Quick Answer: The Best Way from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport
Best overall: Walk 10 minutes to M4 metro station Dateo (blue line) and ride directly to Linate Airport in 12 minutes. Total cost: €2.20 ($2.40). Total time from Piazza Lima: ≈25 minutes door-to-door.
Fastest door-to-door: Taxi – 15–25 minutes, fixed fare €25–35 ($27–38).
Cheapest: Bus 73 from Piazza San Babila (12 min walk from Piazza Lima) – 20–30 minutes, €2.20.
Key insight: The M4 metro is the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability – it bypasses traffic, runs every 5–7 minutes, and has elevator access for luggage.
Metro M4 (Blue Line): The Best Way from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport
Since the M4 metro line (blue line) fully opened in 2023, traveling from central Milan to Linate Airport has become faster and more reliable than ever. The M4 connects Dateo station (a 10-minute walk from Piazza Lima) directly to Linate Airport in just 12 minutes with no transfers required.
Step-by-Step Route: Piazza Lima → M4 Dateo → Linate
- From Piazza Lima, head east on Corso Buenos Aires toward Via Panfilo Castaldi. Walk 10 minutes (800 m) to M4 Dateo station (entrance on Via Cadore / Viale Andrea Doria).
- Buy a ticket at the automated machine (accepts cash, card, contactless). Single fare: €2.20.
- Board the M4 (direction: Linate Airport / San Babila). Trains run every 5–7 minutes from 5:30 am to 12:30 am.
- Ride 5 stops (Dateo → Susa → Argonne → Repetti → Forlanini FS → Linate Airport). Total ride time: 12 minutes.
- Arrive at Linate Airport – the station is directly connected to the terminal via covered walkway (2-minute walk).
Total time from Piazza Lima: ~25 minutes (10 min walk + 5 min wait + 12 min ride).
Total cost: €2.20 ($2.40).
Metro M4 vs. Other Options: Key Advantages
- No traffic: Unlike buses and taxis, the metro is unaffected by Milan's congestion.
- Luggage-friendly: All M4 stations have elevators, escalators, and level boarding. Suitcases are easy to maneuver.
- Frequency: Every 5–7 minutes during peak hours (7:00–9:30 am and 4:30–7:30 pm), every 8–10 minutes off-peak.
- Reliability: 98.6% on-time rate (source: ATM Milan, 2024 annual report).
- Integrated ticket: The €2.20 ticket is valid for 90 minutes across all Milan public transport (metro, bus, tram).
Who Should Use the M4?
The M4 is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and light-packers who can walk 10 minutes from Piazza Lima. It's also great for business travelers who need predictable timing. If you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, consider the taxi option or take M1 from Lima station to San Babila (2 stops) and transfer to M4 there – this adds 5 minutes but avoids the walk.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance Piazza Lima → Dateo (walk) | 800 m – 10 min |
| Metro ride time | 12 min (5 stops) |
| Frequency peak / off-peak | 5–7 min / 8–10 min |
| First / Last train from Dateo | 5:30 am / 12:30 am |
| Single ticket price | €2.20 ($2.40) |
| Annual ridership (M4 total) | 42 million (ATM 2024) |
| Accessibility (elevators) | 100% of stations |
Source: ATM Milan Official Website – M4 line data & timetables.
Bus 73: The Budget-Friendly Alternative
Bus Line 73 is the historic public transport link from central Milan to Linate Airport. While the M4 metro is faster, bus 73 remains a reliable, low-cost option that departs from Piazza San Babila – a 12-minute walk from Piazza Lima (or 2 stops on M1 red line from Lima station to San Babila).
Route & Schedule
- Start point: Piazza San Babila (bus stop on Corso Europa, near the M1/San Babila metro exit).
- From Piazza Lima: Walk 12 minutes (1 km) west along Corso Buenos Aires / Piazza della Repubblica footpath, or take M1 from Lima station to San Babila (2 stops, €2.20).
- Route: San Babila → Corso Venezia → Piazzale Dateo → Viale Forlanini → Linate Airport. Journey time: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
- Frequency: Every 8–12 minutes from 5:30 am to 12:30 am.
