Milan, famous as the world’s fashion capital, is one of Italy’s topmost travel destinations. Each year millions of travelers from across the world flock to this beautiful metropolis for experiencing Italy at its best.

If you’re planning your first-ever trip to Italy and have included Milan in your itinerary, here’s a quick guide to the various means of getting around the city.

What kind of public transport is available in Milan?

Milan has a well-connected network of subway (metro) trains, trams, and local buses. While the city is best experienced on foot, city transportation is your affordable friend when traveling long distances. A single ticket will cost you €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes, during which time you can travel on the subway once and take unlimited bus and tram rides.

Purchase a pass if you intend to do this often during your stay. A 24-hour pass, for instance, costs €4.50 and allows unlimited trips while it’s valid. Traveling within Milan is fairly easy if you don’t mind using public conveyance; for those who prefer private transport, taxis are also readily available throughout the city.

Is car parking readily available in the city?

Finding a parking spot can be a bit difficult in busy neighborhoods. But if you prefer exploring the city in your own private car, you can purchase a blue line parking card at the local stores, which is valid for a fixed duration. There are also some paid parking bays in and around the city center.

To avoid penalties, avoid the restricted traffic zones and also the yellow line parking areas as they are reserved for city residents with registration and permit.

What is the best way to commute to and from the airport?

Local buses and subways ply between the three Milan airports and the city center. You can always take a local taxi on arrival, but it would save your both time and money if you pre-book transfer from Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa airports. This way, you won’t have to share a ride with anyone or worry if your flight arrives late—your driver will check your arrival time and reach the airport accordingly.

Does the city have free parking zones?

Yes. The areas with white lines are free parking spots. Except for a few places, you will find plenty of free parking zones around the city, especially around the train stations that receive heavy footfall.

Because of dense traffic in and around the city center, you’d be better off walking or using public transport.

What is the best way to visit cities close to Milan?

Taking the suburban train is the fastest and most affordable way to visit nearby towns and cities such as Bergamo (1 hour away), Monza (10 minutes away), Pavia (20 minutes away) and Turin (90 minutes away). You can also hire a taxi or use a group tour service, which may turn out to be cheaper than a private car.