Taxi Costs in Milan: Fares, Tips & Airport Rides

Planning a taxi in Milan? Fares start at €5.40 and a 10 km ride costs around €15. Our guide covers airport transfers, scams to avoid, and tipping norms.

Milan is one of Europe's most stylish cities — but its taxis can catch first-time visitors off guard if you don't know what to expect. Fares are metered and regulated, so you won't get ripped off if you know the basics. This guide gives you every number you need, plus the insider tips to get around confidently and affordably.

Taxi Fare Overview

How Fares Are Calculated

Milan taxis use a regulated meter system approved by the Comune di Milano. The meter starts at €3.50 the moment you get in and ticks up at €1.10 per kilometre. No trip will cost you less than €5.40, even if your destination is just around the corner. Surcharges can apply at night (typically 22:00–06:00), on Sundays and public holidays, and for luggage — so your final fare may be slightly higher than the base calculation. Always make sure the driver resets the meter at the start of your ride.

Airport Transfers

Milan is served by two main airports: Malpensa (MXP), about 50 km northwest of the city, and Linate (LIN), just 7 km from the centre. Taxi supplements apply to both. A Malpensa taxi will add a €10 airport surcharge on top of the metered fare, making the total a steep ride into the city. For Linate, the supplement is a more reasonable €5. For Malpensa especially, the train is genuinely a better option.

• •Malpensa to city centre by taxi: metered fare plus €10 supplement — expect to pay significantly more than €26 for the full journey
• •Linate to city centre by taxi: short distance plus €5 supplement — budget around €15–€20 total
• •Malpensa Express train: runs directly to Milano Centrale and Cadorna stations, costs around €13, and is faster than a taxi in traffic — highly recommended
• •Linate: city bus routes connect the airport to the metro network cheaply and reliably
• •Always use the official taxi rank outside arrivals — do not accept rides from touts inside the terminal

Scams to Watch Out For

Milan's licensed taxis are generally honest, but the areas around major train stations and airports attract opportunists targeting tourists. Here are the specific patterns to watch for in Milan:

• •Unofficial 'taxi' drivers at Malpensa and Milano Centrale: men in suits approaching you inside the terminal or station offering fixed-price rides. These are unlicensed and often charge €80–€100 or more. Always walk to the official yellow taxi rank outside.
• •Meter not reset: a driver who 'forgets' to reset the meter from a previous fare. Check that the meter shows the base rate of €3.50 when you set off — if not, ask them to reset it immediately.
• •The long route: some drivers take longer routes between the airports and the city centre where tourists are less likely to notice. Use Google Maps in the background to verify you're heading the right way.
• •Flat-rate refusals: licensed Milan taxi drivers are legally required to use the meter for all journeys within the city. If a driver quotes you a flat rate higher than what the meter would show, decline and take another cab.

Ride-Hailing Apps

• •Uber: available in Milan but operates differently to other cities — Uber connects you with licensed NCC (private hire) drivers, not standard taxis. Fares are typically higher than a metered cab. Still useful for the upfront price visibility.
• •itTaxi: the most widely used taxi app in Italy. It connects you directly with licensed Milan taxi drivers and the meter still runs, but you get the convenience of in-app booking and cashless payment. This is Hootling's recommended choice for Milan.
• •FREE NOW (formerly myTaxi): also works in Milan and connects to the licensed taxi fleet. A solid backup option.
• •Bolt: not widely available in Milan as of early 2026 — check the app for current coverage before relying on it.
• •DiDi: not currently operating in Milan.

Is It Safe to Take Taxis in Milan?

Yes — licensed Milan taxis are safe, regulated, and generally reliable. Official cabs are white and clearly marked, with a taxi sign on the roof and a licence number displayed on the door. Drivers are professionally licensed and fares are set by the municipality. The main risks are not safety-related but financial: unlicensed touts and the occasional unscrupulous driver targeting tourists who don't know the fare structure. Stick to the official taxi ranks or book through itTaxi or FREE NOW, confirm the meter is running, and you'll have no problems.