Quick Answer
The best ways to get from Linate Airport to Milan City Center are the Airport Bus (ATM Air Bus) or a taxi/ride-share. The bus takes about 25-30 minutes and costs â¬6-â¬9. A taxi takes 20-25 minutes and costs a fixed fare of â¬25-â¬35. There is no direct train station at Linate Airport; the nearest metro/train stations require a short bus connection first.
Airport Bus: The Most Popular & Direct Option
The ATM Air Bus (Line 73) is the dedicated, express shuttle service connecting Linate Airport directly to Milan's city center. It's the go-to choice for most travelers seeking a balance of convenience, speed, and cost.
Route, Stops & Key Details
- Route: Linate Airport â Milan City Center (Piazza San Babila).
- Main City Stop: Piazza San Babila. This is a major square in the fashion district, with immediate access to the MM1 (Red) Metro line.
- Travel Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, every 20 minutes early morning/late night.
- Operating Hours: From approximately 5:40 AM to 1:20 AM (confirm latest schedule on the official ATM website).
Tickets & Where to Buy
You can purchase tickets:
- At the Airport: From the ticket machines or tabacchi (newsagent/tobacco shop) in the arrivals hall.
- Onboard: From the driver (cash only, may be slightly more expensive).
- Digitally: Via the ATM Milano app (highly recommended for ease and to avoid queues).
Ticket Price (2024): A one-way ticket is â¬6 if bought in advance/app, or â¬9 if bought from the driver. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes on all urban transport.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct to a central location (San Babila). | Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons or rush hour. |
| Frequent service, no need to pre-book. | Travel time is subject to Milan's road traffic. |
| Cheaper than a taxi/ride-share. | Luggage space is limited on busy buses. |
| Ticket includes a metro transfer within 90 mins. | Not the best option for hotels far from San Babila/metro lines. |
Public Transit: The Local & Budget Option (Bus + Metro/Train)
While there's no train station at the airport, you can use a combination of local buses and the metro. This is the cheapest option (â¬2.20) but involves at least one change.
Option A: Urban Bus to Metro
Take the standard urban bus line 73 (not the express Air Bus) from the airport.
- Board: Bus line 73 outside the arrivals hall.
- Get Off: At "San Babila" (for MM1 Red Line) or "Loreto" (for MM1 Red and MM2 Green Lines).
- Transfer: Take the Metro to your final destination.
Cost: A single â¬2.20 ATM ticket valid for 90 minutes on all buses, trams, and metro.
Option B: Bus to a Train Station
If your final destination is better served by a regional train, take:
- Bus line 73 or X73 to âLambrate FSâ station.
- Transfer: To regional trains heading to Cadorna, Centrale, or Porta Garibaldi stations.
Key Consideration: This option only makes sense if your accommodation is near one of these major train hubs.
Walking & Combination Options
For the adventurous or those with time, niche options exist.
Walking to the Metro (For Light Packers)
The Segrate Metro station (MM4 line, yellow) is about a 1.8 km (25-minute) walk from the airport. Follow signs or a map app. This is only advisable with hand luggage and in good weather.
Bus + Bike Sharing (Mi Bike)
Take a bus to the city edge (e.g., at Corso Buenos Aires) and use Milan's bike-sharing service for the last mile. Requires app registration.
Cost & Time Comparison: Linate to Milan Center
This table summarizes all options to help you decide the best fit for your budget and schedule.
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Bus (ATM Air Bus) | 25-30 min | â¬6 - â¬9 | Most travelers, solo/couples, balance of cost/convenience | Our Top Recommendation. Direct to San Babila. Buy ticket via app. |
| Taxi (Official Fixed Fare) | 20-25 min | â¬25 (day) / â¬35 (night) | Groups, late arrivals, heavy luggage, maximum comfort | Use official rank. Fare is for city center (within bastioni ring). |
| Public Bus + Metro | 40-55 min | â¬2.20 | Budget travelers, light packers, no time pressure | The Cheapest Option. Requires a transfer. Use urban bus line 73. |
| Ride-Share (Uber/FreeNow) | 20-30 min | â¬25 - â¬45+ | Travelers preferring app-based service, cashless payment | Price surges during peak times. Pickup in P1 parking. |
Traveler Tips & Experience
Insights from frequent travelers to Milan to make your journey smoother.
- Download the ATM Milano App: This is the single best tip. You can buy bus/metro tickets, see real-time arrivals, and plan routes. It saves time and hassle finding ticket machines.
- Validate Your Ticket: If you have a paper ticket for the bus, you must validate it in the machine onboard. The 90-minute validity starts from that moment. E-tickets in the app are validated automatically.
- Traffic Warning: Milan has significant rush hour traffic (8-10 AM, 6-8 PM). During these times, the bus travel time can easily double. A taxi won't be much faster in gridlock.
- Define "City Center": Know your destination. The fixed taxi fare applies to the historic center ring. If your hotel is outside (e.g., near Porta Garibaldi or Corso Como), the meter will run, increasing the cost.
- Early/Late Flights: For flights before 6 AM or after 1 AM, your only realistic options are a pre-booked taxi/transfer or a night taxi (â¬35 fare). Check the latest airport website for bus schedule updates.
- Luggage Storage at Linate: If you have a long layover and want to explore Milan, left-luggage facilities are available in the arrivals area.
FAQs: Getting from Linate Airport to Milan
Is there a direct train from Linate Airport to Milan?
No. Unlike Malpensa Airport, Linate Airport does not have a train station. The most direct public transport is the Airport Bus (ATM Air Bus). To use the train network, you must first take a bus to a connecting station like Lambrate.
What is the cheapest way to get from Linate to Milan center?
The cheapest way is using the standard urban public transport. Buy a â¬2.20 ATM ticket, take urban bus line 73 to San Babila or Loreto, and then transfer to the metro if needed. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes on all modes.
How much is a taxi from Linate to Duomo?
The official fixed fare from Linate to the city center area, which includes the Duomo, is â¬25 during the day (6 AM - 10 PM) and â¬35 at night, on Sundays, and holidays. This is for the entire taxi, not per person.
Is Uber available at Linate Airport?
Yes, Uber operates at Linate Airport, along with the local app FreeNow. The pickup point is in the short-term parking area (P1). Prices are dynamic but often similar to taxi fares; they can surge during high demand.
How long does the Linate Airport Bus take?
The ATM Air Bus (Line 73) takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes to reach Piazza San Babila in the city center. This can extend to 45-50 minutes during Milan's morning or evening rush hour traffic.
Where do I buy the airport bus ticket at Linate?
You can buy tickets: 1) At the ATM ticket machines in the arrivals hall, 2) At the "tabacchi" (tobacco shop/newsagent) in arrivals, 3) From the bus driver for â¬9 (cash only), or 4) Best option: via the ATM Milano mobile app before you board.
What if I arrive at Linate very late at night?
If you arrive after the last Air Bus (around 1:20 AM), your main options are: 1) The official taxi rank (night fare â¬35), or 2) Pre-booking a private transfer. The urban night bus network (NMB) exists but is complex and not recommended for first-time visitors with luggage.
Is the airport bus or taxi better for a family of 4?
For a family of 4, a taxi is often the better value and is certainly more convenient. The bus would cost â¬24-â¬36 total (â¬6-â¬9 per person). A taxi costs a flat â¬25, saving money and providing door-to-door service without managing luggage on a bus.