Milan Travel Essentials

Our Milan Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Italy. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.

It’s all compiled in this Milan Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Milan.

1. When is the best time to travel to Milan?

1. Milan has a mild continental climate with rather cold and moist winters and pretty hot and steamy summers.
2. Average temperatures range from 0ºC in winter to 26ºC in summer.
3. 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.
4. The sunniest months of the year are July and September.
5. Summer, from June to August, is peak tourist season, hotel and flight prices rise accordingly.
6. May and September are pleasant times to visit, the weather is warm and hotel and flight prices are more affordable than during summer.

2. Milan basics

1. Primary language: Italian
2. Plug types: C, F and L
3. Electricity: 230 V
4. Currency: Euro (€)
5. International dialing code: +39 02
6. Emergency telephone number: 112

3. How to get to my hotel in Milan?

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:

1. A taxi takes around 50 minutes to reach the city center. 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.
2. A train takes 60 minutes. The train station is at the underground level of Terminal 1.
3. A shuttle bus takes around 50 minutes. 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.
4. 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:

1. A taxi takes around 50 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found directly outside the arrivals hall.
2. A train takes around 80 minutes. You need to catch a bus to get to the train station located in Bergamo, 3.5 km from the airport.
3. A bus takes around 60 minutes. The bus stop can be found outside the arrival hall. It’s the cheapest way to get to central Milan from Bergamo Airport.
4. 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:

1. A taxi takes around 40 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found directly outside the arrivals hall at the Exit Gate 5.
2. A bus takes around 30 minutes. 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.
3. 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.

4. How to get around Milan?

Travel tips

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:

1. A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes.
2. 1-day and 1-week passes are available.
3. Tickets and passes can be purchased in metro stations, newsstands, tobacco shops or via the ATM Milano app.
4. 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.

5. Traveling by bus

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

6. Milan by tram

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

7. Getting around in Milan Metro

1. The Milan Metro is the longest in Italy.
2. 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).
3. It operates from 6am to 12am.

8. Taking a taxi

1. 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.
2. Most cabs accept the payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s better to ask the driver before getting in the car.
3. Just in case, double-check that the driver starts the meter.
4. Uber, MyTaxi and it Taxi are just a few of the taxi apps you can use in Milan.

9. Using BikeMI bike sharing

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.

10. What are the main annual events in Milan?

Milano Fashion Week

1. What: One of the prime events in Milan, the Fashion Week gives opportunity to the trendiest designers to reveal their latest creations to the public. The city is buzzing, and many celebrities attend the event.
2. When: Men’s Fashion Week in January and July, and Women’s Fashion Week in February and September
3. Where: Various venues throughout the city

Carnevale Ambrosiano

1. What: This carnival in Milan is celebrated with colorful costumes parading the streets and bakeries filled with local food such as tortelli and chiacchiere.
2. When: February
3. Where: Milan’s historic centre

Milan Jazz Festival

1. What: Milan Jazz Festival hosts a great selection of Italian and international artists and bands. They perform in the many venues dedicated to Jazz music found in the city.
2. When: November
3. Where: Various venues throughout the city

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.