- Night service: Bus 73 is replaced by bus N73 between 12:30 am and 5:30 am, running every 30 minutes.
- Ticket: Same €2.20 integrated ticket – valid for 90 minutes. Must be validated onboard (machine at front door).
Pros & Cons of Bus 73
| Factor | Bus 73 | M4 Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Total time from Piazza Lima | 35–45 min | 25 min |
| Cost | €2.20 | €2.20 |
| Luggage space | Limited (crowded) | Ample |
| Traffic dependence | High (delays common) | None |
| Accessibility | Steps, narrow doors | Elevators, level boarding |
| Night service | Yes (N73) | No (ends 12:30 am) |
Who Should Choose Bus 73?
Bus 73 is best for budget travelers who are already near Piazza San Babila and don't mind potential traffic. It's also the only public option after midnight (N73 night bus). However, if you're at Piazza Lima, the M4 metro is faster, same price, and more comfortable – bus 73 is only recommended if the M4 is closed (after 12:30 am) or if you're already at San Babila.
Taxi & Ride-Sharing: Fastest Door-to-Door Option
For travelers who value convenience, speed, and privacy – or who have heavy luggage, mobility issues, or are traveling in groups – a taxi or ride-sharing service from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport is the most straightforward option.
Taxi: Fixed Rates & Where to Find Them
- Official Milan taxi flat rate: From anywhere in Milan's city center (including Piazza Lima) to Linate Airport: €25 (Monday–Saturday 6 am–10 pm). After 10 pm, Sundays, and holidays: €35.
- Starting fee: €3.50 (€5.50 on Sundays/holidays) + €1.10 per km beyond the first 3 km. However, the airport flat rate overrides the meter – always confirm the fixed price before departure.
- Taxi stands near Piazza Lima: Available on Corso Buenos Aires (near the intersection with Via Vitruvio) and at Lima M1 station entrance. You can also hail a taxi on the street if the light is green (available).
- Journey time: 15–25 minutes via Viale Forlanini / Via Mecenate. Peak traffic (8–10 am, 5–7 pm) can extend to 30–35 minutes.
- Booking: Call 024040 (Radio Taxi Milano) or use app FreeNow (formerly myTaxi).
Ride-Sharing: Uber & Alternatives
- UberX: €20–35 ($22–38) depending on demand, surge pricing, and time of day. Average fare: €26.
- Uber Black: €45–65 ($49–71) – premium sedan, 15–20 min.
- FreeNow (taxi app): Hails official taxis at meter rates + €2 booking fee. Reliable and regulated.
- Bolt / Lyft: Not available in Milan. Uber and FreeNow are the dominant platforms.
| Service | Cost (€) | Cost ($) | Time (min) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Taxi (flat rate day) | €25 | $27 | 15–25 | Solo/business travelers |
| Official Taxi (flat rate night/holiday) | €35 | $38 | 15–25 | Late arrivals |
| UberX | €20–35 | $22–38 | 15–25 | Tech-savvy travelers |
| Uber Black | €45–65 | $49–71 | 15–20 | Premium / business |
| FreeNow (taxi app) | €25–35 + €2 fee | $27–38 + $2 | 15–25 | Reliable regulated option |
When a Taxi Is Worth It
- After midnight – M4 closes at 12:30 am; N73 bus runs hourly. Taxi is the only practical option from 1 am to 5 am.
- Heavy luggage – More than one large suitcase per person.
- Group travel – 3+ passengers: taxi cost per person drops to €8–12 each, competitive with public transport.
- Early morning flights – First M4 train from Dateo departs at 5:30 am. If your flight is before 7 am, a taxi ensures timely arrival.
Sources: FreeNow Italy – Milan taxi rates; Uber – Milan fare estimator; Comune di Milano – Official taxi tariff.
Tram 27: The Scenic (but Slow) Route
Tram Line 27 is the most picturesque way to travel from the Piazza Lima area toward Linate, but it is not recommended for airport transfers due to its slow speed and indirect route. However, it's worth mentioning for travelers who are curious about Milan's historic trams.
