ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) operates Milan's metro, bus, tram and trolley services, which have the advantage of being integrated. Tickets, available from shops displaying the ATM logo, are validated on-board and then have a time limit of 75 minutes travel on any of the transport options, or one ride on the metro. The city's metro is particularly inexpensive and user-friendly. Linea 1 covers the most important tourist areas near the Duomo. Taxis are freely available but have to be hired at marked stands. Expect extra charges for luggage, night fares, or Sunday travel. Renting a car and driving yourself is not a fun experience in Milan and is best avoided. The historic area around the cathedral is good for pedestrians and a number of attractions can be reached on foot.
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread. Credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than foreign exchange houses.
The international access code for Italy is +39. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 02 for Milan and 06 for Rome. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels. Public telephone boxes take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be bought from newsagents. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
112 (General Emergencies), 113 (Police), 118 (Ambulance)
2018 | 2019 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Epiphany | 6 Jan | 6 Jan |
Easter Day | 1 Apr | 21 Apr |
Easter Monday | 2 Apr | 22 Apr |
Liberation Day | 25 Apr | 25 Apr |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1 May |
Anniversary of the Republic | 2 Jun | 2 Jun |
Assumption of Mary | 15 Aug | 15 Aug |
All Saints’ Day | 1 Nov | 1 Nov |
Day of Immaculate Conception | 8 Dec | 8 Dec |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
Santo Stefano | 26 Dec | 26 Dec |
The climate of Milan is Mediterranean, but like any large urban metropolis, buildings and human activity affect the local micro-climate. In the case of Milan this makes the weather rather more extreme. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures rising above 86°F (30°C) during August. The mountains behind the city protect Milan somewhat from the severity of winter, but the weather is very chilly with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Winter also brings rain showers and heavy fog. Spring (March to May) and early summer (June) are the best time to visit Milan weather-wise, although autumn (September to November) is also pleasant. In late summer, particularly August, it gets uncomfortably hot and many locals depart for their summer break, leaving some restaurants and hotels closed. Winter is a bit cold for most tourists but Milan's attractions are world-class during any season. Milan has a busy event calendar and unless you are travelling particularly to attend a big festival it is best to avoid international events like Milan Fashion Week, because the city gets crowded and more expensive. Essentially Milan is a year-round tourist destination.
The Train Station is located in Terminal 1 on level 1. The Malpensa Express runs from around 5am until just before midnight and links Malpensa airport with the centre of Milan. There are also several buses that run from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Milan's Central Station, as well as the Malpensa Shuttle which connects each 20-30 minutes from both terminals to Milan's Central Station.
Car rental companies at Malpensa Airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore/National, and Thrifty.
Various taxi companies provide service at Malpensa airport. They are located at Arrivals on the ground floor at both terminals 1 and 2.
Malpensa Airport provides a free shuttle service for passengers transferring between terminals.
Facilities at the airport include ATMs, VIP business lounges, lost property, currency exchange, a post office, left luggage and baggage wrapping, a pharmacy and first aid station, and an information desk. Duty-free shopping is available, and dining options range from fast food joints to good restaurants.
There are both short and long-term parking options available at the airport. Short-term parking is only minutes away from terminal 1 and payment is calculated according to a parking meter. Long-term parking is low cost and is just a four minute walk to terminal 1.
Free wifi is available.