Getting Around Milan
Getting Around Milan
All City Transport Options: What Locals Use and What’s Best for Tourists
General Overview
Getting around Milan has its own unique rhythm. The main thing to understand is that the public transport system works differently than in some other cities. Trains, trams, and buses operate efficiently, usually staying on schedule. You'll find that the metro is particularly handy, with four main lines: M1 (Red Line), M2 (Green Line), M3 (Yellow Line), and M5 (Purple Line). They cover most parts of the city, allowing you to hop quickly from the Duomo to the trendy Navigli area for a night out.Now, here’s a little tidbit: many visitors think they can navigate Milan without a ticket. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen tourists jump on the metro only to be caught by a ticket inspector. A single journey ticket costs €2, while a day pass, which is a better deal for those planning to ride a lot, is around €7. You can also get a 3-day pass for €12, which is quite handy if you have several sightseeing spots on your list.
My first time on the metro during rush hour was an eye-opener. I felt like I was in a sardine can! If you can avoid the 8-9 AM and 6-7 PM windows, do it. Just a heads up, the metro closing time is around 12:30 AM on weekdays, a bit earlier during the week. Also, on weekends, the service runs a little later.
One time, I hopped on a bus headed to P.zza San Babila and got stuck in traffic for what felt like forever due to an unexpected rainstorm. A good tip for that kind of weather? Always have an umbrella handy and consider using tram lines such as Line 16 that don’t get slowed down by cars since they have their own dedicated tracks.
Oh, before I forget, if you're visiting in the summer, you can often find short-term discounts for tourists on weekend transports. Also, keep an eye out for group discounts; they can save you quite a bit, especially if you’re traveling with friends.
A good local hack to make the most of your money is to buy a multi-ride ticket if you're planning to roam a lot. That way, you can save compared to single rides. Just make sure to validate your ticket or pass at the stations before getting on.
Navigating Milan’s public transit might feel a bit tricky at first, but with a little practice, you'll find it just adds to the charm of the city. Happy travels!
Types of Transport
popular with tourists
The metro in Milan consists of four lines (M1 red, M2 green, M3 yellow, and M5 purple), providing extensive coverage across key areas including the city center, major attractions like the Duomo and Sforza Castle, and areas like Navigli and San Siro. A single ticket costs €2.00 and is valid for 90 minutes, allowing transfers between metro lines and other public transport, and can be purchased at ticket machines or kiosks using cash or credit cards. To save time, consider getting a 24-hour pass for €7.00, which offers unlimited travel on all metro lines and makes it easier to hop from one attraction to another without worrying about individual ticket costs. Always check the metro schedule, as trains run from 6 AM to midnight on weekdays and until 2 AM on weekends, and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas during peak hours. Finally, familiarize yourself with the metro map in advance to plan your route efficiently and ensure a smooth travel experience.
popular with tourists
Walking in Milan is a delightful way to explore the city's rich cultural heritage, with picturesque streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods all accessible on foot. Most major attractions, including the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Castello Sforzesco, are conveniently located within a short walking distance from each other in the city center.
When planning your route, consider downloading a map app to avoid getting lost, as walking can take you down charming alleyways that aren’t always marked clearly. Wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone streets and occasional inclines may be challenging, especially after long hours of exploration.
Be mindful of pedestrian-only zones, particularly in areas like the city’s Navigli district, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canals. Finally, for safety, keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots.
When planning your route, consider downloading a map app to avoid getting lost, as walking can take you down charming alleyways that aren’t always marked clearly. Wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone streets and occasional inclines may be challenging, especially after long hours of exploration.
Be mindful of pedestrian-only zones, particularly in areas like the city’s Navigli district, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canals. Finally, for safety, keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots.
popular with tourists
Taxis in Milan are widely available and can be found in designated taxi ranks or hailed on the street, especially in busy areas like the Duomo or Central Station. Fares are metered, with the base rate starting at approximately €3.50 and increasing based on distance and time, so it's good to have some cash on hand, although most taxis accept credit cards as well. For tourists, it's recommended to confirm the fare before starting your ride, especially for longer trips to popular destinations like The Last Supper or Navigli.
To save time, consider downloading a taxi app like "myTaxi" or "Free Now," which allows you to book a taxi in advance, track your ride, and even pay through the app. Be cautious at taxi ranks; only use official taxis that display a light on top and have a taxi number visible on the doors for your safety.
To save time, consider downloading a taxi app like "myTaxi" or "Free Now," which allows you to book a taxi in advance, track your ride, and even pay through the app. Be cautious at taxi ranks; only use official taxis that display a light on top and have a taxi number visible on the doors for your safety.
The tram in Milan is an extensive and efficient way to navigate the city, with over 17 lines connecting major attractions like the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and Navigli district. Tickets cost €2 for a single journey, and they can be purchased at kiosks, vending machines, or via mobile apps; remember to validate your ticket at the machines before boarding. A key tip for tourists is to take Tram line 1 and Tram line 2, which are especially scenic and provide a great overview of the city’s highlights. For a time-saving strategy, consider using the Milan public transport app to track tram schedules and avoid long waits. Lastly, be mindful of your belongings, especially during busy times, as trams can be crowded with both locals and tourists.
Cycling in Milan is an excellent way to explore the city, thanks to its extensive network of bike lanes and bike-sharing services like BikeMi. To rent a bike, you can use the BikeMi app or kiosk, which offers a day pass for around €4, allowing unlimited use for 24 hours, although you may incur additional fees for rides over 30 minutes. Key areas to explore by bike include the historic Sforza Castle, the vibrant Navigli district, and the picturesque Parco Sempione, which features scenic paths. Be mindful of traffic, especially in busy intersections, and always use bike lanes where available for your safety. To save time, consider cycling early in the morning or later in the evening when streets are less congested and perfect for a more leisurely ride.
The bus system in Milan is extensive and covers the entire city, providing access to key areas such as the Duomo, Navigli, and the central train station. A single ticket costs €2 and is valid for 90 minutes across multiple bus lines, which you can purchase at ticket machines, tobacco shops, or via the ATM Milano app. For tourists, using the ATM Milano app can significantly simplify travel, allowing you to buy tickets in advance and check real-time bus arrivals. Keep an eye on bus schedules posted at stops, and consider catching buses during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Always remember to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines; validation machines are located near the bus stop.
Here you can learn about all types of transport in Milan. What transport is available, how to reach tourist attractions and which mode of transport is optimal.