Milan is well-connected by air, train, or bus, with seamless links to the city center from its three main airports.
By Air:
Malpensa Airport (MXP), 50 km (31miles) northwest of the city, handles most international flights.
To City Center
- Malpensa Express Train: is the easiest way to get to and from Milan’s Malpensa airport. Runs twice per hour to Milano Centrale or Cadorna stations. Tickets can be bought online, at machines, or via the Trenord app.
- Buses: Services like Autostradale or Terravision operate every 10-20 minutes to Milano Centrale. Tickets are available online or onboard.
- Taxis: Fixed rate of €110 to the city center, available at dedicated ranks. You’ll find taxi ranks outside of gate 6 at Terminal 1 and outside of gate 4 at Terminal 2.
Linate Airport (LIN), 7 km (4 miles) east, serves domestic and European flights.
To the city center: To reach the city, you can take the Metro M4 Line, which operates from 6 AM to 12:30 AM, with trains running every 3 to 6 minutes. Alternatively, there is an airport bus that goes to Milano Centrale station, departing every 30 minutes starting at 8:30 AM, with the last bus leaving at 9:30 PM.
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), approximately 55km (34 miles) from Milan city center, is a low-cost hub.
Bergamo Airport to Milan
- Shuttle Bus: Several bus companies provide direct routes to Milano Centrale station, including Flibco, Terravision, and Autostradale. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and costs around 10 euros one-way. The buses depart from Bergamo Airport Bus Station. You can purchase tickets online or at the airport counter.
- Taxi: Official airport taxis are conveniently located just outside the arrivals hall. Look for licensed white taxis that display company logos and have working meters. The fare to central locations, such as the Duomo or Milano Centrale, is typically between €90 and €110. For outer areas or during peak times, fares may rise to €130 or more.
By Train:
Milano Centrale is the largest and most important train station in Milan, serving both domestic and international routes. It is well-connected to the city's public transport network.
Milano Porta Garibaldi is another major station, particularly for connections to Turin and Como.
You can find train schedules and purchase tickets on the websites of Trenitalia, Italo, or Rail Europe.
If you plan to travel extensively by train within Italy or across Europe, consider purchasing a Eurail Pass for potential cost savings and added convenience.
By Bus:
Lampugnano or San Donato terminals serve coaches like FlixBus from across Italy and Europe, with affordable routes. You can book tickets online through the bus operators' websites or apps, or at the bus station ticket offices.
Milan’s compact center is easy to navigate on foot, and its extensive ATM public transit network, including metro, trams, and buses, ensures efficient transportation. For added convenience, taxis and ride-shares are readily available.
Metro: Five lines (M1 red, M2 green, M3 yellow, M4 blue (partially under construction), and M5 lilac cover the city extensively, operating from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM (frequent every 2-5 minutes; every 30 minutes at the outer stops of the M2 line).
Tap your contactless credit/debit card at designated turnstiles (look for the contactless symbol) for single rides; it automatically caps at the daily rate after multiple trips.
For stays of 2+ days, consider buying a paper 3-day ticket (available at stations/kiosks) – it’s cheaper than three daily caps and more reliable than app QR codes.
Trams: Milan boasts Italy's largest tram network, with 17-18 lines (numbered 1-33, though not all are active) connecting the city center and surrounding areas.
Ride iconic, vintage-style streetcars – a charming and efficient way to explore the city.
Buses: Milan has a comprehensive bus network with over 80 local bus lines and several trolleybus lines that complement the metro and tram systems.
Buses offer scenic above-ground travel but can be slower than the metro due to traffic. Always validate physical tickets upon boarding or activate digital tickets before boarding.
For late nights, "Linee Notturne" buses run midnight-6:00 AM, safely covering major routes after regular services end.
Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus: A Milan hop-on, hop-off bus tour provides a convenient way to explore the city, allowing you to visit numerous attractions at your own pace. You can purchase tickets for 24, 48, or 72 hours and choose from multiple bus routes that cover various parts of Milan. The buses offer open-top double-decker views and onboard commentary.
Taxis and Ride-Shares: Use official white taxis (hailed on-street, at ranks, or via apps like Free Now): fares are metered, with extras for luggage/late nights.
Uber offers only premium (Uber Black) or taxi-linked services. For affordable, regulated rides, use local apps like Free Now, itTaxi, or appTaxi to book licensed taxis.
Bike Rentals: Use BikeMi (or eBikeMi for electric bikes), Milan’s official bike-share:200+ stations citywide, open 365 days/year (7:00 AM–midnight).
Rentals max 2 hours per trip; choose daily, weekly, or annual subscriptions via app/website.
Car Rentals: Not recommended in the city; Milan's excellent public transport, taxis, and bike-sharing (BikeMi) make cars unnecessary and inconvenient within the city. Rent only if visiting the countryside, Lakes (e.g., Garda), or the Dolomites—where a car provides freedom to reach villages inaccessible by train.