Milan Metro Tickets
Renowned as one of the world's most efficient transportation systems, Milan's metro system offers smooth and efficient travel throughout the city. Understanding the metro tickets is crucial for optimizing convenience and savings while using the metro. Our guide to Milan's metro tickets offers information about the various ticket options, prices, purchase locations, and insider tips to improve your metro experience in Milan.
Ticket Types
The tickets available for the metro are also valid for surface transportation, like buses and trams, and include the following types:
- The basic ticket costs €2.2, lasts 90 minutes from validation, and allows unlimited use of all transportation options (metro, trams, buses) within this period. This means you can enter and exit the metro multiple times.
- The daily ticket is valid for 24 hours from validation, priced at €7.60, with no limit on the number of trips.
- The 3-day ticket costs €15.50, valid until the end of service (3:45 AM) on the third consecutive day after validation.
- A booklet of 10 tickets is available for €19.50.
Alternatively, you can purchase a subscription, which is recommended for medium to long stays in the city. To purchase the subscription, you need an ATM card, which can be obtained at one of the ATM points located in the Loreto, Centrale, Duomo, Cadorna, Zara, and Garibaldi metro stations. You can also purchase the card, and the card will be sent to your home. The card costs €10, in addition to the subscription price. For more information, visit the ATM website at https://www.atm.it/it/ViaggiaConNoi/Abbonamenti.https://www.atm.it/it/ViaggiaConNoi/Abbonamenti.
Recently, traditional paper tickets have been replaced by the RicaricaMi, which are rechargeable tickets due to environmental concerns. RicaricaMi tickets can store up to 30 ordinary tickets, up to 5 booklets, and a maximum of one daily or three-day ticket. It's important to clarify that the old paper tickets are valid until November 30, 2024.
The tickets mentioned above are valid for all metro lines and surface transportation. The covered zones extend from end to end for all metro lines (zones Mi1-Mi3), except for the Gessate branch of line M2, where the ticket is valid only up to Cascina Burrona station (zones Mi4-Mi5).
If a ticket malfunctions through no fault of the passenger, it can be replaced by bringing the defective or damaged ticket to an ATM Point (excluding Zara). It is recommended to book an appointment via the ATM app.
Where to Buy
Milan metro tickets and subscriptions can be purchased or recharged at all metro stations using the designated machines or at newsstands in most stations. The purchase process at the automatic machines (which are orange, easy to spot, and numerous) is straightforward. After selecting your preferred language, a screen will display the different ticket options, indicating the covered zone (Mi1-Mi3) and any additional charges for integrations (Mi4-Mi5), necessary for the metro only if traveling beyond Cascina Burrona on M2 towards Gessate. To recharge your subscription card or the rechargeable ticket, simply insert it into the designated slot; the machine will recognize the card type and present the available options.
Here's a step-by-step guide to buying Metro tickets from the machines at metro stations
Outside the metro stations, tickets can be bought at authorized retailers, usually tobacconists or newsstands. In Milan, you will always find a tobacconist or another authorized retailer near a metro station.
For online purchases, you can buy any type of ticket through the official ATM app, downloadable on smartphones from major online stores. Alternatively, you can purchase a single ticket via SMS by sending “ATM” to 4880488 and paying with your phone. Upon receiving the SMS, the ticket will be immediately valid.
Several other smartphone applications, such as Moovit or the Telepass app, also allow ticket purchases.
It is always necessary to validate your ticket before boarding and to keep the ticket with you in case of inspections, even after passing through the turnstiles, as you will need to re-scan the ticket to exit.
For metro entry, specific turnstiles are equipped to scan the QR code linked to tickets purchased online or via SMS. For physical tickets or cards, you need to insert the ticket or place it on the sensor.
You can pay contactless with credit card or smartphone payments like Apple Pay at the turnstile, obtaining travel option, equivalent to a single ticket.
Teachers on school trips and children under 14 travel for free on Milan's public transport:. Teachers need to show this completed form along with an ID, and children need the under 14 or under 11 card.
Useful Tips
Careful planning is the first step to making the most of public transportation. It is advisable to consider your itiniraty to determine which types of tickets to purchase based on the number of anticipated trips. For stays longer than two weeks, it is always better to get a subscription card.
Always carry a valid travel ticket, as inspections in Milan are frequent, especially at high-traffic tourist stations or metro intersections. Inspectors usually form a line, allowing entry only upon showing a valid ticket. The fines are steep, so it is not worth the risk.
When buying a new ticket or recharging one at the machines, always request a receipt, even if it means waiting a few extra seconds.
For purchases at very crowded and tourist-heavy stations, such as Milan Centrale or Milan Duomo, it is recommended to buy from newsstands or authorized retailers since there are sometimes individuals near the machines who may try to sell you tickets of questionable validity or assist you with your purchase in exchange for money.
With all the information provided, you are now ready to purchase your metro ticket and experience the vibrant urban landscape of Milan. Enjoy your journey!