How does Milan public transport work?

Curious about getting around Milan? This guide reveals smart ways to use Milan’s public transport, including buses, trams, metro, and unique alternatives. Start exploring!

Yordan

11 minute read

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Updated on 16 Sep 2026

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Living

Milan's public transport network runs on four metro lines, 18 tram lines, and 80 bus routes daily from about 5:30 am to 1:45 am, with a single ticket costing €2.20 across the whole system. Being at the top of the best Italian cities, Milan boasts an extensive public transport system. However, it can often be daunting to those who aren't familiar with it. Luckily, the Azienda Transporti Milanesi (ATM), the company in charge of the public transport network, has done a great job in integrating all of the means of transport.

Conveniently connecting all of Milan's neighbourhoods, you'd be able to swiftly get from one side of the city to the other. If you're evaluating where to live for easier commutes, be sure to use our Milan neighborhood guide to compare areas before you move. Besides that, Milan's public transport system is perfectly equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities as well.

Keep reading to find out about the different types of public transport in Milan's network, the associated costs and the best alternatives.

• Students: grab the monthly youth pass for €22 (under 27) or the yearly one for €200, and validate your ticket the moment you board to dodge a fine.
• Young professionals and expats: a single ticket (€2.20) covers 90 minutes across metro, tram, and bus. Tap a contactless bank card directly at the gates if you'd rather skip buying in advance.
• Newcomers: the network runs daily from 5:30 am to 1:45 am on 4 metro lines, 18 tram lines, and 80 bus routes. Night buses take over once the metro closes.
• Flying in or out: the Malpensa Express train, the Linate M4 metro line, and Bergamo airport shuttles all connect directly to Milano Centrale or the city center.
• Everyone: the ATM Milano app, Google Maps, and Moovit all show live departures, so download at least one before your first ride.

The public transportation network in the capital of the Lombardy region is nothing short of vast. The bus, tram and metro lines are ideally integrated to facilitate your needs when walking doesn't cut it.

Metro: the fastest way across the city

As with everywhere, Milan's metro is the fastest way to get around the city. With more than 100 stops scattered throughout the Milan city area, your best bet in finding them is to look out for the square signs with a capital "M" on them. There are currently 4 integrated metro lines in the city and there are plans for expanding the network in the future.

The metro runs daily from 5:30 am to 1:45 am. Since the schedule fits that of buses and trams, and the ticket applies to all of them, you can count on being able to combine them as you wish. If you're planning to stay out late, you can plan a night out in Milan with confidence knowing that night buses take over after the metro closes.

Trams: Milan's historic connector

As with every other major European city, Milan boasts a wide tram network. Consisting of 18 lines, there are 33 different routes, some of which reach the outskirts of the city. Typically running on schedule, the tram network is the second fastest way to get around the city, dominated only by the impressive speed of the metro.

Similarly to buses in Milan, you're required to hail the approaching tram for it to stop to pick you up and you must also signify your intention of stepping off.

The trams in Milan run on the same 5:30 am - 1:45 am schedule as the metro and busses. Despite the majority of the tram fleet being modern, numerous “old school” trams are still running and signify the long heritage of the tram network that dates back to 1873. If you want to live centrally and experience historic routes, see what living in Centro Storico is like.

Buses: best for reaching the outskirts

Milan boasts 80 sustainable bus lines. The buses run daily from 5:30 am until 1:45 am with the only exception being public holidays.

As it seems, the bus lines serve the purpose of complementing the metro lines and would serve you best if you want to quickly get out of the city centre. If you value convenience and connection, consider the a well-connected area to live in like Porta Venezia, which is popular among students and young professionals.

You should keep in mind that the bus stops in Milan aren't traditional. Instead, they consist of a single metal pole indicating the buses which run through there and the consecutive stops. You can expect to see the name of the stop you're at to be highlighted with the following stops being below its name.

Using the bus in Milan requires you to be proactive. You're expected to hail the bus similarly to a taxi since it wouldn't stop unless you do so or one of the passengers wants to get off at your stop.

Always remember to validate your ticket as soon as you get on to avoid a fine!

BikeMi: Milan's public bike-share

BikeMi, Milan's public bike-sharing service, has been around since 2008. The number of the BikeMi stations has risen to more than 200 since then. Scattered around the city each station can receive your bike once you are done with it.

