See Milan’s iconic sights from the top deck of an open-air bus.
Sightseeing Experience sr
Milan Open Tour
Milan Open Tour
Milan Open Tour
Sightseeing Experience sr
Milan Open Tour
Sightseeing Experience srQuick Guide
Milan Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Two major companies operate hop-on-hop-off tours in Milan: City Sightseeing and Open Tour.
- City Sightseeing runs 4 different routes covering 43 stops.
- You want them if you like having options. Four routes means you can focus on what actually interests you (historic center, modern district, sports venues, or canals) instead of sitting through everything.
- Their free app shows exactly where buses are in real time, which is super helpful when you’re planning your day.
- They also run a Night Tour during summer (included with weekend 72-hour tickets).
- Best for people who want to explore different neighborhoods or are staying in Milan for several days.
- Milan Open Tour keeps it simple with 2 routes and 37 stops.
- You get a hostess on board who can answer questions beyond what the audio guide covers, plus USB sockets to charge your phone while you ride.
- Their Highlights Line hits all the main monuments in one loop without switching buses.
- Best for first-time visitors who want a straightforward tour or travelers on a tight schedule.
Both have similar prices, free WiFi, and audio guides in multiple languages.
Highlights
Tickets & Prices
Both operators offer 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour tickets. Your ticket activates the first time you board a bus, not when you buy it.
Detailed Pricing Tables
| 24 Hours | 48 Hours | 72 Hours Best Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | €25.00 | €30.00 (€15.00 per day) | €35.00 (€11.67 per day) |
| Child (5-15) | €10.00 | €10.00 (€5.00 per day) | €10.00 (€3.33 per day) |
Book City Sightseeing Milan tickets ->
Children under 5 ride free.
What’s Included: Access to 4 routes with 43 stops total, audio in 10 languages, free WiFi, and a real-time tracking app. Weekend 72-hour tickets between June and September include their Night Tour.
| 24 Hours | 48 Hours | 72 Hours Best Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | €24.00 | €28.00 (€14.00 per day) | €32.00 (€10.67 per day) |
| Child (5-15) | €10.00 | €10.00 (€5.00 per day) | €10.00 (€3.33 per day) |
Book Milan Open Tour tickets ->
Children under 5 ride free.
What’s Included: Access to 2 routes with 37 stops, audio in 11 languages, free WiFi, and USB sockets on board. You also get a hostess who can answer questions.
Note: You must select a boarding time when booking (available times: 10:15, 11:00, 11:50, 12:20, 13:10, 14:15, 15:20, 16:00, 17:00).
Tips for Choosing Your Ticket
- One day works if you just want the highlights. Pick one or two routes and hop off at places you actually care about.
- Two days is better if you don’t want to rush. You can take proper breaks, have real meals, explore neighborhoods without watching the clock.
- Three days makes sense if you’re staying longer. You can revisit places or check out areas you missed. City Sightseeing’s weekend 72-hour ticket includes the Night Tour between June and September, which adds value.
Operator Comparison
| Feature | City Sightseeing Milan | Milan Open Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Routes | 4 lines (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green) | 2 lines (Fashion/Design/Leisure, Highlights) |
| Total Stops | 43 stops | 37 stops |
| Audio Languages | 10 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish + 2 more) | 11 languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish) |
| Kids Audio | ✓ English, Italian, Spanish | ✓ English, Italian, Spanish |
| Free WiFi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free App | ✓ Real-time tracking & walking tour (5 languages) | |
| USB Sockets | ✓ | |
| Hostess on Board | ✓ | |
| Wheelchair Accessible | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paper Map | ✓ | ✓ |
| Disposable Headphones | ✓ | ✓ |
| Night Tour | ✓(included with weekend 72h ticket) | |
| Free Cancellation | ✓ Until 24h before | ✓ Until 24h before |
FAQs About Ticketing & Pricing
How much is the hop-on hop-off bus in Milan?
Both operators offer 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour tickets, and their prices sit close together. Kids aged 5 to 15 pay €10 with either company, and children under 5 ride free. The Tickets & Prices section above lists every tier for City Sightseeing and Milan Open Tour, so you can match the length to how long you’re in town.
Is it cheaper to book online or buy on the day?
Booking online usually works out better. You lock in your spot, skip the queue when stops get busy, and the ticket arrives on your phone. You can still buy from the driver when you board, but you risk a wait at the popular stops. Both operators allow free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.
Is the hop-on hop-off bus worth it in Milan?
