Public transportation in Milan

The metro is often the fastest way to get around town, although it doesn’t allow you to get your bearings as the aboveground trams do. Two of the four lines that run through the city stop at the Duomo and allow for easy connections to Milan Central Station and neighbourhoods like Porta Romana. Similar to the tram and the bus, it’s possible to purchase tickets on the ATM app, but the QR code doesn’t always easily scan at the metro turnstiles. For that reason, purchase a ticket from one of the machines at the metro station, which offer services in multiple languages. One ride, including transfers, costs 2 euros, and you must have your ticket to enter and exit the metro; once you enter the metro and validate your ticket, you are given 90 minutes to ride on trams and buses, which is helpful if you need to use two forms of transport. You can also purchase tickets over SMS by texting 'ATM' to 48444.

Many tram lines connect outer neighbourhoods to the historic centre or, if they cross town, there is usually at least a stop (or two) somewhere in the centre. Tickets can be purchased at a metro station or a tabacchi (a tobacco shop) and must be stamped once you get on the tram (you do not have to show your ticket to get on or off the bus, but ATM employees will periodically check tickets both on the trams and at tram stops). A stamped ticket allows you to ride for 90 minutes with unlimited transfers on trams and buses and includes one metro ride. If you have data on your smartphone, you can download the easy-to-use ATM app and purchase both single-ride tickets and day passes using a credit card. The trams are numbered 1 to 33 and run later into the night than the metro and buses. Also, trams are super cool. These beauts have been trundling around Milan since 1876. 

Buses are less useful for visitors; you will likely only need to use them if you’re travelling between two neighbourhoods outside the centre and don’t have a direct tram or metro connection. Similar to the tram, tickets can be purchased at a metro station or a tabacchi (a tobacco shop) and must be stamped once you get on the bus (you do not have to show your ticket to get on or off the bus, but ATM employees will periodically check tickets both on the bus and at bus stops). A stamped ticket allows you to ride for 90 minutes with unlimited transfers on trams and buses and includes one metro ride. If you have data on your smartphone, you can download the easy-to-use ATM Milano app and purchase single-ride tickets and day passes using a credit card.