Due to its considerable size and 1930s architectural style, Milan`s central train terminus, Milano Centrale (pronounced “Chen-TRAWL-ay”), constitutes one of the most identifiable transportation hubs in Europe. Constructed during Mussolini`s fascist regime, the structure was designed to project strength and supremacy, filled with extensive halls of arched marble and gigantic canopies fabricated from glass and steel. As is typical in Milan, it likewise contains high-end boutiques and seemingly endless shopping options in addition to convenient food selections. While the station is imposing and regularly bustling with sightseers and business travelers alike, it is also reasonably user-friendly for initial visitors arriving in and departing from the city.
Where is Milano Centrale?
Milano Centrale Station is located in the northeast section of the city, just north of what is now called Montanelli Park. The surrounding area has some industrial aspects and is not particularly scenic; however, there are several hotels and restaurants nearby, and the Isola neighborhood west of the station has become one of Milan`s most visited places. Note that while Milano Centrale is the largest and most used station, Milan has two other stations near its center – one close to Garibaldi Park just south of Centrale, and one in Cadorna, on the west side of town.
Getting to Milano Centrale
Milano Centrale is well integrated with Milan`s high quality public transit network, connected to a system of metros, buses and trams that work together to transport people almost anywhere they want to go. The station can be easily accessed via both the M2 (green) and M3 (yellow) metro lines, which run frequently. The metro train stop for Centrale is underground below the station, and is quite extensive with several different exits that lead to different areas within the station. One exit even leads to the outdoor parking area. There are signs in English indicating where each exit goes, and even if you end up in the parking lot it`s just a brief walk back into the building. The Milano Centrale metro stop also includes an elevator and accessibility for physically disabled passengers. Consult the official ATM transport site to see which metro line best suits your destination/departure location. The most common tourist spot – the Centro Storico area and Piazza del Duomo/Milan Cathedral – is four stops away using the M3 line.
The subway system does not provide transportation everywhere in Milan. However, the city`s extensive bus and tram networks can fill those gaps conveniently. Tram maps are available online, but the main tram stop for Centrale, on the west side as one exits the front of the station, displays route stops and scheduled arrival times. There are no real-time displays at tram stops, but generally the trams are reliable and arrive within a minute or two of the listed times, unless a labor strike is interfering with transportation as sometimes regularly occurs in Italian cities. Buses also congregate in the same area, as well as in front of the station, with both posted schedules and halts.
Cabs are furthermore attainable, with a selected pickup/drop-off zone on the west side adjoining the tram stop. If you are taking a taxi to the station and departing from a lodging, consult the doorman or concierge to summon you one. You can also find taxis at intended taxi stand regions all through the city, employ the Free Now app to summon one yourself, or try your fortunes in hailing one from the street. Additionally, be cognizant that numerous taxi drivers speak really minuscule English, so have an address or the name of your destination (drivers will acknowledge major landmarks) keen to go. If heading to the station, make certain you are lucid you want to go to “Milano Centrale,” or the driver may alternatively drive you to one of the other central Milan stations (Cadorna or Garibaldi).
Milano Centrale to the Milan Airport
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Navigating Milano Centrale Station
Despite its size and typically imposing presence, Milano Centrale is very easy to navigate, with clear signage and prominent departure boards that maintain travelers with updates on any delays or cancellations.
The station contains two primary levels (excluding the underground metro stop), as well as a mezzanine. Be sure to get your bearings upon arrival and check the most up-to-date train timetable, which is posted on several large digital displays in the entrance and throughout the station. Another sign at your platform (the train platform area can be accessed on the entrance floor) should match the reader board information elsewhere in the station, but may provide even more recent details.
Upon entering through the main entrance, escalators going down to a lower level catch your eye; that is where most shopping and ticket kiosks you can use before booking travel are located. Ticketing stations, both automated and staffed, can also be found on the entrance floor.
For English-speaking travelers choosing to buy tickets at Italian stations, the self-ticketing machines offer a reasonably straightforward process. There are different kiosks for separate services, but machines from Trenitalia, the state-run rails, are prevalent, permitting tickets on their high-speed Frecciarossa lines. Another option is Italo, a privately run transportation line, with its own ticketing terminals. Both systems and equipment types are rather comparable.
