Survival Guide - Milan and the Lakes - page 287

› It simply isn't worth having a car in Milan. The city is small, easily walkable and
parking is nightmare. If you do have a car it's best to leave it in a guarded car
park, most of which charge €25 to €40 for 24 hours.
› Otherwise street parking costs €1.50 per hour in the centre. To pay buy a
SostaMilano card from a tobacconist, scratch off the date and time and display it
in your window.
› Beware, many streets are pedestrianised or have restricted access.
› Having a car to tour the lakes is great out of season, but inadvisable during the
summer and holiday weekends, when traffic can slow to a crawl.
› Enquire after parking when you book your accommodation, as not all hotels have
garage facilities. Even if they do, there is usually a daily fee for parking, typically
€10 to €15.
› If you're short on time, some ferries carry cars across the lakes between larger
towns. Check online for details and prices.
Metro
Best for... Quick transport between major sights, connecting to the train station
and venturing outside the main tourist areas.
› The metro ( 800 80 81 81; www.atm-mi.it ; 6am-12.30am) has three main under-
ground lines; the red line (MM1) connects the Duomo with Porta Venezia, the
castle, Corsa Magenta and the Fiera; the green line (MM2) connects Porta
Garibaldi and Brera to Navigli in the south; and the yellow line (MM3) connects the
Quad with Porta Romana.
› A ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for one metro ride or up to 90 minutes on ATM
buses and trams.
› Tickets are sold at electronic ticket machines within the stations, or at tobaccon-
ists and newspaper stands.