How to Get to Milan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Milan

Major Airports & Airlines

Milan uses three main airports, each with distinct services:

Airport Details

Malpensa Airport (MXP): Milan's largest international airport, 50 km northwest. Long-haul and international flights (Emirates, Lufthansa, Aa).
Linate Airport (LIN): Closer to city center (7 km east). Domestic and short-haul Intra-european flights (ITA Airways, Ba).
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY): Near Bergamo, 50 km northeast. Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air).

Flight Availability & Facilities

Flight prices vary by season. All airports offer comprehensive services.

Travel Insights

Seasonal Prices: Highest during peak seasons (Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct, Dec) and major events. Lower in Jan-Feb and sometimes July. Find deals on Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
Airport Facilities: All airports have duty-free, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi, lounges.
Flight Delays: For flight delays or cancellations, AirHelp can help with compensation claims.

Malpensa Transfer

Malpensa Express train (30-50 min, €13-€15) to Milano Centrale/Cadorna/Porta Garibaldi. Buses (€10-€12) also to Milano Centrale. Taxis ~€100-€120 fixed fare.

Linate Transfer

Metro Line 4 (12 min, €2.20) to San Babila. Bus 73 (25 min, €2.20) or Airbus Express (€7) to Milano Centrale. Taxis ~€30-€40 fixed fare.

Orio al Serio Transfer

Airport buses (€10-€12) direct to Milano Centrale (60 min). Taxis ~€80-€120 to Milan city center.

Land Transportation to Milan

Train & Bus Connections

Train Connections: Milan Centrale is a major hub. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) connect to major Italian cities. Regional trains (Trenord, Trenitalia) cover Lombardy. International trains connect to Switzerland and France.
Long-Distance Bus: Companies like Flixbus and Itabus offer domestic and international routes from Lampugnano or San Donato bus stations.
Border Crossing: Italy is in the Schengen Area. No routine border checks when traveling by land from other Schengen countries. Carry ID documents.
Road Conditions: Motorways are well-maintained. City roads can be congested. Speed cameras are common.

Self-Driving & Restrictions

Self-Driving: Valid national driving license required. If non-EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary with your license. Car rental is available.
Toll Roads: Most Italian motorways have tolls. Pay with cash, card, or Telepass.
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones): Milan has firm ZTLs (Area C - congestion charge, Area B - emission restrictions). Tourists should avoid driving rental cars into the city center. Fines are substantial.
Parking: Difficult and expensive in central Milan. Consider parking outside ZTL and using public transport.

Sea/River Arrivals to Milan

Inland City

Milan is an inland city in the Po Valley, without direct sea or river arrivals for large vessels.

No Ferry/Cruise Ports

No ferry services or cruise ports in Milan. The closest major cruise port is Genoa, about 140 km south.

Recreational Canals

The Navigli canals are for recreational boat tours, not public or arrival transportation.

Departure Information from Milan

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied when departing from Italy. Your airline ticket price generally includes any applicable airport taxes.

Timing Recommendations

International Flights (outside Schengen Area): Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for check-in, bag check, security, and VAT refund.
Schengen Flights (within Schengen Area): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. Security checks are necessary, but passport control is not typical.
Train Stations: Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure to find your platform and carriage. No formal check-in for trains.

Airport & Station Facilities

All major leaving points offer services for travelers.

Available Services

Airports: Malpensa, Linate, and Orio al Serio airports offer duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, lounges, and check-in services.
Major Train Stations: Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna feature shops, restaurants, waiting areas, and a place to store luggage.
VAT Refund: If claiming a VAT refund, allow extra time at the airport for customs validation before checking luggage.

Getting Around Milan

Public Transportation

Milan's public transit system (ATM) offers an efficient, extensive, and well-integrated network.

Network Details

Metro: The backbone, with 5 lines (M1-M5). Links main attractions (Duomo, Castello) and stations (Milano Centrale, Cadorna). M4 links Linate Airport to city center.
Buses & Trams: Extensive network covers areas beyond Metro. Historical tram lines offer charming city views.
Ticketing: Integrated system for Metro, buses, trams. Standard ticket €2.20 (90 min validity, 1 Metro trip). Day Pass (€7.60), 3-Day Pass (€15.50), Carnet 10 Tickets (€19.50). Buy at stations, newsstands, tabaccherie, or ATM app. Validate tickets upon entry/boarding.

