Metro Accessibility

Overview

Milan's metro is operated by ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) and consists of five lines: M1 (Red), M2 (Green), M3 (Yellow), M4 (Blue), and M5 (Lilac). The network covers 100+ stations across the city. Accessibility varies between lines because they were built across different decades, from the 1960s to the 2020s.

As part of preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the city has invested heavily in making the entire metro network fully accessible. By 2026, all stations on all lines have elevators or stair lifts connecting the street to the platform level.

M1 (Red Line)

The M1 is Milan's oldest metro line, opened in 1964. It runs from Sesto 1 Maggio FS in the northeast to Rho Fieramilano/Bisceglie in the west. Key stops include Duomo, Cadorna, and Loreto.

Historically, M1 had the most accessibility gaps. As of 2026, all 13 previously inaccessible stations have been upgraded with new elevators as part of the Olympic preparation program. All M1 stations now have elevator access from street level to the platform.

Platform-to-train gap: The gap on M1 is wider than on newer lines, typically 8 to 12 cm wide and 5 to 8 cm deep. Power wheelchairs generally cross the gap without difficulty. Manual wheelchair users may need a ramp, which station staff can provide on request. Press the blue intercom button on the platform or at the station entrance to call for help.

M2 (Green Line)

M2 runs from Abbiategrasso/Assago Milanofiori Forum in the south to Gessate/Cologno Nord in the northeast. It passes through Milano Centrale, Cadorna, and Garibaldi FS, making it useful for train connections.

Most M2 stations have elevators. A few stations that previously had only stair lifts received full elevator installations during the 2025-2026 accessibility upgrades. Check the ATM real-time elevator status before your journey (see below).

Platform-to-train gap: Similar to M1, the gap can be 8 to 12 cm. Staff assistance with a ramp is available on request.

M3 (Yellow Line)

M3 runs from San Donato in the south to Comasina in the north, passing through the Duomo and Milano Centrale. It was built in 1990 and has elevators at all stations connecting the street level, mezzanine (ticket hall), and platform levels.

All 42 elevators on M3 were fully replaced with new units as part of recent upgrades, improving reliability. M3 is a solid choice for wheelchair users traveling between the Duomo area and Milano Centrale.

Platform-to-train gap: The gap is narrower than on M1 and M2, typically 5 to 8 cm. Most wheelchair users can cross this gap independently, though staff assistance is available.

M4 (Blue Line)

M4 is one of Milan's newest metro lines, fully opened in October 2024. It runs 15 km from Linate Airport in the east to San Cristoforo in the southwest, with 21 stations. Key stops include San Babila, Sforza Policlinico, and the direct airport connection.

M4 is fully automated and 100% accessible:

• Elevators at every station connecting all levels
• Level boarding with minimal platform-to-train gaps (under 3 cm)
• Platform screen doors for safety
• Spacious trains with designated wheelchair areas
• Audio and visual announcements in Italian and English

M4 is the best metro line for wheelchair users in Milan. If your destination is on the M4, this should be your first choice.

M5 (Lilac/Purple Line)

M5 runs from Bignami in the north to San Siro Stadio in the west. It opened in stages between 2013 and 2015. Like M4, it is fully automated with driverless trains and platform screen doors.

M5 is 100% accessible:

• Elevators at every station
• Level boarding with minimal platform gaps (under 3 cm)
• Platform screen doors at every station
• Wheelchair spaces in every train car
• Fully automated trains running every 90 seconds at peak times

Tickets and How to Ride

The standard ATM ticket costs 2.20 EUR and is valid for 90 minutes from first validation. It allows unlimited rides on metro, bus, and tram within the time window.

Contactless payment: You can tap a contactless credit or debit card directly at metro turnstiles. The system calculates the best fare for the day, so if you make multiple trips, you automatically get the equivalent of a day pass rate.

RicaricaMi card: ATM's reusable plastic card can be loaded with single tickets or passes. Available at metro stations and ATM points. This is a good option if you prefer not to use contactless.

Ticket machines in metro stations have lowered screens and tactile buttons. Some machines also accept coins and banknotes.

Real-Time Elevator Status

Elevator breakdowns can happen, especially on the older M1 and M2 lines. Before starting your journey, check the real-time elevator status:

• ATM ISB website: isb.atm.it/accessibile provides live updates on elevator and stair lift status across all stations.
• ATM Milano app: Available on iOS and Android. Shows real-time elevator status, journey planning, and accessibility information.
• ATM Infoline: Call +39 02 48 607 607 (press 1 for accessibility assistance).

Metro Operating Hours

The metro runs daily from approximately 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM (until 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays). During the night, replacement bus services (NM lines) operate along metro routes. Night buses are low-floor with ramps.