Milano Centrale Luggage Storage
An area for storing luggage, which Italians refer to as “left luggage” (deposito bagagli), is accessible on the ground floor level (the floor below the train platform), with clear signage guiding visitors there. The fees are €6 per bag for the initial five hours, €1 for each subsequent hour up until the twelfth hour, and then the price decreases to half a euro (€0,50) for every extra hour following. It remains open daily from 6am–11pm.
What other services are available?
Many features are available at the station, such as car rental, personalized ticket assistants, and a post office. There is also a pharmacy/drug store for medical supplies and banking services where you can change currencies or withdraw cash from an ATM.
There’s a highly beneficial tourist desk on the west (ovest) side of the main entrance staffed by knowledgeable workers from the Frecciaviaggi company, who can provide you with practically any information you need to know regarding the station.
Free WiFi with reasonably fast speeds is available throughout the station, so you can always check your phone for more information.
How Far in Advance to Arrive at Milano Centrale?
If you already have your ticket, show up at least 45 minutes to an hour before your train departs to get oriented, figure out what platform your train will leave from, and whether there are any delays or other complications. Tickets can easily be searched for and purchased in advance online through the Italiarail website.
If you don`t have a ticket, you will want to arrive earlier to give yourself time to understand the ticket purchasing process and to assess your available options. Consider travel times including arrival (Milan from Rome via Italy’s high-speed rail service takes approximately three hours, for instance) so if you have a moment in mind for arriving at your destination, you’ll want to plan as a result.
How Reliable are Train Schedules?
Milano Centrale, Italy`s second most active station after Roma Termini in Rome, handles over 300,000 passengers and 600 trains on a daily basis. Therefore, disruptions are inevitable, particularly when weather is poor. Industrial actions occurring nationwide can also affect schedule reliability.
The website for Milano Centrale station provides details for train schedules such as delays, but the only truly dependable information is at the location itself, listed on the departure display board.
How do I change trains in Milan if I’m transferring to another city?
Both Trenitalia and Italo train companies suggest allocating a minimum of 15 minutes for transfer time but likely more would be preferred mainly to safeguard against a missed connection resulting from a delayed arrival. Since all trains are on the same level at Milano Centrale station, moving from one to the next is usually quite swift, only requiring finding the display indicating the track and then navigating to the appropriate train. Easy access exists between platforms without needing to go through ticket verification again.
What are the best places to eat in a hurry, or to relax at if my train gets delayed?
There are numerous food and drink selections available at the Milano Centrale station, both for those who need something quickly on the go, and others who have extra time while awaiting a delayed train. For a speedy option, several coffee and panini stands and familiar fast food choices are available, along with pizza from the ubiquitous Naples-based Rossopomodoro chain. For individuals able to remain awhile, the second floor Bistrot Centrale above the train platform essentially functions as a high-end food plaza with an assortment of Italian favorites. There`s even a wine bar containing outlets beneath the counter for folks needing to charge a mobile phone. Another possible selection is the Obica restaurant, also on the upper floor, which provides a view of the train platform and departure times allowing you to track your train during sipping a glass of wine.
Spending time exploring the numerous stores and boutiques situated within the station terminals, generally on the primary level below the train shed, can be an engaging way to pass the time. Well-known brands like Guess, Zara, and Swarovski have outlets, alongside other specialty shops, gift emporiums, and even a toy store. The Milano Centrale website provides a complete listing of vendors for reference if you find yourself with time and funds to spare.
The Best Hotels near Milano Centrale
Milano Centrale station is in a practical and handy location for reaching numerous hotels found throughout central Milan. Guests wishing extra convenience when it comes to train station access may find these recommendations especially valuable:
- Best Affordable/Mid-range Hotel: Cetara Inn
- Principe di Savoia
- Senate Hotel Milan
- Baglioni Hotel Carlton
Is Milano Centrale Safe?
Milano Centrale was once thought to be among the easier places to fall victim to theft in the city, but while pilferage and cons remain problems to be aware of, the station has become safer as Milan in general has boosted its tourism profile following its 2015 Expo. Still, security is a matter of concern and it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Be particularly attentive while at an ATM machine or purchasing tickets from a kiosk. If someone approaches you while you’re buying a ticket, offering to “help” you, and they are not wearing either a Trenitalia or Italo uniform, it’s best to say “no grazie” and ignore them.
