Milan Transport Guide: Metro Tickets & Airport Transfers
Illustration for trip planning. Check current operator information and your ticket conditions.
Milan has an extensive metro, tram, bus and suburban rail network, but the right ticket depends on the operator and travel zone. Begin with your airport or railway station and the address you need to reach. Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo require different transfers; Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna are separate stations.
Choose the airport transfer first
| Airport | Useful connection | Decision to make |
|---|---|---|
| Malpensa (MXP) | Malpensa Express trains to Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna. | Confirm Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 and the Milan endpoint. |
| Linate (LIN) | M4 metro to San Babila, connecting there with M1. | Check the metro route and onward transfer to your address. |
| Milan Bergamo (BGY) | Airport bus to Bergamo railway station for onward rail travel; direct coaches to Milan are another option. | Compare the full journey, bus timetable, traffic and luggage. |
Malpensa Terminal 1 is about 51 minutes from Centrale or 37 minutes from Cadorna on the operator’s published routes; check the selected train and terminal. The main ticket page listed an adult single at €15 and a child fare of €7.50 for ages 4–13 when checked on 11 October 2026. Read the specific ticket’s validity and change conditions. See the Malpensa Express guide.
M4 links Linate with San Babila in about 12 minutes. This is a metro service and follows ATM’s ticket rules. For Bergamo, use the airport’s current connection information rather than assuming that a planned railway link is already operating.
Metro, trams and suburban trains
Milan’s five metro lines are M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5. Centrale is served by M2 and M3; Cadorna by M1 and M2; Duomo by M1 and M3. Match the destination address with the current network map, then check any planned works or closures before travel.
Trams and buses can be useful for the final part of a journey. Historic trams have a different boarding layout from newer vehicles, so travellers with large luggage or mobility needs should check the accessible route. Do not assume the same first or last operating time for all lines.
ATM ticket prices and validity
| Mi1–Mi3 product | Price checked 11 October 2026 | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket | €2.20 | Valid for 90 minutes under the covered network and zone rules. |
| 24-hour ticket | €7.60 | Valid for 24 hours from first validation. |
| Three-day ticket | €15.50 | Three consecutive service days; it ends with service on the third day, not 72 hours after first use. |
Compare the trips you will actually make before choosing a pass. The covered zones matter for travel beyond the centre. A ten-trip carnet cannot be shared by several people travelling at the same time. Airport products such as Malpensa Express have separate conditions.
Contactless payment and regional tickets are different
ATM supports contactless payment, but tapping a bank card on ATM does not create a valid Trenord regional or suburban rail ticket. Use the same card or device throughout a contactless journey and follow ATM’s instructions for entry, exit and transfers. A phone wallet and the physical bank card should not be treated as the same payment device.
For Trenord services, buy the appropriate ticket and follow its own validation instructions. Check the issued format rather than assuming that every digital ticket follows Trenitalia’s rules. Keep the valid ticket available for inspection.
Changing to a train at Milano Centrale
For Rome, Venice or Florence, check the exact station printed on your onward ticket. Some Milan services use another station. Inside Centrale, find the train number and scheduled time on the live board, then check the platform and carriage.
Leave time for walking, luggage and any platform access checks. An incoming flight or a separate airport ticket does not automatically protect a restricted high-speed booking. Compare change terms before selecting a tight connection; our Milano Centrale guide explains the station checks.
Late travel, accessibility and disruptions
Use ATM’s current planner for late-night transport and check lift availability if your route depends on step-free access. Read dated notices from ATM, Trenord and the operator of each onward train before travelling during a strike or disruption. A guaranteed-service notice does not mean every departure runs.
Official sources
Official guidance checked on 11 October 2026. Prices, schedules and product conditions can change; check the relevant operator before purchase and travel.
