How to use public transport in Milan, Italy

Milan is one of Italy’s largest cities, so understanding how Milan public transport works is an essential step for your trip.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to Milan, so I’ve used every type of public transportation available. That’s why I put together this practical guide with all my tips on how to use public transport in Milan.

How to buy tickets for Milan’s public transport

Public transportation in central Milan uses a unified ticketing system called RicaricaMi. You buy a card, add credit, and use it for all your rides.

You can purchase tickets at machines in metro stations, and also at newsstands or tobacconists.

There are transport passes as well – I’ll explain the options in the next section.

Milan’s public transport is operated by ATM. They also let you buy tickets through their app, although we couldn’t download it on our last trip.

Last but not least, you can also pay the fare for any Milan public transport with your contactless card (as long as international contactless payments are enabled).

The only limitation with paying by card is that you can’t use any of the pass options. Tap-to-pay works only for single tickets.

If you’ll use public transport just a few times during your stay, paying by card is worth it because it’s much more convenient.

How much is a Milan public transport ticket

Fares are calculated based on the zone you travel in and the mode you use.

In most cases, visitors stay in the central zone, where most attractions are. Exceptions are trips to and from the airport, or if your accommodation is far from the center in a different zone (which I don’t recommend).

In that case, the base price for a single Milan public transport ticket is € 2.20, valid for 90 minutes. You can make transfers during that period using surface transport (like buses or trams) and the metro.

If you plan to use public transportation several times a day, a pass may be a better value:

Milan transport passes

To decide whether a pass is worth it, estimate how often you’ll use Milan’s public transport during your stay.

If you expect to take at least four rides per day, the day pass pays off because it ends up cheaper.

Pro tip: If you buy a Milan City Pass like this one, you’ll get access to top attractions and an unlimited transport pass.

For more information, check the official ATM website.

Types of public transport in Milan

Milan is a big city, but it’s well connected by public transportation – you won’t have trouble getting around.

These are the public transport options available in Milan:

• Metro
• Bus
• Tram (streetcar)
• Train

You can also use taxis, cars, and even shared scooters and bikes. Below, I’ll explain how each option works.

Metro in Milan

The metro is one of the most used modes by visitors because it connects the entire city center.

There’s even a station right in the middle of Piazza del Duomo – riding up the escalator to that Duomo view is surreal.

To ride the metro, you’ll validate your ticket or tap your contactless card when entering and again when exiting. The system calculates the exact fare based on the time and distance you travel.

Don’t forget to validate your ticket or card when exiting the metro. If you forget, you’ll be charged the maximum fare, which is currently €5.50.

The metro in Milan runs very well and is fast. We never waited more than five minutes.

Buses in Milan

The bus system works like anywhere else – the big difference is I don’t consider it the best option for going into the center.

Many streets in the center are very narrow, which creates heavy, chaotic traffic. Depending on the time of day, you may get stuck, so buses aren’t the most efficient choice.

That said, buses can be a good option in areas farther from the center, where traffic flows better. I recommend using Google Maps to see the best mode for your route.

Trams in Milan

The tram is an electric streetcar that serves the main areas of central Milan.

Unlike buses, trams are less affected by traffic because they run on tracks with a designated path. On most streets, there isn’t a fully exclusive lane, but trams are still faster.

Another perk is that, being a surface mode, you can enjoy city views along the way (as opposed to the metro). I’m a big fan of Milan’s trams.

Trains in Milan

If you’re heading to suburban zones, other Italian cities, or the airport, trains can be useful.

The basic single ATM ticket lets you use the regional Trenord and S lines. Unfortunately, the express train to Malpensa International Airport isn’t included – you’ll need a separate ticket for that service.

Read here how to get to and from Milan’s airports.

Taxis in Milan

As in any major city, you can use taxis to get around if you prefer.

Beyond traditional taxis, apps like Uber and Bolt are well-suited for use in Milan and throughout Italy.

Renting a car in Milan

Many travelers wonder whether it’s worth renting a car in Milan. In my opinion, the answer is “no”.

If you are visiting only Milan, renting a car does not make sense. Traffic isn’t pleasant to drive in, parking is a hassle, and it can be expensive.

However, many people visit Milan as part of a wider Italy itinerary. In that case, renting a car can make sense depending on your route.

I recommend renting a car if you plan a visit to Lake Como or a trip through the Dolomites. On the other hand, I don’t recommend renting a car in Milan if you’re going to Rome or Venice because these cities are very well connected by train.

It’s up to you, but I’d avoid keeping a car during your stay in Milan. I try to plan my route to start or end in Milan so we can return the rental on arrival and enjoy the city with no parking stress.

Read also: What it’s like to drive in Italy

Do you need to rent a car for your trip?

We always use DiscoverCars to rent our car. So far it has proved to be not only the cheapest option but also the most reliable one. We used DiscoverCars to rent our car for our trips through Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, and so many other countries, and we never had any issues. We even convinced all of our friends and family to use it. So that’s why we are also recommending it to you!

Get a quote here

Shared scooters and bikes

Last but not least, Milan is full of shared scooters and bikes you can unlock for a small fee.

These services are becoming very common across Europe.

Personally, I don’t feel comfortable renting a scooter in a city where I’m not used to how traffic works – but it’s good to know the option exists.

The cheapest way to get around Milan: on foot

Now that you know all the public transportation options in Milan, remember that you don’t have to use them all the time.

In my opinion, the best way to explore Milan is on foot. You’ll have more flexibility to adjust your plan, and you’ll notice details along the way that you’d miss underground.

The good news: if you enjoy walking, you can see all the main sights on foot because they’re concentrated in the center. To help, I put together a 2-day Milan itinerary.

Pro tip: The factor that most affects your daily plan is your hotel location. If you stay far from the center, you’ll start the day with a long walk – or extra time on transport. Choosing the right area matters. Read my where to stay in Milan guide.

The eSim we recommend!

Don’t have time to read the entire guide? No problem, this is the international eSIM card we always recommend here at Mauka. It’s the one we always use when we travel and the only one that’s never let us down.

Get yours here

What to keep in mind when using Milan’s public transport

• Watch your belongings – pickpockets operate on busy routes.
• Always validate your ticket or card when entering and exiting the metro. My husband forgot once on the way out, and we paid the maximum fare for nothing.
• Pay attention to service hours – some lines run different schedules.
• I use Google Maps to choose the best mode for each route. It works very well in Milan – highly recommended.
• Having mobile data is essential in Milan. Offline maps are a thing of the past. I use an Airalo eSIM for international trips – buy yours here.

Other Italy guides

• How to get around Venice
• What to do in Milan in winter
• Hiking to the Lake Sorapis
• Piani di Bobbio – ski resort near Milan