How public transportation work in Milan, Italy - bus, subway & tram

I had no idea how the public transportation system worked here in Milan, and it was a bit difficult to figure out when you don't speak the language, so I wanted to make a video to explain it and I hope this is helpful to someone else.
I wanted to create this expat series to show how it is to live in different countries over a short period of time, for anyone that considers doing the same thing or just want to experience a different country.
The first country in this series is Italy, where I will be based in Milano for about three months.
I hope you guys enjoy this video and if there is any questions feel free to ask in the comment section.
Follow me on my socials for daily updates:
IG: / theratengesdal
#milan #publictransportation #tourist

[@halieelee1909]

This is really helpful. Thank you

[@theratengesdal]

Happy to hear!

[@user-og4ey2ee3h]

Thanks for putting this video together, very helpful and will be sure to watch it again closer to my visit to Milan from England, one question springs to mind, if you are actually travelling on a bus when the time remaining of your ticket expires are you able to finish your journey on that bus as you boarded the bus whilst your ticket was still valid?

[@theratengesdal]

Thank you so much. This is one thing I was a bit unsure of when I travelled around to be honest, I believe I purchased a new ticket once it expires, but I’m not sure about the rules around this.

[@kambqueen1230]

super super helpful thank you!

[@theratengesdal]

No problem! Happy it was helpful

[@AyaZayat10]

Thank you very much Thera for this informative video. I'm arriving to Milan very soon and this was a great way to get an idea of how things work.

[@theratengesdal]

I’m so happy it was helpful! Thank you

[@diegoporras7769]

Very useful content. Thanks

[@theratengesdal]

Thank you!

[@dharma4186]

Hiya, I feel like you covered this in the video but just want to confirm. You can use the same ticket for all three transportation? So say if I bought a daily pass can use it on the tram and bus? Sorry if you’ve already answered this question lol x

[@theratengesdal]

Hi, yes that is correct. As long as you are within the same zone that you have purchased the ticket.😊

[@Daniele1832]

Nice video! Do you have to validate the ticket purchased with the app on the bus like you did on the metro?

[@theratengesdal]

Thank you, no if you have validated it on the already you don’t need to scan it on the bus.

[@addykhaneja]

Hi Thera, Great video, Could I pl check if we have to validate QR code in Tram and Buses as well?

[@theratengesdal]

Thank you, yes you have to validate it before you get on, but on your phone through the app

[@ah3626]

I’m back here for questions😅 The single ticket is worth for 90 min, does that mean you can hop on and off buses, tram, and metro with illimitate times within 90 min? And if yes, do i have to validate EVERYTIME? or just the first validation thats counting down the 90 min…? Thank you again, this video was really informative

[@theratengesdal]

Yes that is correct. You just have to validate one time, but on the metro you always have to scan it to enter. Glad I could help!

[@kandykanelane100]

Do you have to swipe your ticket before getting off the bus and tram? Or is that only for the underground?

[@theratengesdal]

That is only for the underground, don’t need to do that for the bus or tram😊

[@ah3626]

Hi! I wonder if in the Tram/bus they have the upcoming stop visible anywhere so I know when to press the ‘stop’ button. Thanks for this informative video!

[@theratengesdal]

Hi! They do not, but they say the names on the speaker but I used to have it on google maps, then you’ll see when your stop comes. It made it a bit easier. Happy it was helpful🤗

[@ah3626]

@@theratengesdal Thank you so much!

[@nikki2590]

Thank you! Watching this while I pack for my weekend trip to Milan 😅 you're awesome 🤍 Just curious, what happens we they check for our tickets? Do I just show the QR from the app?

[@theratengesdal]

Thank you so much🤍 yes, it will show that it is valid and the amount of time you have left

[@pappuchak8605]

Thank you so much for your video❤!! I have one query. What bus or tram goes from Milan central station to Duomo di Milano?!

[@theratengesdal]

Happy it was helpful❤️ I would take subway number 3

[@pappuchak8605]

@@theratengesdal Thank you so much dear❤.. It was really helpful.. I will be in Milan on 29th May this year, so it will definitely help..

[@mommamo6113]

@@pappuchak8605How is public transport going? I’m watching videos to prepare for July trip. 🙂

[@kunalpillay1875]

Thanks for the video. I wanted to ask, is zone Mi4 & 5 tickets valid for all bus routes as well? I tried searching for Z617 bus route (which runs in zone Mi4 & 5) on ATM app but couldn't find it. However, if I buy zonal tickets will I be able to travel on this bus route? Awaiting for your valuable inputs. Thanks in advance.

