Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Linate Airport to Lodi is by combining a public bus to Milano Centrale station (20-30 min, ~€2) with a regional train to Lodi (20-30 min, ~€3-4). This balanced option is efficient and affordable, with a total cost of €5-6 and a total travel time of 45-60 minutes. The cheapest option is this bus+train combo. The fastest door-to-door option is a taxi or private transfer (35-45 min, €80-120).
By Train: The Recommended Route (Bus + Regional Train)
Since Linate Airport does not have its own railway station, reaching Lodi by train involves a simple two-step process: first a short bus ride to a major Milan train station, followed by a direct regional train. This is the most popular method for its reliability and value.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Take a Bus from LIN to a Milan Train Station:
- Option A (Cheapest & Frequent): Take ATM Urban Bus Line 73 towards “San Babila”. Get off at the final stop “San Babila” and take the Metro M1 (red line) for 2 stops to “Milano Centrale”. Journey: ~30 mins. Cost: €2.20 (90-min ATM ticket).
- Option B (Direct to Station): Take the Air Bus (shuttle) directly to “Milano Centrale” train station. Journey: ~25 mins. Cost: ~€5-7. Less frequent than Line 73.
- Take a Train from Milan to Lodi:
- From Milano Centrale or Milano Lambrate stations, take a Trenord regional train (R or RE lines) heading towards Piacenza, Bologna, or Fidenza. All stop at Lodi.
- Journey time: 20-30 minutes.
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes during daytime.
Train Ticket Details & Purchasing
Tickets for the regional train (Trenord) can be purchased:
- At the Station: From ticket machines (in English) or ticket offices at Milano Centrale/Lambrate.
- Online: Via the Trenord app or official website (trenord.it). E-tickets are accepted.
- Validation: Physical tickets must be validated in the green/yellow stamping machines before boarding.
By Bus: Direct Airport Shuttle & Regional Bus Services
While there is no single direct bus from Linate Airport to Lodi city center, there are bus-based options that can be more direct for specific destinations or budgets.
1. Direct Airport Shuttle to Lodi (Private Service)
Some private companies offer pre-bookable door-to-door shared shuttle or private minibus services. This is ideal for groups or those with heavy luggage wanting a direct connection without train station transfers.
- Providers: Companies like Airport Shuttle or SunTransfers.
- Journey Time: Approx. 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and other drop-offs.
- Cost: Starts at around €25-40 per person for shared shuttle; €80+ for private van.
- Booking: Mandatory online pre-booking is required.
2. Regional Bus from Milan to Lodi
After reaching Milan city center by bus (Line 73/Air Bus), you can opt for a regional bus to Lodi instead of the train. It’s often slower but can drop you closer to specific areas.
- Service: STARBUS (starfly.net) operates services from Milan (often from Piazza Luigi di Savoia near Centrale) to Lodi.
- Journey Time: 50-70 minutes.
- Cost: Comparable to train tickets (€3-5).
By Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option. Official taxis are available 24/7 at the ranks outside Linate Airport's arrivals hall.
- Journey Time: 35 to 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Can be over 60 minutes during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
- Cost: A fixed fare of approximately €80-120 to Lodi, depending on the exact destination, time of day, and luggage. Ensure the meter is running or the fixed price is agreed upon before departure.
- Vehicle: Standard sedans or larger vans for groups.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended)
For a stress-free arrival, especially with family, group, or lots of luggage, a pre-booked private car is highly recommended. The driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign.
- Advantages: Fixed price (no surprise fees), meet-and-greet, child seats available, direct to your address.
- Cost: Similar to taxi fares, often €90-130 for a standard car. Can be more cost-effective for groups of 3-4 vs. multiple train tickets.