Efficiency & Accessibility

Navigating Milan's public transport is easy with these tips.

Transit Tips

Hours: Metro operates approx. 5:40 AM to 00:30 AM (extended on Saturdays). Buses/trams run from early in the morning to late in the evening, some night services.
Accessibility: Newer Metro lines (M4, M5) and renovated terminals are accessible. Low-floor buses and trams are more common. ATM website has accessibility info.
Navigation: Use ATM app or Google Maps for real-time routes. Purchase multi-day passes for affordability. Avoid peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:00-7:00 PM). Always validate your ticket to prevent getting fined.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

White cars with "TAXI" on the roof. Hail from stands or call. Meters are mandatory. Most accept cards.

Fares

Short city ride ~€10-€20. Fixed airport fares: Malpensa ~€100-€120, Linate ~€30-€40.

Ride-Sharing Apps

A Taxi app (licensed taxis) is popular. Uber is available with Uber Black (premium cars) and Uber Van. No standard UberX due to regulations.

Rental Options

Car & Motorcycle Rentals

For independent exploration or excursions outside the city, rental options offer flexibility.

Rental Requirements

Car Rental: Valid national driving license. If non-EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary. Credit card in driver's name for deposit. Age 21-25 (young driver surcharge). Major companies (Hertz, Avis) and local ones.
Motorcycle/Scooter: Available from specialized shops. Appropriate license (A1 for scooters up to 125cc). Helmets are mandatory.
ZTL Warning: Strongly advise against driving rental cars into central Milan due to ZTLs (Area C, Area B), traffic, and expensive parking.

Bicycle & Specialty Transport

Explore the city on two wheels or by way of unique local experiences.

Other Options

Bicycle Sharing: BikeMi is Milan's official bike-sharing service (traditional and electric bikes). Register for daily/weekly/annual options. Private rentals also available.
Driving Laws & Parking: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits strictly enforced. Parking is difficult/expensive in center; blue lines are paid, white are free (rare), yellow are resident-only.
Specialty Vehicles: Tuk-tuks or similar specialty vehicles are not common in Milan.

Walking

Milan's city center, around Duomo, Galleria, Brera, and Navigli, is very pedestrian-friendly. Explore on foot.

Cycling

Expanding network of bike lanes. BikeMi service is good. Helmets recommended. Traffic can be heavy outside dedicated lanes.

Tours

Guided walking tours available (history, food, fashion). Self-guided tours use maps or applications. Hop-on-hop-off buses cover major attractions.

Specialized Transportation

Sightseeing & Water Tours

Beyond standard options, Milan offers specific transport experiences for sightseeing.

Unique Perspectives

Tour Buses: Hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses (City Exploration Milan, Milan Open Tour) cover major attractions.
Boat Tours: Recreational boat tours on the Navigli canals offer a charming method of seeing the district from a different perspective. Not public transport.
Cable Cars/Funiculars: Not in Milan itself, but found in mountainous regions or lakeside towns outside the city (e.g., Como, Bergamo).

Accessibility Services

Milan works to make its transportation more accessible for travelers with mobility needs.

Support for All Travelers

ATM offers some accessible services. Newer Metro lines and major attractions consider accessibility in their design.
Specialized accessible taxi services can be booked in advance.
Information on accessible routes and facilities is on the ATM site or at local tourism offices.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians and Cyclists

General Safety

Milan is generally safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Exercise caution in heavy traffic areas.

Crowded Spots

Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist spots like Duomo, Galleria, and Navigli.

Late Night Caution

Don't walk alone in dimly lit or deserted areas late at night, especially around large train stations (Milano Centrale, Porta Garibaldi) and some peripheral neighborhoods.

Seamless Navigation

With Milan's extensive and interconnected transport system, moving around the city and beyond is efficient and enjoyable. Choose the option that best fits your itinerary and preferences.

How to Get to Milan