Milan Centrale Station | An Overview
Update: April 25, 2022
Milan Centrale Station is no ordinary Station, for sure! Its imposing, grandiose architecture has sculptures of winged horses, lions, bulls and eagles adorning its roof. Not only is it one of Europe’s largest stations, it depicts various architectural styles and art deco. The only thing you must not forget to do is to Look Up!
About this post on Milan Centrale Station
This post provides a quick overview on Milan Centrale Station, one of Europe’s largest train stations. The station is an attraction in itself. An architectural masterpiece showcasing various styles, it is a reflection of the grand city as a center of commerce and fashion. In addition, the station is home to a dedicated memorial as well as many restaurants and high-end fashion stores. There are practical information included for travellers using this station. In particular:
1 | How to get to Milan Centrale Station from Milan Airports;
2 | How to get to Milan City Centre from Milan Centrale Station;
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TTS Best Tips: Book tours and tickets in advance.
1 | Best tours in Milan > Fast-track Milan Cathedral and Rooftop;
2 | Select the 48-hour Milan City Card for free entrance to museums, Duomo + Terraces, La Scala & Theatre, Leonardo’s Vineyard, transportation and so much more.
Milan Centrale Station
Milan Centrale Station is the main train station for Milan, a city that is the centre of commerce and fashion in northern Italy. It was opened in 1931, replacing an older and smaller station that was built in 1864. The station showcases an imposing, grandiose design to reflect the dominance of the then fascist regime of Prime Minister of Italy, Benito Mussolini. Milan Centrale Station is the second largest station in Italy, following Roma Termini.
The Station is centrally located in Milan, giving easy access to Milan’s top attractions, such as the Piazza del Duomo, Duomo di Milano, the Brera District and the many museums located around the city. The Station itself is home to high-end designer shopping which the City, as one of the fashion capital of the world is popularly known for.
Architectural design
“They told me that when Frank Lloyd Wright came to Milan, and he came only once, he was really impressed by it and said it was the most beautiful station in the world. For me it is also more beautiful than Grand Central Station in New York . I know few stations like this one”.
Aldo Rossi declared in an interview of February 1995 to Cecilia Bolognesi (Aldo Rossi, Luoghi Urbani, Unicopli 1999, p. 31)
There are no definite architectural style that can be associated with this grand station. Though beautiful and adorned with sculptures of winged horses, lions, bulls and eagles, it appears to be a blend of many different styles of Art Deco and Liberty, but not limited to those.
The platforms are covered with a canopy of soaring glass and metal arched roof, which is 341 metres (1,119 ft) long. It covers a total area of 66,500 square metres (716,000 sq feet).
As I mentioned earlier, don’t forget to look up – this is a magnificent building.
The Shoah Memorial of Milan
The Milan Centrale Station played a key role during the holocaust in Italy. It was the centre where the station transported Jewish inmates of the San Vittore Prison and other persecuted people to concentration or death camps. They were taken to a secret track, located deep, on a sub-level below the train tracks, Binario 21. Between 1943 and early 1945, a total of twenty deportation trains and prisoners were sent away from here.
Today, this part of the station is a place for memory, gathering and awareness.
The Shoah Memorial of Milan
The Shoah Memorial of Milan occupies a vast space of train yard underneath the Centrale Station. Covering an area of twenty-four parallel tracks which were originally used for mail wagons, it is laid out on two levels, the ground floor and mezzzanine floor.
Learn more of The Shoah Memorial of Milan
AN OVERVIEW FOR TRAVELLERS USING MILAN CENTRALE STATION
There are twenty-four platforms at Milan Centrale Station, with daily service to cities throughout Italy and Europe. It serves about 320,000 people each day.
Access to platforms
The platforms and concourse are above ground level but these are fully accessible from ground level via lifts and escalators. Thus, providing level access to all platforms and concourse.
If you are without or with manageable luggage, you may want to walk-up the grand staircase from the station’s main entrance on the Piazza Duca d’Aosta.
Helpful information on facilities around Milan Centrale Station
The following useful information may be handy when navigating Milan Centrale Station:
1 | The station has free WiFi.
2 | On platform level, there is an information office and a few shops and restaurants.
3 | There are restrooms near platform 22.
4 | Executive class & Business Salottino passengers on its Frecciarossa trains have access to Sala Freccia Club located near platform 21.
5 | Passengers with disabilities who need special assistance have access to Sala Blu, located near platform 4.
6 | On ground level, there is a large ticket office, the KiPoint left luggage facility, a post office, shops and restaurants.
