Milan has one of Italy's most modern urban transport networks: five metro lines branded M1 through M5, a surviving network of historic trams that doubles as a tourist attraction, a comprehensive bus system, and strong suburban rail connections that spread across Lombardy. The ATM card — the city's transit authority — brings it all under a single integrated ticketing system.
The ATM Metro: five lines across the city
Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM) runs the metro, trams and buses. The metro has five lines, each with a colour and number:
- M1 (Red) — the original line, running east–west from Sesto FS to Rho Fieramilano (the trade fair). Key stops include Loreto, Centrale, Cadorna and Duomo — the hub interchange for the entire network.
- M2 (Green) — runs north–south via Cadorna, Garibaldi and Centrale, looping from Assago (near the O2 Arena) in the south to Gessate and Cologno in the northeast. Cadorna is the stop for the Malpensa Express airport train.
- M3 (Yellow) — connects San Donato in the southeast with Comasina in the north, through the city centre via the Duomo and Centrale.
- M4 (Blue) — the newest line, completed in stages from 2022–2024, running from Linate Airport directly into the city centre at Dateo, Sforza and San Babila/Duomo, and eventually through to San Cristoforo. It solves the longstanding gap in direct airport–centre metro coverage for Linate.
- M5 (Lilac) — a fully automated driverless line from Bignami in the north to San Siro (the football stadium) and onwards toward Garibaldi. Useful for football matches and for reaching the north of the city.
The key interchange hub is Duomo at the heart of the city, where M1 and M3 cross; Cadorna handles M1 and M2 transfers plus the Malpensa airport connection. Centrale (the main railway station) is served by M2 and M3.
The historic trams
Milan is one of the few major European cities to have kept a functioning tram network in its city centre, and some of the 1920s orange trams — the iconic "Ventotto" design — are still in everyday service on certain lines, an experience in themselves. Modern low-floor trams now cover most routes, and the system is comprehensive, covering many streets too narrow for the metro to reach.
Trams are especially useful for travelling along Corso Buenos Aires, the shopping street east of the centre, and along key routes from Cadorna to the Cimitero Monumentale. Line 2 (the red tram) is a classic way to travel through the city's older neighbourhoods. All tram journeys use the same ATM integrated ticket as the metro.
Buses and the surface network
ATM buses cover areas the metro and trams do not reach, and several night bus routes (prefixed "N") operate during the small hours when the metro is closed. Bus stops display timetables and route maps; the ATM app and Google Maps are both reliable for planning surface routes in real time.
There is also a network of trolleybuses — electric buses drawing power from overhead wires — operating on a few routes, particularly in the north of the city.
Tickets and passes
ATM uses a single zonal ticket system. For most visitors spending time in the city itself, the urban zone ticket covers everything:
- Single ticket (biglietto): valid for 90 minutes on all ATM modes (metro, tram, bus) within the urban zone. Metro journeys count from entry to exit regardless of time; surface journeys can be broken and resumed within the 90-minute window.
- Daily pass (24-hour): unlimited ATM urban zone travel for 24 hours from first validation. Worth it if you expect more than three or four journeys.
- 48-hour and 72-hour passes: better value for stays of two or three days.
- Carnet of 10 tickets: a discounted bundle of single tickets, useful for a week-long stay where you do not always need unlimited daily travel.
Tickets are sold at all metro stations (machines accept cash and card), at tobacconists (tabacchi) and at authorised kiosks. Tap or insert to validate at the turnstile when entering the metro; stamp at the on-board machine on trams and buses. Inspectors check regularly and fines are substantial.
Getting to Milan's airports
Milan has two main airports. Linate, just 8 km east of the centre, is now connected by the M4 metro in around 10–12 minutes from the centre — a huge improvement over the former bus-only option. Malpensa, about 50 km northwest, is served by the Malpensa Express train to Cadorna or Centrale (around 40–50 minutes), which requires a separate ticket. For more detail on the airport journey, see the guide to Milan airports to city centre.
The suburban rail network (Passante)
The Passante ferroviario is a semi-underground suburban rail line threading through the city from Bovisa in the northwest to Rogoredo in the southeast, run by Trenord. It is integrated with ATM ticketing for in-city travel and is particularly useful for passengers arriving at Garibaldi or travelling to southern suburbs. The Trenord suburban network also spreads across Lombardy, connecting towns like Como, Bergamo, Varese and Pavia to the city — useful for day trips, though these require separate regional tickets.
Getting around on foot and by bike
The historic centre around the Duomo, Brera, Navigli and Porta Romana is compact enough to walk. Milan also has a well-developed BikeMi public bike-sharing scheme, with electric-assist bikes available as well as standard ones. Docking stations are concentrated in the central area; a day or week subscription is easy to set up via the app.
Scooter-sharing services (multiple operators) are widespread and a fast way to navigate between metro stops in good weather.
Tips for getting around Milan
- The metro runs until about midnight on most nights, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays (typically to around 1.30 am). Night buses cover the gap.
- The Duomo is the best point of orientation — all five metro lines are accessible within one stop of it.
- For day trips to Rome, the Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed trains from Centrale offer frequent departures; see the Milan to Rome route guide for details.
- The ATM app is excellent for real-time surface arrivals and metro disruptions.
- Stamp your bus or tram ticket immediately on boarding — even experienced travellers sometimes forget, and inspectors take an unsympathetic view.
Frequently asked questions
Which Milan metro line goes to the Duomo?
Both M1 (Red) and M3 (Yellow) stop at Duomo — it is the main interchange station at the heart of the network. M2 (Green) passes nearby at Lanza and Cadorna.
Can I use my ATM city pass on the Malpensa Express?
No. The Malpensa Express is a separate Trenord service requiring its own ticket. City ATM passes do not cover it. The M4 metro to Linate, however, is now included in standard urban ATM tickets.
Are Milan trams tourist-only or part of the real network?
They are a genuine part of the everyday transport network, used by commuters and residents as much as visitors. Some historic 1920s trams still operate on certain routes alongside modern low-floor vehicles.
How long does the Milan metro run each night?
Typically until around midnight on weekdays, extending to about 1 or 1.30 am on Friday and Saturday nights. Night buses (the "N" lines) operate through the rest of the night.
Sources and further reading:
- ATM Milano — official route maps, timetables and ticketing information.
- Trenord — Malpensa Express and Passante suburban rail details.