Before you go · Milan
Milan essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 27 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Entry to the EU
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) registers travellers from outside the EU electronically at the border.
ETIAS, the travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is not yet in operation: the EU will announce the start date on its official site, travel-europe.europa.eu, in advance. Never pay a third-party site.
From the airports
From Malpensa, the Malpensa Express runs to Milano Cadorna, Centrale and Porta Garibaldi (malpensaexpress.it). Linate, the city airport, is on Metro M4, about twelve minutes from the centre in ATM’s words. Malpensa and Linate are run by SEA, Milan Airports (milanairports.com); Bergamo’s airport has its own bus and rail links.
Arriving by train
Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed trains arrive at Milano Centrale (some also at Porta Garibaldi and Rogoredo) from Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples. See our page Milan by rail.
The metro, trams and buses
ATM runs the five metro lines, M1 to M5, the trams and the buses. M4, the Blue Line, runs from Linate to San Cristoforo through San Babila and Sant’Ambrogio. Check fares and tickets on atm.it.
Book the big sights direct
The Last Supper must be booked: visits last fifteen minutes for up to forty people, Tuesday to Sunday, and tickets go on sale months ahead only on cenacolovinciano.vivaticket.it. Book the Duomo and its terraces on ticket.duomomilano.it, and La Scala on teatroallascala.org.
The city tourist tax
Milan charges a tourist tax (imposta di soggiorno) per person per night, set by the type and category of your accommodation. Your hotel collects it; the Comune di Milano publishes the rates.
Customs and etiquette
Cover your shoulders and knees for the Duomo and other churches. In a bar, coffee taken standing at the counter costs less than at a table. The aperitivo is an early-evening ritual, usually from about six. Watch your bag in crowds at the Duomo and on the metro.
Emergencies
Call 112 for ambulance, police and fire. See our health page for hospitals. Carry your EHIC or GHIC, or travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do I need ETIAS to visit Milan?
Not yet: ETIAS is not in operation. The EU will announce the start date in advance on its official site.
How do I get from Malpensa to Milan?
By the Malpensa Express to Cadorna, Centrale or Porta Garibaldi (malpensaexpress.it).
How do I book the Last Supper?
Only on the official site, cenacolovinciano.vivaticket.it; reservations are compulsory and sell out early.
What is the emergency number?
112.
Entry rules and transport change, sometimes at short notice. Check the EU’s official sites, milanairports.com, malpensaexpress.it, atm.it and your government’s advice before you travel.