Milan's Metro Expert Guide
With over a million daily passengers, Milan's metro (which is Milan's subway system) is the most efficient way to get around the city using public transportation. Thanks to its five lines spanning over 100 kilometers, you can travel from one end of the city to the other, reaching places like the Duomo, Piazza San Babila, or Linate Airport without enduring Milan's traffic. In fact, many Milanese don't even own cars because the metro allows them to move everywhere without worrying about traffic, parking, the cost for entering Area C or ZTLs (limited traffic zones) restrictions.
In this detailed guide, you'll find everything you need to know to use Milan's metro system (in Italian: Metropolitana Milano) effortlessly and reach your destinations with ease.
Metro Lines
Before you can navigate Milan using the metro, there are a few basics you need to know.
First, there are five lines, each identified by a different color:
- Red Line M1: Connects the city from the northeast to the west
- Green Line M2: Connects the city from the northeast to the south
- Yellow Line M3: Connects the city from north to south
- Blue Line M4: Connects the eastern part of Milan with the western part
- Lilac Line M5: Connects the western part with the northeastern part of Milan. It is the newest metro line and the only one without a driver.
Remember that local Milanese refer to the metro lines by their colors, not their numbers. So, it's essential to learn the colors quickly, especially if you need to ask for directions; otherwise, you might struggle to be understood.
You'll also hear the term "capolinea" frequently. This indicates the main starting and ending points of the lines. For example, the capilinea (termini) for the Yellow Line M3 are Comasina and San Donato Milanese. The M1 and M2 lines are the only ones with three termini due to their branches.
Metro Lines in Area C
The metro is also a great way to move around without hassle within Milan's Area B and Area C, avoiding fines. It also allows you to reach all the city's main attractions, which we will explore in the itineraries section.
Metro Operating Hours
The M1, M2, and M3 lines operate from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM, the M4 from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM, and the M5 from 5:40 AM to midnight.
How to Use the Metro in Milan
Besides being the most efficient and fastest way to explore Milan, the metro is also the easiest to use. Identifying the stations in Milan is easy, as they are marked by the "M" symbol. The color of the symbol changes depending on the line, making it even easier to identify the correct one.
Metro Map
Even though the metro map may seem overwhelming to tourists, it is much clearer compared to the tram map, which is incomprehensible even for someone like me who has lived in Milan for over 30 years.
Here's the official ATM map of Milan's metro:
Here, you'll find intersections with other public transport, available parking, and metro station accessibility information.
The easiest way to find the correct route depending on where you need to go is still the ATM App, compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Just download the app and enter your starting point and destination to find the best and fastest route. If you don't want to download the app, you can use this page to calculate your itinerary. Another good alternative is Google Maps, which will give you the same directions. However, keep in mind that the ATM App is the most reliable method as it also provides updates on potential strikes or service interruptions.
Buying Tickets
For purchasing Milan Metro tickets, you have several options: through the official ATM Milano app, at authorized tobacconists and newsstands, paying contactless before entering the turnstiles, or at ticket machines in metro stations.
A single metro ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes from validation. Additionally, the same ticket can be used to travel by tram or bus, giving you great flexibility. Alternatively, you can choose the daily ticket for a price of €7, valid for 24 hours; this is a great option for exploring Milan without time limits. There is also the "3-day Ticket" for a price of €15.50, which allows unlimited travel for three days, or the 10-Ticket Carnet for a price of €19.50. Remember that all children under 14 travel for free on public transport, including the metro.
Main Itineraries for Tourists
Milan's metro allows you to reach virtually every attraction in the city without worrying about traffic, parking, Area C or ZTLs restrictions. Here's how to conveniently reach the most popular tourist attractions:
A must-see is certainly the Duomo, which you can reach with the Red or Yellow Lines, getting off at the "Duomo" stop. From here, you can also visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a must for shopping enthusiasts.
Another Milanese attraction is the Sforza Castle, which you can reach with the Red Line M1 (Cairoli and Cadorna FN stops) and the Green Line M2 (Lanza and Cadorna FN stops). Additionally, you'll be just a few steps from Sempione Park, another place of interest in Milan.
If you want to reach the Navigli, the Green Line M2 is the most practical solution, getting off at Porta Genova station. Using the Green Line, you can also reach Brera, famous for its museums and venues like pubs and bars. In this case, the stop is "Brera".
Milan's public transportation network also includes an extensive tram system, which you can easily integrate with the metro for seamless travel across the city. For instance, you can take the M2 line to the Porta Genova station and then hop on Tram 2 to explore the picturesque Navigli district. Similarly, you can use the M1 line to reach the Duomo station and then transfer to Tram 16 for a scenic route through the historic center. This integration allows you to reach more destinations and experience Milan's charm efficiently. Read our expert guide to Milan Trams for more details on lines, routes, hours & much more.
Accessibility and Mobility
As the most used public transport system, almost all metro stations offer elevators, particularly on lines M3, M4, and M5. For your convenience, you can check their operational status on the official ATM website. Elevators are monitored by authorized operators to help people with disabilities board and disembark. Escalators are also available in every station.
On lines M4 and M5, the gap between the train and the platform is reduced, allowing wheelchairs to cross it independently. On lines M1, M2, and M3, however, a ramp is needed, which station personnel will place.
Each metro train can transport only one wheelchair, using the designated spot found in the first car. Depending on the line, there is a chain to secure the wheelchair or a safety belt. Special turnstiles for metro access are usually located near the station operator's cabin.
Wi-Fi & Air Conditioning
Wi-Fi is currently only available at Duomo, Cadorna, and San Babila stations; air conditioning is usually available on all metro lines.
Recommended Apps and Resources
The ATM App is the only application required for easily navigating the metro in Milan. With this app, you can purchase tickets, calculate routes, and find the best route to your destinations. Additionally, you'll receive traffic updates, useful in case of public transport strikes.
A tip from a Milanese: download the Milan metro map on your phone to avoid getting lost. However, if you don't have the metro map on your phone, you don't have to worry – all metro stations have maps with the metro routes, making it extremely easy to navigate.
Tips for Traveling Efficiently and Safely
The metro in Milan is always crowded, which can unfortunately be risky, especially for tourists. Pickpocketing is increasingly common, with thieves taking advantage of the crowded conditions to steal personal items and escape into the crowd. Always be aware of your surroundings and don't leave backpacks or bags open and in plain sight. If possible, keep your wallet and phone in closed pockets to reduce this risk.
Be cautious when buying tickets at vending machines; it's not uncommon for people to offer assistance with the intent of asking for money or even robbing you.
Do not accept advice from unauthorized personnel (you can recognize authorized personnel by their ATM uniform) and if you are in trouble, do not hesitate to contact security or law enforcement.
If you travel at night, try to avoid the last cars of the train, as they are the most dangerous. Instead, stay in the first cars so you can alert the driver in case of danger or need.
Enjoy exploring Milan with the convenience of its metro system, and remember to stay aware of your surroundings. With this guide and tips, you'll navigate the city like a true local and discover all the hidden gems Milan has to offer. Safe travels!