Quick Answer
Best option: Bus 73 — direct, €5.00, 25–30 minutes, 24/7 service. For €2.20 (standard ATM ticket) take Tram 27 + Bus 901 (40 min, one transfer). A taxi costs €15–20 and takes 15–20 minutes. No direct train from Centrale to Linate.
Bus 73 — Direct from Centrale to Linate (Best for Most)
Bus 73 is the most popular and straightforward way to reach Linate Airport from Milano Centrale. It departs from Piazza Luigi di Savoia (the large square directly in front of the station's main entrance). The bus runs 24/7 with a frequency of every 10–15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes overnight.
- Cost: €5.00 (airport express ticket) or €2.20 (standard 90-minute ATM ticket) — the €2.20 ticket is valid on bus 73 and all ATM urban transport.
- Duration: 25–30 minutes (traffic dependent; early morning can be as fast as 18 minutes).
- Buy tickets: ATM ticket machines inside Centrale, tabacchi, newsstands, or the ATM Milano app.
- Stop at Linate: The bus stops directly at the terminal arrivals level — you don't need a shuttle.
How to find the bus stop
Exit Milano Centrale through the main doors (Piazza Duca d'Aosta side). Walk straight across the square toward the large fountain. The bus 73 stop is clearly marked with a yellow ATM sign. Look for the electronic display showing next departures.
Ticket validation
Remember to validate your ticket in the yellow machine on board. Failure to validate can result in a €60–120 fine (ATM penalty policy).
Tram 27 + Bus 901 — Cheapest Option (€2.20)
If you're on a tight budget and have light luggage, the tram + bus combo is the most economical way. It requires one transfer but costs only €2.20 (standard 90-minute ATM ticket).
- Tram 27 from Milano Centrale (stop: "Centrale M2/M3") to "Piazza Trento" (7 stops, ~12 minutes).
- Bus 901 from Piazza Trento to Linate Airport (12 stops, ~18 minutes). The bus stop is directly across the tram stop.
Total time: 35–45 minutes including waiting. Cost: €2.20 (one ticket covers both rides within 90 minutes).
When to choose this option
- You have only a backpack or small suitcase.
- You want to save €2.80 compared to bus 73.
- You're not in a rush and don't mind a short transfer.
Not recommended if you have heavy luggage, as trams can be crowded and the transfer at Piazza Trento is street-level with no escalators.
Taxi & Private Transfer — Door-to-Door Comfort
Taxis from Milano Centrale to Linate Airport operate on a fixed rate of €15–20 (to Linate within Milan city limits). The official taxi stand is located outside the main entrance on Piazza Duca d'Aosta. Avoid unofficial cabs — always use licensed white taxis with a meter.
- Duration: 15–20 minutes in normal traffic; add 5–10 minutes during peak hours (8:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM).
- Uber / ride-sharing: Available in Milan, but often €25–40 — typically more expensive than taxis.
- Private transfer: Pre-booked services (e.g., Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers) cost around €25–35 with meet-and-greet.
Source: Milano Today — Taxi rates from Centrale to Linate (2025)
When to take a taxi
- Late night / early morning (bus 73 still runs but less frequent).
- Heavy or bulky luggage (skis, large suitcases, multiple bags).
- Traveling in a group of 3–4 (cost per person becomes comparable to bus).
- Limited mobility or with young children.
Note: The fixed rate applies only to licensed Milan taxis. Always confirm the price before starting the ride. Uber can surge to €50+ during peak hours.
Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
| Transport | Cost (single) | Time | Transfers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Bus 73 | €2.20–€5.00 (€2.20 if using standard ATM ticket) | 25–30 min | 0 (direct) | Best overall — speed + value |
| Tram 27 + Bus 901 | €2.20 | 35–45 min | 1 | Cheapest — budget travelers |
| Taxi (licensed) | €15–20 (€18–25 with tip) | 15–20 min | 0 | Heavy luggage / groups / night |
| Private transfer | €25–40 | 15–20 min | 0 | Business / comfort / meet & greet |
| Uber / ride-sharing | €25–50 (surge possible) | 15–20 min | 0 | When taxi is unavailable |
Data as of June 2025. Prices in euros (€). Source: ATM Milano & Milano Today.
Travel Tips & Luggage Advice
Luggage storage at Milano Centrale
If you have time before your flight, Deposito Bagagli (left luggage) is located on the lower level near track 21. Rates: €6 for 0–5 hours, €8 for 5–10 hours, €12 for 10–24 hours. Maximum storage: 30 days (Milano Centrale services).
Takkyubin (luggage forwarding) — not common in Milan
Unlike Japan, luggage forwarding services are not widely used from Milano Centrale to Linate. However, Bag Drop services are available at the airport for €12–15 per bag if you want to store luggage for a few hours after arrival.
Peak hours & traffic
Traffic between Centrale and Linate can be heavy on weekday mornings (8:00–10:00) and late afternoons (17:00–19:00). If you are traveling during these windows, add 10–15 minutes to the bus time. The tram + bus route is less affected by traffic as it uses dedicated tram lanes.
How to buy ATM tickets
- Ticket machines inside Centrale (accept cash, cards, contactless).
- Tabacchi (tobacco shops) with the ATM sign.
- ATM Milano app — buy and activate on your phone.
- Newsstands around the station square.
Source: ATM Milano — tickets & passes
FAQs: Milano Centrale to Linate Airport
Is there a direct train from Milano Centrale to Linate Airport?
No, there is no direct train. You need to take bus 73 from Piazza Luigi di Savoia (right outside the station) directly to Linate. Alternatively, take tram 27 from the station to Piazza Trento, then bus 901.
How much does the bus from Milano Centrale to Linate cost?
Bus 73 costs €5.00 (single ticket, valid 90 minutes) if you buy the airport express ticket. But a standard €2.20 ATM ticket also works on bus 73 — you just need to validate it. Buy tickets at tabacchi, newsstands, or ATM machines inside the station.
How long does it take from Milano Centrale to Linate Airport?
By bus 73: 25–30 minutes. By tram 27 + bus 901: about 35–45 minutes. By taxi: 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Is there a night bus from Milano Centrale to Linate?
Yes, bus 73 runs 24/7. Between midnight and 5 AM it runs every 30 minutes. The fare is the same (€2.20 with standard ticket or €5.00 airport ticket).
Can I use a Milano public transport pass to go to Linate Airport?
Yes, standard ATM tickets (€2.20, 90-minute pass) are valid on bus 73 and on tram 27 + bus 901. The €5.00 airport express ticket is also valid but not required unless you want a dedicated airport service.
How much is a taxi from Milano Centrale to Linate Airport?
A licensed taxi costs €15–20 (fixed rate to Linate within Milan city limits). Uber and ride-sharing are available but often more expensive (€25–50 with surge).
Which is better: bus or taxi from Centrale to Linate?
For most travelers, bus 73 is the best balance of cost (€2.20–€5.00) and speed (25 min). Taxi is better if you have heavy luggage, are traveling in a group of 3+, or arriving late at night.
Is there luggage storage at Milano Centrale for Linate Airport?
Yes, Milano Centrale has luggage storage (Deposito Bagagli) on the lower level near track 21. Rates start at €6 per bag for 5 hours. Maximum storage is 30 days.