Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Linate Airport to Piazza Lima is by taking the ATM urban bus line 73. It's a direct, budget-friendly service. The journey takes 35-45 minutes and costs only €2.20 for a standard single ticket. For maximum speed and convenience, especially with heavy luggage or a group, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer (20-30 min, €25-€35) is recommended.
Bus from Linate Airport to Piazza Lima: The Local's Choice
ATM's urban bus line 73 is the workhorse connection between Linate Airport and central Milan, offering a direct and incredibly economical route to Piazza Lima.
Step-by-Step Guide: Taking Bus Line 73
- Exit the Airport: After baggage claim, follow signs for "Public Transport" or "City Buses" to the bus terminal just outside the arrivals hall.
- Find the Stop: Look for the stop labeled "Line 73 - San Babila". The bus is green and displays "73" on the front.
- Purchase a Ticket: Buy a ticket before boarding. Options include:
- ATM Ticket Machine in the arrivals hall (cards/cash).
- Newsstand (Edicola) near the bus stops.
- ATM Milano App (recommended for easy validation). Ticket types: Single ticket (€2.20, valid 90 min), 24-hour pass (€7.60), or Carnet of 10 rides (€19.80).
- Board and Validate: Board the bus and immediately validate your ticket in the yellow machine onboard. Fines for non-validation are steep (€35+).
- The Journey: The bus travels via Viale Forlanini, Corso Buenos Aires, and Porta Venezia. Stay on for about 12-15 stops.
- Alight at Piazza Lima: Get off at the "Piazza Lima" stop, which is on Via Mauro Macchi just as the bus turns onto Piazzale Loreto. Piazza Lima itself is a short 1-minute walk.
Detailed Bus Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM) (Official Website) |
| Operating Hours | Approx. 5:30 AM – 1:30 AM (next day). Frequency: Every 10-15 min during daytime. |
| Travel Time | 35-45 minutes (highly dependent on Milan's notorious traffic, especially during rush hour 7:30-9:30 AM & 5:00-7:30 PM). |
| Cost | €2.20 for a standard 90-minute urban ticket. Luggage is free. |
| Luggage Space | Limited. The bus can get crowded. Large suituses may be challenging during peak times. |
| Night Service | After 1:30 AM, take the Night Bus NM3 from the airport to Piazza Oberdan/Cairo, then walk 15 min or take a short taxi ride to Piazza Lima. |
Pros & Cons of the Bus
Pros: Extremely cheap (€2.20); direct service with no changes; frequent departures; authentic local experience.
Cons: Unpredictable travel time due to traffic; can be crowded and uncomfortable with luggage; not ideal for late-night arrivals after 1:30 AM.
Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
For a stress-free, direct journey, especially with lots of luggage, children, or after a long flight, a taxi or private transfer is the premium choice.
Official Taxis at Linate Airport
- Location: The official taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals terminal. Only use licensed white taxis with a "TAXI" sign.
- Fare: A fixed fare applies from Linate to any destination within Milan's city council area (including Piazza Lima). This fare is approximately €25 - €35 (as of 2024). Confirm this fixed price with the driver before departure.
- Journey Time: 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
- Payment: Cash and card are generally accepted, but it's wise to have some euros on hand.
Warning: Avoid unlicensed "taxi touts" inside the terminal offering rides. Always proceed to the official rank. According to the Milan Municipal Website, fixed rates are mandated for airport transfers.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
A more reliable and often similarly-priced alternative to hailing a taxi. Recommended for groups or those wanting certainty.
| Provider Type | How It Works | Approx. Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Sedan (e.g., Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers) | Driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Direct, non-stop journey to your exact address. | €35 - €50 (total) | Couples, solo travelers, business trips. |
| Private Minivan | Same meet-and-greet service with a larger vehicle. | €50 - €75 (total) | Families or groups of 3-6 people with luggage. |
| Shared Shuttle Van | You may share the vehicle with other passengers going to different hotels in the city center. Can involve waiting and multiple stops. | €15 - €25 (per person) | Solo travelers or couples on a tighter budget who don't mind a longer trip. |
When to Choose This: Late-night/early-morning arrivals, heavy luggage, limited mobility, traveling as a group (>3 people), or when your priority is absolute convenience over cost.
Train + Tram/Metro Combination (Via Milano Centrale)
While not the most straightforward from Linate, this option is useful if you have a specific reason to go to Milano Centrale station first (e.g., storing luggage, meeting someone, or arriving on a connecting flight into Malpensa that lands at Linate).
Step-by-Step: The Indirect Route
- Linate to Milano Centrale: First, you need to reach Milano Centrale station.
- Option A (Bus): Take the Air Bus (operated by Autostradale) (Timetable & Info). Travel time: ~25 min. Cost: €6.00 one-way, €11.00 round-trip.
- Option B (Public Bus + Metro): Take bus line 73 to "Piazza San Babila", then take the Metro MM1 (red line) towards "Sesto 1º Maggio FS" and get off at "Centrale FS". (Uses one €2.20 ticket if within 90 min).
- Milano Centrale to Piazza Lima: From Centrale station, take the Metro.
- Best Route: Take the MM2 (green line) towards "Abbiategrasso/Assago". Get off at the third stop, "Loreto". Piazza Lima is a 3-minute walk from the Loreto metro exit.
- Alternative Route: Take the MM3 (yellow line) towards "San Donato". Get off at the second stop, "Repubblica", and walk 7-8 minutes to Piazza Lima.
Total Estimated Time: 55-75 minutes. Total Estimated Cost: €8.20 (Air Bus + Metro) or €2.20 (all public bus/metro with one ticket).
Analysis: This route is generally slower and more complicated than the direct bus 73 for reaching Piazza Lima specifically. It's only recommended if you need to be at Centrale Station for another purpose.
