While much of central Milan is best enjoyed on foot, sooner or later you’ll need to rely on public transport to explore further. Luckily, travelling around the city by public transport is not that hard. Milan offers a wide range of options that make moving around simple and efficient.
Finding the stops
When navigating Milan, look for the distinctive metro logo: a white “M” on a red square background. This unmistakable symbol marks every metro station entrance throughout the city and has become one of Milan’s most recognizable urban icons. You’ll spot these red squares with the white “M” on street signs, building facades, and digital displays, making it easy to locate the nearest metro access point even in busy areas or unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Tram stops are usually right next to the tracks that run through the streets. Look for a tall pole or sign with the tram line number clearly displayed. Many stops also have a small shelter with a timetable and route map. If you see the rails, you’re never far from a stop — just follow them until you find the sign.
Bus stops look very similar: a pole or shelter with the bus number and schedule posted. In busy areas, you’ll often find several lines stopping at the same place. At night, the stops for the special “N” night buses are usually the same as the daytime ones, so you don’t need to search for a different location.
Tickets and Fares
Milan’s transportation pricing operates on the STIBM system, which divides the metropolitan area into concentric zones ranging from Mi1-Mi3 (covering the city center and main tourist areas) to Mi9 (the most peripheral zone). The principle is straightforward: the more zones you cross, the higher the ticket cost, but also the longer its validity period.
A single ticket or pass allows you to travel on all ATM vehicles, Trenord railway lines, including suburban rails system and buses operated by companies within the integrated fare system.
You can use this interactive map to determine exactly which ticket type you need.
For tourist visits, the Mi1-Mi3 ticket usually covers all necessary destinations.
Fares for the Mi1-Mi3 zone:
- Children under 14: free
- Standard ticket (90 minutes): €2.20
- Day ticket (24 hours): €7.60
- 3-day ticket: €15.50 (valid until 03:45 on the third day)
- 10-journey carnet: €19.50 (cannot be used by multiple people simultaneously)
All tickets provide unlimited rides on metro, buses, trams, and the suburban rail system within a certain amount of time – written on the ticket. Remember to always validate them at the start of your journey and when changing vehicles.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased easily through several channels:
- authorized retailers (bars, newsstands, tobacco shops)
- automatic machines in metro stations
- official ATM Milano app, useful also for status updates.
- contactless card for a rapid pay as you go
Tips: even if util December 31th, 2025 you can choose for a standard single-use ticket, the best choice is the new top ticket RicaricaMi. It’s rechargable with no extra costs!
In a single RicaricaMi you can load up to 30 ordinary tickets, with the same fare, up to 5 carnets (10 tickets each) Mi1-Mi3 fare and maximum one daily ticket or one three-day ticket.
Service Hours
Metro: Lines M1, M2, and M3 operate from approximately 5:30 until 00:30; M5 runs from 5:40 to 24:00; M4 operates from 6:00 to 00:30. Substitute bus lines provide overnight service.
Trams and buses: Generally in service from 4:30/5:30 until late night (approximately 2:30 for trams and 1:45 for buses).
Suburban rail system: Schedules vary depending on the suburban lines. For updated information, consult the official Trenord website or dedicated apps.
Tips for travelling like a local
🚇 Let people off before you get on: when the metro doors open, always wait for passengers to exit before boarding. It’s the golden rule of Milanese commuting
🪜 Stay right on escalators: If you’re not walking, keep to the right. The left lane is for people in a hurry, and Milanese don’t forgive those who block the flow.
⏰ Rush hour = survival mode: Between 8-9 AM and 6-7 PM, the metro becomes a human river. Avoid these times if possible. If you can’t, prepare to squeeze in and move quickly.
🚲🛴 Watch out for tram tracks and cobblestones: If you’re cycling or using a scooter, beware of tram tracks—they’re the worst enemy of thin wheels. Milan’s famous porphyry cobblestones can also cause unpleasant surprises, so stay alert!
🏃♂️ Walking fast is a must: In the metro, on the street, everywhere. Milan moves at high speed. If you need to stop, do it to the side, never in the middle of foot traffic.
Credits
Arrow303 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Iioorttv, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
