If you're planning a getaway to the capital of Lombardy, you'll be interested to know that Getting around Milan by public transport is easy, fast and quite intuitive.Although the historic center is compact and can be explored on foot without too much trouble, knowing how the ticketing system, the metro, trams, buses and other options work can save you time and money.
The Transport in Milan is very well integrated and designed for both residents and tourists.With short-stay passes, combined tickets, and rechargeable cards, understanding how everything works will make your trip much more comfortable, whether you're traveling with children, a pet, just spending a day, or using the city as a base to explore the surrounding areas (Como, Bergamo, the lakes, etc.).
What is public transport like in Milan and when will you need it?
The city of Milan is not huge, and if you stay near the Duomo or in central areas, Normally you can visit most tourist sites on footFrom the cathedral you can walk to the Sforza Castle, Brera, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or even Navigli if you fancy a nice stroll.
Still, You'll appreciate public transport on slightly longer journeys or when your legs say enough is enough.You'll also almost certainly need it to get to and from airports, to travel to more distant neighborhoods, and to get closer to the city. San Siro stadium or connect with major train stations such as Centrale or Cadorna.
Milan has an integrated transport system encompassing metro, tram, bus, trolleybus and suburban trainsThe main operator is ATM, which manages virtually the entire urban network, while suburban and regional trains are run by Trenord (including the Malpensa Express, although the latter is not included in all standard urban passes).
In practice, this means that The same ticket is valid for several modes of transport within the permitted areas....as long as you're within the validity period. So you can combine, for example, a metro journey and then a tram, or metro and bus, without having to buy separate tickets, provided the ticket doesn't expire and you don't leave the included zones.
Tickets, passes and fare system in Milan
Milan's fare system works by concentric zones called Mi1, Mi2, Mi3, etc.These areas cover the municipality, part of the metropolitan area, and the provinces of Monza and Brianza. For a standard tourist trip, you'll mostly be traveling within the central Mi1-Mi3 zones.
The big advantage is that All forms of public transport share the same ticket (subway, bus, tram, trolleybus and suburban trains included in the system). You just need to make sure that your transport ticket covers the areas you'll be traveling through, especially if you're going away from the city center.
Tickets can be purchased in vending machines at metro stations, in tobacconists (Tabaccherie), newsstands and other authorized points of saleYou can also purchase them through the official ATM app, which then generates a QR code that you will scan at the turnstiles.
One very useful detail for families is that Children under 14 can travel for free on public transport in Milanprovided they are accompanied by an adult and carry a valid ID. This significantly reduces costs if you're traveling with children.
The metro network also includes Option to pay directly with a contactless bank card (or compatible devices). You will need to swipe the same card both when entering and exiting through the marked turnstiles (usually orange), and the system will calculate the corresponding fare based on your journey.
Most common types of tickets and passes
Within the Mi1-Mi3 zones, which are usually of interest to most visitors, The most commonly used transport tickets are the following:
- Single ticket (Mi1-Mi3)The base price for these three zones is €2,20. It covers three transport zones and is valid for 90 minutes from the time of validation. During that time, you can make as many transfers as you like between metro, bus, tram, or suburban train, as long as you remain within the zones covered by your ticket.
- Single ticket outside the centerWhen you start your journey outside of Mi1-Mi3, the minimum ticket covers 2 zones and starts at €1,60. An additional €0,40 is added to this price for each extra zone you add to your journey.
- 10-trip ticketIt's a package of 10 single tickets that lets you save some money. For Mi1-Mi3, the total cost is €19,50, which makes each trip €1,95. This ticket is personal in the sense that It is not possible to validate for multiple people at the same timeeven if you swipe the physical card or ticket several times in a row.
- 24-hour ticketThis is a very interesting option if you're going to have a busy day of sightseeing and traveling. It costs €7,60, is valid for 24 hours from the moment of activation, and covers zones Mi1-Mi3. This ticket It is not nominalwhich means that several people could use it at different times of the day, but never at the same time.
- 3-day passIdeal if you want to forget about worrying about tickets during a long trip. It costs €15,50 per person, is valid for zones Mi1-Mi3, and is valid for calendar days (not hours) from activation. You can use the metro, bus, tram, and suburban trains as many times as you need.