7 | Currency exchange is on platform level – Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON TRANSPORTATION — AIRPORT CONNECTIONS TO / FROM MILAN CENTRALE STATION
The city of Milan is served by 3 international airports – Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo. All three airports are within reach of a train, bus or car ride. If you are accessing the airports from Milan Centrale Station, the following information is what you need to know:
1 | To Malpensa Airport
Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the main international airport for Milan. The airport is located 49 kilometres northwest of the city and is accessible by train, bus and private transfers. The most convenient way is to use the Malpensa Express. For budget travellers, the bus transfers from Centrale to Malpensa or Malpensa to Centrale is the preferred option.
Know before you go:
For Malpensa Express travellers from Milan Centrale to Malpensa Airport – here’s what you need to know:
Malpensa Express is the fastest way to get to Malpensa Airport. Trains run every 20 minutes from Milan Centrale Station and takes 50 minutes.
For up-to-date train times, platforms, journey times, and to buy your tickets, go to Trainline as at most times, Trainline offers cheap last-minute tickets which you may wish to take advantage of.
Check tickets for Milan Centrale Station to Malpensa Airport or from Malpensa to Milan Centrale
Recommended read: All about Trainline and how to get cheap tickets for your journeys
For travellers using bus transfers from Milan Centrale to Malpensa/Malpensa to Centrale – here’s what you need to know:
1 | From Central Station: Buses depart every 20 minutes from 4:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., then every 30 minutes from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
2 | From Malpensa Airport Terminal 1: Buses depart every 20 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 10:40 p.m., then every 30 minutes from 11:00 p.m. to 12:40 a.m.
3 | From Malpensa Airport Terminal 2: Buses depart every 20 minutes from 6:10 a.m. to 10:50 p.m., then every 30 minutes from 11:10 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.
Malpensa Direct Shuttle | Departs every 20 minutes | Journey is 1 hour
Direct transfer in comfortable, airconditioned coaches: Buy tickets to/from Malpensa Airport from/to Milan Centrale Station. The price of this ticket includes luggage as well.
2 | To Linate International Airport
Milan Linate is located at only 8 kilometres away which makes this airport the nearest to the city. There are no train stations here but there is a good regular shuttle service from /to Linate to/from Milan.
Book a ticket for a hassle free journey onboard an airport bus transfer from Linate Airport to Milan Central Station and from Milan Centrale to Linate Airport. This transfer assures a direct connection between Linate Airport and Milan Central Station by providing buses from early morning until late at night. Get you and your luggage where you need to go when you need to go.
Know before you go:
Milan Centrale to Linate Airport
Bus schedule from Milan Centrale Station to Linate Airport:
5:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every 30 minutes;
8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Bus schedule from Linate Airport to Milan Centrale Station
From 7:45 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. every 30 minutes;
From 5:45 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. every 30 minutes;
Then – 8:15 p.m. 9:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.
Bus | Departs Milan Centrale every 30 minutes | Journey is approximately 25 minutes | From 5:30 a.m.
3 | Milan Centrale Station to Bergamo Airport
Bergamo Airport (BGY) or better known by its official name Orio al Serio is located 45 kilometres northeast of Milan, near the city of Bergamo. You have a couple of options here.
Know before you go:
3.1 | Bergamo Bus #1
There are no direct train to /from Bergamo Airport from/to Milan Centrale but the airport is connected to Bergamo train station by regular bus services.
The Bergamo Bus that connects the airport to the train runs every 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m. The journey time is between 10 to 15 minutes. Lookout for Bus #1. This bus takes passengers from Bergamo Airport and drop them off outside the train station to continue their journey. The bus then collects the awaiting passengers at the train station to be taken to the airport. You need a ticket for this journey.
3.2 | Direct shuttle service
Alternatively, for your comfort, take the direct shared shuttle service from Milan Centrale to Bergamo Airport. You will be dropped off at the Terminal and there is no need for a further connection as would be the case if you take the train to Bergamo station.
FROM MILAN CENTRALE STATION TO MILAN CITY CENTRE BY METRO
Depending on where your departure point is in the city centre to Milan Centrale Station or from Milan Centrale to city centre, the following 3 subway lines will help you plan your journey:
M1 [RED] – Connects Duomo di Milano with Porta Venezia, the castle, Corso Magenta and the Fiera;
M2 [Green] – Connects Porta Garibaldi with Brera and Navigli;
M3 [Yellow] – Connects Quadrilatero with Porta Romana;
You could navigate through an ATM Network map which you could access on their official website here or pick one up from any Metro stations.
