Getting Around in Milano
Riding the Street Trams in Milano
A classic experience in Milano
Few things in Milano are more iconic than the trams. You can find these streetcars in abundance as you get closer to the center of the city. And while many of the lines have been modernized with new cars, electronic signs, and air conditioning, there are still some old trams in service that date back to the 1920s. As you rumble down the busy streets in Milano’s oldest form of public transportation, you’ll have an unrivaled view to some of the most beautiful vistas in the city. You’ll ride through parkways and around piazzas, bending through tight corners and moving quickly down narrow avenues, while the city passes by at a leisurely pace.
The tramways in Milano are certainly not the speediest form of transportation. With the more modern metros and buses, there will almost certainly be a more direct route to your destination. But none of the other forms of mass transit can rival the experience of riding a tram. Equip yourself with an Azienda Trasporti Milanesi ticket, and you can freely hop on and off the trams at your whim — use any door of the tram to enter and exit, after hearing the distinctive ding of the tram bell. If you choose to buy a single ride ticket, remember to validate it either at the station or directly on board, with one of the stamping machines.
Azienda Trasporti Milanesi doesn’t provide a detailed map of the routes in play for the trams, but there are approximately 17 numbered lines that radiate out from the center of Milano. Fortunately, if you use Google Maps the trams are included in route-planning options for your journey. Many stops feature multiple tram lines, so make sure to locate the tramway number on the front and side of the tram prior to boarding. You’ll also be able to plan your trip at a station with the timetables and digital countdown clocks. Once on board, grab a view near a window and hang on as you take a classic ride down the Milanese streets.
Good to Know
- The street trams in Milano are sometimes very old vehicles, and the amenities on board match their age. Don’t expect cushioned seats or air conditioning on most rides. This all adds to the experience!
- Also given the trams’ age, the ride along tracks laid in city streets can be bumpy and loud. Especially if the windows are open, prepare for a significant amount of background noise on board.
- The newer trams will have electronic boards to announce each stop, but on older models, you’ll need to listen for the driver. Much like any city bus, make sure to signal the driver via buttons or cords before your stop.
- While the ticketing for the trams is the same system as the buses and metros, you don’t show your ticket to the driver. Instead, be sure to tap or validate your ticket via the onboard stamping machine.
