Milan Travel Essentials

• Milan has a mild continental climate with rather cold and moist winters and pretty hot and steamy summers.
• Average temperatures range from 0ºC in winter to 26ºC in summer.
• Protected by the Alps on the north, Milan has a yearly average of 7 rainy days per month. The rainiest months are April, May and October. You can also expect snowfall during winter.
• The sunniest months of the year are July and September. 
• Summer, from June to August, is peak tourist season, hotel and flight prices rise accordingly.
• May and September are pleasant times to visit, the weather is warm and hotel and flight prices are more affordable than during summer.

• Primary language: Italian
• Plug types: C, F and L
• Electricity: 230 V
• Currency: Euro (€)
• International dialing code: +39 02
• Emergency telephone number: 112

Milan-Malpensa International Airport

Milan-Malpensa Airport sits 49 km northwest of the city center. With 2 terminals and 2 runways, it’s the largest and busiest airport in northern Italy. There are several transfer options to reach central Milan:

• A taxi takes around 50 minutes to reach the city center and costs roughly €90. Taxi ranks can be found outside the arrivals hall, at the Exit Gate 6 of Terminal 1 and at the Exit Gate 4 of Terminal 2.
• A train takes 60 minutes and costs €13. The train station is at the underground level of Terminal 1.
• A shuttle bus takes around 50 minutes and costs €8. The bus stop is outside the arrival hall, at Exit Gate 3 of Terminal 1 and Exit Gate 7 of Terminal 2. It’s the cheapest way to get to central Milan from Malpensa Airport.
• Car rental agencies can be found in the arrivals hall of each Terminal.

Milan/Bergamo Airport

Located about 45 km northwest of Milan, Orio al Serio International Airport is also known as Il Caravaggio International Airport. It’s often simply called Milan/Bergamo Airport, due to its position just southeast of Bergamo. It’s one of the busiest airports in northern Italy. There are several transfer options to reach central Milan:

• A taxi takes around 50 minutes and costs roughly €85. Taxi ranks can be found directly outside the arrivals hall.
• A train takes around 80 minutes and costs from €7. You need to catch a bus to get to the train station located in Bergamo, 3.5 km from the airport.
• A bus takes around 60 minutes and costs around €5. The bus stop can be found outside the arrival hall. It’s the cheapest way to get to central Milan from Bergamo Airport.
• Car rental car agencies can be found in the arrivals hall.

Linate Airport

Third and smallest international airport of Milan, Linate mostly handles European and domestic flights in a 3-storey terminal. It sits only 7 km southeast of the city center. There are several transfer options to reach central Milan:

• A taxi takes around 40 minutes and costs roughly €15. Taxi ranks can be found directly outside the arrivals hall at the Exit Gate 5.
• A bus takes around 30 minutes and costs around €1.50. Bus parking can be found outside the arrival hall at the Exit Gate 6. It’s the cheapest way to get to central Milan from Linate Airport.
• Car rental agencies can be found in the arrival hall.

Milan Central Railway Station

Milan Central Railway Station sits just northeast of the city center. It’s a splendid building that features classic and modern architectural elements. The transfer options available from here include Metro, bus and taxi.

Milan’s city center is pretty compact and can be explored on foot. Getting around the city is fairly easy, thanks to the convenient public transportation services. Managed by ATM (Azienda Transporti Milanesi (Milanese Transportation Company) the Metro, bus and tram networks use the same ticketing system: 

• A single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes.
• A 1-day pass costs €4.50.
• A 1-week pass costs €11.30.
• Tickets and passes can be purchased in metro stations, newsstands, tobacco shops or via the ATM Milano app.
• You can also buy a 24-, 48- or 72-hour MilanoCard which includes all public transportation, an audioguide and free or discounted entry to over 500 attractions. The MilanoCard can be purchased online.

• More than 80 bus and trolley bus lines cover the city.
• Don’t' forget to stamp your ticket when getting on the bus as controls are frequent.
• Night bus services are available on 15 routes from 12am to 6am, covering many popular tourist areas.

• The Milan Tram network is extensive and offers one of the fastest ways to get around the city.
• It operates from 4.30am to 2.30am.
• Don't forget to stamp your ticket when getting on the tram as controls are frequent.

• The Milan Metro is the longest in Italy.
• The Line M3 is the most popular with tourists as it stops by attractive spots such as the Duomo, Milano Centrale and Via Montenapoleone (a popular shopping street).
• It operates from 6am to 12am.

• You should go to the nearest taxi rank or call Radio Taxi (02 7777) to book one, as taxis rarely stop when hailed on the street.
• By day, there’s a starting rate of €3.20, then €1.09 per kilometer and €0.47 per minute of waiting time (red light, traffic jam). After the first 8 km, the price per kilometer becomes €1.50. 
• Most cabs accept the payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s better to ask the driver before getting in the car.
• Just in case, double-check that the driver starts the meter.
• Uber, MyTaxi and it Taxi are just a few of the taxi apps you can use in Milan.

BikeMI is the name of Milan’s bike-sharing system. It features traditional and electric bikes. You can register through an app, online or at an ATM. 

• The bike-sharing service runs from 7am to 1am.
• The first 30 minutes are free, then it’s €0.50 every 30 minutes.