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Milan Linate Airport (IATA code: LIN) operates as a base for ITA Airways (the successor to Alitalia) and is managed by the company SEA (Società Esercizi Aeroportuali).
Key facts:
In 2023, the airport served 9.36 million passengers, reaching a level close to the record-breaking 2019 (10.3 million). It is the seventh busiest airport in Italy.
Location of Linate Airport
Linate Airport (LIN) is located only 7 kilometres from the centre of Milan, making it the most accessible airport in the Milan metropolitan area. Its official name is Aeroporto Enrico Forlanini, in honour of the Milan-born aviation pioneer and inventor. Despite this, the name “Linate” is the one commonly used. It comes from a nearby village on the edge of the metropolitan area, now part of the municipality of Peschiera Borromeo. Part of the airport’s infrastructure also lies within the municipality of Segrate.
Airlines and connections from Linate Airport
Linate specializes in handling business traffic and short European flights. The main carriers are:
Important: Typical low-cost airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air do not operate at Linate Airport – they primarily use Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio).
Renovation of Milan Linate Airport – major modernization 2019-2021
Between 2019 and 2021, Linate Airport underwent a comprehensive modernization costing over 150 million euros. This ambitious project completely transformed the face of this Milanese airport. The investment brought a modern façade and a reorganized check-in area, which now welcomes travelers with spacious, bright interiors instead of the cramped corridors known from the previous decade. The security zones were also expanded and equipped with advanced scanners, significantly speeding up passenger screening without compromising safety standards.
As part of the works, a new commercial and dining area was also created, offering a wide selection of shops and restaurants showcasing the best of Milanese fashion and cuisine. The designers did not overlook ecology either – the airport was enriched with sustainable energy solutions, reducing its carbon footprint and aligning with European environmental responsibility standards. Perhaps the most significant element of the modernization, however, was the integration of the terminal with the newly built MM4 metro line, which, as if by magic, shortened the travel time to the city center to just a dozen or so minutes.
These efforts were recognized internationally – in 2021, the airport received the prestigious “Best European Airport” award in the category of facilities handling 5-15 million passengers annually during the ACI Europe Best Airport Awards ceremony. This award confirmed that Linate, once a somewhat forgotten “younger sibling” of the grand Malpensa, has transformed into a top-tier airport.
Amenities at the airport
Commercial and dining area
Business and leisure services
Financial and practical services
Special amenities
How to get from Linate airport to Milan
The airport is well connected to the city by public transportation. There are several ways to get to Linate Airport from the center of Milan:
MM4
The recent opening of two new metro stations, Tricolore and San Babila, has brought Linate Airport and the centre of Milan closer than ever. Now the journey between these two key points takes only 12 minutes.
The operating hours of the MM4 blue line are as follows:
The MM4 line also has several intermediate stops, including Tricolore, Dateo, Susa, Argonne, Forlanini Station and Repetti. Moreover, the MM4 line integrates perfectly with the regional rail transportation network thanks to transfer points at Dateo and Forlanini stations. This connection allows passengers to access Linate Airport not only by metro, but also by train.
Ticket prices and where to buy tickets for the M4 subway
Linate Airport is located in zones Mi1-Mi3 of the Milan public transport system ATM. The good news is that you don’t need to buy a special, more expensive airport ticket. A standard city ticket covering all zones Mi1-Mi3 is sufficient.
Ticket prices (December 2025):
Where to buy tickets:
Despite the launch of the M4 subway line, buses are still operating and may be a good choice if your destination is outside the subway route or you simply prefer to travel at street level and observe the city.
Bus line 973 (formerly 73)
Line 973 (formerly 73) is still operating as a bus connection from Linate. Following changes after the launch of the M4 metro line, the bus no longer goes to San Babila, but terminates in the Cinque Giornate / Via Morosini area (city center, near Piazza S. Maria del Suffragio).
