Best way to get around Milan: Helpful tips and tricks

Navigating a city like Milan is a breeze once you know the options available. Understanding how to get around in Milan can enhance your travel experience, allowing you to explore the city’s rich history by visiting some of Milan’s best museums and various fun and unexpected attractions.

Milan offers excellent public transportation, including an extensive metro system, buses, trams, and bike-sharing services. Whether you’re a first-time visitor of Milan or a seasoned traveler, this guide will make getting around Milan effortless.

Getting around Milan: tips and tricks

• Use the Malpensa Express: If you’re traveling to or from Malpensa Airport, the Malpensa Express train provides a direct connection to Milan’s central stations.
• Purchase an ATM ticket or travel card: Milan’s public transportation is operated by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM). You can buy single tickets, day passes, or multi-day passes valid on buses, trams, and the metro. Tickets are available at metro stations, newsstands, and automated kiosks.
• Validate your ticket: Always remember to validate your ticket at the start of your journey using the machines provided. Failure to do so may result in a fine if inspected.
• Get the MilanoCard: A Milan City pass that offers free public transportation, free audioguide, and discounted access to many Milan’s best places to visit and tourist attractions.
• Rent a bike with BikeMi: Milan offers a bike-sharing service called BikeMi, which includes traditional and electric bicycles. Stations are spread throughout the city, making picking up and dropping off bikes conveniently.
• Explore car-sharing services: Companies like Enjoy and Share Now offer car-sharing options, which can be convenient for short trips within the city.
• Check out the night buses: Milan offers night bus services after the metro closes, ensuring you can get around even when exploring things to do at night.
• Consider electric scooters: Electric scooter-sharing services like Helbiz, Lime, and Bird are available in Milan, offering another convenient way to get around.
• Avoid rush hour: Public transportation can get crowded during peak hours, typically between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Plan your travel outside these times.
• Explore on foot: Many of Milan’s attractions, like the Duomo and the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery, are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center. Walking is a great way to experience the city’s architecture and atmosphere.

Useful apps

• Google Maps: Plan your routes and find real-time walking or biking directions. It provides public transportation schedules and updates for Milan’s metro, buses, and trams.
• Citymapper: An excellent app for mapping out Milan’s best public transportation routes. It includes live departure times, disruption alerts, and cycling and walking route options.
• ATM Milano Official App: The official app of Milan’s public transportation operator, ATM. It offers real-time information on buses, trams, and metro services, live departure times, service updates, and the ability to purchase tickets directly through the app.
• Moovit: Provides detailed schedules and routes for Milan trams, buses, and metro services.
• BikeMi App: The official app for Milan’s bike-sharing service. It allows you to find the nearest bike stations, check bike availability, and manage your BikeMi account.

1. Getting around by train in Milan

Milan’s train network, which includes the metro (underground) and suburban trains (overground), offers a fast and efficient way to explore the city and its surroundings, including famous day trips to places like Lake Como. The metro’s five lines connect major attractions and operate from 5:30 AM/6:00 AM to around midnight.

How to plan your journey

Download the Citymapper or ATM Milano Official App to plan your routes with real-time updates. These apps help you find the fastest or cheapest options and suggest which carriage to board for convenient exits. Google Maps is also reliable for navigation. Always check for service updates, especially during holidays or strikes, to avoid disruptions.

How to buy and use train tickets in Milan

You can purchase tickets at station kiosks, authorized retailers, or via the ATM Milano Official App. Options include single tickets (valid for 90 minutes), day passes, and multi-day passes. You can also use contactless payment by tapping your credit or debit card at the turnstiles.
Remember to validate your paper ticket at the yellow machines before boarding or scan your digital ticket or card at the gates.

2. Getting around Milan by tram

Milan’s tram network is one of the most extensive in Europe, with over 17 lines crisscrossing the city. These iconic trams, some of which date back to the 1920s, aren’t just a way to get around—they’re a piece of Milanese history. Locals and tourists use trams to navigate the city, connecting central landmarks like the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco to quieter neighborhoods. Some lines, like the historic Line 1, pass through the most scenic routes, offering a built-in sightseeing tour of Milan.
They’re especially useful for areas not covered by the metro and for those who want to enjoy Milan’s sights from above ground.

