Milan can be chaotic, crowded and confusing even on its best days. But, transportation-phobes can relax here—because we've got you covered. Because Milan is so widespread, transportation is simple, easily accessible and, for a city donning haute couture, pretty well-priced.
Getting Around Milan
Milan by Bus
Milan's network of bus lines is substantial, and the system works like clockwork. Buses offer good connections to other forms of Milan transport like the tram and metro. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes after stamping. They cost €1.50 and can be used on the bus and on a tram, provided you make the connection within the proposed timeframe.
Buses from daily from 5:30 a.m. until 1:45 a.m. A night bus service is available on Friday and Saturday, and buses run hourly from 2 a.m. until 5:10 a.m.
For more information, check the ATM (Azienda Transporti Milanesi) site.
Milan by Metro or Tram
The metro offers three main lines, and tram and bus connections fill in where they leave off.
Trams and metro trains run daily from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.. After these hours, night buses are available. Tickets are €1.50 for an 90 minutes and can be used for one single journey on the metro, or for as many bus and tram rides as an individual can make during that timeframe.
Metro stations are easily recognized by their "MM" placards.
A packet of ten tickets (called a blochetto) is available for €13.80. These tickets, as well as 24-hour (€4.50) and 48-hour passes (€8.25) are able to be used on all forms of transport. Evening tickets can be purchased after 8 p.m. They cost €3 and are valid for unlimited travel until the end of service on the day they are stamped. Note that there is a €1.50 charge for each piece of luggage transported on the ATM network.
For information on Milan's metro system, known by locals as the "MM", visit the official ATM Web site, where you'll find maps and timetables.
Taking the S Trains
An extensive suburban rail system is also widely used in Milan. S trains offer good connections with more central transport, like trams and buses, and take travelers into Milan's well-known outer regions, where fashion factory outlets and textile conventions thrive.
For more information, visit Linea S5 site (in Italian only).
Walking the City
Unless you're wearing a pair of four-inch designer stilettos (not unlikely in Milan), you can expect to hoof it easily to and from many of the city's central sights. For example, the Duomo and Milan's gorgeous cathedral are within 15 minutes of one another. Along the way, you can shop at the markets, shops and boutiques—or sit down for a gass of vino.
Milan by Bike
Milan on two wheels is a glorious thing, and BikeMi, the city’s public bike share program makes it super simple to get around. Simply register on the BikeMi site, and then type your user code and password (they will be emailed to you) into the keypad at one of the many stations throughout the city. Take a bike and be sure to return it within two hours (you’ll be charged extra after two hours and your subscription will be cancelled after three infractions).
The BikeMi daily rate is €2.50, and a weekly subscription costs €6 for a week. The first half hour is free, and the bike costs €0.50 for every 30 minutes thereafter. Once you return your bike, you must wait at least 10 minutes to take another bike out.
Taxi
If you're in a group, consider a taxi—especially if you are donning those fancy stilettos! The fare is €1.75 per km. A one-time drop charge between €3.20 and €6.20 (depending on the time of day) applies. Taxi stands are your best bet; the main points are at the Duomo and in front of Sforza Castle. Note
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