How to Use Public Transport in Milan? Milano Metro, Tickets & Tips

Whether you’re hopping on the Milano Metro, a tram, or a bus, this guide will help you understand how Milan’s public transport works. 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 iOS. I tried to use it during my stay there, but I personally found it very confusing. For this reason, I'll show you how to buy and validate tickets, choose the best ravel cards, and get the most out of your visit.

Contents:

1. Getting To/From Milan's Airports
2. Understanding Milan’s Public Transport System
3. Milan Metro, Bus, and Tram Ticket Options
4. Guide on How to Use Public Transportation in Milan
5. FAQs About Milan’s Public Transport
6. Tips for Using Public Transport in Milan

Getting To/From Milan's Airports

Here is how to get to/from Milan's airports:

• Malpensa Airport (MXP):Malpensa Express or Trenord Train: €13, 50 minutes to Milano Centrale.Shuttle Buses: €10, 1 hour travel time.
• Bergamo Airport (BGY):Shuttle Buses: €10, 1-1.5 hours to the city center.
• Linate Airport (LIN):Metro Line 4: €2, 30 minutes to downtown Milan.Taxi: €20-30, 20 minutes.

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.

You can buy train tickets from the airport to Milan's city center (or viceversa) from the trainline's official site (Malpensa Express or Trenord), the station's ticket machines, or any other train or bus shuttle provider.

Understanding Milan’s Public Transport System

Milan’s transport network includes:

• Milano Metro (Subway): Four main lines—M1 (Red), M2 (Green), M3 (Yellow), and M5 (Purple)—make it easy to zip across the city.
• Trams: A scenic and retro way to explore Milan.
• Buses: Great for reaching areas not covered by the metro or tram.

For airport transfers, you can count on buses, trains, or even the metro, depending on your destination. Milan has three main airports: Malpensa (MXP, 45km from center), Linate (LIN, 7km from center) and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY, 50km from center).

Milan Metro, Bus, and Tram Ticket Options

Here is a list of Milan metro, bus, and tram ticket options and prices:

Guide on How to Use Public Transportation in Milan

1. Purchase a ticket: Tickets can be purchased from metro stations' ticket machines, newsstands and tobacco shops. You can also purchase tickets on the ATM Milano Official 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 board of 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.

FAQs About Milan’s Public Transport

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 €15, 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 exiting 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.

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