Timeless Travel Steps Best Tips:
If you are planning on using the ATM to navigate the city, it is best to purchase the 48-hour Milan City Pass. Milan City Pass gives you access to Milan’s transport system by ATM and you do not have to buy a separate ticket for each journey. It is super convenient! Moreover, you get 40 stops on the hop-on hop-off tour bus, and free access to museums, discounts in restaurants and so much where you could save money.
OTHER RELATED INFORMATION ON TRAIN SERVICES AT MILAN CENTRALE STATION
Train services that operate via Milan:
Le Frecce | Thello | City Night Train
Cities commonly travelled to from Milan Centrale Station:
Basel | Florence | Geneva | Lugano | Lucerne | Nice | Paris | Rome | Venice | Zurich
Getting to Milan City Centre from Milan Centrale Station
From Milan Centrale Station:
To get to the Cathedral, you will need the Piazza del Duomo. The distance between Milan’s Central Station and Piazza del Duomo is 2 miles / 3.2 km. There are Three ways to get to Milan Cathedral from Central Station. I took a taxi and it was 10 Euros. Have a look at the following and you can decide what suits you.
The quickest way to get from Milan’s Central Station to Piazza del Duomo is to take a taxi. It takes 7 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. It costs around 10 Euros.
If you are considering the cheapest way to get from Milan’s Central Station to Piazza del Duomo, then it is the line 3 subway which costs 3 Euros and takes 15 min. It is located right in the Piazza del Duomo.
You can take a direct bus departing from Central Station m2 m3 and arrives at via larga. It is about 7 to 9 minutes walk to Piazza del Duomo, The bus services depart every two hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 13 min. Costs 3 Euros.
Learn more from this page that tells you all about getting around Milan like a local using public transport
Milan Centrale Station location
Address: Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 1 20124 Milan | GPS: 45.4870° N, 9.2055° E
Places to stay in Milan
Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Milan, IT
Recommended read: Beautiful places to stay in Milan
Take advantage of last-minute deals in Milan:
For more choices on accommodation, use this link and check on the vast choices available in Milan – Accommodation in Milan
On a final note
If you train travel to Milan or if you ever find your self at Milan Centrale Station, take a moment to look around. This magnificent, awe-inspiring station building is no ordinary station and it is indeed an attraction in itself!
Sincerely hope that this post is valuable to you when at Milan Centrale Station and you find the suggestions helpful in designing your timeless vacation in Milan. If so, use the links to book your stay, buy your transit tickets and things to do in Milan. We earn a commission from qualifying stays and purchases at no cost to you at all. You could also support TTS in other ways if you wish. As always, we appreciate your continued support.
Have an awesome time exploring Milan.
ESSENTIALS FOR MILAN TRAVEL
Basics for Milan Trip
1 | From Bergamo Airport to Milan City Centre — Direct Bus Transfer
2 | From Malpensa Airport to Milan Central Station
3 | Linate Airport to Milan Central Station
4 | Private transfer from Milan Airport
6 | Entry to Milan Cathedral and Rooftop
7 | Milan Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
Recommended Read:
1 | City of Milan Guide: A Complete Resource for Travellers
2 | How to Get around Milan like a Local
4 | Milan Bucket List: 19 Very Best Things to do in Italy’s Fashion Capital
OUR BEST SELLING ACTIVITIES IN MILAN
1 | Fast-track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guide Tour
2 | Day trip from Milan: Lake Como + Bellagio + Lugano
3 | Day trip from Milan: Lake Como + Bellagio + Varenna
4 | Leonardo Science & Technology Museum Entry
5 | Leonardo da Vinci Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie Tour
Explore Train Travel in Europe
Stay at the Millennium
Stay at Radisson
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Milan Centrale Station | An Overview first published at timelesstravelsteps.com and is regularly updated. Last update April 25, 2022
We’ve been traveling by train a lot more, in our recent travels .. and took trains to tour Spain and France. We always like getting to the stations early to explore them, but I don’t think I can recall one as beautiful as this.
eheh thank you Georgina 🙂 yeah, in one word I would say ‘awe’… you are lucky to have the opportunity to see it often 🙂 have a great week, PedroL
Just seeing your lovely comment today – thank you so much. I was totally in awe when I saw the Centrale. I had heard its big but did not expect such beautiful architecture. I am so happy that you experienced it as well, Pedrol. Absolutely a “must-see”. Have a wonderful rest of the week. Look forward to reading your adventures soon.
Milan’s central station was my first contact ever with Milan 🙂 I remember to land in the airport and then I took a bus to this train station and, when I realize how big it was, I entered inside and took some time to discover it!! definitely, a must place to visit in Milan 🙂 have a great day Georgina, PedroL