Bus 973 serves the residential districts of Forlanini and Corsica, which do not have a direct metro connection. If your hotel is located on Corso XXII Marzo or Viale Corsica, this bus may be more convenient for you than the metro.
NM4 night line
During nighttime hours, the M4 metro line is replaced by NM4 buses. The NM4 line replaces the M4 every night, serving the section between Linate and San Cristoforo (and further towards Lorenteggio). It is best to check the ATM app for detailed departure times, as they are subject to change.
Express buses to/from Linate
In addition to ATM public transport, there are also airport buses operated by private operators running from Linate Airport to the city. From Milano Centrale station, you have two main options: Linate Shuttle (Milano Centrale – Dateo – Linate) and Airport Bus Express (Stazione Centrale – Lambrate – Linate). The journey time is approximately 25 minutes between Centrale and Linate; in the case of Airport Bus Express, the journey from Lambrate to the airport takes approximately 10 minutes. Current timetables and prices should be checked directly on the operators’ websites.
For more information on other bus options, visit the airport’s official website.
Taxis and alternative means of transport
You can reserve a car online:
How to get from Linate Airport to the main attractions and train stations by subway?
Now specifically – how to get from Linate Airport to the most important points in Milan:
From Linate to the Duomo (cathedral):
- Take the M4 metro at Linate Aeroporto station towards San Cristoforo.
- Get off at San Babila station (12 minutes)
- From San Babila Station to the Duomo, it’s about a 9-minute walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Alternatively, you can take the M1 metro line from San Babila towards Rho Fiera/Bisceglie and travel one stop.
Alternatively, at San Babila, you can take the M1 metro line towards Rho Fiera/Bisceglie and travel one stop.
Total time: approximately 30 minutes (including transfer and walking)
From Linate to Milano Centrale (main station)
- Take the M4 subway to San Babila (12 minutes)
- Change to the M1 towards Sesto FS
- Take the train one stop to the Duomo stop.
- Change to the yellow M3 line towards Comasina
- Get off at Centrale station (4 stops)
Alternatively, you can get off the M4 at Dateo station and take a suburban train on line S1, S2, or S13 directly to Milano Centrale. This option may be faster if the train is about to depart.
Total time: 25-30 minutes (depending on the transfer)
- M4 to San Babila (12 minutes)
- M1 to Cadorna station (5 minutes)
- M2 to Garibaldi FS (3 minutes)
Total time: approximately 25 minutes
Practical tip: if you have a lot of luggage, changing trains in the subway can be inconvenient. The Milan subway does not always have elevators, and escalators can be crowded. In this case, consider taking a direct taxi or bus connection.
Practical tips for travelers
Arrival time at the airport
It is worth arriving at Linate Airport according to the type of trip. For domestic flights, plan to arrive 1-1.5 hours before departure. This buffer will allow you to calmly go through check-in and security without unnecessary stress.
For European flights, it’s recommended to arrive about 2 hours before the scheduled departure. Extra time may be needed due to passport control and potentially higher passenger numbers.
During peak periods such as summer weekends or holidays, add an extra 30 minutes to the standard time. Increased passenger traffic on these days can result in longer queues at every stage of the journey.
Security check
Linate Airport is equipped with modern hand luggage scanners. Thanks to advanced technology, there’s no need to remove laptops or electronics from your luggage during the security check, which significantly speeds up the entire process.
However, keep in mind that liquids are still subject to standard restrictions. They must be placed in a transparent bag, and each container’s capacity cannot exceed 100 ml.
For business class passengers and priority card holders, a Fast Track service is available, allowing quicker passage through security via a dedicated lane.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
The free “MILANO LINATE FREE WIFI” network offers:
Luggage storage
Linate Airport has a convenient luggage storage facility located on the arrivals level. It is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., allowing travelers to plan their day in Milan flexibly without having to carry their suitcases around.
The luggage storage service costs approximately 6 EUR per item for 24 hours. When dropping off your luggage, remember to have an ID document – it’s required for registration.
