Impressive, white and monumental in size, Milan Central Station (Stazione di Milano Centrale) is one of the largest and oldest railway stations in Europe. It stands in Piazza Duca d’Aosta, at the end of Via Vittor Pisani, and the majestic stone building makes a big impression on travellers. Built by Ulisse Stacchini on a vast scale between 1927 and 1931, it combines Modernist and Art Deco features with numerous sculptures that were commissioned by Mussolini when he became prime minister. His aim: to make the station represent the great power of the fascist regime.
Milan Central Station: busy with 330,000 people each day
The façade of Milan’s train station measures 215 m and the central part is over 50 m high, while the side wings are slightly lower. The Central Station replaced the old train station that had been built in 1864 and had become too small to handle the significant increase in passengers. Today it’s a space that is constantly busy with travellers and attracts tourists due to its incredible architecture and domed ceilings.
Before entering Milan Central Station, which is used by at least 330,000 people each day, you first pass through the Galleria delle Carrozze; this wide covered portico leads to the central atrium, which is lit by a large glass ceiling.
Ascend the escalators and you’ll reach the 25-metre-high galleria commerciale, which leads to the 24 platforms and waiting rooms, most of which are today filled with shops and small boutiques.
Trains from across Italy and part of Europe
The Central Station platforms receive trains from across Italy and other countries and are covered with five glass and iron arches. The central arch is taller, at a height of 33.5 m, and is just in front of platform 21, where trains once left for Nazi concentration camps.
The most common rail routes from Milan Central Station are Rome (3 hours), Florence (1 hr 40 mins), Venice (2 hrs 25 mins), Naples (4 hrs 20 mins), Paris (7 hrs), Bergamo (48 mins) and Bologna (1 hr). There are also rail connections to other European cities, such as Bern, Geneva, Barcelona and Munich. Travellers can also use the station to reach Terminal 1 of Milan-Malpensa Airport using the Malpensa Express service, which stops at Milan fair ground on the way.
Trains that run from the station are high speed (TGV, Le Frecce), regional (Trenitalia) and the City Night Line.
Refurbishment of Milano Centrale
Milan Central Station has a surface area of 66,500 m2 and was refurbished between 2005 and 2010 to be ready for the Milan Expo 2015. Following this work, the Galleria delle Carrozze was connected to the metro system, the entrances to the galleria commerciale were renovated, and next generation escalators, new lockers and more shopping spaces were added.
What services does Milan Central Station have? There is a tourist information desk on the first floor, assistance for people with a disability, parking, railway police and guards, lost and found, toilets, car hire, left luggage, a medical dispensary, waiting rooms, WiFi, cash points, currency exchange and telephones.
Restaurants of every kind
Milan’s train station also has a wide variety of dining options, including cafés, bars, ice cream shops, large supermarkets and restaurants. The station has a large number of shops and boutiques and you’ll find many of the leading Italian brands – shopping here is the perfect way to have fun while you wait for your train to depart. You can purchase the Milano Card here – this card gives you unlimited use of public transport with discounts on tickets for the city’s main tourist attractions.
Generally speaking, Italy is a nation with important and unique railway stations. The station that is best known internationally is probably Stazione Termini di Roma (internal link).
Nearby tourist attractions
Essential stops near Milan Central Station include the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, the Cimitero Monumentale [Monumental Cemetery], the Pinacoteca de Brera and the Museo Poldi Pezzoli.
Stations and trains have long been an important part of people’s imaginations and sentiments. They are also spaces that can be used to gauge the soul of a city, so don’t forget to visit historic Central Station on your short break to Milan to discover the essence and identity of Lombardy’s capital.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Address: Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 1
Telephone: +39 02 7740 4318
Website: www.milanocentrale.it
Left luggage opening times: From 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
HOW TO GET THERE:
- By underground. Stazione Centrale. Lines M2 (green) and M3 (yellow).
- By tram. Routes 2, 5, 9 and 33.
- By bus. Routes 8, 42, 60, 82, 90, 91 and 92.