You're required to sign up for the BikeMi program to make use of the service. The subscription options are as follows:

Once you've secured your preferred subscription, you can make use of the BikeMi network. For the standard bikes first half-hour is always for free, with every following 30 minutes costing you € 0.50 and every hour beyond 2 hours costing € 2.

With the e-bike, the prices vary more. The first 3 minutes are free, after that you'll pay € 0.25 per minute until 30 minutes, then € 0.50 per minute until 60 minutes, € 1 per minute until 1.5 hrs, € 2 per minute till 2 hours and € 4 per minute between 2 - 24 hours.

Of course, good public transport comes at a price. Fortunately, its cost in Milan isn't going to break the bank, unlike some of the other expenses you'll have while living in the city). For a full breakdown on how transport costs fit into your monthly budget, see the cost of living in Milan.

This is how much you pay for public transport in Milan:

• These prices are will vary depending on the transport zone you live in Milan, the above prices are for transport with in the Mi1 zone.

Buying a ticket or a travel card

Choose between four options to buy a ticket:

• Ticket shop (Biglieterria)
• Ticket machines (Metro only)
• ATM App
• Contactless bank cards (billed at the check-in machines)

Buy your ticket before you board, except when tapping a contactless card. At a metro station, use the automated machines by the turnstiles or the ticket counter. For buses and trams, buy from a tobacco shop, newsstand, or bar displaying the ATM logo, since drivers don't sell tickets on board.

Once you have a ticket, validate it the moment you get on: tap it against the yellow or grey validator near the doors on buses and trams, or at the turnstile before going down to the metro platform. Your ticket then stays valid for 90 minutes across as many bus, tram, and metro rides as you need, as long as you don't exit and re-enter the same metro station.

Skip the ticket machine altogether and tap your contactless bank card or phone directly at the metro turnstile or the reader on buses and trams. ATM calculates the best fare for you automatically, capping your daily spend at the price of a day pass.

Best apps for planning your route

Download the ATM Milano app first. It shows real-time arrivals for every metro, tram, and bus line, lets you buy and store tickets directly in the app, and plans multi-leg routes across the network in one search.

Google Maps and Moovit both pull live ATM data too, so either works well as a backup, especially if you're already used to them from home. Both apps also flag disruptions and suggest alternative routes when a line is down. Citymapper covers Milan as well and adds walking and cycling directions alongside public transport, which is handy if you're comparing a short walk against a tram ride.

For BikeMi, use the dedicated BikeMi app to check bike and e-bike availability at each dock in real time before you walk over, since docking stations can run empty during rush hour.

Night buses: getting home after 1:45 am

Milan's night bus network takes over once the metro and most trams stop at 1:45 am. Lines marked with an "N" prefix run along the same corridors as the closed metro lines, connecting the same stops roughly every 30 to 40 minutes through the night.

Besides being active during the day, some lines run night shifts as well. Yet, some trams run overnight, but don't count on the wait to be short.

Night service runs less frequently than the daytime schedule, so build in extra waiting time if you're heading home from a late shift or a night out. Your regular ticket or travel card covers night buses too, so there's no need to buy anything extra. If you're travelling alone late at night, stick to well-lit stops along Corso Buenos Aires, Corso Garibaldi, or near Duomo, where night lines run most frequently.

Airport connections: Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo

Milan has three airports, and each connects to the city center by public transport. Here's the fastest option from each:

• Malpensa Airport: take the Malpensa Express train direct to Milano Centrale or Cadorna in about 50 minutes (from €13), or the Malpensa Shuttle bus to Milano Centrale in a similar time (from around €10).
• Linate Airport: ride the M4 metro line straight to San Babila, in the city center, in about 12 minutes. Bus 73 also connects Linate to San Babila and takes roughly 25 minutes.
• Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport: hop on one of the shuttle buses (like Orio Shuttle or Autostradale) to Milano Centrale, which takes about 1 hour and starts from around €5 to €10.

All three options run on a regular schedule throughout the day, and none require booking a private transfer. If you're arriving late at night, check the last departure time before you land, since airport shuttle frequency drops after midnight.