Route & Practicalities
- From Piazza Lima: Walk 3 minutes to the tram stop Via Vitruvio (south side of Piazza Lima).
- Tram 27 direction: Toward Viale Ungheria / Rogoredo. It runs along Corso Buenos Aires, then turns onto Viale Abruzzi, eventually reaching Viale Forlanini near Linate.
- Nearest stop to Linate Airport: Forlanini M4 (stop: Via Salomone / Via Forlanini). From there, it's a 15-minute walk to the terminal or you can transfer to bus 73 or M4.
- Journey time: 35–50 minutes from Piazza Lima to Forlanini stop, depending on traffic and signal timing.
- Ticket: Same €2.20 integrated ticket.
Why Tram 27 Is Not Recommended for Airport Travel
- Very slow: Milan's historic trams share road traffic and make frequent stops. The M4 metro is 3–4 times faster.
- Long walk to terminal: The closest tram stop leaves you 15 minutes on foot from the check-in area.
- No luggage space: Historic trams have narrow aisles and no dedicated luggage racks.
- Unreliable schedule: Tram 27 experiences frequent delays due to traffic, construction, and single-track sections.
Car, Scooter & Bicycle: Self-Drive Options
Travelers who prefer maximum flexibility can drive, scoot, or cycle from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport. Each option has specific requirements and cost implications.
Driving a Car
- Distance: ~7 km via Viale Forlanini / Via Mecenate or the A51 tangenziale est (eastern ring road).
- Time: 12–20 minutes with no traffic; 25–40 minutes in peak hours (8–10 am, 5–7 pm).
- Parking at Linate: Short-term: €2.50/hour (first hour), €1.50/hour thereafter. Long-term: €12–18/day depending on lot (P1, P2, P3).
- Fuel cost: ~€1.80 for the round trip (based on €1.85/liter, 7 km each way, 8 L/100 km consumption).
- Car rental: If you're renting, most agencies are near Piazza Lima (e.g., Hertz on Via Vitruvio, Europcar on Corso Buenos Aires). One-way rental to Linate is usually allowed but incurs a €15–30 drop-off fee.
- ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone): Piazza Lima is outside Milan's Area C (central ZTL), so no access fee is needed. However, check if your route crosses Area C – entering without a permit costs €95–140.
Scooter (Motorcycle / Vespa)
- Time: 10–15 minutes – fastest option in traffic.
- Parking: Free motorcycle parking zones are available at Linate (marked near the terminal entrance).
- Cost: ~€0.70 fuel for the trip. Scooter rental: €30–50/day from shops near Piazza Lima (e.g., Scooter Rent on Via Settembrini).
- Requirements: Valid motorcycle license (A1/A2/A for 125cc+), helmet required by law.
Bicycle (for the adventurous)
- Distance: 7.5 km via Viale Forlanini – mostly flat with bike lanes.
- Time: 25–35 minutes.
- Bike-sharing: BikeMi stations near Piazza Lima (on Via Vitruvio and Corso Buenos Aires). €0.50/30 min + €5 annual registration. Drop off at Linate (station #103 at terminal entrance).
- Bringing your bike on the plane: Most airlines accept bikes as checked luggage (€30–60 fee, requires box/bag).
| Mode | Time (min) | Cost (€) | Cost ($) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car (own/rental) | 12–40 | €2–5 fuel + parking | $2–5 + parking | Families, long trips |
| Scooter | 10–15 | €0.70 fuel | $0.77 | Solo agile travelers |
| Bicycle (BikeMi) | 25–35 | €0.50–2 | $0.55–2.20 | Active travelers, good weather |
Source: BikeMi – Milan bike-sharing network; Milano Parking – Linate Airport rates.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: All Options at a Glance
To help you decide quickly, here is a complete cost and time comparison of every way to get from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport. The table includes total door-to-door time (including walking/waiting), cost in EUR and USD, and the best use case for each option.