- RicaricaMi Rechargeable CardIt's a physical card that costs €1,50 and onto which you can load different types of tickets (single, 24-hour, 3-day, etc.). It's very convenient if you're going to make several journeys, since You forget to carry a bunch of loose tickets in your pocket.
There are also longer-term passes, designed for relatively long staysA weekly pass for Mi1-Mi3 costs around €17, while a monthly pass is around €50. In these cases, a specific card is usually required to load the pass, and the physical card has an additional cost (around €10).
In addition to these integrated tickets, Milan offers tourist cards such as the Milan Pass or the Milano CardThese passes include various services. Some versions offer unlimited public transport for a specific number of hours (for example, 48 hours), as well as tickets or discounts at attractions. It's advisable to carefully compare prices and what's included, because It's not always worth it if you only want the transport. And you won't take advantage of the extras.
Whichever ticket you choose, remember that You must always validate itOn the metro, you validate your ticket when passing through the entry turnstiles and, if applicable, also at the exit turnstiles. On trams, buses, and suburban trains, you'll find yellow machines or validators where you insert or scan your ticket or QR code. Traveling without validating your ticket is considered traveling without a ticket and carries the corresponding penalty.
Milan Metro: the fastest way to get around
El Milan's metro is the longest in Italy in terms of track length.With nearly 100 km spread across four operational lines (M1, M2, M3, and M5) and a fifth under development, it is undoubtedly the most efficient option for getting around quickly between neighborhoods or covering longer distances within the city.
The usual subway schedule runs approximately from 6:00 in the morning until 00:30 at nightwith slight variations depending on the line and the day. On special dates such as Christmas or New Year's, the service may have reduced or adapted hours, so it's advisable to check them on the ATM website or app.
The network is designed so that you can easily connect to Milan's key tourist attractionsFurthermore, the frequencies are quite good: during peak hours trains run every few minutes and, although at night or on weekends the wait may be somewhat longer, it is still a very efficient system.
You can get them at tourist offices and main stations. printed subway mapsIf you prefer to carry it on your mobile phone, there are several PDF maps available online (for example, through sites like Urban Rail) that allow you to consult it offline.
If it's your first time in the city, one of the most typical experiences is to go straight out to the Piazza del Duomo from the metro station of the same nameSome exits lead directly to the cathedral's facade, and the impression of suddenly finding yourself at the top of the stairs is spectacular. Keep in mind that there are several entrances, and not all of them offer this "surprise effect."
Most useful subway lines for the traveler
Each Milan metro line has its own color and tourist areas, so It's important to know which line takes you to each place:
- M1 Line (Red)This is one of the most convenient routes for visitors to the city. It passes by the Duomo, the Sforza Castle, and the Cadorna area. Several trains connect from Cadorna, including the Malpensa Express on certain routes. It also takes you close to Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.
- Line M2 (Green)It connects key points such as Central Station, Garibaldi, and Cadorna again. It has stops in areas near the Sforza Castle (for example, Lanza) and is the only metro line that goes down to the lively Navigli district, famous for its canals and bars.
- M3 Line (Yellow)It's very useful because It directly connects the Central Station with the Duomo.This is very convenient if you arrive by train or use the station as a base for excursions.
- M5 Line (Lilac/Violet)More modern and automated, it takes you, among other places, to the San Siro stadium and even to Garibaldi Station, where you can connect to suburban trains or visit places like the Monumental Cemetery.
The subway is also a A convenient option for getting around with children or a stroller.Many stations have escalators and elevators. However, not all are fully accessible, so it's advisable to check the accessibility map beforehand if mobility is a key factor in your trip.
Milan trams: charming transport
Trams have been part of the Milanese landscape since the late 19th century and, although the models have been renewed, still circulate historic trams which give the city a nostalgic feelFor many visitors, getting on one of these wooden and metal carriages is almost an attraction in itself.
Milan's tram network is very extensive, with around 17-18 lines covering a large part of the urban areaMany of them pass through central and tourist areas, so using them can be a way to get around and, at the same time, enjoy the views from another perspective.
The oldest trams, known as The 1500 Series has over 90 years of service And they still run on some lines in the historic center. They take you to places like the Duomo, city parks, and lively neighborhoods. Inside the carriages, you'll need to validate your ticket in the corresponding machines, just like on other forms of public transport.
