Of the three airports in Milan, Linate airport is the closest to the city center. Linate (airport code LIN) is located just to the east of the city, about eight kilometers, or around five miles away.
It is the second largest airport in the city with just one terminal. Linate airport serves destinations throughout Europe.
In this guide, we are sharing the best ways to get from Linate airport to Milan, including by metro, bus, taxi, and private transfer.
Metro from Linate Airport to Milan
Getting to the center of Milan from Linate airport on public transportation is incredibly easy as you can just hop on the metro and be there in less than 30 minutes.
The M4 line is the only metro line that connects the airport and the city center. At the airport you’ll need to walk just a few minutes from the terminal doors to reach the metro station.
The line is short (though further stops are currently under construction) and terminates at San Babila. At the San Babila station, you can switch over to the M1 line, which will connect you to other areas of the city.
On the M4 line, there are 7 stops from the airport to the center. Those include Tricolore, Dateo, Susa, Argonne, Stazione Forlanini, Repetti, and San Babila. In total, the metro ride should take around 15 minutes.
The M4 line starts running at 6:00 am and runs all throughout the day until 12:30 am — 30 minutes past midnight. The trains depart with regular frequency between every three to six minutes throughout the day.
Single metro tickets cost €2.40 per person. If you purchase a multi-day pass or a MilanoCard, those will also work for your trip to and from Linate airport to the center of Milan.
Tickets can be purchased at a kiosk in the metro station or via contactless payment.
Bus from Linate Airport to Milan
An alternative to the metro is the airport bus. The airport bus will take you directly from the airport to Milano Centrale station. The ride takes about 25 minutes.
The first bus in the morning departs Linate airport at 8:30 am and the final bus leaves at 9:30 pm in the evening. Between those hours the bus leaves every hour at the 30 minute mark.
Tickets cost €7 each way or €12 return. Return tickets can be used anytime within one month of purchase.
The bus picks up just outside of the terminal exit door and drops you off in the square just beside Milan’s central station.
Taxi from Linate Airport to Milan
Another option is to take a taxi from Linate airport into central Milan. This is definitely the quickest option for the trip.
The drive should take around 25 – 30 minutes depending on traffic and your exact final destination.
There is not a set rate for taxis from Linate airport into the city. So for a Linate airport to Milano centrale taxi cost you are looking at an average somewhere around €50-€60 one way.
The taxi rank is located in front of gate 5 at arrivals on the ground floor.
Private Transfer from Linate Airport to Milan
A final option for the trip from Linate airport to Milan is to pre-book a private transfer. Private transfers are certainly the most expensive option but they are also the most convenient. The cost of a private transfer will range from around €60 to €80 for regular sized cars that will fit up to four passengers.
If you have a larger group, a private transfer is a good choice as you can be sure to have a vehicle which can accommodate you. A private transfer for a group of more than four passengers will start around €70.
Best way to get from Linate Airport to Milano Centrale Train Station
The best way to get from Linate airport to Milan Centrale station is either by taking the airport bus or a taxi. Of these two, the bus is the cheaper option, but the taxi is more convenient as it will drop you directly at the train station or your accommodation.
This is especially handy if you have a lot of luggage or are staying far from the central station where the bus terminates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Linate Airport have a train station?
No, unfortunately there is no train station at Linate airport. If you need to catch a train to elsewhere in Italy you’ll first need to head to Milan’s central station. From there you can catch trains to various Italian destinations.
Is there a metro line to Linate Airport?
Yes, the M4 metro line goes directly to Linate airport. On this line you can get into central Milan — the line terminates at San Babila which is about three kilometers from the main train station. If you need to carry on from there, you can switch to the M1 line within the San Babila station.
Which airport is better Malpensa or Linate?
Which of the Milan airports is better depends on where you are coming from or going to, and the airline you are using.
Linate is significantly closer to the city than Malpensa, but it is a smaller airport with fewer airlines and fewer destinations. If you are arriving or departing internationally, you will need to use Malpensa, as it serves international destinations, while Linate does not.
How far is Linate airport from Milan?
Linate airport is about 8 kilometers, or around 5 miles from Milan central. Driving time is about 25 minutes but can increase depending on traffic conditions and your exact destination.
More information for your trip to Italy
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – Should you get travel insurance for Italy? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – Is it safe to rent a car in Italy? Yes! We’ve rented a car in Italy too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.