Complete Guide to Milano Centrale Train Station in Milan, Italy
Reading Time: 17 minutes Welcome to the comprehensive guide to Milano Centrale, the primary railway hub in Milan, Italy. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Milan's Central Station. Read essential information for travelers about using this bustling station, from navigating its facilities to exploring nearby attractions.
Milano Centrale train station overview. The second-largest railway station in Italy
Milan Central Station, the second largest station in Italy and the busiest railway station, boasts 24 tracks dedicated to rail service. The station has an impressive architectural structure with a 341-meter-long canopy and handles about 600 trains and more than 320,000 travelers daily, reaching an annual flow of about 120 million people. The Milan Central Station, located in the heart of Milan, is one of the main railway junctions in Italy and one of the most impressive and architecturally significant buildings. It is a crucial transit point for domestic and international travelers and a historical and cultural symbol for Milan. General station information
The first train from Milan Centrale station leaves at 4 am, while the last train leaves at 1 am.
Milan Centrale station – this is where train travel begins and ends
Location
The Central Station is located in Piazza Duca d'Aosta, in the center of Milan. Its location makes it easily accessible by numerous means of public transportation, including buses, streetcars, and the subway, with the M2 (green) and M3 (yellow) lines having stops directly connected to the station.
History of Milano Centrale Railway Station
Historical context and design
The decision to build a new train station in Milan was made in the early 20th century in response to the growing need for a more modern infrastructure capable of handling more passengers and trains. The original project was entrusted to architect Ulisse Stacchini, who proposed a design that reflected the ambition and modernity that Milan aspired to represent.
The eclectic design chosen for Milan's Central Station mixes neoclassical elements with modern influences from Art Deco, Futurism, and artistic and cultural movements ascending during the 1920s and 1930s. The station's facade, with its large arches and elaborate decoration, is designed to impress and symbolize power and progress.
Construction and Challenges of the new railway station
Construction of the station began in 1912 but suffered numerous delays due to World War I and political changes in Italy. During the Fascist period, the regime saw the new station as a symbol of national renewal and accelerated construction. Despite difficulties, including financial problems and complex construction techniques, the project was completed in 1931.
Inauguration and Cultural Significance
The inauguration of Milan Central Station was a significant event presided over by Benito Mussolini, who used the occasion to promote the policies and ideology of the fascist regime. The station became a symbol of modernity and efficiency, reflecting the image that fascism wanted to project of Italy to the world.
Evolution Over Time
After World War II, the station continued to expand and modernize, adapting to the growing urban and international mobility needs. Over the years, Milano Centrale has undergone numerous restoration and modernization projects to improve functionality and accessibility while maintaining its original architectural style.
Today, Milan Central Station is an important transportation hub and a cultural and historical landmark, witnessing more than a century of Italian and European history.
Importance in the Italian Railway Network
With approximately 120 million passengers per year, Milano Centrale is one of the busiest stations in Europe. It is the departure and arrival point for numerous high-speed trains connecting Milan with other major Italian cities such as Rome, Turin, Venice, and Naples. It is also an important center for international transportation, with services connecting Italy with towns in France, Switzerland, Germany, and beyond.
The station is also a focal point for regional transportation, connecting Milan with the surrounding regions of Lombardy and other parts of northern Italy. Its centrality and connectivity make it essential to the daily mobility of thousands of commuters and international travelers.
Centrale Station Layout and Facilities
Structure of the Station
The station extends over several levels, with numerous entrances and exits. Familiarizing yourself with the station map, available online and at information points within the station, is essential. The station is divided mainly into three levels:
- Ground Floor: This houses most ticket offices, some stores and services, and access to tracks 7 through 24.
- Basement Floor: This floor houses additional services, stores, and restaurants and is connected to the MM2 and MM3 subway lines.
- Upper Floor: This floor houses offices, services, and waiting areas. It offers good views of the train platforms and the entire station.
Signs and Station Information
The station has effective information signs that guide passengers to major points of interest, such as platforms, ticket offices, services, and stores. Information screens are strategically placed to provide real-time train updates. You do not hesitate to ask for information from station staff, which are easily recognized by their uniforms.
Connections with the Subway
The station is an important interchange for Milan's public transport. The M2 (green) and M3 (yellow) subway lines have stops directly connected to the station, facilitating access to the rest of the city. Follow the signs for “Metropolitana” to reach the subway platforms.
Train services at Milano Centrale Station
Trenitalia Trains
Trenitalia, the primary operator at Milan Central Station, offers a variety of trains that are differentiated by speed, comfort, and destination:
- High-speed trains such as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca connect major Italian cities, reaching up to 300 km/h and ensuring speed and efficiency.
