General
Overview
Milan Linate (LIN) is the closest airport to the city centre, directly linked by the M4 Metro Blue Line in under 15 minutes.
Transfer Options
Luggage Storage
Located on the Ground Floor (Arrivals) near the baggage claim exit area.
Note: Italian law requires a valid government ID or passport to store luggage at any staffed station facility. If you’d rather skip the queue or store bags closer to the city center, these apps connect you to nearby shops and hotels instead.
Visitor Cards and Passes
YesMilano City Pass
Milan’s official city pass, backed by the city’s tourism office. Includes ATM public transport plus entry to top attractions. Fully digital — activate on first use; no kiosk pickup needed. Tiers: Flash €39.90 (24h) · Standard €60 (3 days) · All Inclusive €90 (3 days).
YesMilano City PassTourist Museum Card
Entry to all 6 Civic Museums (Sforza Castle, Novecento, GAM, Aquarium, Archaeological, Natural History Museum) for €20 over 3 consecutive days. No transport included.
Tourist Museum CardATM Pass
Standard option for the metro, trams, and buses within Zone Mi1-Mi3:
- 24-Hour Ticket: €7.60
- 3-Day (72-Hour) Ticket: €15.50
MilanoCard (milanocard.it) and Milan City Pass (milancitypass.com) are privately operated with documented complaints about non-delivery and misleading inclusions. For transport only, buy ATM tickets directly. For a full city pass, use the official YesMilano City Pass.
Use Citymapper for the most intuitive step-by-step navigation and “best carriage” guidance.
Use official ATM Milano app specifically for purchasing multi-day digital passes or checking the real-time status of station elevators and escalators.
Public Transit
Train and Metro
From Linate (LIN), the M4 Metro (Blue Line) reaches San Babila in the heart of Milan in just 15 minutes for €2.20.
For the Linate Metro, you can tap your credit card directly on the turnstile readers.
Bus
Shuttle buses (e.g., Terravision, Autostradale, Malpensa Shuttle) run between the airports and Milano Centrale. Tickets cost approximately €10.
The journey takes 25 minutes from LIN.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
The Sala Amica lounge on the Departures level provides free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Request at least 48 hours in advance via your airline. The lounge has been recently renovated for maximum comfort.
While the M4 (Blue Line, direct to Linate) and M5 lines are fully accessible, many older M1 and M2 stations have no lifts or broken ones. Check the ATM Milano app for live lift status before traveling with heavy luggage.
LIN – Passengers with Reduced MobilitySafety
Milan is generally safe, but Milano Centrale and other major stations are known hotspots for pickpockets and distraction scams.
At train ticket machines, people may offer to help you navigate the screen or carry your bags up the stairs. Their goal is either a “tip” or a distraction to steal your wallet. Politely say “No, grazie” and keep a firm hand on your belongings. Station staff wear official uniforms and will never ask for money.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
Items found in the terminal are managed via the SEA Foundspot online platform. For items left on board a flight, contact your airline’s Lost & Found desk in the customs area before exiting baggage claim.
LIN – Lost & Found (Foundspot)First Aid
The medical emergency post is on the ground floor, external Arrivals area. Phone: +39 02 7485 2222.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy is on the 1st floor (Check-in level), open daily 08:00–20:30. Phone: +39 02 7560 486.
LIN – Airport ServicesArrival
Official Taxi
From Linate, rate is metered, usually costing €30–€50 depending on traffic.
As you exit baggage claim or the train platform, individuals may approach you whispering “Taxi?” or “Transport?”. These are unlicensed drivers. Always ignore them and walk to the official outdoor taxi rank where a dispatcher or a line of white cars is waiting.
Rideshare
Uber exists in Milan but only as Uber Black or Van, meaning it is significantly more expensive than in North America. Freenow is the most reliable app as it calls official city taxis.
Uber Black/NCC drivers meet at the Arrivals level, typically near Exit Gate 4. For Freenow, use the official taxi rank.
Use Freenow for speed in heavy traffic (official taxis using bus lanes), Uber for consistent premium reliability at airports and major hubs, and Bolt for the most budget-friendly fares.
ATMs and Currency
When the ATM asks “Would you like to be charged in USD/CAD or EUR?”, always choose EUR (Local Currency) or “Decline Conversion”. Selecting your home currency allows the ATM to set its own poor exchange rate, costing you 5–10% more.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
2 hours before your flight is usually sufficient. Linate has a single terminal — navigation is straightforward and security lines move quickly.
Source: Check-In & Security – LinateSecurity Controls
Security & Screening
Linate (LIN) has CT (Next-Gen) scanners at all lanes. You may carry liquids in containers up to 2 litres and do not need to remove laptops or tablets from your bag.
Passport Control
Applies to non-Schengen departures only. EU/EEA/CH citizens with a biometric passport can use e-gates. Non-EU travelers are subject to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which captures fingerprints and facial biometrics at departure — allow extra time.
Source: Security – LinateSource: Travel Documents – LinateVAT Refunds
Italy uses the OTELLO digital system for VAT refunds. You must present your unused purchases and tax-free forms at the Customs (Dogana) desk before checking your luggage.
If your items are in your checked bags, visit Customs first, then drop your bags. If they are in your carry-on, clear Customs after security. Global Blue and Planet kiosks are available at the airport for faster processing.
Source: OTELLO VAT Refund – Italian Customs