How to get to Milan by car, coach, train or plane

Milan has long been one of Europe’s most important and dynamic cities, serving as a key hub for fashion, design, finance and culture. Whether visiting for business, leisure or any other reason, it’s worth knowing the most convenient ways to get there. The city is extremely well connected, with excellent transport links by air, rail and road and even options for slow travel, ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed journey. Below is an overview of all the available options.

By air

For those travelling from afar or simply wishing to cut down on journey time, flying to Milan is a highly convenient option. The city is served by three main airports:

• Milan Malpensa
• Milan Linate
• Orio al Serio (Bergamo)

Malpensa is the city’s main international hub, located around 50 kilometres from the centre of Milan. Depending on the chosen mode of transport, travel time into the city typically ranges between 40 and 60 minutes. Fast rail connections are available via the Malpensa Express, which links the airport to both Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna stations. A number of shuttle buses run daily, while taxis and car hire services provide further options for getting into the city.

Linate is Milan’s city airport, situated just 7 kilometres from the centre. Travelling into town takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or private vehicle. The airport is connected to the city via urban bus lines and, since 2023, also by the new M4 underground line, which reaches San Babila in about 12 minutes. Shuttle and scheduled bus services are also available.

Orio al Serio (Bergamo) lies approximately 50 kilometres from Milan and primarily serves low-cost carriers. Journey time to the city centre is around 60 minutes. Frequent direct shuttle buses operate to Milano Centrale railway station, with taxis and car rental services also on hand. Although there is no direct rail link, it is possible to reach Bergamo railway station and continue to Milan by train from there.

By coach

Travelling to Milan by coach is a budget-friendly option, especially favoured by those looking for a more affordable alternative to the train or plane.

Major coach operators such as FlixBus, MarinoBus and Itabus connect Milan with numerous cities across Italy and Europe. Most services arrive and depart from the Lampugnano bus station, located in the western part of the city and conveniently linked to the M1 metro line. Some routes also serve areas near Milan Rogoredo and San Donato, offering easy access to the city centre via public transport.

By train

Travelling by train remains one of the fastest and most efficient ways to reach Milan, particularly from cities like Rome, Florence, Bologna, Turin and Venice.

Milano Centrale is the city’s main railway station, served by both regional trains and high-speed services such as Frecciarossa and Italo. Depending on the departure point, other stations including Milano Porta Garibaldi, Milano Rogoredo and Milano Lambrate may also be convenient arrival options.

Thanks to the extensive rail network, travelling by train allows passengers to bypass motorway traffic and arrive directly in the heart of Milan, just a short walk from many of its main attractions.

By car

Travelling to Milan by car offers considerable flexibility in terms of timing and stopovers, although it does require careful planning due to traffic and congestion charge zones.

The city is well connected by motorways: the A1 from Bologna, the A4 from Turin or Venice, the A7 from Genoa, and the A8/A9 from Lake Como and Switzerland. Like many major Italian cities, Milan has restricted access areas such as Area C, a congestion charge zone for vehicles that are not electric or hybrid, in effect on weekdays.

Those planning to drive into the city should consider using one of the many park-and-ride facilities located near metro stations, and continue their journey via public transport.

Walking and cycling: embracing slow travel routes

An increasingly popular and sustainable way to reach Milan, or to explore it from within, is by following the city’s gentle mobility routes. The Parco Agricolo Sud Milano offers a network of cycle and pedestrian paths that link the surrounding countryside to the urban centre, ideal for those who enjoy walking or cycling. Scenic routes such as the Naviglio Pavese and Naviglio Grande allow travellers to approach the city gradually, following the course of ancient canals and taking in peaceful rural landscapes and picturesque views. Sections of the historic Via Francigena, which pass near Milan, also offer the chance to arrive on foot, retracing centuries-old pilgrimage routes steeped in history and charm.

Getting around Milan: the best transport options

Once in Milan, getting around is straightforward thanks to a well-developed and efficient public transport network. Managed by ATM, the system includes underground lines, buses and trams. The metro consists of four main lines (M1, M2, M3 and M5), with a fifth line (M4) currently nearing completion. Milan’s historic trams are not only a practical way to get around, but also a charming attraction in their own right.

For those looking for alternative transport, options such as bike sharing (BikeMi), electric scooters and car sharing services are widely available and commonly used. Taxis and ride-hailing apps further expand the range of choices, though traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can sometimes slow journeys. To make travel even more convenient, special daily and weekly travel passes are available, offering unlimited access to public transport at highly affordable rates.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

Tag

Transport and Mobility

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