Shared Airport Shuttle Services
Shared shuttle vans (like those from Terravision or AirportShuttle.it) operate from Linate but primarily serve Malpensa and Bergamo (BGY) airports. Direct shared shuttles from Linate to specific city addresses like Piazza Lima are rare and not cost-effective due to the airport's proximity to the center. A private transfer or taxi is usually a better value for a direct door-to-door service from Linate.
Car Rental at Linate Airport
Major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, etc.) have desks at Linate. However, renting a car is not recommended for travelers whose sole destination is central Milan.
- Traffic & Navigation: Milan's traffic is heavy, and the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) restricts car access in the city center (including Piazza Lima) on weekdays without a permit or daily fee (Area C, approx. €5-€15/day).
- Parking: Secure parking near Piazza Lima is expensive (€25-€40+ per day).
- Best Use Case: Only rent a car if you plan to immediately leave Milan for a tour of the Lombardy region or the Italian Lakes.
Transport Comparison: Cost, Time & Convenience
| Transport Mode | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Travel Time | Convenience / Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATM Urban Bus 73 | €2.20 | 35-45 min | Direct but subject to traffic. Can be crowded. | Budget travelers, solo travelers with light luggage. |
| Taxi (Official Rank) | €25 - €35 (fixed fare) | 20-30 min | Door-to-door, available 24/7. Most convenient. | Families, groups, those with heavy luggage, late arrivals. |
| Private Transfer (Sedan) | €35 - €50 (total) | 20-30 min | Pre-booked, meet & greet. Fixed price, no queue. | Those seeking guaranteed service and comfort. |
| Air Bus + Metro | €8.20 (€6 + €2.20) | 55-75 min | Involves a change. Reliable timing for the Air Bus leg. | Travelers needing to go to Milano Centrale first. |
| Public Bus+Metro Combo | €2.20 (single ticket) | 50-70 min | Cheapest but most complex route with changes. | Adventurous travelers very comfortable with public transport. |
Verdict: The direct Bus 73 offers the best value, while a Taxi/Private Transfer offers the best convenience. Your choice depends entirely on your budget, luggage, and arrival time.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for Your Journey
Essential Pre-Departure Checklist
- Download the ATM Milano App: This is invaluable for buying and validating tickets, checking bus/tram times in real-time, and planning routes. It's available in English.
- Have Small Euro Bills/Coins: For buying tickets from machines or taking a taxi. While card payments are widespread, cash is sometimes king for small transactions.
- Validate Every Ticket: On buses and trams, you must stamp your paper ticket in the machine onboard. Failure to do so results in a fine, even if you purchased a valid ticket. Tickets bought on the app are validated digitally when you activate them.
- Beware of Pickpockets: Like in any major city, be vigilant on crowded public transport, especially on the Metro and at Centrale station. Keep bags closed and in front of you.
Navigating with Luggage
- Bus 73 with Large Suitcases: Avoid peak commuting hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:00-7:30 PM) if possible. The bus can be very full, making it difficult to board with large bags.
- Luggage Storage Alternative: If you want to explore Milan before checking into your accommodation, consider dropping your bags at a left luggage service. Milano Centrale station has a staffed left luggage office (€6 per bag for first 5 hours).
Understanding Milan's ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone)
Piazza Lima is inside Area C, Milan's congestion charge zone active on weekdays from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM (excluding public holidays). This does not affect taxis, buses, or private transfers with permits. If you are driving a rental car into the zone, you must pay the daily fee online or via specific apps. Fines for non-compliance are high (over €80).
FAQs: Getting from Linate Airport to Piazza Lima
Is there a direct train from Linate Airport to Piazza Lima?
No, there is no train station at Linate Airport. You must first take a bus or taxi to a central station (like San Babila or Centrale) and then connect via Metro, tram, or another bus to reach Piazza Lima.
How do I get from Linate to Piazza Lima at 3 AM?
Your only practical public transport option is the night bus network (Navetta Notturna, NM lines). From Linate, take night bus NM3 towards Piazza del Duomo/Cairo. Get off at a stop like "Piazza Oberdan" and then take a short taxi ride (5 min, ~€8-€10) to Piazza Lima. For simplicity and safety at that hour, a pre-booked private transfer or taxi from the official rank is strongly recommended.
Is the bus 73 wheelchair accessible?
Most newer ATM buses on line 73 are low-floor and equipped with ramps for wheelchair access. However, it's not guaranteed for every bus in the fleet. For assured accessible transport, it is best to book a wheelchair-accessible taxi or private transfer in advance.
Can I use my credit card to pay for the bus?
You cannot pay the driver directly with a card. However, you can use a credit/debit card at the ATM ticket machines inside Linate Airport to purchase a paper ticket, or even more easily, use the ATM Milano app to buy a digital ticket with your card.
What if my flight arrives at Terminal 2 (General Aviation)?
Terminal 2 is a short walk from the main terminal (Terminal 1). Simply follow the signs to the main arrivals hall and public transport area. All the same options (bus 73, taxi rank) are available from there.
Is Piazza Lima a safe area?
Yes, Piazza Lima is located in a central, busy, and generally safe residential and business district. As with any city center, maintain standard awareness of your surroundings, especially at night.
How frequent is the Air Bus to Centrale Station?
The Autostradale Air Bus typically runs every 30 minutes. Check the latest timetable on their official website, as schedules can change on weekends and holidays.
Is it easy to find a taxi back to Linate Airport from Piazza Lima?
Yes. You can hail a taxi on the street, find a taxi rank nearby (common in major piazzas), or ask your hotel to call one for you. You can also book a return private transfer in advance for a fixed price.