Milan is a compact city with one of the best public transport systems in Italy. The historic centre is easy to explore on foot, five metro lines and a dense tram network cover the rest, and fast trains connect the city with Rome, Florence, Venice and the lakes. Here is how to get from the airports into the city and how to move around once you are there.
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The short answer
- Best way to get around: on foot in the centre, by metro and tram for longer distances
- From Malpensa: the Malpensa Express train or a private transfer
- From Linate: the M4 metro line into the centre
- Car: not recommended, the centre has a congestion charge
- Day trips: by train to Lake Como, Bergamo and Turin
How to Get to Milan
Malpensa airport: the main international airport lies about 50 kilometres northwest of the city. The Malpensa Express train runs to Milano Cadorna and Milano Centrale in under an hour. A taxi or private transfer takes about the same time, depending on traffic.
Linate airport: the city airport, only a few kilometres from the centre, is linked to the city by the M4 metro line in around a quarter of an hour.
Bergamo airport: Orio al Serio, used by many low cost airlines, is about an hour from Milan by shuttle bus or taxi.
By train: Milano Centrale is one of the great railway stations of Europe. High speed trains reach Turin in about an hour, Florence in about two hours, Venice in around two and a half and Rome in about three. Trains to Lake Como leave from Centrale, Porta Garibaldi and Cadorna.
Walking in Milan
The historic centre is compact: from the Duomo it is a short walk to the Galleria, La Scala, the fashion district, Brera and the Castello Sforzesco. Walking is the best way to discover the courtyards, churches and cafés between them.
Metro, Trams and Buses
Milan’s metro has five lines. The red M1 and the yellow M3 both stop at the Duomo, the green M2 serves Centrale, Garibaldi and the Navigli at Porta Genova, the blue M4 links Linate airport with the centre, and the lilac M5 runs to the northern districts and San Siro. The metro is fast, clean and frequent.
Trams are a pleasure in Milan, and some lines still use historic trams from the 1920s and 1930s, which are a sight in themselves. Buses fill the gaps. You can pay by tapping a contactless card at the metro gates and on board many trams and buses, or buy tickets from machines and newsagents.
Charlotte’s tip: ride a historic tram
Tram line 1 still runs with some of the city’s historic orange trams, with wooden benches and brass fittings. Take it through the centre for a slow, scenic ride on a normal ticket.
Taxis and Private Drivers
Official taxis are white. Find them at taxi ranks, such as those at the stations and Piazza della Scala, or book one through an app or your hotel. For day trips to the lakes or the wine regions, a private driver is the most comfortable option.
Driving in Milan
We do not recommend driving in Milan. The centre is covered by Area C, a congestion charge zone with cameras, and the wider city by a low emission zone. Traffic is heavy and parking expensive. If you are planning a road trip to the lakes or the Alps, pick up your rental car on the day you leave Milan, ideally at the airport.
Day Trips by Train
Milan is the perfect base for day trips by train: Como and Varenna on Lake Como, the old town of Bergamo, Turin, Verona and Lake Garda on the line to Venice. See our guides to a Lake Como day trip from Milan and Franciacorta wine tours from Milan.
Where to Stay for Easy Connections
Our guide to where to stay in Milan compares all the areas.
Park Hyatt Milano
Steps from the Galleria and the Duomo metro station, where the red and yellow lines meet.
Best for: walking and the metro
Check rates at Park Hyatt Milano
Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Between Brera and Via Montenapoleone, a short walk from La Scala and the Montenapoleone metro station.
Best for: the fashion district and Brera
Check rates at Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Grand Hotel et de Milan
On Via Manzoni near La Scala, close to the Montenapoleone metro station.
Best for: opera and shopping
Check rates at Grand Hotel et de Milan
Compare hotels in Milan
A central hotel saves time every day. Check current rates for your dates.
FAQ
What is the best way to get around Milan?
On foot in the historic centre, with the metro and trams for longer distances.
How do I get from Malpensa airport to the centre of Milan?
Take the Malpensa Express train to Cadorna or Centrale in under an hour, or a taxi or private transfer.
How do I get from Linate airport to the city?
Take the M4 metro line into the centre in around a quarter of an hour.
Should I rent a car in Milan?
No. The centre has a congestion charge and parking is difficult. Rent a car only when you leave the city.
