Milan Public Transport – Getting Around by Tram, Metro & Bus
As evidenced by Milan's public transportation statistics, Milan stands out as the most organized Italian city in terms of public transportation options, featuring an extensive network of subways, trams, buses, and even rental bicycles. The availability of these alternatives to personal vehicles is crucial, especially for those needing to navigate Milan's center during the day and visit or pass through Area C.
Area C is a controlled traffic zone in central Milan, active Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, excluding holidays. Vehicles entering this area are required to pay an entrance fee, although certain environmentally friendly vehicles may enter for free. Notably, some older and higher-emission vehicles are entirely restricted from entering.
Given the restrictions of Area C and the high density of Milan's city center, it is highly advisable to use public transportation for entering the area and navigating the city efficiently. To help you with this task, our team of local experts here at AreaCMilano.it has created this comprehensive guide to getting around Milan by using its transportation network.
Milan's Metro
Milan's Metro system is undoubtedly the fastest and most efficient means of transportation across the province and city center. The term "capolinea" often mentioned refers to the main stations where routes begin or end, depending on the direction of travel.
Milan operates five subway lines:
- Red Line M1: Connects the city from northeast to west, with terminuses at Sesto 1° Maggio FS, Rho Fiera Milano, and Bisceglie.
- Green Line M2: The longest line, running from northeast to south, with terminuses at Gessate and Cologno Nord.
- Yellow Line M3: Extends from north to south with terminuses at Comasina and San Donato Milanese, without any branches.
- Blue Line M4: Crucial for linking Linate Airport with San Babila, running from east to west and unique for not intersecting with Line M5.
- Purple Line M5: Italy's newest and only driverless line, which does not pass through the city center, ending at Bignami and Stadio San Siro.
Lines M1, M2, and M3 are active from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM, and M4 from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM, all facilitating travel across Area C. Line M5, running from 5:40 AM to midnight, does not enter any Area C zones.
Reading subway maps may not be straightforward, especially for tourists. To assist you, the Milan Metro website is available. Simply enter your starting point and destination to receive the best route, estimated travel time, and the total cost of tickets. Alternatively, you can use Google Maps and select the "public transport" option to find the best itinerary.
Here Milan's metro system map:
Trams
Operating since 1841, trams are another efficient mode of transportation, allowing seamless travel through Area C and are a favorite among tourists for their historical charm. The popular “1928” models run on lines 1, 5, 10, 19, and 33. If you’re lucky, you might ride the Carelli 1504, Milan’s oldest tram, celebrating 95 years in 2024! Trams operate from 4:30 AM to 2:30 AM on 18 lines, making it easy to reach landmarks like the Duomo, Navigli, and Castello Sforzesco. The primary tram lines serving Area C are Lines 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 24, and 27.
Here is the complete map of Milan's tram system:
Buses
Although Milan boasts more than 80 bus lines, they are generally less preferred due to their slower speeds compared to trams and the subway, and their less flexible schedules. Nevertheless, buses are crucial for reaching certain destinations that other modes of transport do not cover. For navigating these routes, you can utilize the ATM App or Google Maps. If you need further guidance, you can ask for directions at ATM Points or directly from bus drivers. It is advisable to avoid night buses, as they are considered less safe.
Ticket Purchase Options and Prices
Tickets can be most conveniently purchased at subway stations from automatic machines and kiosks. You can also buy tickets in advance using the ATM App, or pay directly with a contactless card on trams and buses. As of May 2024, a standard ticket costs 2.20 euros and is valid for 90 minutes, allowing travel on the subway, tram, and bus networks without incurring additional fees. Additional ticket options include a 24-hour ticket for 7.60 euros and a 3-day ticket for 15.50 euros. Children under 14 travel for free. For tourists, passes like the YesMilano City Pass, Milan Pass, and Milano Card are available, offering considerable savings. Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding to avoid fines.
Bicycles
During the warmer months, renting bicycles is an excellent transportation alternative. Managed by ATM, the Bikemi service offers more than 320 stations and operates from 6:00 AM to midnight. You can reserve bikes through the Bikemi app, which also provides rate information and maps of the stations. Importantly, bicycles can be carried on public transport at no extra charge, making them a perfect zero-emission option for navigating Area C.
Navigating Milan's Area C and City Center During Rush Hour
Traffic peaks from 7:30 to 10:00 AM and from 4:30 to 8:00 PM. During these peak hours, the subway is the best option as it does not operate on roads and is unaffected by traffic. Trams and bicycles are slower but viable alternatives during these times. However, buses are the least recommended mode of transport as they are significantly hampered by road traffic.
Practical Tips for Using Public Transport
When purchasing tickets at stations and from vending machines, be wary of scammers. They may offer to help, but their real intent is to steal personal items such as phones or wallets. This is a common problem in Milan, so if you need information or assistance, make sure to approach only the qualified personnel who are identifiable by their ATM uniforms.
Be cautious when using public transport. Pickpocketing is a frequent issue, so always keep your personal belongings out of sight. As previously mentioned, the subway is the fastest and most efficient way to get around Milan and within Area C. It's punctual, quick, and convenient, unlike buses, which often experience delays. Moreover, the metro connects nearly all parts of the city, ensuring you can easily navigate throughout the capital.
Always check for any transport strikes, which are fairly common in Milan. You can do this at the ATM app, which is essential for those unfamiliar with the city. Otherwise, you might find yourself having to resort to taxis, which are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Milan's transportation system, comprising five subway lines, 18 tram lines, and over 80 bus lines, ensures efficient travel throughout the city center and Area C, allowing you to explore the city without getting stuck in traffic. Are you ready to experience Milan without the delays of congestion?