01/07/2019
Planning a trip to the vibrant city of Milan? Navigating a new city's transport system can often be a daunting task, and understanding the local taxi services, their fares, and how to use them effectively is key to a smooth and enjoyable visit. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify taxi travel in Milan, providing you with all the essential information you need, from recognising official cabs and understanding pricing structures to making informed decisions about airport transfers and avoiding potential pitfalls. Whether you're considering a swift ride across the city centre or need a reliable transfer from one of Milan's three airports, this article covers everything you need to know to travel with confidence and ease.
What Do Milanese Taxis Look Like?
When you're looking to catch a taxi in Milan, it's crucial to be able to identify an official vehicle to ensure your safety and avoid unregulated services. Milanese taxis are distinctively white and feature a prominent light signal on their roof. This light indicates the taxi's availability: if it's illuminated, the taxi is free; if it's red, it's currently occupied. A unique characteristic of these vehicles in Lombardy's capital is the frequent display of advertising or sponsorships on their bodywork. These can range from major taxi companies to local businesses, such as a neighbourhood pizzeria, adding a touch of local flavour to your ride.
How to Catch a Taxi in Milan
Unlike some major cities where simply raising your hand can flag down a cab, Milanese taxis rarely stop when hailed from the street. This is an important distinction to remember to avoid frustration. To secure a ride, you generally have three primary, reliable options:
- Designated Stops: Look for a vehicle at a bus stop, a designated parking area, or any location where a taxi can safely pull over. While not strictly hailing, it's the closest you'll get to an on-street pick-up.
- Taxi Ranks: Milan is well-equipped with numerous taxi ranks conveniently located throughout the city. You'll find them at key points such as Piazza del Duomo, outside the Central Station (Stazione Centrale), around Piazza Fontana, Piazzale Cadorna, near Garibaldi Station, around Piazza Cordusio, Largo Augusto, and Piazza Cavour. Heading to one of these official ranks is often the most straightforward method.
- Calling a Company: For guaranteed service or if you're not near a rank, calling a taxi company directly is an excellent option.
Useful Taxi Numbers in Milan
Here are some handy numbers for booking a taxi in Milan:
- +39 (0) 27777 (Milanese Taxi Service)
- +39 (0) 24040 (Taxi Blu)
- +39 (0) 26969 (Taxi Milano)
Current Taxi Fares in Milan
The taxi fares in Milan are regulated by the municipality, ensuring consistency across all official services. Understanding this pricing structure will help you budget your travel effectively.
Milan Taxi Fare Structure
- Initial Charge (Base Fare):
- Daytime (typically 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM): 3.70 Euros
- Night-time (typically 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM): 7.20 Euros
- Public Holidays: 6.00 Euros
- Per Kilometre Rate:
- Up to 10 km or 17 Euros (whichever comes first): 1.20 Euros per kilometre
- Beyond 10 km or 17 Euros: 1.90 Euros per kilometre
- When speed exceeds 50 km/h: 2.20 Euros per kilometre (this often applies on motorways or faster routes)
- Waiting Time:
- One hour of waiting time (e.g., in traffic or if the taxi is held): 30 Euros
Example Journeys and Costs within Milan
While taxis in Milan can be relatively expensive, they are generally less so than in cities like London or Amsterdam. Due to the compact nature of the city centre, shorter journeys typically range from 10 to 12 Euros. Here are some illustrative examples:
| Route | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Duomo to Santa Maria delle Grazie (The Last Supper) | Approximately 11 Euros |
| Duomo Square to San Siro Stadium (AC Milan's home) | Approximately 16 Euros |
| Central Station to Navigli District | Approximately 20 Euros |
Frequently Asked Questions about Taxis in Milan
Are There Taxi Scams in Milan?
Regrettably, anywhere tourists gather, there's always a potential for taxi scams, and Milan is no exception. To ensure a fair and honest fare, it’s vital to be vigilant. Here are my top tips:
- Use Recognised Services: Stick to official, established taxi companies or use reputable ride-hailing apps like Uber (more on that below).
- Official White Taxis Only: Always ensure you are entering one of the distinctive official white taxis with the roof light. Avoid unmarked cars offering rides.
- Ask for an Approximate Price Upfront: Before starting your journey, politely ask the driver for an estimated cost to your destination. This provides a baseline expectation.
- Request a Receipt: If the final fare seems unusually high or illogical, always ask for a receipt (ricevuta). This can be helpful if you need to dispute the charge later.
Is Uber Available in Milan?
Yes, the Uber app is indeed available in Milan, offering an alternative to traditional taxis. Interestingly, the Italian company IT Taxi has formed an agreement allowing its licensed drivers to operate on the Uber platform. This development came after significant opposition from the Italian taxi lobby against unlicensed drivers. As a result, users of the Uber app can now book a driver who may very well be a licensed taxi driver. Prices between Uber and traditional taxis are generally quite similar, so your choice might simply come down to personal preference or convenience of using the app.
Is Taking a Taxi a Good Way to Get Around Milan?
Milan is a city that is remarkably easy to explore, either on foot or by utilising its excellent public transport network. The decision to take a taxi often depends on your budget, time constraints, and specific needs.
Public Transport Alternatives:
- Metro Network: Milan boasts Italy's most extensive metro system, comprising 5 lines and 111 stations. It offers comprehensive coverage of the city, making it a highly efficient way to travel.
- Buses: Numerous bus lines operate frequently throughout Milan, providing a generally reliable service that avoids the chaotic reputation sometimes associated with other Italian cities like Rome or Naples.
- Tramway: Milan's historic tramway, with its 18 lines, offers a comfortable and scenic way to navigate, passing through many of the city's most prominent locations.
Given these excellent alternatives, taking a taxi is primarily recommended if you have the budget, prefer not to carry heavy luggage on public transport, or are simply in a hurry. Otherwise, Milan's public transport system offers a more economical and often equally efficient way to experience the city.
Milan is served by three main airports, each with its own characteristics and transfer options to the city centre. Understanding these will help you choose the most suitable mode of transport upon arrival or departure.
Milan's Three Airports
- Milan Malpensa (MXP): Located approximately 40 km from central Milan, Malpensa is Italy's second-largest airport after Rome Fiumicino. It is the primary hub for major airlines like Air France, KLM, and EasyJet, handling nearly 29 million passengers annually.
- Orio al Serio (BGY) (Bergamo): Situated about 45 km from the city centre in the charming neighbouring city of Bergamo, Orio al Serio is Italy's leading airport for low-cost carriers, seeing around 14 million passengers each year.
- Linate (LIN): The closest airport to Milan city centre, at just 8 km away, Linate is the least used but still serves key routes, including Paris Charles de Gaulle.
From Milan Malpensa (MXP) to the City Centre
Malpensa offers several transfer options:
| Transport Option | Details | Approx. Price | Approx. Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Services | Several companies (e.g., Autostradale, Terravision) run frequent services to Milan Central Station. Operate roughly 4:00 AM - 12:30 AM. Tickets can be bought online or from the driver. | 10 Euros (5 Euros for under 12s) | 50 minutes | Most economical, but only stops at Central Station. |
| Train Services | Two lines from Terminal 1: one to Central Station (50 mins), another to Cadorna Station (30 mins, near Sforza Castle). Frequency around 30 minutes. | 13 Euros (single) | 30-50 minutes | Good if your accommodation is near these stations. |
| Private Shuttle | Pre-booked service, driver meets you at arrivals, handles luggage, drops you at your exact address. Excellent for convenience, especially with luggage or groups. | Varies by provider/vehicle (often economical for groups) | 50-60 minutes (traffic dependent) | Recommended for ease, comfort, and direct door-to-door service. |
| Taxi | Fixed fare to the city centre. | 100 Euros | 50-60 minutes (traffic dependent) | Expensive, generally only recommended for exceptional circumstances or if budget is not a concern. |
From Orio al Serio (BGY) / Bergamo to the City Centre
Bergamo airport also has several options:
| Transport Option | Details | Approx. Price | Approx. Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Services | Companies like Terravision and Orio connect Bergamo to Milan Central Station. Departures every 23-30 minutes, 4:00 AM - 12:30 AM. | 10 Euros (single), 18 Euros (return) | 50 minutes | Economical and frequent. |
| Train | No direct train from the airport to Milan. You would need to take a local bus to Bergamo train station, then a train to Milan Central. | Varies (bus + train ticket) | Longer (multiple transfers) | Consider if you plan a stop in Bergamo, otherwise less direct. |
| Private Shuttle | Pre-booked service from Orio al Serio to your Milan accommodation. | Varies by provider/vehicle | Approx. 50-70 minutes | Convenient, especially for groups or with heavy luggage. |
| Taxi | Due to the distance, a taxi ride from Bergamo to Milan is exceedingly expensive. | Very Expensive (no fixed fare mentioned, but implied much higher than Malpensa) | Approx. 50-70 minutes | Not recommended due to prohibitive cost. |
From Linate (LIN) to the City Centre
Linate is the closest, offering quick transfers:
| Transport Option | Details | Approx. Price | Approx. Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (M4 Line) | New line (since Nov 2022) connects Linate to San Babila (city centre) directly. | 2.20 Euros (standard ticket) | 12 minutes | Fastest and most economical direct public transport. Highly recommended. |
| Bus Services | Airport Bus Express, Starfly, Autostradale services to Central Station or Lambrate. Frequent departures (every 20 mins). | 5-7 Euros | 25 minutes | Good alternative to metro if preferred or if heading to Lambrate. |
| Classic Bus Lines (73 or X73) | Regular public bus routes to San Babila (M1 Metro station), right in the city centre near Duomo and Quadrilatero della Moda. | 2.20 Euros (standard ticket) | Approx. 25-30 minutes | Very cheap, good for experiencing local transport, but can be slower. |
| Private Shuttle | Door-to-door service from Linate to your accommodation. | Varies by provider/vehicle | Approx. 20-30 minutes (traffic dependent) | Convenient for a hassle-free, direct transfer. |
| Taxi | A direct taxi ride to the city centre. | Around 40 Euros | Approx. 20-30 minutes | A quicker option than public transport, but more expensive. Reasonable for short distance. |
Conclusion
Milan offers a variety of transport options to suit every traveller's needs and budget. While taxis provide a convenient, albeit sometimes costly, way to navigate the city and its airports, understanding their fare structure and how to identify official vehicles is paramount. For general city exploration, Milan's excellent public transport system – including its extensive metro, bus, and tram networks – often presents a more economical alternative. When it comes to airport transfers, the choice between bus, train, private shuttle, or taxi depends heavily on your arrival airport, budget, and desire for convenience. By keeping this guide in mind, you're now well-equipped to make informed decisions and enjoy a seamless travel experience in the fashion capital of Italy.
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