Trams (streetcars) run above-ground on rail lines running through the streets. Being above ground means you get a view of what you’re passing, so if you don’t need to go far, they’re convenient and fun. Some tram lines are operated by the ultramodern ‘jumbo’ green tram, others are run by yellow or orange antique traditional carriages (similar to the ones in San Francisco) with wooden paneling inside and glass chandeliers.

There is also a restaurant tram and a party tram with disco music. Many tram stops have electronic information panels with indications on how many minutes to wait before the next available service. Note that these are known as trams and an Italian (or non-American foreigner for that matter) will have no idea what you are talking about if you ask them where to find a ‘streetcar’.

Buses should probably be your third public transport option. Equally comfortable, rather punctual and clean with many routes to choose from. ATM streetcar and bus services stop around 2AM. Please note, however, that some lines end their service earlier and some do not have a night service at all. In any case check your route and timetable in advance if you want to travel late at night.

From 8PM to 2AM a special shuttle service is operated by ATM, called Radiobus [18], an on-call bus accessible only by pre-booking.

The Suburban Railway System (the logo is a big green S on a blue background) includes a special line known as Passante ferroviario, considered Milan’s fourth subway line (although trains run every 10 mins), and has eight more lines, each identified by a number (S1 to S10, lines S7 and S8 being completed), connecting metro area towns with Milan.

Note that suburban trains run less often than Metro trains (depending on the line, they range from 1 to 4 per hour) but, as some lines share tracks and stations, you can expect as many as 10 trains per hour in central Milan between Lancetti and Porta Vittoria stations. Suburban Railway ‘S’ Lines are usually marked in blue on subway maps.

The Passante is not heavily used by the Milanese and in non-peak hours stations can be deserted so would not be recommended for lone (and particularly female) travelers.

Taxis can be expensive and drivers are not allowed to pick passengers up except from designated taxi stands or through phone bookings. The main taxi companies can be reached at 02.40.40, 02.69.69 or 02.80.80, or alternatively, from a land line dial 848.814.781 to be connected to the nearest taxi stand.

If you book a taxi by phone you’ll start paying from the moment the driver accepts the call and comes to pick you up. Local law define some fixed fee trips: Milan to Malpensa Airport €70, Malpensa Airport-Rho Fair €55, Malpensa Airport-Linate Airport €85, Linate Airport-Milan Fair €40.

All fees are intended for a one-way, non-stop trip; taxi waiting time and booking are extras. A surcharge will apply in the evenings so don’t be surprised if the meter has €6+ on it when you enter, even if at a taxi-stand