Getting Around In Milan

Milan is fairly compact, although getting from A to B on foot in the summer heat can be uncomfortable. There is an excellent metro system in place that runs to most parts of the city, while a bus and tram system also covers a huge area. Overland trains also provide an invaluable service to those wanting to travel to the northwest of the city, while taxis run to all areas at all hours.

By metro

Getting about by metro in Milan is by far the best transport option. There are three subway lines (1, 2 and 3) that provide quick access to most of the city’s important attractions and thoroughfares. In addition, many bus and tram stops are located near to metro stations and tickets can be used for other forms of shared public transport. The metro remains open from about 06:00 to midnight or later on Saturdays and entrances are denoted by a large white 'M' on a red background.

By train

You can cover more ground by train if you are travelling to the outskirts of Milan. Trains run from the metro to the northwest of Milan (Bosvia to via Porta Venezia) via via Lancetti, Stazione Garibaldi and Piazza della Repubblica. Tickets are valid for 75 minutes from being stamped and can be used on other forms of transport, as with metro tickets, although you can only ride the metro once with a train ticket. Tickets can be bought at many outlets including tobacconists, coffee shops, news stands and ticket machines.

By bus and tram

Making use of Milan’s bus and tram system is also a good way of travelling around the city, with the multitude of bus and tram stops and excellent coverage. The buses and trams are orange, apart from the green tourist trams, and stops are easily recognisable with a yellow sign. Buy your ticket from ticket machines or tobacconists, before getting on the bus. The metro is definitely faster than travelling by bus or tram, yet you get to see a lot more of the city’s attractions on the road.

Taxis

Official taxis in Milan are white (sometimes yellow) and have a license number on the roof together with a shield on the side of the vehicle. Taxis are fairly priced and offer the most convenient means of above-ground transport and can be booked by telephone or hired from one of the numerous stands in the city. Late at night, extra luggage and extra passenger charges may apply.

Tourist services

Air-conditioned guided bus tours take in most of Milan’s main sights and run daily. Tours are typically three hours long and not the traditional hop-on, hop-off type; however, passengers will get enough time at each sight to have a look around and take pictures. Tours take in most top sights and run from the APT Information Office at via Marconi 1, near Piazza del Duomo. Daily and weekly Tourist Tickets covering the metro, trains, trams and buses are also available.

From Milans airports

Milan Malpensa Airport and Milan Linate Airport are two of Italy’s busiest airports and are both well connected with the city centre. Malpensa mostly handles international flights, while Linate takes care of the majority of the domestic arrivals and departures. A 40-minute train service runs from Malpensa to the city, along with shuttle buses and taxis, while local buses and taxis provide transport to Milan and hotels from Linate Airport.