How to Get from University of Milan to Linate Airport

The ATM Bus 73 is the most popular and recommended way to reach Linate Airport from central Milan. It runs from Piazza San Babila (just 1.2 km from the University of Milan main campus) directly to the airport terminal every 10 minutes during the day. The journey takes about 25–30 minutes from San Babila, and with the short walk from the university, the total door-to-door time is 35–50 minutes.

A faster variant, Bus X73, operates on weekdays during peak hours (roughly 7:00–9:30 AM and 4:30–7:30 PM) and makes fewer intermediate stops, cutting the bus ride to about 18–22 minutes. Both services use the same €2.20 ATM ticket (valid for 90 minutes with transfers).

How to Reach San Babila from the University

• Walk: 15 minutes (1.2 km) along Corso Europa or Via dell'Orso — pleasant and direct.
• Tram 1: From Duomo (5 min walk from the university) to San Babila — 2 stops, about 5 minutes.
• Metro Line 1 (Red): Duomo to San Babila — 1 stop, 2 minutes, same €2.20 ticket.
• BikeMi / Lime: 5–7 minutes cycling; bike docks available at both ends.

Bus 73 vs. X73 — Key Differences

Feature	Bus 73	Bus X73
Frequency	Every 8–12 minutes	Every 15–20 minutes (peak only)
Travel time (San Babila → Linate)	25–30 minutes	18–22 minutes
Operating hours	~5:00 AM – 12:30 AM	~7:00–9:30 AM & 4:30–7:30 PM (weekdays)
Stops en route	13 intermediate stops	4–5 express stops
Ticket price	€2.20 ($2.40 USD)	€2.20 ($2.40 USD)
Best for	All travelers, any time of day	Business travelers, peak-hour commuters

Where to Buy Tickets

• ATM ticket machines at San Babila metro station (cash & card).
• Tabacchi shops (tobacco shops) — look for the ATM logo.
• Mobile apps: ATM Milano, Mooney, or DropTicket — buy and validate digitally.
• Cost: €2.20 for a 90-minute ticket; €3.00 ($3.30 USD) for a 24-hour pass if you plan multiple rides.

Tip: Always validate your ticket on board using the yellow validator machines. Unvalidated tickets can result in a €50–€100 fine. For more details, visit the official ATM Milano website.

Baggage on Bus 73

Standard carry-on luggage and one medium suitcase per person are allowed without extra charge. Large suitcases (over 30 kg) or bulky items may be refused during busy hours. If you have heavy luggage, consider a taxi or use the Takkyubin luggage delivery service (see Tips section).

While Bus 73 from San Babila is the simplest option, you can also use Milan's extensive tram and metro network to reach San Babila from the university. This is especially useful if you're staying near a tram line or prefer not to walk the full 15 minutes.

Option A: Tram 1 from Duomo → San Babila → Bus 73

• Step 1: Walk 5 minutes from the university (Via Festa del Perdono) to Duomo tram stop (Piazza del Duomo).
• Step 2: Board Tram 1 (direction: Piazza Fontana or Cairoli) — 2 stops to San Babila (~5 minutes).
• Step 3: Follow signs to the Bus 73 platform (located on Corso Europa, just outside the metro station).
• Total time: 35–45 minutes door-to-door.
• Cost: €2.20 (same ticket covers tram + bus within 90 minutes).

Option B: Metro Line 1 (Red) from Duomo → San Babila → Bus 73

• Step 1: Walk 5 minutes to Duomo metro station (entrances on Piazza del Duomo).
• Step 2: Take Metro Line 1 (red) toward Sesto 1° Maggio or Cologno — 1 stop to San Babila (~2 minutes).
• Step 3: Exit the station and walk 2 minutes to the Bus 73 stop on Corso Europa.
• Total time: 30–40 minutes door-to-door.
• Cost: €2.20 (one ticket covers both metro and bus).

Option C: Tram 2 or 3 + Walk + Bus 73

Tram 2 and Tram 3 also pass near the university area (Via Festa del Perdono / Via Santa Sofia). You can take either tram to Piazza Fontana or Duomo, then walk 5 minutes to San Babila. This is less direct but useful if you're coming from the southern side of the campus.

Which Combination Is Best?

Combination	Time (door-to-door)	Transfers	Best For
Walk + Bus 73	40–50 min	0 transfers	Budget travelers, fine weather
Tram 1 + Bus 73	35–45 min	1 transfer	Those near Duomo, light luggage
Metro + Bus 73	30–40 min	1 transfer	Speed seekers, any weather
Bike + Bus 73	30–40 min	1 transfer	Eco-conscious, active travelers

Insider note: The metro option is slightly faster but involves stairs/escalators. Tram 1 offers a scenic ride through Piazza del Duomo and is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. All options use the same €2.20 ticket, so choose based on your starting point and mobility needs.

For real-time tram and metro schedules, check the official ATM Milano route planner or the ATM Milano App (free on iOS/Android).

If speed and convenience are your top priorities — especially with heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, or early morning flights — a taxi or ride-hailing service is the best choice. The distance from the University of Milan to Linate Airport is only 7 km (4.3 miles), so the drive takes just 15–20 minutes in normal traffic.

Taxi (Official White Taxis)

• Fare (daytime, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM): €25–€35 ($27–$38 USD).
• Fare (nighttime / peak / holidays): €35–€45 ($38–$49 USD).
• Surcharges: €2 for each suitcase after the first; €1.50 for airport pick-up fee.
• How to hail: Find a taxi stand (Piazza del Duomo, San Babila, or Via Festa del Perdono) or call +39 02 4040 (Radio Taxi Milano).
• Payment: Cash, credit/debit cards (but some drivers prefer cash — confirm before starting the ride).

Ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Free Now)

• Uber Black / UberX: €20–€35 ($22–$38 USD) — depending on demand and time.
• Bolt: €18–€28 ($20–$31 USD) — often slightly cheaper than Uber.
• Free Now: €22–€32 ($24–$35 USD) — includes both taxi and private driver options.
• Pick-up point: Use the app to set your location (Via Festa del Perdono 7 or nearby street). Drivers usually meet you at the street entrance.
• Payment: In-app (card, PayPal, Apple Pay).

When to Choose Taxi / Ride-hailing

Scenario	Recommendation	Estimated Cost
Flight before 6:00 AM or after 11:00 PM	Taxi (no bus service at these hours)	€30–€45
Traveling with 3+ people	Taxi or Uber — cost per person is competitive with bus	€25–€35 (split 3 ways = ~€10 each)
Heavy luggage (3+ suitcases)	Taxi (Uber may not have enough space)	€30–€40
Business traveler / executive	Uber Black or official taxi	€35–€50
Group with kids / elderly	Taxi (accessible vehicles available on request)	€25–€35

Important: Milan's city center has limited traffic zones (Area C and Area B). Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles have special permits to enter these zones, so you don't need to worry about restrictions. However, during peak hours (8:00–10:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM), traffic can add 10–15 minutes to the journey.

For official taxi information, visit Milano Comune Taxi Services (in Italian, with English booking options).

Use this table to quickly compare time, cost, convenience, and suitability for different travel needs. Best value and fastest options are highlighted.

Transport Mode	Total Time (door-to-door)	Cost (EUR)	Cost (USD approx.)	Transfers	Best For
Bus 73 🏆 Best Value	40–50 min	€2.20	$2.40	0 (walk to San Babila)	Solo travelers, budget-conscious, day flights
Bus X73	35–45 min	€2.20	$2.40	0 (walk to San Babila)	Peak-hour commuters, faster bus ride
Tram 1 + Bus 73	35–45 min	€2.20	$2.40	1	Those near Duomo, scenic route
Metro + Bus 73	30–40 min	€2.20	$2.40	1	Speed seekers, all-weather travel
Taxi 🚀 Fastest	15–20 min	€25–€35	$27–$38	0	Groups, heavy luggage, late night, early morning
Uber / Bolt / Free Now	15–20 min	€20–€35	$22–$38	0	App users, competitive pricing
Bike + Bus 73	30–40 min	€2.20 + bike rental (€1.50–€3.00)	$4–$6 total	1	Eco-friendly, active travelers

Verict: For most travelers, Bus 73 is the optimal choice — it's cheap, reliable, and runs frequently. If you're in a hurry or traveling outside bus hours, a taxi is the fastest option. The metro + bus combo is a great middle ground for those who want speed without spending €30.

Tickets for public transport can be purchased at any ATM ticket machine, Tabacchi shop, or via the ATM Milano App. A 24-hour pass (€3.00 / $3.30 USD) is worthwhile if you plan additional metro or tram rides on the same day.

1. Luggage Delivery Service (Takkyubin / Spedizione Bagagli)

If you have heavy suitcases, consider using Takkyubin (door-to-door luggage delivery) available at most hotels and convenience stores. In Milan, services like Spedizione Bagagli or Luggage Free can send your bags directly to Linate Airport for about €12–€20 per suitcase. You drop off your luggage at the hotel or a partnered shop, and it arrives at the airport by the next day. This lets you travel hands-free to the airport via Bus 73. Book at least 24 hours in advance via Luggage Free Milano.

2. Peak Hours — Avoid These Times

Milan's streets and buses are most crowded between 7:30–9:30 AM and 4:30–7:00 PM on weekdays. Bus 73 can become packed with commuters, making it difficult to board with luggage. If your flight allows, aim for a mid-morning (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) or early afternoon (1:00–3:00 PM) departure. X73 helps during peak hours but is still busy.

3. Ticket Validation — Avoid the €50 Fine

ATM tickets must be validated at the yellow machine inside the bus or at the metro gate entrance. An unvalidated ticket is considered fare evasion, and inspectors regularly check passengers. The fine is €50–€100 ($55–$110 USD). Always validate — even if you see others not doing it.

4. San Babila Station — Know Your Exit

San Babila is a medium-sized metro station with multiple exits. For Bus 73, follow signs for "Corso Europa / Linate Bus" or exit toward Piazza San Babila (surface). The bus stop is located on Corso Europa, about 50 meters from the metro exit. If you exit on the wrong side (toward Via Visconti di Modrone), you'll need to walk around the block.

5. Seasonal Considerations

• Summer (June–August): Milan can be hot (30–35°C). Bus 73 is air-conditioned, but the walk from the university to San Babila can be uncomfortable. Carry water and wear sunscreen.
• Winter (December–February): Cold and foggy. Bus schedules remain reliable, but allow extra time if there's fog (visibility can slow traffic).
• Major events (Fashion Week, Salone del Mobile): April and September see huge crowds. Book taxis in advance via app, and expect bus 73 to be very full.

6. Accessibility

Bus 73 is low-floor and wheelchair accessible with dedicated spaces. All metro Line 1 stations (including Duomo and San Babila) have elevators. Tram 1 is also accessible at most stops. If you need a fully accessible taxi, request a taxi with wheelchair ramp when booking via +39 02 4040.

7. What to Do If You Miss the Last Bus

Bus 73's last departure from San Babila is around 12:20 AM. After that, your only options are:

• Taxi / Uber — available 24/7, €25–€45.
• Night bus N15 — runs from Piazza Fontana (near Duomo) to Via Adriano (1.5 km from Linate). Not ideal with luggage.
• Hotel shuttle — some hotels near the university offer paid airport transfers (~€30).

For real-time updates, check the ATM Milano website or download the ATM App.