3. Taking the bus in Milan

Buses are convenient for exploring the city and offer a more scenic route than underground travel. The con? They may be slower due to traffic.

Night Buses

After the metro and regular buses stop running, Milan offers a network of night buses called “Linee Notturne.” These buses run from midnight to 6:00 AM and often mirror the main daytime routes, including the metro lines. Night buses are a safe and reliable option for late-night travel.

How to buy and use bus tickets in Milan

Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, authorized kiosks, newsstands, or via the ATM Milano Official App. Remember to validate your ticket by stamping it in the machine when you board the bus. If using a digital ticket, activate it in the app before boarding.

4. Getting around Milan by bike

With numerous bike lanes and flat terrain, cycling offers flexibility and lets you see sights at your own pace. Biking is often quicker than driving in congested areas.

Renting Bikes in Milan

Use BikeMi, Milan’s official bike-sharing service, which offers traditional and electric bicycles. Sign up on BikeMi’s official website or download the BikeMi App. Stations are scattered throughout the city, making picking up and dropping off bikes easy. Subscriptions are available for daily, weekly, or annual use.

5. Getting about Milan by boat

While Milan isn’t famous for waterways, the Navigli canals offer a unique way to see the city. These historic canals, some designed by Leonardo da Vinci, are in a district filled with cafes, bars, and artisan shops.

Visiting the Navigli Canals

Take metro Line 2 (Green Line) to Porta Genova station; the canals are just a short walk away. The best time to explore is in the evening when the district comes alive with street performers and alfresco dining. While boat tours are available during warmer months, simply strolling along the canal banks offers a picturesque experience.

6. Using taxis and ride-sharing services in Milan

Official white taxis can be hailed on the street, found at taxi ranks, or booked via apps like Free Now. Fares are metered, but extra charges may apply for luggage or late-night trips. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Milan, though services are often limited to Uber Black, meaning higher prices.

7. Hourly car rental services in Milan

For flexibility, consider hourly car rental services like Enjoy and Share Now. These car-sharing platforms let you rent vehicles by the minute, hour, or day without the hassle of traditional rentals. Download the app, register with your driver’s license, and locate a nearby car. Fuel, insurance, and parking within designated areas are typically included. Respect traffic rules and be mindful of Milan’s Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) to avoid fines.

FAQS

What’s the best way to get from Milan airport to the city center?

Milan has two main airports: Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). From Malpensa, the quickest option is the Malpensa Express train, which takes about 50 minutes to reach central stations like Milano Centrale or Cadorna. From Linate Airport, the M4 metro line connects you directly to the city center in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, the Air Bus shuttle service links Linate to Milano Centrale. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available at both airports but are more expensive.

How accessible is public transportation in Milan?

Milan’s public transportation is generally accessible, and efforts are made to accommodate all travelers. Many metro stations have elevators and escalators, and newer buses and trams feature low-floor designs for easy boarding. The ATM Milano Official App provides information on accessible routes and facilities.

Does public transportation run all night in Milan?

While the metro and most trams stop running around midnight, Milan operates a network of night buses that cover key routes throughout the city. These buses often mirror the main daytime lines and run from midnight until 6:00 AM. Night buses ensure you can still get around after hours, but they run less frequently.

Is it safe to use public transportation late at night?

Using public transportation in Milan at night is generally safe. Night buses are commonly used by locals and are monitored for security. However, standard precautions apply: stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid isolated areas when possible.

Are there any transportation passes in Milan?

Yes, Milan offers several transportation tickets or passes for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and the metro. Options include the 24-hour pass, 48-hour pass, and 72-hour pass. For more extended stays, weekly and monthly passes are available. The MilanoCard is a tourist pass that provides unlimited public transport and discounts on attractions.

What’s the best mode of transportation for travelers in Milan?

The best mode depends on your preferences and itinerary. The metro is fast and efficient for covering longer distances. Trams and buses are ideal for shorter trips and offer scenic city views. Cycling with BikeMi allows you to explore at your own pace and access areas not served by public transport. Walking is perfect for the city center, where many attractions are close together.