Milan is one of the busiest cities in Italy, and its traffic can be challenging to navigate. It bustles from early morning to late at night, and the lack of parking, along with many areas where traffic is limited, adds to the complexity. Therefore, it is highly advisable to leave your car behind when visiting Milan and utilize the city’s reliable public transport. From the metro to trams to bike-sharing services, here’s what you need to know about moving around the city of the Madonnina.
The Metro
The metro, short for metropolitana, is recognized as one of the easiest ways to travel around Milan. It is used daily by locals, commuters, and tourists alike. Service starts at around six in the morning and ends at midnight. Currently, the metro operates four lines, with a fifth line under construction, reaching beyond central Milan into the suburbs. A single ticket costs €2, with options for a 24-hour ticket for €7, a three-day ticket for €12, or a pack of ten trips for €18.
Passante Railway
Inspired by the S-Bahn trains in Germany, the Passante railway operates underground through Milan and its suburbs. It is an efficient and speedy option for navigating the city’s most strategic points, such as railway and metro stations. Although it doesn’t match the metro’s capacity, it is still a reliable choice. Tickets for the Passante are priced the same as those for the metro.
Trams
Trams are integral to Milan’s infrastructure and contribute to its iconic imagery with their recognizable yellow color. The city operates a total of eighteen tram lines, and service runs from around 4 am until 2 am the following day. Tickets cost €2, the same as those for the metro and Passante, and can be purchased at various locations including tabaccherie and newsagents.
Bus and Filobus
Milan boasts both bus and filobus lines, amounting to over a hundred routes covering the entire urban area. These services operate from about 5 am to 12:30 am. Tickets for these transportation services are consistent with other modes of public transit.
Walking
Walking is an excellent way to explore the city, allowing you to discover delightful nooks and quirky sights that you might otherwise overlook while visiting just the renowned landmarks. Although you can choose to walk exclusively, a practical approach is to travel from neighborhood to neighborhood using public transport and letting your feet guide you on an adventure.
Taxis
Taxis in Milan are easily identifiable by their white color. You can hail them from designated areas or order one through a call or app. The base fare starts at €3.40 on weekdays and €5.60 on weekends, with night fares beginning at €6.70. Notably, fixed fares are available for major destinations like airports, and up to three passengers can split the fare from the same starting point to the same destination.
Sharing Services
An appealing alternative to personal transportation or traditional public transport is utilizing a sharing service. Whether it’s a car, a bike, or a scooter, Milan offers an extensive range of options. Each service operates on the same principle: you pick up your ride at a nearby location and drop it off at your destination, eliminating the hassle of finding parking and paying only for the duration of use.
Accessible Transportation in Milan
When it comes to accessible travel, Milan presents a mixed experience. Some transport lines and areas prioritize accessibility, ensuring smooth transit for all passengers, whereas others, particularly older lines, require significant improvements. Lines 3 (M3) and 5 (M5) of the metro are particularly well-equipped, featuring elevators, tactile floor markings, and accessible restrooms. However, accessibility can differ drastically on Lines 1 (M1) and 2 (M2).
Meanwhile, trams, buses, and filobuses are also impacted by accessibility variations. While many bus lines are equipped with ramps for wheelchair users, not all trams and filobuses have this capability. Most stops feature tactile floor markings, but older constructions may still demand renovation.
For more detailed information and guidelines regarding accessible transportation, you can visit Milan’s official website.
