Milan Linate Layover Guide (LIN)

What are you looking for in LIN?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Milan Airport (LIN), also known as Linate Airport, is an international airport located about 8 km (5 miles) from central Milan, Italy. It officially opened in 1937. Milan is Italy’s second-largest city and a global hub for fashion, finance, and design. The city blends historical elegance with modern innovation and offers a wide range of cultural attractions, world-class shopping, and culinary experiences, making it a vibrant destination to visit and explore.

Can you leave Milan Airport (LIN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Milan Linate (LIN), you may leave the airport and easily explore central Milan, but you must clear passport control into the Schengen Area. Nationals of visa-exempt countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days; all others need a Type C Schengen short-stay visa. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Duomo di Milano Marvel at Milan’s iconic Gothic cathedral, admire stained glass windows and rooftop spires while enjoying panoramic city views. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale ~50 min + Metro M3 to Duomo ~5 min; taxi ~45 min)
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Explore Italy’s oldest shopping arcade, featuring elegant mosaics, luxury boutiques and historic cafés beneath a grand glass-vaulted ceiling. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Malpensa Express to Centrale ~50 min + Metro M3 to Duomo ~5 min; taxi ~45 min)
• Castello Sforzesco Wander through this medieval fortress’s courtyards, marvel at art collections and sculptures, then stroll in the adjacent Parco Sempione gardens. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Malpensa Express to Cadorna ~45 min + tram 1 to Cairoli ~10 min; taxi ~40 min)
• Santa Maria delle Grazie View Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” mural (booking essential), then appreciate Renaissance church architecture and serene cloisters. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Malpensa Express to Centrale ~50 min + Metro M1 to Conciliazione ~10 min; taxi ~50 min)
• Brera District Stroll charming cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, design shops, bohemian cafés and the botanical gardens hidden behind elegant palazzi. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Malpensa Express to Centrale ~50 min + Metro M3 to Montenapoleone ~7 min; taxi ~45 min)
• Navigli Canals Enjoy scenic canal-side aperitivo, admire colorful houseboats and artisan boutiques, especially picturesque at sunset along Naviglio Grande. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Malpensa Express to Centrale ~50 min + tram 14 to Alzaia Naviglio Grande ~15 min; taxi ~50 min)
• Pinacoteca di Brera Discover masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael and Mantegna in Milan’s premier art gallery housed within a historic Jesuit college. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Malpensa Express to Centrale ~50 min + Metro M3 to Montenapoleone ~7 min; taxi ~45 min)
• Porta Nuova Admire Milan’s modern skyline, innovative skyscrapers and urban parks; don’t miss the vertical forest towers and futuristic piazzas. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Malpensa Express to Garibaldi ~50 min + walk 5 min; taxi ~45 min)

Things to Do in Milan Airport (LIN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Lounge access at Milan Linate includes two main Via Milano lounges: the Leonardo Exclusive Lounge (airside near gates A17-A18, open 05:30–21:30) offers unlimited Italian-style buffet, premium beverages and a modern design. The Piranesi Classic Lounge (check-in area, 06:00–20:00) features complimentary refreshments, comfortable seating and workspace. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Milan Linate, including Air Hotel Linate and Courtyard by Marriott Milano Linate, offer 4-star rooms, complimentary airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, fitness centers and breakfast. Day-use rooms are available for layovers with flexible check-in/out, while full-stay guests enjoy on-site dining and modern amenities within minutes of the terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The terminal remains open 24 hours but lacks dedicated sleep zones. Metal seating with armrests is limited; the arrivals-level food court carpeted floor provides more comfort, and plentiful power outlets enable device charging. Quietest spots are benches before security; travelers should bring an eye mask and blanket for overnight stays.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Milan Linate offers complimentary unlimited free Wi-Fi (“Linate FREE Wi-Fi”) throughout both landside and airside areas. No registration or time limits are required, with speeds up to 20 Mbps. Simply select the SSID on your device and connect instantly to browse, stream or check flights without interruption at any terminal location.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from main Italian operators (TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre, Iliad) can be purchased at Forexchange kiosks in arrivals, requiring passport registration. Prepaid plans start around €30 for 18 GB. eSIM profiles allow online purchase before travel, offering cheaper, flexible data-only plans up to 15 GB without physical SIM swapping. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi ranks are located outside arrivals, operating 24/7. Fares to Milan city centre average €15–€20 by meter; fixed-rate transfers are available to Malpensa (€124) and Fiera Milano (€64). Call Radiotaxi at 02 7777 or book via apps. Credit cards accepted; additional luggage fees may apply.

Train: Milan Metro Line 4 (Blue Line) connects Linate Airport to central Milan in about 12–15 minutes, with 21 modern driverless stations and step-free access. Trains run every 4–5 minutes from early morning until midnight, accepting contactless payments and standard ATM tickets. (more info)

Bus: Several ATM bus routes serve Linate Airport. The former bus 73 now runs as line 973 to Piazza Duomo and Forlanini; suburban coaches connect to Monza, Brescia and Malpensa. Services operate from early morning until late evening, with tickets costing €2.20 and valid across buses and trams. (more info)

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels offer free shuttle services to and from Linate Airport, typically operating every 20–30 minutes between 04:00 and 23:00. Reservations are recommended and pickup points vary by property. Shuttle schedules and stops depend on each hotel; confirm details directly with the accommodation before arrival.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) have desks in the arrivals hall. Pre-booked vehicles can be collected on-site, offering a range of compact cars to SUVs. Rentals include 24/7 return options, toll transponders, and GPS extras. Driving requires an International Driving Permit for non-EU licences. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Linate Airport offers over 4,600 short- and long-term parking spaces across several lots within walking distance of the terminal. Options include covered and uncovered areas, disabled spaces and EV charging stations. Rates start at €3 per hour; online booking provides discounted daily rates and guaranteed availability 24/7.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A luggage storage facility is located on the arrivals level, operating daily from 06:00 to 22:00. Rates are approximately €6 per item for 24 hours. ID presentation is required upon drop-off. No self-service lockers are available; oversized or excess baggage may incur additional fees. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Milan Airport (LIN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks