Quick Answer
The best way to get from San Babila to Linate Airport is the M4 blue metro line (direct, 12 minutes, €2.20 / ≈$2.38). It runs every 4–6 minutes from 05:40 to 00:30, with no transfers needed. Bus 73 is a slightly slower alternative (25–30 min, same ticket price). A taxi costs €15–€25 (≈$16–$27) and takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Bottom line: M4 metro wins for speed, cost, and convenience.
🚇 M4 Metro (Blue Line) – Direct from San Babila to Linate
The M4 blue line (also called Linea 4) is the newest and most modern metro line in Milan, fully opened in November 2022. It connects San Babila station directly to Linate Airport station in just 12 minutes — with zero transfers. This is by far the most recommended option for travelers.
Key Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | San Babila → Linate Airport (direct) |
| Travel time | 12 minutes |
| Frequency | Every 4–6 minutes (peak) / 8 min (off-peak) |
| Operating hours | 05:40 – 00:30 (daily) |
| Ticket price | €2.20 (≈$2.38) – standard 90-min urban ticket |
| Accessibility | ✅ Level boarding, elevators, wide gates, direct escalator to terminal |
| Luggage | ✅ Fully allowed – no restrictions |
Step-by-Step: How to Ride the M4 from San Babila
- Enter San Babila station – find the M4 blue line entrance (signposted "Linate").
- Validate your ticket at the turnstiles — use a paper ticket or tap your contactless card/phone.
- Board the train in the direction of "Linate Airport" (the terminal station).
- Stay on board for 6 stops — the train terminates at Linate Airport station.
- Exit and follow the covered walkway + escalator directly into the arrivals hall.
Ticket Options
- Single ticket (€2.20 / ≈$2.38) — valid for 90 minutes across all metro, bus, and tram within Milan.
- Carnet of 10 tickets (€19.50 / ≈$21.10) — saves ~11% if you'll make multiple trips.
- Day pass (€7.60 / ≈$8.20) — unlimited travel until end of service.
- Contactless payment – tap your credit/debit card or smartphone at the gate (€2.20 capped daily).
💡 Pro tip: If you're staying in central Milan, the M4 is the fastest and most reliable way to Linate. All trains are air-conditioned and have dedicated luggage racks near the doors. Official ATM Milan metro website →
🚌 Bus 73 – Budget-Friendly Surface Option
The 73 bus is a classic surface route that connects San Babila square (Piazza San Babila) to Linate Airport in about 25–30 minutes. It's a good alternative if you prefer above-ground travel or if the metro is temporarily closed (rare, but possible during maintenance).
Key Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | San Babila (Piazza) → Linate Airport |
| Travel time | 25–30 minutes |
| Frequency | Every 10–12 minutes (peak) / 15 min (off-peak) |
| Operating hours | 05:30 – 01:30 (daily) |
| Ticket price | €2.20 (≈$2.38) – same standard urban ticket |
| Luggage | ✅ Allowed, but no dedicated luggage racks |
Bus Stop Location
The 73 bus stop is located on Corso Europa, about a 2-minute walk from the San Babila metro exit. Look for the orange ATM bus shelter with signs reading "73 – Linate Airport."
How It Compares to the M4 Metro
- Slower: 25–30 min vs 12 min for the metro.
- Same price: Both use the €2.20 urban ticket.
- Above-ground views: You see Milan streets if that matters to you.
- Less reliable in traffic: During peak hours (08:00–09:30, 17:00–19:00) the bus can be delayed by 5–10 minutes.
- Runs later: The last bus departs San Babila around 01:30, while the metro stops at 00:30.
💡 When to choose bus 73: If you're traveling after midnight (since the metro closes at 00:30), or if you simply prefer above-ground travel. Otherwise, the M4 metro is faster and more comfortable. View ATM bus schedules →
🚕 Taxi & Private Transfer – Door-to-Door Convenience
Taxis from San Babila to Linate Airport offer the ultimate door-to-door convenience, especially if you're traveling with heavy luggage, in a group, or arriving late at night. However, the cost is significantly higher than public transport.
Taxi Fares (Fixed Rates)
| Scenario | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime (06:00–22:00) – city limits | €15 (≈$16) | Fixed rate within Milan comune |
| Night (22:00–06:00) – city limits | €25 (≈$27) | Night surcharge applies |
| To/from outlying areas | €20–€30 (≈$22–$32) | Depends on exact address |
| Extra luggage | Usually free | Up to 2 large suitcases standard |
Where to Find a Taxi at San Babila
- Taxi stand on Piazza San Babila (east side, near the cinema).
- App booking: Use Free Now, Uber (taxi option), or Radio Taxi Milano (02 8585).
- Hotel concierge – most hotels can call a taxi for you.
Private Transfer Services
Companies like Welcome Pickups, GetYourGuide Transfers, and Suntransfers offer pre-booked private cars from San Babila to Linate. Prices range from €25–€45 (≈$27–$49) depending on vehicle type (sedan, minivan, executive). These are ideal for business travelers or families who want guaranteed availability.
