The short answer: The fastest way from Linate Airport to Milano Centrale is by bus (Bus 73 or shuttle, 25-30 minutes, €2.20-€5.00) or taxi (20-25 minutes, €20-€30). Upon arrival at Milano Centrale, store your luggage at Lock & Go (Via Tonale 5, 2 minutes from the station, from €1.49/hour) to explore Milan hands-free before your next flight or train.
Linate Airport (LIN) is Milan's city airport, primarily serving domestic and European flights. Unlike Malpensa, Linate is just 7 km from Milan's center, making transfers quick and convenient. However, Linate doesn't have a direct train connection to Milano Centrale, so travelers need to know their options.
This 2026 guide explains every transfer option from Linate to Milano Centrale, how to store luggage upon arrival, and how to make the most of your time in Milan.
Linate Airport to Milano Centrale: Transfer Options Compared
Option 1: Bus 73 (Public Transport) - Budget-Friendly
Route: Linate Airport → Milano Centrale
Details:
- Operator: ATM Milano (public transport)
- Bus number: 73
- Journey time: 25-30 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours
- Cost: €2.20 (single ticket) or €5.00 (day pass)
- Operating hours: Approximately 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
How to use:
- Exit Linate Airport terminal
- Find Bus 73 stop outside arrivals (clearly marked)
- Purchase ticket from:
- Ticket machine at airport
- Tabacchi (tobacco shop) in terminal
- ATM Milano app (recommended)
- Board bus and validate ticket
- Disembark at Milano Centrale (final stop or near-final)
- Walk 2 minutes to Lock & Go at Via Tonale 5
Pros:
- Cheapest option (€2.20)
- Frequent service
- Direct route
- No transfers required
Cons:
- Can be crowded during rush hour
- Limited luggage space (challenging with large suitcases)
- Subject to traffic delays
- Not ideal for early morning/late night flights
Best for: Budget travelers, light luggage, daytime arrivals
Option 2: Airport Shuttle Bus - Comfortable Middle Ground
Route: Linate Airport → Milano Centrale
Details:
- Operators: Various (Starfly, Autostradale, Terravision)
- Journey time: 20-30 minutes
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
- Cost: €5.00-€8.00 one-way
- Operating hours: Approximately 5:30 AM - 12:30 AM
How to use:
- Book online or purchase at airport counter
- Board shuttle at designated stop outside arrivals
- Direct service to Milano Centrale
- Store luggage at Lock & Go (Via Tonale 5)
Pros:
- More comfortable than public bus
- Dedicated luggage storage
- Slightly faster than Bus 73
- Extended hours
Cons:
- More expensive than public transport
- Still subject to traffic
- Less frequent than Bus 73
Best for: Travelers with medium luggage, those seeking comfort without taxi prices
Option 3: Taxi - Fastest and Most Convenient
Route: Linate Airport → Milano Centrale
Details:
- Journey time: 20-25 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Availability: 24/7 at taxi rank outside arrivals
- Cost: €20-€30 (fixed rate for city center)
- Payment: Cash or card (confirm card acceptance before boarding)
How to use:
- Exit arrivals and follow signs to taxi rank
- Join queue (usually short at Linate)
- Tell driver "Milano Centrale, Via Tonale"
- Journey takes 20-25 minutes
- Pay fare (request receipt "ricevuta")
- Walk 2 minutes to Lock & Go at Via Tonale 5
Pros:
- Fastest option (20-25 minutes)
- Door-to-door service
- No luggage restrictions
- Available 24/7
- Comfortable and private
Cons:
- Most expensive option (€20-€30)
- Subject to traffic delays
- Need to queue during peak times
Best for: Business travelers, families with children, heavy luggage, early/late flights
Option 4: Ride-Sharing (Uber) - Modern Alternative
Route: Linate Airport → Milano Centrale
Details:
- Service: Uber Black or Uber Van (Uber Pop not available in Milan)
- Journey time: 20-25 minutes
- Cost: €25-€40 (varies by demand)
- Availability: 24/7 via app
How to use:
- Download Uber app before arrival
- Request ride from Linate Airport
- Meet driver at designated pickup area
- Journey to Milano Centrale
- Store bags at Lock & Go
Pros:
- Cashless payment
- Track your ride in real-time
- Fixed price (no meter surprises)
- Professional drivers
Cons:
- More expensive than taxi
- Limited availability (only Uber Black/Van)
- Need smartphone and data
Best for: Tech-savvy travelers, those who prefer app-based services
Option 5: Private Transfer - Premium Service
Route: Linate Airport → Milano Centrale (or any Milan address)
Details:
- Service: Pre-booked private car
- Journey time: 20-25 minutes
- Cost: €40-€80 (depending on vehicle class)
- Booking: Online in advance
Pros:
- Meet-and-greet service
- No waiting in queues
- Luxury vehicles available
- Fixed price
- Professional chauffeur
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Must book in advance
- Cancellation fees may apply
Best for: VIP travelers, special occasions, corporate clients
Transfer Time Comparison
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 73 | 25-30 min | €2.20 | Budget travelers, light luggage |
| Shuttle Bus | 20-30 min | €5-€8 | Comfort seekers, medium luggage |
| Taxi | 20-25 min | €20-€30 | Convenience, families, heavy bags |
| Uber | 20-25 min | €25-€40 | App-based, cashless payment |
| Private Transfer | 20-25 min | €40-€80 | Luxury, VIP, corporate |
Upon Arrival at Milano Centrale: Store Luggage at Lock & Go
Once you arrive at Milano Centrale from Linate, your first priority should be storing your luggage. Here's why Lock & Go at Via Tonale 5 is the optimal choice:
Why Lock & Go for Linate Arrivals?
- Proximity: Just 150 meters (2-minute walk) from Milano Centrale
- 24/7 Access: Perfect for early morning or late night arrivals from Linate
- Hourly Pricing: From €1.49/hour - pay only for the time you need
- Secure Storage: CCTV surveillance, robust automated lockers, insurance included
- No App Required: Simple PIN code system
Step-by-Step: From Milano Centrale to Lock & Go
Step 1: Exit Milano Centrale main entrance Step 2: Walk towards Via Tonale / Porta Venezia direction Step 3: Continue straight for 150 meters Step 4: Find Lock & Go at Via Tonale 5, 20125 Milan Step 5: Select locker size, pay, receive PIN code Step 6: Store luggage and explore Milan hands-free
Total time: 5 minutes from station to stored bags
What to Do in Milan After Arriving from Linate
With your luggage safely stored at Lock & Go, you have several options depending on your available time:
2-3 Hours (Quick Visit)
Itinerary:
- Metro M3 from Centrale to Duomo (8 minutes)
- Visit Duomo exterior and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (1.5 hours)
- Quick espresso or lunch near Duomo (45 minutes)
- Return to Centrale (8 minutes)
- Retrieve bags at Lock & Go
Perfect for: Short layover, quick Milan taste
4-6 Hours (Half-Day Exploration)
Itinerary:
- Store bags at Lock & Go
- Metro M3 to Duomo (8 minutes)
- Duomo interior and rooftop terraces (2 hours)
- Walk to La Scala (10 minutes)
- Lunch in Brera District (1 hour)
- Visit Sforza Castle grounds (1 hour)
- Return to Centrale (15 minutes)
- Retrieve bags
Perfect for: Half-day layover, cultural visit
6+ Hours (Full Day)
Itinerary:
- Drop bags at Lock & Go early
- Full Milan exploration: Duomo, Galleria, La Scala
- Lunch in Navigli District
- Afternoon shopping in Corso Buenos Aires (near Centrale)
- Aperitivo in Isola District
- Return to Lock & Go for bags
- Catch evening flight or train
Perfect for: Full day between flights, business meetings
2026 Prices: Lock & Go for Linate Travelers
| Locker Size | Dimensions (H x W x D) | Price per Hour | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 35 x 45 x 20 cm | €1.49 | Backpacks, small cabin bags |
| Standard | 55 x 45 x 35 cm | €2.49 | Standard carry-on, medium suitcases |
| Maxi | 75 x 55 x 45 cm | €3.49 | Large suitcases, multiple bags |
Cost Examples:
3-hour layover:
- Mini locker: €1.49 × 3 = €4.47
- Standard locker: €2.49 × 3 = €7.47
6-hour layover:
- Mini locker: €1.49 × 6 = €8.94
- Standard locker: €2.49 × 6 = €14.94
Full day (12 hours):
- Mini locker: €1.49 × 12 = €17.88
- Standard locker: €2.49 × 12 = €29.88
Note: All prices include 24/7 access and basic insurance. No hidden fees.
