Milan Metro Lines

Milan's Historic M1 Red Line: From the City Center to the Suburbs

Milan Metro's Line M1, known as the Red Line, is the oldest and one of the most iconic lines in the city's underground network. Officially opened on November 1, 1964, it marked the beginning of rapid transit in Milan and now connects the western and northeastern suburbs with the city center. Line M1 runs from Rho Fiera and Bisceglie in the west to Sesto FS in the northeast, with a total of 38 stations spread over approximately 27 kilometers. Key stations include Duomo, which offers direct access to Milan Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, as well as Cadorna, which connects to the Malpensa Express. The Red Line is heavily used by commuters and tourists alike, serving exhibition centers like Fiera Milano and providing connections to major train hubs. Known for its frequent service and reliability, M1 is fully electrified and operates on standard-gauge tracks. Trains typically run every 2-3 minutes during peak hours. The line uses both AnsaldoBreda Meneghino and Leonardo rolling stock, ensuring accessibility and modern features. M1 also intersects with other metro lines at several key interchanges: M2 at Cadorna and Loreto, M3 at Duomo, and M5 at Lotto. With its strategic layout and long-standing role in Milan's transit history, the Red Line remains vital to the city's mobility infrastructure.

Milan's M2 Green Line: A Key North-South Connection

Line M2 of the Milan Metro, known as the Green Line, is the second oldest line in the system and plays a crucial role in connecting northern and southeastern parts of the city. Opened in 1969, it was the first Milan Metro line to extend into both the suburban and extra-urban areas, covering a total length of around 40.4 kilometers. With 35 stations, it is the longest line in the network and serves both residential zones and key transit points. M2 runs from Cologno Nord and Gessate in the northeast to Assago Milanofiori Forum and Abbiategrasso in the south, splitting into two southern branches. This line is particularly valuable for students, workers, and visitors traveling to destinations like the University of Milan Bicocca, Navigli district, and Assago's Mediolanum Forum arena. Strategic interchange stations include Centrale FS, which connects to Milan's main train station and Line M3, and Cadorna, offering access to the Malpensa Express and Line M1. Other important transfer points are Garibaldi FS (linked to suburban and national rail services) and Loreto, where it intersects with Line M1. M2 uses overhead electric wires rather than the third rail system employed by M1 and M3. The rolling stock includes older ET245 trains and newer AnsaldoBreda Meneghino and Leonardo models. Known for its reach and capacity, the M2 Green Line remains vital to Milan's transit infrastructure, especially for daily commuters and regional travelers.

Milan's M3 Yellow Line: Linking History with Mobility

Line M3 of the Milan Metro, commonly known as the Yellow Line, is the third line in the network and provides a vital north-south axis through the city. Officially opened in 1990 in time for the FIFA World Cup, it connects the northeastern station of Comasina to the southeastern station of San Donato. The full line spans approximately 17 kilometers and includes 21 stations, running mostly underground. M3 is notable for serving key transit hubs and landmarks. It links with Milan's two major train stations: Centrale FS (connecting with M2 and long-distance rail services) and Rogoredo FS (connected via San Donato station), as well as Duomo station in the historic center, where it intersects with M1. Travelers can use the line to access important business districts, residential neighborhoods, and central cultural sites. Unlike M2, which uses overhead wires, M3 uses a third rail for power, aligning it technologically with M1. Its rolling stock includes the original 8000 Series and newer AnsaldoBreda Meneghino and Leonardo trains, all designed for high passenger volumes and modern accessibility standards. The Yellow Line operates with high frequency, particularly during rush hours, and is an essential corridor for both daily commuters and visitors. Planned future extensions aim to improve access to suburban areas beyond San Donato. As a backbone of Milan's modern transport system, M3 enhances mobility between historical, commercial, and residential zones in Italy's second-largest city.

Milan's M4 Blue Line: Connecting City Center to Linate Airport

Line M4 of the Milan Metro, also known as the Blue Line, is the newest addition to the city's underground network and represents a major leap forward in automated public transport. Officially inaugurated in phases beginning in 2022, M4 is a fully driverless, automatic line designed to link Milan's eastern zone, including Linate Airport, directly to the historic city center and eventually the western district of San Cristoforo. Once completed, the full line will span approximately 15 kilometers with 21 stations, running entirely underground. As of 2024, the operational section includes stops from Linate Aeroporto to San Babila, offering fast and direct access from the airport to the central shopping and business area in under 15 minutes. Future extensions will add crucial stations like De Amicis, Solari, and San Cristoforo FS, improving transit in the southwestern part of the city. M4 is built with modern standards in mind, featuring platform screen doors, real-time digital displays, and level boarding at all stations. The line uses rubber-tired, driverless trains that operate on a dedicated automated signaling system, ensuring high-frequency service with minimal delays. Strategically, M4 connects with other metro lines at key interchanges: San Babila (M1) and the planned Dateo and Sforza Policlinico (M2 connections via suburban rail). By linking air travel directly to Milan's urban core and supporting intermodal mobility, the M4 Blue Line plays a critical role in reshaping the city's transit future.

Milan's M5 Purple Line: Driverless Transit Across the Northwest

Line M5 of the Milan Metro, also known as the Purple Line, is a fully automated, driverless metro line that connects the northern and northwestern districts of the city. Officially inaugurated in phases between 2013 and 2015, it was Milan's first metro line to feature entirely driverless operation, setting a new standard in efficiency and safety for urban transit. The M5 line stretches approximately 12.8 kilometers and includes 19 stations, running from Bignami in the northeast to San Siro Stadio in the west. Its route serves a mix of residential, business, and sports venues, including the famous San Siro Stadium and the Cenisio and Garibaldi FS transport hubs. With its strategic path, M5 enhances connectivity in areas previously underserved by rapid transit. M5 interchanges with three other metro lines: M3 at Zara, M2 at Garibaldi FS, and M1 at Lotto. It also connects to suburban rail services at Garibaldi FS and with tram and bus lines at various points, making it a crucial component of Milan's intermodal network. Trains on M5 are fully automated and run on rubber tires, offering quiet and frequent service with advanced safety features like platform screen doors and digital information systems. Stations are modern, fully accessible, and designed for high passenger throughput. Thanks to its driverless operation, high service frequency, and intermodal reach, the M5 Purple Line plays a vital role in Milan's evolving metro system, particularly for commuters, event-goers, and residents in the northern corridors of the city.