[@luca2716]

Z617 is not a ATM line, that's why you don't find it in the app. You have to use the zonal tickets in that bus route too

[@theratengesdal]

As Luca2716 wrote, you can travel on that bus route with the zonal ticket. Hope that was helpful😊

[@theratengesdal]

Thank you for the input🙌🏼

[@kunalpillay1875]

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated!!

[@georgekiosses7025]

Is it necessary to place the mobile with the e ticket afainst the orange machine in trams ans busses as well or it is only when you enter the underground gates ? Obviously the ticket has been already validated by yourself .

[@theratengesdal]

No, not on the tram and buss then you just need to validate on the phone. Only on the underground since you need to pass the gates

[@georgekiosses7025]

@@theratengesdal Many thanks for your response.That was helpful 👍.

[@mytravels322]

Many thanks for the video. I have one question please: can I validate a single trip by bus with my mobile (not the app) ? I want to use it as a contactless. Is it possible?

[@theratengesdal]

As far as using apple pay? I believe that is possible yes, at least on certain ones. :)

[@mytravels322]

@@theratengesdal Thanks.

[@chrisa.3949]

❤️ Thank you!

[@theratengesdal]

You’re welcome😊

[@Mia-ir8lb]

thank you for the video

[@armystay428]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zny2fJyMn9OabtE this video explains everything crystal clean 😄😃😃

[@theratengesdal]

Yes, you have to validate it on the app. If you use a hard copy, they have these machines on the bus that you put your ticket in.😊

[@Mia-ir8lb]

@@theratengesdal thank you

[@jilenvera5243]

Hi, this video is helpful. Can I buy ticket in the bus or where can I get it? Plan to take bus from Duomo to Linate airlort via Bus 73. Thank you.

[@theratengesdal]

Not on the bus, but you can buy tickets at some kiosk's. Or at a larger bus station, they should have it there as well. :)

[@yousefabuali6433]

How did you validate your ticket before you went in the tram? Do you need to check out or do anything when you reach your destination too?

[@theratengesdal]

You have to validate it on the app before going on the tram. As long as it is validate and the time countdown has started you don’t have to do anything else

[@goonymiami]

Hi. What if only one traveler has the app on his phone. Can he purchase 2 tickets, one for him and his friend, and use both at the same time? Tricky question, sorry :)

[@theratengesdal]

Hi, I believe both traveler’s need to have the app and that it only allows one ticket at a time. They might have updated the app now so both can use one but I don’t believe they have :)

[@rakeshkaur4986]

Hi, I am travelling to Milan and landing at Bergamo Airport. We plan to catch the train or bus to Central Milan from there. Any help with where to buy the bus tickets?

[@theratengesdal]

Hi, I would definitely recommend downloading the ATM Milan app and purchase the bus ticket from there on e you are in Milan. To get from the Airport to Central Milan you can purchase tickets through a website called Terravision. You should do this before you take the bus, and receive a ticket most likely through email. I landed at Linate so have not traveled from Bergamo Airport, unfortunately. Hope this was helpful☺️

[@reginaphalange7055]

Hello! I'm going to Milan next week and landing at Bergamo too. Do you remember how you ended up doing the whole ticket buying and what did you take to go to the center 😅 Thank you!

[@saifalbajjali4295]

Hi, can I use the daily metro ticket pass for buses also?

[@theratengesdal]

Hi, yes they should work on both busses and metro😊

[@aryas6936]

so the atm app is not only for metro (subway) i just figure it out now, thank you!

[@theratengesdal]

That’s right, glad you figured it out

[@Abdulrahman-ko3ct]

Thanks! Do I need to scan the qr code in the tram or bus? Because I didn’t see you doing that

[@theratengesdal]

No, you just activate the ticket but don’t need to scan anything

[@Abdulrahman-ko3ct]

@@theratengesdal thanks 🙏🏻 so the activation is on the app, right? Also is it the same app in rome and Florence or its different for each city?

[@theratengesdal]

@@Abdulrahman-ko3ct yes it’s on the app. This is only for Milano, not sure what they use in other citites😅

[@Abdulrahman-ko3ct]

@@theratengesdal thank you so much I appreciate it

[@kian8114]

Can we just use contactless with our bank cards to get onto the trains or buses?

