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Metro M4 and M3 to Milano CentraleorATM bus 973?

The short answer

These do not go to the same place, so price is not the comparison. The Metro M4 and M3 to Milano Centrale goes to Milano Centrale FS; the ATM bus 973 goes to Stazione Forlanini M4. Neither reaches San Babila.

The ATM bus 973 is quicker: 20 min against 21 min. The Metro M4 and M3 to Milano Centrale varies between 19 and 21 minutes.

Metro M4 and M3 to Milano Centrale: 05:40–00:14. ATM bus 973: 06:34–23:59.

Priced against each other

Whole-party totals · adult fares
What each costs for the whole party, in EUR. The cheaper of the two is marked on every row.
TravelersMetro M4 and M3 to Milano CentraleATM bus 973Difference
1€2.20€2.20same
2€4.40€4.40same
3€6.60€6.60same
4€8.80€8.80same
5€11€11same
6€13.20€13.20same
7€15.40€15.40same
8€17.60€17.60same

Side by side

Where each one leaves you
M4M3 · ATMMetro M4 and M3 to Milano Centrale
From
Linate Aeroporto station, the eastern terminus of the M4, at the terminal
To
Milano Centrale FS, the M3 station under the main railway station, after a change at Sforza-Policlinico to Missori
Luggage
Carried free. ATM's current metro rules refuse only items over 90 cm on any side at the gates.
Runs
05:40–00:14
Journey
19–21 min

At Sforza-Policlinico, leave the M4 through the gates and follow the signs to Missori for the M3; ATM signs a step-free route between them. Take a train towards Comasina: Centrale FS is the fifth stop.

Use the same ticket, card or phone at the gates on both lines; one EUR 2.20 fare covers the whole ride within 90 minutes.

The two coaches from the terminal reach Centrale in 25 minutes with no change, for EUR 5 online or EUR 10, but they leave hourly or every two hours.

Metro M4 and M3 to Milano Centrale: price for every party size

See ATM's tickets
973 · ATMATM bus 973
From
The bus stop at Arrivals, Gate 8 of the terminal
To
Stazione Forlanini M4, Viale Corsica, Corso XXII Marzo and Piazza Cinque Giornate
Luggage
A city bus under ATM's ordinary rules: carried free, nothing over 90 cm on a side.
Runs
06:34–23:59
Journey
14–23 min

This is what is left of bus 73. The 73 ran to San Babila and the Duomo until the M4 reached San Babila in July 2023; the 973 was extended from Linate to Cinque Giornate at the end of 2025.

It shares the M4's stop at Stazione Forlanini, so it is also the way to the S lines without going into the metro.

The other direction runs out to San Felicino in Peschiera Borromeo; check the destination on the front before boarding.

ATM bus 973: price for every party size

See ATM's tickets

This compares two of 11 options. See all of them ranked for your party size

The other comparisons at Linate