Milan Public Transportation Stops - Gateway to Milan: Centrale FS Station

Gateway to Milan: Centrale FS Station

Centrale FS is one of the most important transportation hubs in Milan and serves both Line M2 and Line M3 of the Milan Metro. Situated directly beneath Milano Centrale railway station in the Centrale neighborhood of Municipio 2, it offers seamless access to regional, national, and international train services. The metro station was inaugurated on April 27, 1970 for Line M2 and later expanded in 1990 to include Line M3, making it a key interchange in the city's underground network. With multiple platforms and extensive corridors, it is designed to manage high passenger volumes efficiently.

The surrounding Centrale district reflects Milan's role as a major European transport and business center, with hotels, offices, and eateries catering to both tourists and commuters. The station itself is known for its monumental architecture above ground, with the iconic façade of Milano Centrale often serving as a first impression of the city. Inside the metro, signage is clear and bilingual, and accessibility features like elevators and escalators are in place. Centrale FS is also close to Piazza Duca d'Aosta and the Pirelli Tower, adding architectural and historical value to the travel experience. Whether commuting within Milan or connecting to other cities, Centrale FS is a vital junction in the urban landscape.

District: Municipio 2
Neighborhood: Centrale
Connections:
- Metro:
  - M3
- Bus:
- Tram:
- Suburban-rail:
  - S1
  - S2
  - S5
  - S6
  - S13

Milan's Monumental Gateway to Italy and Beyond

Milano Centrale Railway Station is one of Europe's largest and most architecturally striking train stations. Opened in 1931, it was designed to symbolize power and progress, blending Art Deco and Fascist-era monumentalism. Located in the Centrale neighborhood of Municipio 2, the station serves as a major transit hub connecting Milan with cities across Italy and international destinations like Zurich, Paris, and Munich. Its impressive façade, soaring arches, and cavernous main hall make it both a transportation center and an architectural destination.

Handling over 120 million passengers annually, Milano Centrale is second only to Rome Termini in terms of volume in Italy. It offers high-speed train services operated by Trenitalia and Italo, regional connections, and direct links to Milan's metro lines M2 and M3. The station also houses shops, restaurants, and services for travelers, making it a vital part of the city's daily life and tourism infrastructure. Whether you're arriving from Naples or heading to the Alps, Milano Centrale is the gateway through which much of Italy moves.

The Bustling Square at Milan's Central Doorstep

Piazza Duca d'Aosta is one of Milan's most iconic and heavily trafficked public spaces, located directly in front of Milano Centrale Railway Station in the Centrale neighborhood of Municipio 2. The square functions as a gateway to the city for millions of travelers each year and serves as a focal point of urban energy. Towering over the piazza is the historic Pirelli Tower, one of Milan's earliest skyscrapers and a symbol of post-war economic optimism. The mix of grand architecture, modern glass facades, and constant motion gives the square a dynamic and cinematic atmosphere.

Public transportation is deeply integrated into the square, with direct access to metro lines M2 and M3, regional buses, taxis, and airport shuttles. The piazza also features green areas, contemporary sculptures, and a rotating selection of pop-up events and installations. Despite its intensity, it offers moments of reflection through wide pedestrian zones and views of monumental structures like the Excelsior Hotel Gallia. Piazza Duca d'Aosta is not just a crossroads, but a place where Milan's past and future intersect visibly and daily.

An Icon of Modernist Milan

The Pirelli Tower is one of Milan's most recognizable landmarks and a masterpiece of post-war Italian architecture. Completed in 1960, the 127-meter skyscraper was designed by architect Gio Ponti with structural engineering by Pier Luigi Nervi. Originally commissioned by the Pirelli tire company, the tower marked Italy's economic resurgence and became a symbol of modern innovation. Its slender profile and curtain wall design were considered groundbreaking at the time and influenced skyscraper design around the world.

Located in the Centrale neighborhood of Municipio 2, the Pirelli Tower stands prominently above Piazza Duca d'Aosta, near Milano Centrale Railway Station. It currently houses regional government offices and has maintained its relevance through careful preservation. The building's elegant proportions and technical sophistication have earned it international acclaim, including recognition by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. The Pirelli Tower remains a visual anchor in Milan's skyline and a lasting emblem of architectural ambition and progress.