🚇 Transportation in Milan
Uncategorized🚇 Transportation in Milan
Italy • Milan • Getting around the city
🚇 Milan Public Transport (Metro, Trams & Buses)
Getting around Milan is surprisingly easy thanks to an extensive metro network, iconic trams and reliable buses. You can buy classic paper tickets, use the ATM Milano app, or simply tap-to-pay contactless with your card or phone on most services.
Updated: • 5–7 min read
🌍 Overview – How Milan public transport works
Zones Mi1–Mi3 · ATMMilan’s public transport is run mainly by ATM and is based on simple zones (most tourist areas are inside Mi1–Mi3). One ticket lets you combine metro, trams and buses within its time limit.
- Metro: fastest way between main areas like Duomo, Centrale and San Siro.
- Trams: scenic way to explore central & historic streets.
- Buses: fill the gaps where the metro doesn’t go, including night routes.
If you’re visiting for a few days, this page is your quick guide to tickets, day passes, contactless and the best way to move around Milan without a car.
Want to combine Milan public transport with skip-the-line tickets and city passes? You can book Milan cards & tours in advance here:
Some links are affiliate; you pay the same price and help support Tripmoo 💛
🚇 Metro, trams & buses in Milan
Main ways to move around🚇 Metro – the fastest way across the city
Milan’s metro is usually the quickest option, especially during rush hours. There are 4 main lines:
- M1 (Red) – Duomo, Cadorna, San Babila, Fiera.
- M2 (Green) – Centrale FS, Garibaldi, Cadorna.
- M3 (Yellow) – Centrale FS, Duomo.
- M5 (Purple) – modern line, useful for San Siro & north districts.
The metro connects key places like Duomo, Milano Centrale and San Siro stadium. Trains are frequent and most stations support contactless tap-to-pay at the gates.
Official info and maps: ATM Milano website »
🚊 Trams – iconic & scenic
Milan’s trams are a mix of vintage wooden cars and modern vehicles. They are perfect for enjoying the atmosphere while moving between central and historic areas.
- Great for short hops in the city center and older districts.
- Use the same tickets/passes as metro and buses (within Mi1–Mi3).
- Validate paper tickets on board, or tap your contactless card/phone on the reader where available.
🚌 Buses – fill in the gaps
Buses cover areas where the metro and trams don’t reach and are useful late at night.
- Urban buses for local neighborhoods and connections.
- Night lines keep the city moving after metro hours.
- Same ticket system as metro and trams within the main zones.
Note: regional S-line suburban rail is run under a different system and is not always covered by regular Milan city tickets and contactless rules.
🎟️ Tickets & passes (zones Mi1–Mi3)
Typical tourist faresMost visitors stay inside Mi1–Mi3, which covers central Milan and the main tourist spots. These are the common ticket options:
- Single ticket: €2.20, valid for 90 minutes across metro, trams & buses (within the zones covered).
- Day pass (24h): €7.60 – great if you expect several rides in a day.
- 72h pass: €15.50 – good value for a 3-day city break.
- 10-trip carnet: €19.50 – shareable sequentially (not at the same exact time).
- RicaricaMi smart card: rechargeable ticket/card available at machines and retailers.
📌 For up-to-date fares and zones, always check the official page:
👉
ATM tickets & fares »
💳 Contactless & smart tips for Milan transport
Easy for tourists💳 Using contactless (tap-to-pay)
One of the easiest ways to pay in Milan is to use your contactless bank card or phone (Apple Pay / Google Pay) directly at metro gates or on-board readers.
- Tap the same card/device every time to benefit from daily capping.
- On the metro, you usually tap in and tap out.
- On trams/buses, you tap on the reader where available.
Note: contactless is valid on ATM metro and most city lines, but not on all S-line suburban rail services.
More details here: Contactless on ATM »
💡 Smart tips
- Download the ATM Milano app to buy/activate tickets and see live departure times.
- If you plan to ride 3+ times per day, a 24h or 72h pass is usually better value than many single tickets.
- Keep a small backup of cash or coins in case a machine doesn’t accept your card.
Prefer to have some Milan transport & sightseeing sorted before you land? You can bundle public transport, Duomo tickets and city walking tours in one booking:
You pay the same; Tripmoo may earn a small commission 💛
✈️ Airports & day trips – how public transport fits in
Malpensa, Linate & beyondMilan has several airports (Malpensa, Linate, Bergamo). Airport transfers are usually done by train or dedicated bus rather than standard ATM tickets. Once you reach the city, you can switch to metro, trams and buses.
- From Malpensa, most visitors use the Malpensa Express train.
- From Linate, you can use a mix of bus/metro to reach central Milan.
- For day trips (e.g. Lake Como), regional trains from Centrale or Cadorna are used.
City tickets & passes described on this page are mainly for moving within Milan – always double-check what is included in airport or regional passes.
❓ Milan public transport – FAQ
Quick answers for visitorsReady to add Milan passes, metro-friendly tours and activities to your plan? Compare options and secure your tickets here:
🏁 Conclusion – Use this as your Milan transport base
Plan once, reuse oftenThis guide to Milan Public Transport (Metro, Trams & Buses) is designed to give you everything you need to move confidently around the city: how to use the metro, enjoy the trams, hop on buses, and choose the right ticket or pass for your stay.
Combine this page with your Milan hotel and Italy itinerary plans, and you’ll be able to focus on enjoying Duomo, Galleria, San Siro and day trips – not worrying about how to get there.