[@theratengesdal]

I believe you can on the metro, but I don’t think it’s available for the bus

[@salamence1471]

Thank you miss ❤❤

[@theratengesdal]

No problem!🤗

[@MichaelJohler]

If we travel as two persons do we both have to use the app? I saw that you can buy two tickets within the app, but as you need the qr code to access the area, this won't work, right?

[@theratengesdal]

I would say both should have the app, I have not tried to have to tickets at once unfortunately. You could test it out and see if you can activate both on one phone😊 hope this helps.

[@MichaelJohler]

@@theratengesdal thanks a lot!

[@soclvin]

Hey. I am staying in Bergamo and will visit Milan for one day. I bought Milanocard for 12.5€ (one day pass)but in order to start using it I have to go to the only available pick-up point in Milano Porta Genova. This is crazy! Train from Bergamo doesnt even get there. So I have to buy single ride ticket in order to collect my one day ticket? :D please help.

[@theratengesdal]

Hey, unfortunately I never bought a Milano card. I only used the app, which would let me validate the ticket on it. That does sound like a lot of work just to receive your ticket, but it seems like you have to buy a single ride ticket to be able to pick it up.😔

[@soclvin]

@@theratengesdal Yeah. That wouldn't be a problem if there were more than one pick-up point, but there is only one located in a part of the city I never intended to travel to. I am travelling with my older mom who's not a good walker so I cannot just drag her all around the city. Will probably have to buy Atm tickets from the Atm offical app. Is it correct approach? :)

[@theratengesdal]

I definitely agree, they should have had more options. That’s understandable, it would be easier to purchase through the app or there might be a ticket booth at the Milan station, if you’re taking the train, where you can buy a day pass as well, not sure about that.

[@jenelamaeM]

Hi is there a 1 day pass or 2 days ticket

[@theratengesdal]

Hi, yes you can purchase a 24 hour or daily ticket and a 3 day ticket

[@snehadrolia7402]

The last train is what time??

[@theratengesdal]

The last metro runs at 12:30am

[@mettejensen2795]

👍

[@mayramuchni5032]

For the bus you don't need to validate and scan the QR?

[@theratengesdal]

You need to validate the ticket but do not need to scan the QR code on the bus

[@christianperucho5327]

Also for the tram? You don’t need to scan the QR code when you enter the tram? Just have it validated on your phone?

[@EslamAhmed-re7zr]

Hello, thank you for that great information, can I ask what is the timing of the subway working?

[@theratengesdal]

Hi, it says in the app as well if the subway doesn’t work or if there are some delays.

[@vernalwind3354]

The M1 M2 M3 every 5/10 minutes The M5 every 3 minutes

[@itskimslife]

hi can there be multiple tickets on a phone? I'm taking my old school granny and i think she has a Nokia lol

[@theratengesdal]

I believe so, never tried it but the downside is you need to scan it when using the metro and if it’s on one phone it might be a bit tricky. For the bus it’ll be easier

[@14kishan]

Did you figure out what Carnet tickets are for? They r way cheaper!

[@theratengesdal]

Yes, so Carnet tickets are a book/collection of 10 pre-paid tickets.

[@kunalpillay1875]

Can the carnet tickets used on the following day. As I won't be travelling much in 1 day, so buying a 24 hours ticket will be costly and not worth it. Instead can I buy carnet tickets and use it for 3-4 days till by 10 tickets are fully used? ​@@theratengesdal

[@magic7mark]

does this work on Venice too? i mean the app

[@theratengesdal]

This app is only for Milano

[@magic7mark]

@@theratengesdal do you have video for venice?

[@theratengesdal]

I have one from Venice, but not specifically about their public transportation. This is my Venice video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZndqq1mmbOrd9U

[@adamrizki336]

Public transportation in Milan and work

[@theratengesdal]

Yees

[@chrissypoo69]

App you recommend has 3 starts and 9 reviews. Not reliable at all.

[@theratengesdal]

The app worked fine for me, but you can always buy tickets at a kiosk or subway stations.

[@marinabilobrk2761]

Girl , you didnt explain much 🤣

[@InsideTheCodeX]

The app she suggests is simply awful. Please don’t waste your time with it.

[@theratengesdal]

I know it’s not the best functional app, but it’s the only app that you can purchase tickers on, unless you choose to buy at a ticket machine or use contactless. I prefer an app because it makes it easier, so these are just recommendations.

[@celinapalma7009]

Parla italiano

[@theratengesdal]

Unfortunately, I don't speak Italian