Getting to Milan - by plane

Arriving to Milan

Arrival by plane

Situated at a strategic crossroads in Europe, Milan serves as a prominent hub for global transportation, offering various avenues for reaching the city from different corners of the world. Travelers have the convenience of choosing from three major airports that cater to a wide range of travel needs, including domestic, international, and intercontinental flights. These airports provide vital connections that link Milan to destinations far and wide, ensuring easy accessibility and seamless connectivity for travelers venturing to this vibrant Italian metropolis.

Depending on your location, you can fly directly to airports:Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN) or Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY). For those embarking on their journey from more distant locations, it may be necessary to fly into larger airports like Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and then continue the journey to Milan by train or bus.

Closer to the city is Linate (7 km from the city center, primarily associated with European airlines), from where it is quite easy to get to the city center.

Located approximately 50 kilometers from the city center, the second airport serving Milan is Malpensa Airport. Situated in the direction of Lago Maggiore, Malpensa Airport offers a convenient gateway for travelers arriving in Milan. Additionally, Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport serves as the third airport in the vicinity and is particularly popular among low-cost carriers, providing an alternative option for budget-conscious travelers.

Getting to Milan by train

A view of the train tracks at Milano Centrale, Milan's main train station, with trains ready to depart.

Milan, Italy, benefits from two primary train stations: Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi. These two stations play a crucial role in facilitating transportation within the city. Commuters and travelers can conveniently navigate the city using the Milan Metro, which connects these two major stations. Additionally, an extensive network of bus lines further enhances connectivity between Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi, ensuring that individuals can easily reach their desired destinations. Whether for daily commuting or exploring the city as a visitor, the efficient interlinking of these transportation options simplifies travel throughout Milan.

Most international trains arrive at Stazione Centrale at Piazza Duca d'Aosta, which is located northeast of the city center. Metro M2 and M3 can reach it.

See the official website of the Central Station for more detailed information.

In addition to Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi, several other major train stations serve Milan. These include Milano Cadorna, Milano Greco Pirelli, Milano Porta Genova, Milano Porta Romana, Milano Rogoredo, Milano San Cristoforo, and Milano Certosa.These stations play a significant role in providing transportation options to residents and visitors, ensuring convenient access to different parts of the city and beyond. Each station is strategically located in various areas of Milan, contributing to the overall efficiency and accessibility of the city's train network.

The Italian National Railways official website provides a comprehensive platform for accessing information on domestic and international train schedules, stations, agencies, and services. Additionally, travelers can purchase tickets online, streamlining their train journeys' planning and booking process.

Arrival by bus

Stazione Garibaldi, conveniently located at the MM2 Garibaldi metro station, is a departure point for various international and long-distance bus lines. Travelers can access a wide range of bus services, including those for international destinations, providing convenient transportation options for their long-distance journeys. For information and ticket purchases, travelers can visit the Autostradale office in Piazza Castello or the Zani Waggi office conveniently located on the corner of Piazza Castello and Foro Bonaparte. These offices serve as reliable sources of information, assisting passengers with their travel needs and providing them with the necessary tickets for their bus journeys.

Flixbus, a well-known international carrier, operates various routes connecting Milan with numerous cities worldwide. With Flixbus, travelers can enjoy a wide range of destinations and convenient connections to reach their desired locations from Milan. Whether within Italy or beyond its borders, Flixbus offers a reliable and accessible transportation for passengers exploring different cities and regions. Flixbus arrives at the Lampugnano bus station in Milan, situated in the western part of the city. This convenient location provides travelers easy access to transportation options, including the Lampugnano metro station on the Red Line. From there, passengers can seamlessly navigate to various destinations within Milan or continue their journey to other parts of the city using the efficient metro system. The Lampugnano bus station is a key transportation hub, connecting travelers to the vibrant city of Milan and its surrounding areas.

Arrival by car

Milan is connected to the rest of the world via 5 highways (toll):

  • A1 – Autostrada del Sole: (Highway of the Sun, connects north and south and runs from Milan to Reggio Calabria via Bologna, Florence, Rome, and Naples, with a branch to the Adriatic Coast and Puglia.
  • A4 – Serenissima – Serene: from Turin through Milano, Bergamo, Brescia, Verona, Venezia to Trieste, with a branch to the Brenna Pass
  • A7 Autostrada dei Fiori: Highway of Flowers – from Milan to Genoa, with a branch to Ventimiglia and France, and La Spezia – Pisa and Livorno
  • A8 – Autostrada Dei Laghi: Highway of the Lakes – from Milan through Varese to Lago Maggiore.
  • A9 – Autostrada Dei Laghi: Highway of the Lakes – from Milan to Como with a branch to Switzerland.

Milan benefits from a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including three major ring roads that encircle the city: the Tangenziale Nord (Northern Ring Road), Tangenziale Est (Eastern Ring Road), and Tangenziale Ovest (Western Ring Road).
Milan benefits from a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including three major ring roads that encircle the city: the Tangenziale Nord (Northern Ring Road), Tangenziale Est (Eastern Ring Road), and Tangenziale Ovest (Western Ring Road). These multi-lane roads play a crucial role in facilitating traffic flow by providing convenient access to the city's highways from different directions. With the absence of toll fees, these ring roads offer a seamless and efficient means of transportation, reducing congestion and enhancing connectivity for commuters and travelers alike. Navigating the streets of Milan by car can be a challenging experience due to heavy congestion and limited parking availability. It is advisable to avoid using a car within the city, as finding parking spaces can be extremely difficult. Parking in unauthorized areas should be strictly avoided, as it not only risks incurring hefty fines but also the inconvenience of retrieving the vehicle from a police impound lot. To circumvent these challenges, it is recommended to explore alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, taxis, or ridesharing services to navigate the bustling streets of Milan more efficiently and conveniently.

The website of the Motorway Company provides a wealth of information regarding highways in Italy, including detailed information about Autostrade S.p.A., the company responsible for managing the highway network. Visitors to the website can access an interactive map that showcases the extensive highway network, allowing users to explore different routes and plan their journeys accordingly. Additionally, the website offers valuable resources and updates about ongoing projects, maintenance works, toll rates, and any relevant news related to the Italian highway system. It serves as a useful tool for travelers seeking comprehensive information and assistance for their highway travel in Italy. By entering the starting point and destination of your trip on the website of the Motorway Company, you can conveniently calculate the cost of your highway travel. This feature allows users to obtain an estimate of toll fees based on their specific route. By providing accurate information, such as the vehicle category and any applicable discounts or passes, the website can generate an estimation of the total cost for the journey. This functionality is beneficial for travelers who want to plan their expenses and clearly understand the toll fees associated with their highway travel in Italy.