How to Use Public Transport in Milan?

The fashion capital of Italy offers an efficient and affordable public transportation system that consists of four metro lines (M1, M2, M3, and M5), trams and buses.

Milan's public transportation system is operated by Azienda Trasporti Milanese (ATM). ATM has an official app (ATM Milano Official App) available in Android and Apple. I tried to use it during my stay there but I personally found it very confusing, so I would recommend to buy tickets and travel passes in ATM machines in Metro stations, tabacchi (tobacco shops) or newstands.

Contents:

1. Tips for Using Public Transport in Milan
2. Guide on How to Use Public Transportation in Milan
3. Getting to/from Milan's Airports

Tips for Using Public Transport in Milan

• Take advantage of the 2€ ticket price in zones Mi1-Mi3 for Metro, trams, buses, and suburban rail lines that lasts for 90 minutes (includes transfers).
• If you are staying for a weekend or a few days, one and 3-day passess are €7 and €12, respectively, and will give you unlimited rides in zones Mi1-Mi3.
• Purchase your tickets from Metro stations, tabacchi (tobacco shops) and newstands (likely to take cash only), or via the ATM app (if you understand how to use it).
• Don't forget to validate (stamp) your ticket! You will find machines to validate them entering and eiting train stations or usually aside if the station is open door. On buses and trams you can stamp your ticket in one of the machines when you board.

Guide on How to Use Public Transportation in Milan

1. Purchase a ticket: Before you can use the public transportation system, you will need to purchase a ticket. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located at metro stations and at most newsstands and tobacco shops. You can also purchase tickets on the ATM Milano app, which is available for download on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Validate your ticket: Once you have a ticket, you will need to validate it before boarding the bus, tram, or metro. You can do this by inserting the ticket into one of the validation machines located at the entrance to the station or on the bus or tram.
3. Plan your route: To plan your route using the public transportation system, you can use the ATM Milano website, app, or Google Maps. Note that in Milan you can walk to most places if you are in the city center.
4. Board the train, tram or bus: When you are ready to board the bus or tram, make sure you have a validated ticket. You will need to show your ticket to the driver as you board. If you are taking the metro, you will need to pass through the turnstile by inserting your ticket into the slot and then retrieving it on the other side.
5. Follow the signs: Once you are on the bus, tram, or metro, make sure to pay attention to the signs and announcements (usually in Italian, Spanish, German, and English, but not always!). This will help you stay on track and get to your destination.
6. Transfer between lines: If you purchased a single ticket (the 2 euro one), it  lasts for 90 minutes and also includes transfers. Alternatively, you will need to purchase a new ticket for the second leg of your journey. Make sure to validate the new ticket before boarding.
7. Get off at your stop: When you are getting close to your destination, pay attention to the stops and get off at the right one. If you are unsure of where to get off, you can ask the driver or a fellow passenger for help.

By following these steps, you should be able to easily navigate Milan's public transportation system and get to your destination.

Getting To/From Milan's Airports

I arrived to Milan's Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa, MXP) and left from Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), although the closest airport to the city is Milan Linate Airport (LIN) yet I couldn't find any cheap flights to or from this airport.

• For Milan's Malpensa Airport (northwest of the city), the quickest way to get to or from the airport is via the Malpensa Express or Trenord trains. Tickets cost 13€ (one way) and takes around 50min-1h to get to Milano Centrale, Garibaldi or Cardona stations.
• For Milan Begamo Airport (east of the city), there is only bus shuttles that cost 10€ (one way) and take around 1h or 1h 20min.
• For Milan Linate Airport (LIN), this airport is literally in the city and will take 20 min to get to the city for 30€ by taxi or 30 min for 2€ by train.