Milan’s sights don’t sit close together. The Duomo, Sforza Castle, the Navigli canals, and San Siro stadium are a tram ride apart, and the bus links them without puzzling over metro changes. The audio guide adds context as you pass each landmark. If you’re staying a few days, City Sightseeing’s weekend 72-hour ticket also folds in a summer Night Tour.
Route Map & Stops
Milan has two hop-on-hop-off operators. City Sightseeing runs 4 routes covering 43 stops, while Milan Open Tour operates 2 routes with 37 stops.
City Sightseeing Milan Routes
City Sightseeing operates four color-coded routes. They connect at stops like Duomo and Castello, so you can switch between lines.
Notice: Due to the Winter Olympic Games
- February 2, 2026: Yellow Line (Stop 8), Red Line (Stops 6-7) and Blue Line (Stop 3) end at 14:00.
- February 6, 2026: All routes end at 14:00.
- Green Line Stop 2: Closed for the entire Winter Olympic Games.
Plan your visits earlier in the day during these dates.
Starting Point: Largo Cairoli 18, 20121 Milan
- Download the detailed route map and timetable (PDF).
- Download the Sightseeing Experience app for real-time bus tracking, route maps, and a free walking tour of central Milan (available in English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German).
Red Line (Line A) – Historical Line
The Red Line goes through Milan’s historic center.
- Duration: 50 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 50 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 11:40 (Castello) / 12:05 (Duomo), Last bus 16:40 (Duomo) / 17:00 (Castello)
- Main starting point: Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
Stops:
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
- Cadorna (Via Giovanni Boccaccio n.2)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso n.6)
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo, in front of n.17)
- La Scala (Via Manzoni, n.6)
- Manin (Via Manin, opposite n.15)
- Moscova (Via Moscova, n.68)
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
Route Highlights:
This route covers the main historic sights. Sforza Castle is a big medieval fortress that’s hard to miss. The Cenacolo stop puts you near Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (you need separate tickets booked weeks ahead to actually see it). You’ll pass the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala opera house.
Blue Line (Line B) – Modern Line
The Blue Line takes you through Milan’s new business district and shopping areas.
- Duration: 55 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Multiple departures throughout the day
- Operating hours: First bus 09:30 (Stazione Centrale) / 10:00 (Duomo), Last bus 16:00 (Stazione Centrale) / 16:40 (Duomo)
- Main starting points: Stazione Centrale or Duomo
Stops:
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo, in front of n.17)
- La Scala (Via Manzoni, n.6)
- Manin (Via Manin, opposite n.15)
- Repubblica (Piazza della Repubblica, n.28)
- Palazzo Lombardia (Via Galvani, n.27)
- Stazione Centrale (Duca d’Aosta Square)
- Buenos Aires (Corso Buenos Aires, n.7)
- Porta Venezia (Corso Venezia, opposite n.50)
- San Babila (Via Larga, n.2)
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo, in front of n.17)
Route Highlights:
This route shows you modern Milan. You’ll see the new skyscrapers around Porta Nuova and Palazzo Lombardia. Corso Buenos Aires is one of Europe’s longest shopping streets. The route goes through Porta Venezia with its Art Nouveau buildings and the upscale area near San Babila.
Yellow Line (Line D) – Navigli Line
The Yellow Line connects the historic center with the Navigli canals district.
- Duration: 75 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 75 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 10:20 (Castello) / 10:00 (Duomo), Last bus 16:30 (Castello) / 16:15 (Duomo)
- Main starting points: Castello or Duomo
Stops:
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
- Cadorna (Via Giovanni Boccaccio n.2)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso n.6)
- Navigli
- Piazza XVI Maggio
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo, in front of n.17)
- La Scala (Via Manzoni, n.6)
- Brera (Via Fatebenefratelli, n.5)
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
Route Highlights:
This route goes to the Navigli canals, Milan’s most popular nightlife area. The canals were designed by Leonardo da Vinci centuries ago. Lots of cafes and restaurants line the water. You’ll also pass through Brera, the artsy neighborhood with galleries and the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum.
Green Line (Line C) – Sport Line
The Green Line goes to Milan’s sports venues and the CityLife development.
- Duration: 80 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Multiple departures
- Operating hours: First bus 10:00, Last bus 16:50
- Main starting point: Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
- Important: Stops 8, 9, and 10 (Lido, Ippodromo, Stadio San Siro) are suspended during matches and events.