| Transport Mode | Total Door-to-Door Time | Cost (€) | Cost ($) | Transfers Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 Metro (★ Best Overall) | 25 min | €2.20 | $2.40 | 0 (walk to Dateo) | Most travelers, speed + affordability |
| Bus 73 (from San Babila) | 35–45 min | €2.20 | $2.40 | 0 (walk to San Babila) | Budget travelers near San Babila |
| Taxi (flat rate) (★ Fastest) | 15–25 min | €25–35 | $27–38 | 0 (direct) | Groups, heavy luggage, late/early hours |
| UberX | 15–25 min | €20–35 | $22–38 | 0 (direct) | Tech-savvy, variable pricing |
| Uber Black | 15–20 min | €45–65 | $49–71 | 0 (direct) | Premium / business |
| Tram 27 | 50–65 min | €2.20 | $2.40 | 0 (long walk at end) | Scenic / not recommended for airport |
| Car (self-drive) | 12–40 min | €2–5 + parking | $2–5 + parking | 0 (direct) | Families, multi-stop trips |
| Scooter | 10–15 min | €0.70 fuel | $0.77 | 0 (direct) | Solo agile travelers |
| Bicycle (BikeMi) | 25–35 min | €0.50–2 | $0.55–2.20 | 0 (direct) | Active, good weather |
★ Best Overall: M4 Metro – €2.20, 25 min door-to-door, no traffic, reliable.
★ Fastest: Taxi / Scooter – 15–25 min (taxi), 10–15 min (scooter).
★ Cheapest: M4 Metro / Bus 73 / Tram 27 / BikeMi – all under €2.20.
Where to Buy Tickets
- ATM ticket machines – Available at all metro stations (M1 Lima, M4 Dateo, M1/M4 San Babila). Accept cash, credit/debit cards, and contactless. Single ticket: €2.20.
- Tabacchi shops – Most tobacco shops (tabacchi) near Piazza Lima sell ATM tickets. Look for the blue ATM logo.
- ATM mobile app – Download "ATM Milano" for iOS/Android. Buy and validate tickets digitally. Single ticket: €2.20 (no surcharge).
- Contactless payment – Tap your credit card or phone on the validator at metro gates. Maximum €9.70/day (capped automatically).
- Multi-day passes: 1-day (€7.60), 3-day (€13.00), or weekly (€17.00) – good value if you plan multiple trips.
Source: ATM Milan – Tickets & passes.
Traveler Tips & Local Insights: What Experienced Visitors Know
These real-world tips come from frequent Milan travelers and local residents. They will save you time, money, and hassle.
1. The M4 Elevator Trick
M4 station Dateo has two entrances: one on Via Cadore (stairs only) and one on Viale Andrea Doria (elevator + escalator). If you have heavy luggage, use the Viale Andrea Doria entrance – it's a 2-minute longer walk from Piazza Lima but saves you from carrying suitcases down stairs.
2. Validate Your Ticket – Or Pay €105
Milan's ATM system requires you to validate your ticket before boarding. In the metro, validation happens automatically at the turnstile. On bus 73, you must insert your ticket into the validator machine inside the bus, near the driver. Failure to validate is treated as fare evasion – the fine is €105 (reduced to €75 if paid within 5 days). Inspectors patrol bus 73 regularly, especially near Linate.
3. Traffic Timing: When to Avoid Taxis
Milan's worst traffic is 8:00–9:30 am (morning rush) and 5:30–7:30 pm (evening rush). Viale Forlanini, the main artery to Linate, becomes heavily congested. During these windows, the M4 metro is 30–40 minutes faster than a taxi. If you must take a taxi, add 15–20 minutes to the usual 20-minute journey.
4. Luggage Delivery Service: Travel Hands-Free
If you're staying in Milan and want to explore before your flight, use Bagbnb (bagbnb.com) or Prontotrekking luggage storage near Piazza Lima. Alternatively, Spedire (spedire.com) offers same-day luggage delivery from your hotel to Linate Airport for €15–25. This lets you enjoy your last day without dragging suitcases.
5. The "San Babila Shortcut" for Bus 73
If you choose bus 73 but don't want to walk from Piazza Lima to San Babila, take M1 metro from Lima station to San Babila (2 stops, 3 minutes). The bus stop is directly outside the San Babila metro exit (Corso Europa side). This adds €2.20 (but your ticket is valid for 90 minutes across both metro and bus).