- Eurocity: For those wishing to travel beyond national borders, Eurocity trains offer international connections to various European destinations.
- Intercity: Intercity and Intercity Notte cover a wide national network for less rapid long-distance connections.
- Regional trains operate within a region or between neighboring areas, with a maximum speed of 100 km/h.
Other train operators
In addition to Trenitalia, Milan Central Station also serves other major train operators, providing a wide range of national and international connections:
- Italo, a private operator, offers high-speed trains starting from this station to connect Milan with other major Italian cities, such as Rome and Naples.
- SNCF, the French national railway company, offers train services connecting Milan with destinations in France.
- ÖBB Nightjet offers an overnight service connecting Milan with Vienna.
This diverse range of trains meets the travel needs of all passengers, from daily commuters to long-haul travelers, facilitating fast travel between large cities and more local, less-fast connections.
Ticket Offices
Ticket offices are mainly on the ground floor and easily accessible from all main entrances. Consider using automated ticket machines or purchasing tickets online before arrival to avoid long waits.
Milan Central Station has several ticket offices to assist travelers efficiently:
- Trenitalia Ticket Office, located on the ground floor, is open daily from 5:50 a.m. to 10:20 p.m. and offers tickets for regional, national, and international destinations as well as group travel and season tickets.
- Next door is the Italo Ticket Office, open from 6:05 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., where tickets for Italo trains can be purchased.
- Trenord Ticket Office, located in the shopping arcade on the ground floor, operates from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., providing tickets and assistance. These facilities offer a full range of services to facilitate ticket purchase and travel planning, making Milan Central Station a crucial hub for transit passengers.
Avoid the Crowd
- Peak Hours: Avoid traveling during peak hours, typically 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. These are when the station is busiest due to commuters.
- Alternative Entrances: Use the lesser-known entrances to avoid the crowds. In addition to the main entrance, secondary entrances may be less crowded.
- Electronic Ticketing: To avoid long lines at ticket counters, use automated ticket machines or purchase your ticket online.
Tips for Purchasing Tickets
Buy train tickets from Milan Centrale station:
- Trenitalia – tickets for Frecciarossa trains
- Trenord – regional trains
- Italo – Italo train tickets
- Omio – compare different carriers and choose the best option for you
Ticket validation
The differences between digital and paper ticket validation in Milan Central Station, based on the sources provided, are as follows:
Trenord Tickets:
- Regional and Integrated STIBM Tickets: Paper tickets must be validated before the trip starts using the station's stamping machines. Digital tickets purchased online are validated automatically at the time of purchase, and the traveler must activate them via the Trenord app or website before beginning the trip.
- Daily and IVOL (Io viaggio ovunque in Lombardia) tickets: Do not require validation if purchased online, as validity begins from the date chosen during purchase
Trenitalia Tickets:
- For regional trains, digital tickets must be validated by digital check-in on the day of travel. To check in with Trenitalia, you can access the “My Trips” section via the Trenitalia app or website or use the link provided in the email or text message you received and select the “check-in” option. Instead, paper tickets must be validated before boarding the train using the stamping machines at the station.
- For high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca), electronic tickets do not require physical validation, and the traveler must show the PNR code to the conductor; meanwhile, if a ticket machine prints the ticket, it must be validated before boarding the train.
Italo tickets:
Traditional validation is not required for Italo tickets. Passengers must have their reservation code (PNR) available, which can be shown digitally or printed to onboard staff when required.
The same rules for purchasing and validating tickets apply when traveling from other Milan stations, such as Milan Cadorna or Milan Porta Garibaldi.
Services
Luggage Services at Milano Centrale
Several luggage storage services are available at or near Milan Central Station, allowing travelers to leave their belongings safely while visiting the city. Among the options available:
- KiPoint: Milan Central Station's official luggage storage service is on the ground floor inside the station's shopping arcade. Prices vary depending on the number of pieces of luggage: 6€ for one piece of luggage, 12€ for two, 17€ for three, 22€ for four, and from five pieces of luggage upwards 5€ per piece of luggage. The service is available daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- DayBreakHotels: Offers h24 luggage storage for only 5€ per bag for one day and 10€ for two days. Online booking is required, and payment is made when the luggage is delivered. The service includes insurance and free cancellation.
- Radical Storage: Partners with local businesses such as hotels, stores, and restaurants to offer secure and verified baggage storage points throughout the city. The daily rate is 5€ per bag, and some storage facilities are open 24/7.
