Despite how big of a city it is, it's fairly easy to get around
Milan. The metropolis boasts a comprehensive public transport system that may be complex but is actually not that hard to navigate. If you were to commute in Milan, you'd have several options, and all of them would get you to where you need to be. You just have to know how to do it wisely with these tips! Find out how to travel via the metro without having to fall in line. Know when to ride the tram or not to ensure you arrive at your destination on time. Many of these tips are crucial when taking public transport in Milan.
Know When Milan's Rush Hours Are
It's worth knowing the rush hours in Milan to know when the city, specifically its public transport systems, are at their busiest. In the morning, the rush hours are about 7:00 am to 9:30 am, while in the afternoon, they're about 17:00 (5:00) pm to 19:30 (7:30) pm. If you live far from where you work/study and you want to arrive on time, you might want to avoid commuting during these times. It will often take you a bit of time to get to the subway or tram, which will further take longer for you to get to where you need to be.
Get a Travel Pass
While it's arguably cheaper to just buy tickets or pay the usual fares for
Milan's public transport, it's much more convenient to get a transit pass instead. For one thing, you don't have to queue up to get to the subway, tram, bus, etc. You can simply hop on and tap your pass, and you're good to go. Not only will this considerably lessen your travel time, but you also don't have to go through the hassle of paying for your ride. Another alternative is to get weekly or multi-day passes, which are mostly the same but for a limited time.
Always Have Some Cash on You
If you don't have a pass or you forgot it at home, it pays to have some cash on you. This way, you can easily buy a ticket, a day pass, or even a weekly pass so you can get access to the public transport systems. A one-way ticket costs about €1.50, an unlimited day pass costs €4.50, an unlimited weekly pass costs €11.30, and a monthly pass costs €35.00. Not to mention discounts for children, students, and senior citizens. When you go up to the queue to buy your ticket or pass, having your cash ready will also make it more seamless.
Wear Comfy Footwear
A highly underrated tip for commuting in Milan is to wear comfortable footwear. Even if you're a woman who works in corporate and is required to wear heels with your business suit, you'll want to pack your heels in your bag and wear flats while you commute. Don't underestimate how much you have to walk in this city. Milan, much like many other major European cities, is an extremely walkable metropolis. Even if your
luxury apartment in Milan is near the station, you'll still have to walk to get to the subway/tram/bus or when you get to your stop. You also can always ensure that you'll get a seat.
Leave The Trams to the Tourists
As novel and fun as it is to ride the trams in Milan, you can leave them to the tourists. Perhaps you can ride them on the weekends or for leisure, but if you're rushing off to work/school, you'll want to take the subway instead. Don't forget that the Milan subway is underground, while the trams are right on the street. The latter is still affected by the traffic jams the city tends to get. Fortunately, Milan doesn't get a lot of traffic jams, but when it does, it's just as inconvenient for those who ride the trams as it is for the bus riders and car drivers stuck in traffic.
Take The Subway if You're Going to Famous Landmarks
Ironically, while tourists love riding the trams, it's better to take the subway to get to Milan's iconic landmarks. Be it Piazza del Duomo with the city's iconic cathedral or the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses Leonardo Da Vinci's famous “Last Supper” mural, all of these popular spots have subway stations next to them. In contrast, the nearest tram stations are often a short stroll or even a couple of blocks away. So whether you're a tourist or a local who
moved to Milan years ago, you should know that riding the subway will take you to Milan's main attractions.
The Night Buses Operate After Midnight
Many people, even locals, mistakenly think that Milan's subway operates 24/7. It does not. The city's subway system operates as early as 5:40 am until 12:30 am the next day. You won't be able to take the subway beyond 12:30 am, so how do you commute? Take the night buses instead! Luckily, Milan's night buses run from 12:00 am to 6:00 am, which is pretty much the gap in which the subway is closed. They also run every 30 minutes and travel through all of
Milan's central neighborhoods and beyond.
Try Commuting by Bike
It's a shame that not a lot of people commute via bike. Not only is it a very convenient way to get around Milan, but it's also an exercise. If you simply don't have time in the day to get a workout, commuting via bike riding is a good alternative. Even more so since it's fairly easy to cycle through Milan, which is one of Italy's most walkable cities. There are also many bike rental services throughout the city. They're as easy as downloading an app, booking your bike, and getting it right off the street via the nearest station. There's arguably no easier way to get around!
Download The Popular Transportation Apps
Speaking of apps, when all else fails, you can still download a transportation app and book a ride. Uber, itTaxi, FREENOW, and appTaxi are just some of
Italy's most popular transportation apps. No matter where you are in Milan, you can open any of these apps and get a ride sent directly to your location. It's worth noting, however, that this is oftentimes the most expensive option. It will cost you considerably more to get an Uber than taking the subway. Hence, you might want to use it when there are no longer any alternatives for your commute.
Despite the city's immense size, commuting in Milan is fairly easy as long as you know how to navigate its public transport wisely. Just follow these helpful tips, and you're sure to get where you need to be every time!