6. Early Morning Flights: Plan Ahead
The first M4 train from Dateo departs at 5:30 am, arriving at Linate at 5:42 am. If your flight departs before 7:30 am, you may want to take a taxi instead – the N73 night bus runs hourly but is slow and unreliable. For a 6:30 am flight, take a taxi at 5:30 am (€25–35) and arrive with 45–55 minutes to spare – sufficient for domestic/Schengen with hand luggage only.
7. Peak Seasons & Events That Affect Travel
- Salone del Mobile (April) – Milan Design Week doubles the city's population. Book taxis and airport transfers 48+ hours in advance. M4 metro remains reliable but extremely crowded.
- Fashion Week (Feb/Sep) – Similar congestion. Allow 30–45% more time for all transport.
- Christmas & New Year's – Reduced public transport schedules on Dec 25, Jan 1. Check ATM holiday timetable.
- Strike days (sciopero) – Italian public transport strikes occur 2–4 times per year. M4 and buses may run on reduced schedules. Follow ATM's strike alerts.
Source: Bagbnb – Milan luggage storage; Spedire – luggage delivery service; local knowledge compiled from TripAdvisor Milan forum.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Getting from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport
Is there a direct metro from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport?
Yes. Walk 10 minutes from Piazza Lima to M4 Dateo station (blue line) and take the metro directly to Linate Airport in 12 minutes. No transfers needed. The M4 runs every 5–7 minutes from 5:30 am to 12:30 am. Single ticket: €2.20.
How long does it take from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport by taxi?
A taxi from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. The fixed fare is €25–35 ($27–38). It is the fastest door-to-door option but costs about 12 times more than public transport. During peak traffic (8–10 am, 5–7 pm), allow 30–35 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport?
The cheapest way is the M4 metro from Dateo (10 min walk) or bus 73 from San Babila (12 min walk). Both cost €2.20 ($2.40) for a single ticket valid 90 minutes. The metro takes 12 min; bus 73 takes 20–30 min in traffic. A BikeMi bicycle rental costs as little as €0.50 for a 25–35 min ride.
How much does a taxi cost from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport?
A taxi from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport costs a fixed rate of €25–35 ($27–38) for the ~7 km journey. Official Milan taxi rates include a €3.50 starting fee (€5.50 on Sundays/holidays) plus €1.10 per km, but the airport flat rate overrides this. Confirm the fixed price before starting the trip.
Does bus 73 go from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport?
Bus 73 departs from Piazza San Babila (a 12-minute walk from Piazza Lima, or 2 stops on M1 metro from Lima station) and runs directly to Linate Airport in 20–30 minutes. Buses run every 8–12 minutes from 5:30 am to 12:30 am. Tickets cost €2.20 and must be validated onboard. Night service: N73 bus runs hourly from 12:30 am to 5:30 am.
Can I use Uber or ride-sharing from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport?
Yes, Uber operates in Milan. UberX from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport costs €20–35 ($22–38) depending on demand and surge pricing. Uber Black is available at €45–65. FreeNow (taxi app) also operates, booking official taxis at meter rates + €2 fee. Bolt and Lyft are not available in Milan.
What is the best way from Piazza Lima to Linate Airport with heavy luggage?
For heavy luggage, the M4 metro from Dateo is recommended – it has elevators and level boarding. Use the Viale Andrea Doria entrance (elevator access). Taxi (€25–35) is the easiest door-to-door option, especially if you have 2+ large suitcases per person. Bus 73 can be crowded with limited luggage space. Tram 27 is not suitable for heavy luggage.
How early should I leave Piazza Lima to catch a flight at Linate Airport?
For a domestic flight, leave 2 hours before departure. For international/Schengen, leave 2.5–3 hours before. Using the M4 metro (12 min ride + 10 min walk + waiting), allow 35–40 minutes transit time. By taxi, allow 25–40 minutes total. For a 6:30 am flight, take a taxi at 5:30 am (M4 starts at 5:30 am). Always check airline check-in deadlines.