Milan's Trams
The tram is one of the most widely used public transport methods in Milan, beloved by both locals and tourists eager to explore this fantastic city. Trams have been operational since 1841, allowing easy movement around the Milanese Suburbs, with a total of 157 km of tracks. Born and raised in the province of Milan, I can assure you that every resident of this city has ridden these charming carriages at least once in their life.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to navigate Milan by tram, including the main routes and everything you need to know to travel safely using this mode of transport.
How to Get Around by Tram in Milan
Milan trams network has 18 lines that cross virtually the entire city, making it one of the most efficient public transport systems. It’s the second most used mode of transport after the metro, due to its extensive coverage and extremely flexible schedule. Typically, trams run from around 4:30 / 5:00 AM until 2:00 / 2:30 AM, offering a great alternative to the metro after midnight.
However, with so many lines, the tram map of Milan can be quite confusing; even I struggle to read it despite living in this city for 30 years.
So, how do you figure out which line to take depending on your destination? The best way is to use Google Maps and select the “public transport” option, entering your starting point and destination. The app will tell you exactly which line to take and any changes you need to make. Another very effective method is to use the ATM app, which allows you to navigate Milan easily using trams, the metro, and buses. You simply need to enter your starting point and destination, and the app will suggest the best route. If you're unsure about your tram journey, ask fellow passengers or the driver, who will surely be able to advise you on which line to take.
Main Tourist Routes
Tourists love trams for their historical charm and because they run above ground, allowing them to admire the wonders of Milan. There are many guided tours offering city excursions by tram, but all you really need to know is which lines to take to see the best parts of Milan. Here are the routes you can take to Milan's main attractions:
- The city’s main attraction is undoubtedly the Duomo, which you can reach with lines 12, 27, and 3.
- If you want to visit the Navigli, you should take lines 2, 14, and 3, which are very convenient if you’re coming from the Duomo.
- Don’t forget the Sforza Castle, another must-see attraction; you can reach it via lines 1, 2, 4, 12, and 14.
- With the exception of line 1, these routes will also take you to Sempione Park, another popular tourist attraction.
As you can see, trams are an efficient way to admire all that Milan has to offer.
Tram Lines 3, 12, 27
Tickets
As for tickets, there are several ways to purchase them: through the official ATM Milano app, at authorized retailers such as tobacconists and newsstands, paying by card directly on the tram, or at the automatic ticket machines in metro stations. If you choose the latter option, be sure to seek assistance only from authorized ATM personnel, identifiable by their uniforms. You might encounter people at the ticket machines offering assistance, but they are often attempting to scam or steal from you.
A single tram ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes from validation. You can also use the same ticket to travel by metro or bus, providing great flexibility. Alternatively, you can opt for a daily ticket at €7, valid for 24 hours; this is the perfect solution if you want to explore Milan without time limits! Remember, all minors under 14 travel for free on public transport, including trams.
Accessibility and Mobility Facilities
Although Milan is one of the most advanced cities in Italy, not all tram lines offer complete accessibility for disabled and mobility-impaired individuals. Here are the mobility facilities available on the different lines:
- Lines 4, 7, 9, 14, 15, and 31 have low floors and ramps to facilitate boarding for wheelchairs.
- Line 27 has trams equipped with both a mobile ramp (lift) and a low floor.
- Lines 3 and 24 are partially served by vehicles with low floors, while lines 12 and 16 are partially served by vehicles with a mobile ramp.
Trams also have a reserved space for wheelchair users, equipped with a red button to request assistance from the driver if needed.
The ATM app
The ATM app is essentially the only application you need to navigate Milan’s trams without difficulty. You can book your tickets, calculate your routes, and find the best path to your destinations. You’ll also find traffic updates, as public transport strikes are not uncommon in Milan.
A valid alternative to the ATM app is good old Google Maps, which will give you directions on which tram lines to use to get around the city.
Tips for Traveling Efficiently and Safely on Trams
Traveling on public transport in Milan requires a bit of caution, especially for tourists. To ensure a safe and smooth journey, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
During peak hours, trams can be very crowded, and unfortunately, pickpockets are not uncommon. Always be very careful not to leave personal items like bags, wallets, or phones in plain sight, as they are the preferred targets of thieves.
Avoid purchasing tickets from individuals. You might come across people attempting to sell tickets while you're waiting for the tram or in a metro station. Not only is this illegal, but they may also try to sell you a ticket that has already been validated and is therefore unusable.
Always remember to validate your ticket when you board the tram. We Milanese sometimes forget to do this, but the risk is a hefty fine, much more expensive than a regular tram ticket!
Remember that trams travel above ground, so during peak hours, you will find yourself in the midst of Milan’s heavy traffic. During these hours, the best way to get around the city is by metro, which is not affected by traffic.
Are you ready to explore Milan aboard the oldest means of transport in the Lombardy capital?