale, Garibaldi, and Cadorna. This is faster and more reliable than road transport given the airport's distance from the city.
Buses are also available as a cheaper alternative, though they take longer. Taxis are an option if you prefer direct service to your destination, though they will be more expensive than train or bus options.
Getting from Linate Airport to the City
Linate is a smaller, efficient airport located close to the city center, just 7 km away. It primarily handles domestic and intra-European flights. The most convenient connection is Metro line 4, which runs every 7 minutes and crosses the city from east to west with interchanges to all three other metro lines. Tickets cost €2.20, available from newsagents in the terminal. Note that this is regular city transport with multiple stops, so it may get crowded during peak hours.
Alternatively, a shuttle bus operated by Autostradale connects Linate to Milan Central Railway Station, running every 30 minutes and taking approximately 27 minutes. Adult tickets cost €5. This bus also stops at Lambrate railway station.
Taxis from Linate to the city center cost approximately €12-20 depending on traffic conditions, with a minimum charge of €12. Avoid unofficial taxi touts at the terminal exit who offer service to outlying cities at much higher rates.
Getting from Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio) to the City
Bergamo Airport is located about 45 km northeast of Milan near the city of Bergamo. Several coach services operate between the airport and Milan Central Station, with buses running multiple times daily. One-way adult fares range from around €7-12 depending on how far in advance you book. The journey takes just over an hour.
An alternative route is to take a local bus to Bergamo railway station (about 15-25 minutes from the airport) and then train from there to Milan. Trains from Bergamo to Milan run every 30-60 minutes and take around one hour, with fares of €4.50-€5.80 depending on the train service and destination station.
Major Railway Stations
Milan Central (Milano Centrale) is the main railway station and the largest in northern Italy. It serves express and fast trains to all major Italian cities as well as international destinations including Zurich, Geneva, Munich, Vienna, and Marseille. The station connects to Metro lines MM2 and MM3, and buses depart from the station for the airports.
Milano Porta Garibaldi handles regional and national trains to major Lombardy cities and also has services to Malpensa Airport and Paris. The station connects to Metro lines MM2 and MM5, as well as suburban commuter lines.