History of flights from Linate
The history of Milan Linate Airport from the early 1930s:
Fun facts about Linate Airport
Future of Linate Airport
The development plans for Linate Airport in the coming years focus on several strategic areas. SEA, the airport operator, intends to continue digitizing passenger handling processes. In practice, this means implementing biometric document checks, automated baggage drop-off systems, and developing mobile applications to streamline navigation around the airport.
The commercial area will also see expansion. Plans include introducing new dining concepts representing local Lombard cuisine and expanding the retail offer with additional boutiques and shops featuring premium Italian products.
Ecology is another pillar of the development plans. The airport aims to invest in installing solar panels on the terminal roofs, replacing the ground vehicle fleet with electric models, and optimizing energy and waste management systems.
Airport authorities also anticipate a gradual increase in the facility’s capacity. The goal is to achieve the ability to handle 12-13 million passengers annually, enabling an increase in available connections without negatively impacting traveler comfort.
The final key element of Linate’s future is further integration with the urban and regional transport system. Planned additions include new bus connections to the city’s transport hubs and improved facilities for transfers between different modes of transportation.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Milan Linate Airport
How to get from Milan Linate Airport to the city center?
From Linate Airport to the center of Milan, the fastest way is by the MM4 metro line (blue). The trip to San Babila station in the heart of the city takes just 12 minutes, and tickets cost 2.20 EUR.
Which airport in Milan is closest to the city center?
Linate (LIN) is by far the closest airport to the center of Milan – it’s just 7 kilometers from the Duomo. In comparison, Malpensa (MXP) is 50 km away, and Bergamo (also known as Orio al Serio, BGY) is about 45 km from the city center.
Why are there three airports in Milan?
Milan, as a major business and tourist hub, requires diverse aviation infrastructure. Linate (LIN) primarily handles domestic and European flights, Malpensa (MXP) focuses on intercontinental connections and serves as the largest hub, while Bergamo (BGY) specializes in low-cost flights. This division stems from the city’s historical development, spatial constraints, and the transport strategy of the Lombardy region.
Does Milan Linate Airport have a railway station?
No, Linate Airport does not have its own railway station. The nearest train station is Forlanini, which is connected to the airport via the MM4 metro line. Some regional trains stop at this station.
Does Linate have a metro?
Yes, since 2023, Linate Airport has been connected to central Milan by the MM4 metro line (blue). This connection was launched after years of construction and provides the fastest way to reach the city center from the airport.
How much does a taxi from Milan Linate Airport to the city center cost?
A taxi ride from Linate Airport to central Milan costs approximately 35-50 EUR, depending on the exact destination and traffic conditions. The travel time is typically 20-30 minutes. Taxis are available at the official stand in front of the terminal, or you can use ride-hailing apps like Uber Black or Free Now.
Is it better to fly to MXP or LIN?
If your main destination is central Milan, Linate Airport (LIN) is definitely more convenient due to its proximity to the city and fast metro connection. Linate is smaller, which means shorter queues and quicker check-in. Malpensa (MXP) is a better choice if you need an intercontinental flight or have more connection options, but you’ll need to account for a longer and more expensive journey to the center (about 50 minutes by train).
Summary
Linate Airport is the ideal choice if you value your time and convenience, and of course, if the connections you need are available. Its location close to the city center and modern infrastructure after the renovation make it an attractive alternative to the larger but more distant Malpensa or the budget-friendly but farther Bergamo.
The direct metro connection has further increased the appeal of this airport, eliminating the issue of traffic jams when traveling to the city center. For business travelers, tourists planning short stays, or passengers who value efficient service, Linate offers an optimal combination of proximity, efficiency, and comfort.
I lived in Milan for 18 years, and it was there that I came to know the city’s daily life best - not just its landmarks, but also its rhythm, its habits, and its less obvious sides. Today I live in Wrocław, but I still return to Milan regularly.