- Stow Your Bags: The automated luggage room, equipped with lockers, is 2 minutes from the station. You can book online or directly at the depot.
Dining and Shopping
Restaurants & bars
Milano Centrale offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers waiting for their train. Visitors can find restaurants and bars catering to different culinary preferences inside the station. Among them, Bistrot Centrale offers typical Italian dishes in a rustic and comfortable setting, while Motta Milano 1928 is known for its Italian and international flavors from breakfast to dinner.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato, located in Milan's Central Station, is a chocolate and ice cream store famous for its variety of ice cream flavors made daily. The spot also offers a selection of snacks and chocolates. Meanwhile, Mokà provides an elegant environment ideal for light meals, aperitifs or business meetings.
In addition, Panino Giusto and Panzera (right next to the station) offer high-quality sandwiches and other quick meals for those who want a quick snack.
Shopping
As for shopping, Milano Centrale is home to numerous stores offering everything from fashion products to technological gadgets. Stores are generally open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with some variations depending on the store.
Among the brands available are Parfois, Calzedonia, and Yamamay, which offer options for last-minute or more thoughtful shopping.
Mercato Centrale
One place that is worth visiting when you are in Milan is the Mercato Centrale. Located just inside the Central Station, it is a food lover's paradise, open every day from 7 a.m. until midnight. Here, you will find over 25 stores full of delicacies that take you on a tour of Italian flavors, from local to regional to national. At 4,500 square meters, Mercato Centrale has become a gathering place for those seeking an authentic, quality dining experience, all thanks to a handsome 18.5 million euro investment that has transformed this space into a corner of taste and conviviality.
It is located on Via Sammartini, at the corner of Piazza Quattro Novembre, on the station's side.
Credits: Magdalena Radłowska
Buy a train ticket:
Facilities for people with disabilities
At Milan Central Station, passengers with disabilities can benefit from a range of dedicated assistance services. The Sala Blu offers free assistance, including reception at the station, assistance at boarding, during the journey, and upon disembarkation, with reservations recommended at least 12 hours before departure. In addition, a video call service with an Italian Sign Language (LIS) interpreter is available to facilitate access to sales and assistance services for deaf customers. Trenitalia provides specific assistance on board trains, which are accessible by reservation. Finally, the station has accessible elevators connecting the various floors, making the M2 and M3 subway lines easily accessible. These services are designed to ensure that the station is usable by all travelers, regardless of their needs.
Safety and Security
At Milan's Central Station, being vigilant in several situations is essential to ensure safety. It is important to remain vigilant in crowded areas and while using public transportation, such as the subway, where pickpockets can take advantage of the confusion to act undisturbed. Some groups, such as gypsies and nomads, can be particularly aggressive and tend to operate in groups; therefore, it is crucial to be aware of their presence. It is also crucial to keep your belongings, such as bags and backpacks, safe and never leave them unattended. In addition, be aware of the risk of violence, especially at night, by avoiding isolated or dimly lit areas. Finally, it is prudent to be wary of suspicious or overly advantageous situations and not disclose personal or financial information to strangers.
Security measures
Milan Central Station has implemented security measures to ensure passenger protection and a safe environment. Among these, a Control Room constantly monitors the station, supported by a security guard service that manages the areas and reports any anomalies. Access gates have been introduced that require ticket verification before entering the platforms, reducing the risk of evasion and other illicit activities. Security is further enhanced by the presence of Railway Police officers and advanced surveillance systems in cooperation with local and national authorities. In addition, FS Security coordinates security operations, integrating the resources of RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana – Italian Railway Network) and Trenitalia. Finally, qualified personnel at the gates are trained in defibrillators and first aid techniques, ensuring timely intervention in case of emergency. These initiatives aim to improve service quality and effectively respond to risk situations.
How to get to the Centrale Station by public transportation
To get to Milan Central Station using public transportation, there are several options available:
- Subway: The Central Station is served by the M2 (green) and M3 (yellow) lines of the Milan subway, which connect the station with the main areas of the city
- Suburban Trains: None of the suburban S lines (S lines) serve Milan Central Station directly, but some of them, such as S1, S2, S5, S6, S12, and S13, pass through nearby Piazza della Repubblica.
- Streetcars: Central Station is served by numerous streetcar lines, including numbers 1, 5, 9, and 10.
- Bus: Several bus routes stop at the station, including routes 60, 81, 87, 90, 92, 728, N25, N26.