Linate Airport Information for Travelers
Linate Terminal Facilities
Before Departure:
- Currency exchange: Available in arrivals/departures
- ATMs: Multiple locations throughout terminal
- WiFi: Free WiFi available (limited time)
- Restaurants/Cafés: Various options airside and landside
- Shops: Duty-free, newsstands, convenience stores
Luggage Services at Linate:
- Left luggage office available (limited hours, daily rates)
- Better option: Store at Lock & Go in Milan city center (Via Tonale 5) for flexibility
Important Notes for Linate Travelers
Flight Timing:
- Linate primarily serves domestic and European flights
- Arrive at airport 90 minutes before domestic flights
- Arrive at airport 2 hours before international/Schengen flights
Transfer to Malpensa: If you need to transfer from Linate to Malpensa Airport:
- Malpensa Shuttle bus: Direct service, 60-75 minutes, €8-€12
- Taxi: 50-60 minutes, €90-€120
- Train: Bus to Centrale + Malpensa Express (complex, not recommended with luggage)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to get from Linate to Milano Centrale?
By taxi or Uber: 20-25 minutes. By Bus 73: 25-30 minutes. By shuttle bus: 20-30 minutes. Times can increase during rush hour (8-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
What is the cheapest way from Linate to Milano Centrale?
Bus 73 is the cheapest option at €2.20 per person. Purchase tickets at the airport, from tabacchi, or via ATM Milano app. Journey time is 25-30 minutes.
Is there a train from Linate to Milano Centrale?
No, there is no direct train connection from Linate Airport to Milano Centrale. Your options are bus (Bus 73 or shuttle), taxi, Uber, or private transfer.
Can I store luggage at Linate Airport?
Yes, Linate has a left luggage office, but it has limited hours and charges daily rates. A better option is to store luggage at Lock & Go in Milan (Via Tonale 5, 2 minutes from Milano Centrale) for 24/7 access and hourly pricing from €1.49/hour.
What if I arrive at Linate late at night?
Taxi and Uber are available 24/7 at Linate. Bus 73 operates until approximately 11:30 PM. For late arrivals, taxi is the most reliable option. Lock & Go is open 24/7 for luggage storage.
How much is a taxi from Linate to Milano Centrale?
A taxi from Linate to Milano Centrale costs €20-€30 (fixed rate for city center). The journey takes 20-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Can I use the same ticket for Bus 73 and Milan metro?
Yes! A single ATM ticket (€2.20) or day pass (€5.00) works on Bus 73, metro, trams, and all public transport in Milan for 90 minutes (single ticket) or until midnight (day pass).
Pro Tips for Linate Travelers
Before You Land:
- Download ATM Milano app for easy bus ticket purchase
- Check traffic conditions if taking taxi (use Google Maps or similar)
- Have Lock & Go address saved: Via Tonale 5, 20125 Milan
Money-Saving Strategy:
- If traveling with light luggage and during daytime, take Bus 73 (€2.20)
- Purchase a day pass (€5.00) if you'll use metro after storing bags
- Store bags at Lock & Go for hourly rates instead of daily station rates
Time-Saving Strategy:
- For fastest transfer, take taxi (20-25 minutes)
- Store bags at Lock & Go immediately upon arrival at Centrale
- Use the time saved to explore Milan instead of waiting in queues
With efficient transfer options from Linate and secure luggage storage at Lock & Go, you can make the most of your time in Milan - whether you have 2 hours or 2 days between flights.