Milan's public transport is generally safe, including at night, but stay alert for pickpockets on crowded metro lines and around Duomo and Centrale stations. Keep bags zipped and in front of you during rush hour, and avoid flashing your phone near train doors, where snatch-and-run theft is more common. For more on safety and choosing where you'll feel comfortable, get a quick safety overview with our guide to Milan areas to avoid.

The network accommodates travelers with disabilities well. Metro stations have lifts and tactile paving, and low-floor trams and buses kneel at the curb for wheelchair users and people with strollers.

A few local habits are worth knowing before your first ride. Let passengers exit before you board. Offer your seat to elderly riders, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, especially on the reserved seats near the doors. Keep conversations quiet on early morning and late evening rides, when the carriage is full of commuters heading to work or home.

Not much of a public transport person? You're not alone. Here are the alternatives which you can make use of in Milan.

Taxis

Unlike in some other European cities, you cannot hail taxis in Milan in the middle of the street. Instead, you'd have to either order a taxi at a specific address or get into one at one of the designated taxi stops.

The general pricing is as follows:

• Minimum fare on weekdays/ public holidays - € 3.70/ € 6.00
• Night fare - € 7.20
• Price per kilometre- € 1.20
• Price per stand-by hour- € 31.30

There are also several peculiarities of the way billing for using taxis in Milan works. They are dynamic, so we advise you to check the official page to find out about them.

Electric mopeds

Cityscoot is another alternative to public transportation. As with other ride-sharing services, Cityscoot runs a fleet of electrified mopeds placed at key locations. Prices start at € 0.22 per minute. All you need to do to be able to make use of this service is to sign up for the app.

Getting around Milan gets easier once you've settled near the right line. Search HousingAnywhere's Milan listings and filter by neighborhood to find a room, studio, or apartment close to the metro or tram stop you'll use most, then message verified landlords directly and book your place online before you land. Every booking includes Tenant Protection, so your first month's rent stays secure until 48 hours after you move in, giving you a real chance to check the transport links match what the listing promised.

If you're planning your relocation, read our guide to expat life in Milan to see what daily life is like and how to settle in quickly. Students coming to Milan can find student accommodation in Italy early to secure the best options near campus and transport.

How do I buy a public transport ticket in Milan? Buy from ticket machines at metro stations, tobacco shops and newsstands with the ATM logo, the ATM Milano app, or tap your contactless card directly at the gate.

What is the best way to get around Milan as a student? The metro is fastest for long trips, but the monthly youth pass (€22 under 27) makes unlimited rides on metro, tram, and bus the cheapest option if you're commuting daily.

Are there monthly or student discounts for Milan public transport? Yes. Under-27s pay €22 a month or €200 a year, compared to €39 a month or €330 a year for standard fares.

Which apps should I use to navigate Milan's metro and buses? ATM Milano, Google Maps, and Moovit all show live departures and plan routes; ATM Milano also lets you buy tickets in-app.

How do I get from Milan's airports to the city center by public transport? Take the Malpensa Express train or Malpensa Shuttle bus from Malpensa, the M4 metro from Linate, or a shuttle bus from Bergamo Orio al Serio, all heading to Milano Centrale or San Babila.

What are the operating hours of Milan metro, trams, and buses? Daily from about 5:30 am to 1:45 am, with night buses covering the main routes after that.

Is public transport in Milan safe for international students? Yes, it's safe day and night, though you should watch for pickpockets in crowded stations like Duomo and Centrale.

How do I validate my ticket on Milan's transport system? Tap it against the validator machine near the doors on buses and trams, or at the turnstile before the metro platform, immediately after boarding.

Does Milan have night buses or late-night metro service? The metro closes at 1:45 am, but night buses with the "N" prefix run along the same routes roughly every 30 to 40 minutes until service resumes.

What should I know about Milan's public transport etiquette? Let people exit before you board, offer reserved seats to elderly or pregnant riders, and keep noise down during early morning and late evening commutes.

How does Milan's public transport compare to other major cities? Milan's network is denser and cheaper than Rome's, with more integrated ticketing than many northern European cities, though its metro has fewer lines than Paris or London.

Is Milan's transport network changing anytime soon? Yes. The M4 metro line, which links Linate Airport to the city center, opened in stages through 2024, and further extensions to the M1 and M5 lines are in planning.