Getting around Milan is relatively easy thanks to its efficient public transport system. However, knowing a few useful Italian words and phrases can make your daily journeys much smoother and help you feel more confident when asking for information.
Whether you are studying Italian in Milan, attending university, working or simply visiting the city, this guide will help you navigate the metro, buses, trams and trains using practical everyday Italian.
If you have recently arrived in Italy, you may also enjoy our complete guide:
Italian Survival Guide for Living in Italy: Essential Italian for Everyday Life.
Why Learning Transport Vocabulary Is Useful
Public transport is part of everyday life in Milan. Learning some essential vocabulary can help you:
- Buy tickets
- Ask for directions
- Understand announcements
- Use the metro confidently
- Travel around Milan and Italy more easily
Essential Public Transport Vocabulary
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| Metro | Metropolitana |
| Bus | Autobus |
| Tram | Tram |
| Train | Treno |
| Station | Stazione |
| Ticket | Biglietto |
| Platform | Binario |
| Stop | Fermata |
| Line | Linea |
Buying Tickets
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| I’d like a ticket, please. | Vorrei un biglietto, per favore. |
| How much is a ticket? | Quanto costa un biglietto? |
| Can I pay by card? | Posso pagare con la carta? |
| Where can I buy a ticket? | Dove posso comprare un biglietto? |
Need accommodation near public transport?
Asking for Directions
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest metro station? | Dov’è la stazione della metropolitana più vicina? |
| How do I get to the Duomo? | Come arrivo al Duomo? |
| Which line should I take? | Che linea devo prendere? |
| How many stops? | Quante fermate sono? |
Useful Expressions on Public Transport
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| Is this seat free? | Questo posto è libero? |
| Excuse me. | Mi scusi. |
| Thank you. | Grazie. |
| Where do I get off? | Dove devo scendere? |
Our Tips
Milan’s public transport network is one of the best in Italy. Learning a few key expressions will help you move around the city more confidently and enjoy your experience in Milan.
The more practical Italian you learn, the easier everyday life becomes.
Learn Italian for Everyday Life
At Il Centro, our Italian language school in Milan, we help international students develop practical communication skills through real-life situations and interactive lessons while they are studying Italian in Italy with us.