Getting around Milan

Public transport

Milan has a comprehensive transport network run by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi - ATM (tel: +39 02 4860 7607; www.atm.it). Its integrated ticketing system connects the metro, bus, tram and trolleybus.

The metro has four lines (red M1, green M2, yellow M3 and purple M5) which converge at Duomo, Centrale FS, Loreto, Garibaldi FS, Lotto and Cadorna. and Cadorna. Tickets must be validated by punching them in the SITAM machines onboard buses or at metro stations. Tickets are available from newsagents, tobacconists, automatic vending machines at major metro and bus stops, plus some cafés.

Passes, valid for one or two days, are available from ATM railway offices at Cadorna, Centrale FS, Duomo, Loreto and Romolo. A carnet of 10 tickets is also available. You can load fares and passes onto RicaricaMi smartcards.

Taxis

You can pick up taxis (usually white or yellow) at ranks outside railway stations or book them by phone. The main firms are Radiotaxi (tel: +39 02 6969) and Autoradio (tel: +39 02 8585). Tipping is not expected. Expect to pay another euro for each item of luggage.

Driving

You should avoid driving in Milan if possible. Its streets are congested day and night, and parking is very difficult.

Roadside parking in the historic centre is limited to a maximum of two hours within the blue lines marked by sostaapagamento (pay to stop) signs. A city toll is mandatory on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 0730 until 1930. On Thursday, the toll is mandatory from 0730 until 1800. The best option is to head to one of the park-and-ride schemes run by ATM.

If you’re determined to drive into the city, try the Autosilo Borgospesso 24-hour car park, Via Borgospesso 18, for somewhere to leave your car.

Car hire

To hire a car in Milan, drivers must be 21 years or over and must have been in the possession of an EU licence or International Driving Permit for at least one year. Insurance is included in the price.

Car hire companies include Avis (tel: +39 02 8940 9016; www.avis.com) and Hertz (tel: +39 02 6698 5151; www.hertz.it).

Bicycle hire

Milanese are enthusiastic cyclists and a bicycle sharing scheme called BikeMi (tel: +39 02 4860 7607; www.bikemi.com) operates nearly 5,000 bikes in more than 200 stations. You can get a one-day or one-week subscription, after which the first 30 minutes of any journey are free.