⚠️ Important: Uber in Milan is limited mostly to Uber Black (premium) and Uber Taxi (licensed taxis). Standard UberX is not available. Always confirm the fare before booking. Book via Free Now (official taxi app) →
💰 Cost & Time Comparison – All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare every way of getting from San Babila to Linate Airport. Best overall is the M4 metro. Cheapest are M4 metro & bus 73.
| Mode | Time | Cost (EUR) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚇 M4 Metro ⭐ | 12 min | €2.20 | ≈$2.38 | 0 (direct) | Everyone — fastest & cheapest |
| 🚌 Bus 73 | 25–30 min | €2.20 | ≈$2.38 | 0 (direct) | Budget travelers, late-night (after metro closes) |
| 🚕 Taxi (daytime) | 15–20 min | €15 | ≈$16 | 0 | Groups, heavy luggage, late-night |
| 🚕 Taxi (nighttime) | 15–20 min | €25 | ≈$27 | 0 | Late arrivals (22:00–06:00) |
| 📱 Uber Black | 15–20 min | €25–€40 | ≈$27–$43 | 0 | Business travelers, premium experience |
| 📱 Free Now (taxi) | 15–20 min | €15–€25 | ≈$16–$27 | 0 | App users who want taxi reliability |
| 🚶 Walking | ~1 h 30 min | €0 | $0 | — | Not recommended (far, no pedestrian infrastructure) |
💡 Verdict: The M4 metro is the undisputed champion — cheapest, fastest, and most reliable. Only choose a taxi or rideshare if you have special circumstances (late night, heavy luggage, group of 3+). Official ATM ticket prices →
🧳 Traveler Tips & Pro Advice for San Babila → Linate
Based on local knowledge and frequent traveler feedback, here are essential tips to make your journey from San Babila to Linate Airport smoother.
1. Luggage on the M4 Metro
The M4 line is fully accessible with level boarding — no steps between platform and train. Each car has dedicated luggage racks near the doors and overhead bins for smaller bags. Unlike some older metro lines, you won't struggle with suitcases on stairs.
2. Buy Tickets Before You Ride
Use the ATM Ticket app, ticket machines at San Babila station (they accept cash, cards, and contactless), or simply tap your contactless credit card directly on the turnstile reader. The system automatically caps at the daily pass rate if you travel multiple times.
3. Peak Hour Crowding
The M4 metro can get crowded during Milan commuter hours (08:00–09:30 and 17:00–19:00). If you're traveling with large suitcases during these times, consider waiting 10–15 minutes for a less packed train. Alternatively, bus 73 might be less crowded (though slower).
4. Late-Night Travel (After 00:30)
The M4 metro stops at 00:30. After that, your options are:
- Bus 73 – runs until 01:30 (last departure from San Babila).
- Taxi – available 24/7 from the San Babila taxi stand.
- Night bus N73 – follows a similar route but with fewer stops (check ATM app).
5. Linate Airport Check-in & Security
Linate is a compact airport. For domestic/Schengen flights, arrive 60–90 minutes before departure. For non-Schengen (including UK, Ireland, Switzerland), allow at least 2 hours. The M4 drops you directly at the terminal — no shuttle bus needed.
6. Takkyubin (Baggage Delivery) Alternative
If you have heavy luggage and want to travel completely hands-free, consider using a baggage delivery service like SpedireMio or Bagbnb. They can pick up your suitcases from your hotel and deliver them to Linate for about €15–€25 (≈$16–$27). This lets you ride the metro or bus unencumbered.
💡 Bottom line: The M4 metro is reliable, cheap, and easy — even with luggage. Plan for 20–25 minutes total from San Babila station to the airport check-in desk. Linate Airport official site →
❓ FAQs: San Babila to Linate Airport
Is there a direct metro from San Babila to Linate Airport?
Yes, the M4 blue metro line runs directly from San Babila station to Linate Airport station with no transfers. The journey takes approximately 12 minutes and trains run every 4–6 minutes from 05:40 to 00:30 daily.
How much does it cost to get from San Babila to Linate Airport?
The standard single metro/bus ticket costs €2.20 (≈$2.38). A taxi costs between €15–€25 (≈$16–$27), while rideshare services like Uber range from €10–€20 (≈$11–$22). The cheapest option is the M4 metro or bus 73 with a standard urban ticket.
How long does it take to get from San Babila to Linate Airport?
The M4 metro takes 12 minutes (fastest). Bus 73 takes 25–30 minutes. A taxi or rideshare takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Walking is not recommended as it would take over 1.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from San Babila to Linate Airport?
The M4 metro and bus 73 both cost €2.20 (≈$2.38) for a standard 90-minute urban ticket, making them the cheapest options. The metro is faster and more reliable.
What is the fastest way to get from San Babila to Linate Airport?
The M4 metro is the fastest option at 12 minutes non-stop. A taxi can take 15–20 minutes but may be delayed by traffic. The metro is both the fastest and most cost-effective choice.
Are there taxis available at San Babila for Linate Airport?
Yes, taxis are readily available at the San Babila square taxi stand and can also be booked via app or phone. The fare to Linate Airport is a fixed rate of €15 (≈$16) within the city limits during daytime, and €25 (≈$27) at night or to outlying areas.
Is the M4 metro line accessible with luggage?
Yes, the M4 line is fully accessible with level boarding, elevators, and wide gates at all stations. Linate Airport station has direct escalator access to the terminal, making it very convenient for travelers with suitcases or strollers.
How early should I leave San Babila for a flight at Linate?
For domestic/Schengen flights, leave at least 1.5 hours before departure (add 12 min metro + 30 min buffer). For non-Schengen flights, allow 2+ hours. On weekdays during rush hour (08:00–09:30 & 17:00–19:00), add an extra 15–20 minutes for potential crowding.