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For those foot-weary travellers tired of dodging scooters, Milan has a comprehensive transport network run by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi or ATM (tel: 800 808 181; website: www.atm-mi.it). Swapping between the metro, bus, tram and trolleybus is easy, thanks to an integrated ticketing system.
The metro has three lines: the red MM1, green MM2 and yellow MM3. The lines converge at Duomo, Centrale FS, Loreto and Cadorna. Tickets must be validated by punching them in the SITAM machines on-board buses or at the metro stations. Tickets are available from newsagents, tobacconists (a capital T for tabacchi distinguishes these outlets), most coffee bars and at automatic vending machines at major metro and bus stops.
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. |
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Taxis are generally white (some are yellow or painted in livery of sponsors) and can be hailed on the streets, although they rarely stop. It is better to hire them at taxi ranks outside train stations. Visitors can telephone from a landline (tel: 02 4040 8585) and an automated voice will inform them of the nearest rank. Telephone bookings are run by cooperatives. The main firms are Radiotaxi (tel: 02 5353) and Autoradio (tel: 02 8585).
Tipping is not expected, but you should usually round the fare up to the nearest euro. |
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If at all possible, driving in the centre of Milan should be avoided. Streets in the city centre are congested virtually all day and night and any street can become a hotspot. Parking is also very difficult. Paying for hotel or private garages in the city centre is expensive. Roadside parking in the historic centre is limited to a maximum of two hours within the blue lines marked by sosta a pagamento (pay to stop) signs. For visitors making a day trip to Milan, the best option is to head to one of the park and ride schemes run by ATM, which connect with Milan’s metro system. Electronic signs on the main roads into the city indicate directions to the nearest car park and the number of spaces remaining. Those determined to drive further in could try the private car park of Autosilo Borgospesso, Via Borgospesso 18, close to the cathedral (open 24 hours).
Many Italians drive as if they were Formula One racing drivers and, although there are relatively few accidents, you should always be extremely careful. Rush hour can run from 0700-1100 and 1500-2100 or far later. The public transport system is excellent and much faster than travelling by car. |
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| Milanesi are enthusiastic cyclists and often spend Sundays cycling along the canals or cycle paths to the countryside outside the centre. Cycling in the centre may seem a good option in a city that is flat and has many dedicated cycle paths, but, traffic fumes, hair-raising driving and tram tracks are just some of the problems cyclists face. Bicycle hire is not commonly available to visitors. |