- Booking: Book online via reputable platforms like Booking.com, SunTransfers, or Welcome Pickups.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Linate Airport to Lodi
Use this table to quickly compare all transport options based on key decision factors.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Journey Time | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Line 73) + Train | 45-60 mins | €5-6 | Cheapest, frequent, scenic train ride | Two separate tickets, stairs with luggage | Budget travelers, solo travelers, day trips |
| Air Bus + Train | 45-55 mins | €10-12 | Direct bus to Centrale station, less walking | Slightly more expensive than Line 73 | Those with manageable luggage |
| Pre-Booked Shared Shuttle | 40-70 mins | €25-40+ | Direct door-to-door, no train station hassle | Must pre-book, shared with others, variable time | Small groups, those avoiding trains |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 35-45 mins | €80-130 | Fastest door-to-door, maximum comfort & convenience | Very expensive, traffic-dependent | Families, groups of 3-4, late-night/early morning, luxury travel |
Verdict: The Bus+Train combo is the best value. A Pre-Booked Private Transfer is best for comfort and ease.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Luggage Handling Tips
- Travel Light: The bus+train route involves walking, potential stairs at stations, and crowded vehicles. A backpack or wheeled cabin bag is ideal.
- Left Luggage: If you have a long layover, consider leaving bags at the left luggage office at Milano Centrale station instead of hauling them to Lodi and back.
Navigating Milano Centrale Station
This large station can be overwhelming. For trains to Lodi:
- Check the departure boards for “Trenord” services to “Piacenza”, “Bologna”, or “Fidenza”. Platform numbers are announced ~15 mins before departure.
- Most regional trains depart from the lower-level tracks (binari). Use the escalators or lifts down from the main hall.
When to Book & Travel
- Trains: No need to book regional trains in advance; tickets are open for any train on the day. Just validate before boarding.
- Private Transfers: Book at least 24-48 hours in advance, especially during peak season (May-September, Christmas).
- Avoid Rush Hour: If using taxi/bus, try to avoid Milan’s morning (7-9 AM) and evening (5-7 PM) rush hours to save time and stress.
FAQs: Milan Linate Airport to Lodi Transportation
Is there a direct train from Linate Airport to Lodi?
No. Linate Airport does not have a train station. You must first take a bus or taxi to a main Milan train station (like Milano Centrale or Lambrate), then take a regional train to Lodi. The total public transport journey takes about 45-60 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from LIN to Lodi?
The cheapest option is the combination of the public ATM Bus Line 73 (€2.20) to Milano San Babila/Metro, then Metro to Milano Centrale, followed by a Trenord regional train to Lodi (€3-4). Total cost is approximately €5-6.
What is the fastest way to get from Linate Airport to Lodi?
The fastest door-to-door option is a taxi or pre-booked private transfer, taking approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. The fastest public transport option (Bus + Train) takes about 45-60 minutes.
How do I get from Linate Airport to Lodi at night or very early morning?
After public transport hours (generally after 12:30 AM), your only reliable options are taxi or pre-booked private transfer. Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport rank. For early morning flights (before 6 AM), pre-booking a transfer is strongly advised.
Where do I catch the bus to the train station from Linate Airport?
Bus stops are directly outside the arrivals hall. Follow signs for “Urban Buses” (for ATM Line 73) or “Air Bus”. Purchase tickets at the airport newsstand, ticket machine, or tabacchi shop before boarding.
Is it easy to travel from Linate to Lodi with a lot of luggage or children?
With heavy luggage or young children, the bus+train journey can be challenging due to stairs, crowds, and multiple changes. A pre-booked private transfer is highly recommended for direct service, comfort, and assistance with bags.
Can I use the Milan Public Transport Ticket for the entire journey?
No. The Milan ATM ticket (e.g., 90-minute ticket) covers the bus and metro within Milan but does NOT cover the regional train to Lodi, which is in a different region (Lombardy). You must buy a separate Trenord train ticket.
How frequent are the trains from Milan to Lodi?
Trains are very frequent. Trenord regional services run approximately every 15-30 minutes during daytime from Milano Centrale and Milano Lambrate. The ride to Lodi takes 20-30 minutes. Check live schedules on Trenord's official website.