To use the tram you need a valid ticket from the integrated systemTickets can be purchased in advance at metro stations, tobacconists (Tabaccherie, marked with a "T"), or kiosks. Once on board, you insert the ticket into the validator and the usage time is activated.
If you want to better plan routes, frequencies or schedules, the official ATM website and app offer Updated maps of all tram lines, as well as a journey planner to combine it with the metro and buses.
Buses and trolleybuses: the most extensive network
The bus is the means of transport that It reaches more corners of Milan, including residential neighborhoods and areas further from the centerThe city has dozens of urban bus lines (more than 60) and another fifty interurban lines that connect with nearby municipalities.
Along with buses, Milan has several trolleybus lines (electric buses powered by overhead lines), which help cover sections where the tram or metro don't reach. Between the two services, the network is very dense and allows access to practically every corner of the city.
The frequencies of city buses are usually Quite reasonable, with short wait times on weekdaysOn weekends and holidays, intervals may be slightly longer (between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on the line and time of day), but it remains a very useful alternative, especially for medium-distance journeys.
The daytime bus service operates approximately between 5:30 and 1:30 in the morningFrom that time onwards, a network of night buses begins operating, covering main routes until around 6:00 a.m., offering a solution for getting around when the metro has already closed.
To use the bus, you will need the same type of ticket as for the metro or tramThe ticket must be purchased in advance from machines, kiosks, or via the app. Once on board, you will need to validate it, either by inserting the ticket into the validator or scanning the QR code if you purchased it digitally.
Milan by bike: bike lanes and rental
Milan is a fairly easy city to cycle in, with numerous bike lanes and drivers accustomed to sharing space with cyclistsIf you enjoy getting around on two wheels, this can be a very pleasant option for exploring the city center and nearby neighborhoods.
There are several rental systems, both public and private. One of the best-known at the municipal level is the shared bicycle service, which operates with short-term subscriptionsFor a tourist visit, two options are usually of particular interest: the daily pass, for about €4,5, and the weekly pass (7 days), for around €9.
Once the subscription is activated, Bicycle use is charged in time increments.Normally the first few minutes are included, and from then on a small amount is charged according to the interval: between 0 and 3 minutes, no additional cost; from 3 to 30 minutes, a reduced rate; from 30 to 60 minutes, a little more; and so on progressively up to a daily maximum if you keep the bike longer than recommended.
In addition to municipal “dock station” type services, There are private bike-sharing systems that operate via app.You locate available bikes on a map, unlock them with your mobile phone, and pay for the ride with a credit card. These bikes are usually distributed near central locations such as the Duomo, Cadorna, or office areas.
Walking around Milan: the city on foot
For many travelers, the best way to experience Milan is simply Put on some good shoes and walk aroundAt first glance, on the map, the points may seem further away than they are, but from the Duomo area you can reach almost all the places of interest in the center in a reasonable walk.
Neighborhoods such as Brera, the Sforzesco Castle area and its park, or the area around the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana are perfect for getting lost on foot without rushingYou can even walk to the Navigli canals if you fancy a slightly longer stroll.
However, even if the radius isn't huge, a full day of sightseeing with multiple journeys will eventually take its toll. The trick is to combine things well: Use the subway or tram for longer journeys and save your energy to stroll leisurely through the most beautiful areas.
Suburban and regional trains from Milan
In addition to the metro and trams, Milan has a suburban train network (S lines) connecting the city center with the outskirts and nearby townsThese trains are integrated into the ATM fare system for the zones they cover, so you can use them with the same tickets and passes as long as the journey coincides with the zones of your ticket.
Suburban trains are useful if your accommodation It's located in neighborhoods that are a bit further away, or if you want to move quickly to industrial parks, universities, or nearby towns.On the transport maps you will clearly see which S lines pass through which stations and in which areas they are located.
Furthermore, the Regional trains connect Milan with many interesting destinations in Lombardy.such as Lake Como, Bergamo, Lake Maggiore, or Lake Garda. Although these trains aren't strictly part of the city's public transport system, they're essential if you want to use the city as a base for day trips.
Milan offers a huge range of transport options: fast metro, charming trams, buses that go everywhere, suburban and regional trains, bikes, taxis and even a rental car if you need one.
Depending on where you stay and the type of trip you have in mind, you can combine them without too much trouble, taking advantage of the fact that integrated tickets and passes make getting around the city convenient and relatively inexpensive.