From Milano Centrale station to the best-known places in Milan
How to get to the Duomo from the Central Train Station
The fastest and most convenient way to reach the Duomo from Milan Central Station is to take the M3 (yellow) subway line toward San Donato and disembark at Duomo station.
How to get from Central Station in Milan to San Siro
The best way to get to San Siro from Milan Central Station is by subway. You can take the M3 (yellow) line from Central Station to the Duomo stop, then change for the M1 (red) line towards Rho Fiera Milano and get off at the Lotto stop. Take the M5 (lilac) line from Lotto to San Siro Stadio.
How to get to Malpensa from Milan Central Station
You can choose between two public transportation options to reach Malpensa Airport from Milan Central Station.
- The Malpensa Express train is the fastest and most direct method. It departs from Central Station and arrives directly at the airport's Terminals 1 and 2 in about 51 minutes.
- Alternatively, the Malpensa Shuttle offers a regular bus service that leaves every 20 minutes from the station and takes about 50 minutes to get to the airport, depending on the destination terminal.
For more info about Malpensa airport, read the article: Malpensa Airport Guide.
How to get to Bergamo Orio Al Serio Airport from Milano Centrale
To reach Orio al Serio Airport from Milan's Central train station, travelers can opt for the direct Orio Shuttle bus service, which leaves frequently from Piazza Luigi di Savoia, adjacent to the station. The trip takes about 50 minutes, and the ticket cost is €10.00 for a one-way trip. An alternative is to combine train and bus: taking a train to the Bergamo train station and then a bus to the airport. Although it may take longer, this option provides an opportunity to make a short visit to Bergamo. Both solutions ensure an efficient connection between Milano Centrale and Orio al Serio Airport.
To learn more about Bergamo airport, read the article: Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport .
How to reach Milan Linate Airport from Milan Central Station
To reach Milan Linate Airport from Milan Centrale Station, travelers can opt for the convenient direct bus service, such as the Air Bus or STARfly, with departures every 30 minutes and a travel time of about 30 minutes. Alternatively, for those who prefer the subway, two routes are available:
- Take the M2 (green) line to Piazza Loreto and change for the M1 (red) to San Babila, or
- take the M3 (yellow) to Duomo and then the M1 (red) to San Babila.
From San Babila, you can take the new M4 (blue) line that goes directly to Linate airport.
Read the article: Linate Airport to learn more about Linate Airport.
Attractions near Stazione Centrale
- Piazza Duca d'Aosta: This square, located in front of the station, is dominated by the majestic facade of the station itself, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture.
- Pirelli Skyscraper: Milan's architectural icon, located a short distance from the station. It is one of the tallest buildings in the city and an example of modern architecture.
- Milan Holocaust Memorial: located inside the station, on platform 21, the memorial is dedicated to the memory of Jews deported during World War II.
Binario 21
As I mentioned earlier, the Central Station has 24 train tracks. One of them, Binario 21, deserves special attention.
Binario 21 (Track 21) in Milan's Central Station is a historic site of great importance, known as the starting point of deportations during World War II. Between 1943 and 1945, trains loaded with Jews, partisans, and deported politicians departed from this track to Nazi concentration camps, mainly Auschwitz-Birkenau, but also Mauthausen and others.
Today, Binario 21 houses the Milan Shoah Memorial, a center dedicated to remembering Shoah victims and reflecting on the horrors of the Holocaust. The memorial includes an exhibition route, reflection area, and remembrance workshops and hosts exhibitions, events, and educational activities.
Credits: Magdalena Radłowska
Car Rentals
Several car rental companies are available to travelers at Milan's main station, including Italy Car Rent, Auto Europe, B-Rent, Hertz, SIXT, and Sicily by Car.
Rent a car
Hotels near Stazione Centrale
Summary
Milan Central Station is a key transportation hub and an ideal starting point for exploring Milan and its many attractions. With its impressive architecture, efficient services, and quick connections to other Italian and European cities, the station offers travelers all the necessary amenities for a pleasant and stress-free journey.
For those wishing to explore Milan, the station connects to major points of interest via the subway network and streetcars. Attractions like the Milan Cathedral Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the Navigli are easily accessible. In addition, the station itself is home to attractions such as the Shoah Memorial, making it a place of cultural interest.
For more information and resources, travelers can consult the tourist information center located at the station, where they can obtain city maps, train schedules, and tips on local events and attractions. In addition, Trenitalia's website and official app (Apple Store, Google Play) offer real-time updates on train connections and other useful information.
In summary, Milan Central Station is more than just a transit point; it is a gateway to discovering Milan's cultural and historical riches, facilitating an enriching and accessible travel experience.
