Milan is one of Europe’s best-connected cities, making it easy to travel from the airport to major exhibition venues and move around during your stay. Whether you’re attending a trade fair, design show, or business expo, this guide will help you get there smoothly.

Below is a practical breakdown for the main exhibition venues in Milan - plus tips for getting around the city.

From the Airport to Milan: The Basics

Milan has three main airports:

Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Main International Hub

Distance: 50 km from city centre

Best option: Malpensa Express Train → Milano Centrale / Cadorna / Porta Garibaldi (45-55 min)

Linate Airport (LIN) - Closest to the City

Distance: 7 km

Best option: Metro M4 (Blue Line) → City Centre (15-20 min)

Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) - Low-Cost Airlines

Distance: 50 km

Best option: Airport Bus → Milano Centrale (50-60 min)

From these main stations, you can easily connect to exhibition venues by metro.

Fiera Milano Rho (Rho-Pero) - Main Trade Fair Complex

This is Milan’s largest exhibition centre and hosts major international events.

Getting There from the Airport

From Malpensa (MXP):

Malpensa Express → Milano Centrale or Cadorna

Metro M1 (Red Line) → Rho-Fiera
Total time: 75-90 minutes

From Linate (LIN):

M4 Metro → San Babila

Change to M1 → Rho-Fiera
Total time: 50-60 minutes

From Bergamo (BGY):

Bus → Milano Centrale

Metro M2 → Cadorna → M1 → Rho-Fiera
Total time: 90 minutes

Local Tip

Stay near the M1 Red Line for the easiest commute to Rho Fiera.

Fiera Milano City & MiCo (CityLife Area)

These venues are inside the city and are often used for conventions, conferences, and business expos.

Main Stops:

Lotto (M1/M5)

Tre Torri (M5)

Portello (M5)

Getting There from the Airport

From Malpensa:

Malpensa Express → Cadorna

Metro M1 or M5 → Lotto / Tre Torri
Total time: 60 minutes

From Linate:

M4 → San Babila

M1 → Lotto
Total time: 40 minutes

From Bergamo:

Bus → Centrale

M2 → Garibaldi → M5 → Tre Torri

Total time: 75 minutes

Local Tip

CityLife is ideal if you want to stay close to the venue and still enjoy restaurants and shopping.

City Centre Venues (Duomo, Brera, Navigli, Historic Locations)

Some exhibitions, design events, and cultural shows take place in central locations, especially during major events like Salone del Mobile.

Main Stops:

Duomo (M1/M3)

Cordusio (M1)

Moscova (M2)

Porta Genova (M2)

Getting There from the Airport

From Malpensa:

Malpensa Express → Centrale / Cadorna

Connect by metro
Total time: 50-60 minutes

From Linate:

M4 → San Babila → walk to Duomo
Total time: 20 minutes

From Bergamo:

Bus → Centrale

Metro to city centre
Total time: 60 minutes

Local Tip

Many central sights and venues are walkable once you arrive.

Milano Centrale & Porta Nuova (Business & Transport Hubs)

These areas are popular for business travellers and close to hotels, offices, and conference spaces.

Main Stops:

Centrale FS (M2/M3)

Repubblica (M3)

Garibaldi (M2/M5)

From Any Airport

Most airport trains and buses arrive here first, making it a convenient base if you’re visiting multiple venues.

Local Tip

Staying here gives you fast access to both Rho Fiera and the city centre.

Getting Around Milan During Your Exhibition

Once you’re in the city, Milan’s public transport makes travel easy.

Metro (Best Option)

Milan has five main lines:

M1 (Red): City Centre ↔ Rho Fiera

M2 (Green): Centrale ↔ Navigli

M3 (Yellow): Duomo ↔ Centrale

M4 (Blue): Linate ↔ City Centre

M5 (Purple): CityLife ↔ Garibaldi

Trains run frequently and are reliable.

Trams & Buses

Great for short distances

Useful in historic areas

Slower than metro during rush hours

Walking & Bikes

City centre is very walkable

Bike and e-scooter rentals are widely available

Ideal for short trips between meetings

Tickets & Travel Passes

For exhibition visitors, these are the best options:

Single Ticket - Valid for 90 minutes
Day Pass - Unlimited travel for 24 hours
Multi-Day Pass - Best for longer stays

Tickets work on metro, bus, and tram.

Final Tips for Exhibition Visitors

Travel early in the morning - trains get busy during major events
Use Google Maps or ATM Milano App for live updates
Choose hotels near metro lines, not just close in distance
Allow extra time during big fairs like Salone del Mobile

Getting from Milan’s airports to its exhibition venues, and moving around the city, is simple with good planning. Whether you’re heading to Rho Fiera, CityLife, or the historic centre, Milan’s transport network makes it easy to combine business with sightseeing.

With the right connections, you’ll spend less time commuting - and more time making the most of your exhibition experience.

Buon viaggio and good luck with your event! ✨