Getting there
There are two airports in the city proper. Most international flights are serviced at the Malpensa Milano International Airport (MXP). There are two terminals, with 1 being the larger while 2 serving mostly budget airlines, most noteably Easyjet. There is a free shuttle service between the terminals going every 20 minutes, but be patient and prepare yourselves for queues. Going to the city center is possible by train (13 EUR) or by bus (around 9 EUR). The trip takes 40 minute till one hour, depending on the traffic.
Some national flights arrive at the Linate airport. Although there is a small number of international flights there, it is used mostly for domestic flights.
Some people consider also the Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) the third Milano airport, even though it is not in Milano. You can find it a few kilometers outside the town of Bergamo. Some budget airlines (Ryanair and Wizzair) designate it as Milano Bergamo. There is regular bus service between Milano Central train station and the airport. One way costs 5 EUR, 9 EUR for the return fare. The trip takes about one hour.
There are many train stations in the city of Milan, however two are considered to be the largest and most important. Most international and long distance domestic train routes stop at the Milano Centrale train station. You should probably visit this place even if you do not arrive by train for it is a marvelous piece of classic architecture. The Garibaldi station serves as terminus for many commuter lines and also TGV route from Paris. Both stations are situated at the respective metro stations.
Most international bus routes, usually operated by the national bus company Autostradale, end their journey at the Lampugnano coach station.
Getting around
The core network of the public transportation in the city are the four metro lines (MM1 - red, MM2 - green, MM3 yellow and MM5 violet). The trains run every 1 - 5 minutes the whole day and on saturdays, the operational hours are prolonged to long after midnight. So feel free to party :)
The metro network is further extended by a tram and bus lines. Don't miss a nice tour in the historic parts of the city inside one of the typical old yellow streetcars (some of have been in undisturbed use since 1929).
The single fare for 90 minutes is 1,5 EUR and you may use this ticket to transfer to any kind of the transportation. If you are spending more time in the city, it makes perhaps sense to buy a 24 or 48 hour ticket (for 4,5 and 8,5 EUR respectively). Although, take under consideration that most of the main tourist attractions along with the shopping streets and galleries are within the walking distance.
More info
The generally spoken language is Italian, but I had no problem getting by with my English. It may make sense to learn some basic phrases though, you never know when you may need it. And it always shows you in a slightly better light if you try to blend in, even though just a little bit. The currency is euro, one drives on the right side of the road and you will use the standard European plug.
What are waiting for now? Let's go Italy!
See you next time :)
Lex
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