Getting Around Milan

Milan can be chaotic, crowded, and confusing on its best days. But, transportation-phobes can relax here.


Because Milan is so widespread—spanning a small, city center where historic buildings like the Duomo reign supreme on out to regions like Fiera, where the fashion markets and conventions take center stage—transportation is simple, easily accessed, and for a city donning haute couture, pretty well priced.

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 typically valid for an hour and fifteen minutes. They cost €1 and can be used on the bus, and on a tram, provided you make the connection within the proposed timeframe.

In addition, night buses are available throughout the city until 1 AM, though some routes go until 3 AM. Night buses follow train routes.

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 AM to midnight. After these hours, night buses are available. Tickets are €1 for an hour and fifteen 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.

For more budget conscious travelers, a packet of ten tickets (called a blochetto) is available for €9.20. These tickets, as well as 24-hour (€3) and 48-hour passes (€5.50) are able to be used on all forms of transport.

For information on Milan's Metro system, known by locals as the "MM", visit the official Milanese Transport Authority's web site, where maps and timetables are easy accessed.

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 RailEurope.

Walking the City

Unless you're wearing a pair of 4-inch designer stilettos (a possibility 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 fifteen minutes of one another. Along the way, you can stop at the markets, in the shops and boutiques, or to have a glass of vino.

Taxi!

If you're in a group, consider a taxi – especially if you are donning those fancy stilettos! Fares are €.70 per km and a one-time drop charge applies (€3.10). Taxi stands are your best bet; the main points are at the Duomo and in front of Sforza Castle.

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