Stops:
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
- Arco della Pace
- City Life (Piazza VI Febbraio)
- Casa Milan (Via Aldo Rossi, n.8)
- Lotto (via Congress Centre, Via Colleoni)
- Lotto (Via Monte Bianco, n.64)
- Lido (Piazzale Lotto, n.15)
- Ippodromo (Piazzale dello Sport, n.6)
- Stadio San Siro (gate 8)
- Lotto (Via Monterosa, n.91)
- Pagano/Lotto (Via Monterosa, n.3)
- Buonarroti (Via Mantegna, n.33)
- Pagano (Via del Burchiello, Fimi)
- Conciliazione (Piazza Conciliazione)
- Parco Sempione (Via Paleocapa, n.7)
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
Route Highlights:
This route is for football fans. It goes to San Siro Stadium, home of AC Milan and Inter Milan, and Casa Milan museum. You’ll see CityLife, Milan’s newest district with modern towers and shopping. The route also covers Parco Sempione, the city’s biggest park, and the Arco della Pace arch.
Milan Open Tour Routes
Milan Open Tour runs two routes. The longer one covers more ground, while the shorter one focuses on must-see monuments.
Starting Point: Piazza del Duomo, Milan
Fashion, Design & Leisure Line – Milan Open Tour
This is the comprehensive route covering most of Milan’s main districts.
- Duration: 2 hours full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 20-30 minutes
- Operating hours: First departure 10:00 (Duomo), Last departure 17:30 (Duomo)
- Main starting point: Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
Stops:
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
- Scala (Via Manzoni, 3)
- Dugnani (Via Manin, 2)
- Repubblica (Piazza della Repubblica)
- Stazione Centrale (Piazza Duca d’Aosta)
- Regione (Via Melchiorre Gioia, 31)
- Gae Aulenti (Via Sturzo)
- Monumentale (Via Ceresio, 7)
- Acquario (Viale Gadio)
- Castello (Piazza Castello, 26)
- Cairoli (Foro Buonaparte, 70)
- Cadorna (Via Boccaccio at Via Leopardi)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso, 1)
- Paleocapa (Via Paleocapa, 4)
- Triennale (Viale Moliere)
- Arco della Pace (Corso Sempione, 4)
- City Life (Piazza 6 Febbraio, 26)
- Buonarroti (Viale Monterosa, 3)
- Pagano (Via del Burchiello)
- Conciliazione (Piazza Conciliazione at Via E. Toti)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso, 1)
- Sant’Ambrogio (Via Carducci, 16)
- Museo Scienza (Via Olona, 11)
- Navigli (Piazza XXIV Maggio, 6)
- Parco Basiliche (Via Molino delle Armi, 33)
- Università Studi (Via Sforza, 38)
- San Babila (Via Larga, 2)
Route Highlights:
This is the longest route. You’ll see Central Station, the skyscrapers around Gae Aulenti square, and CityLife’s modern towers. The route covers Cimitero Monumentale (monumental cemetery), Sforza Castle, Santa Maria delle Grazie for the Last Supper, Sant’Ambrogio basilica, and the Leonardo da Vinci Science Museum. It ends in Navigli, which is good for dinner.
Milan Highlights Line – Milan Open Tour
A shorter route hitting Milan’s most famous historical sites.
- Duration: 2 hours full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 20-30 minutes
- Operating hours: First departure 10:00 (Duomo), Last departure 17:30 (Duomo)
- Main starting point: Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
Stops:
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
- Scala (Via Manzoni, 3)
- San Marco (Via Fatebenefratelli, 5)
- Brera (Via Bontaccio, 2)
- Lanza (Via Tivoli, 8)
- Castello (Piazza Castello, 26)
- Cairoli (Foro Buonaparte, 70)
- Cadorna (Via Boccaccio at Via Leopardi)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso, 1)
- Litta (Corso Magenta, 24)
Route Highlights:
This compact route covers the essentials. You’ll see the Duomo, Teatro alla Scala, the Brera art district, Sforza Castle, and Santa Maria delle Grazie for the Last Supper. Simple and straightforward.
Which Operator Has the Best Routes?
- For first-time visitors: Milan Open Tour’s Highlights Line hits all the essentials in one go. You won’t waste time figuring out connections.
- For longer stays: City Sightseeing’s four routes give you more variety. You won’t feel like you’re riding the same loop twice.
- For sports fans: City Sightseeing’s Green Line. Only one that goes to San Siro.
- For architecture fans: Both cover Porta Nuova and CityLife. City Sightseeing’s Blue Line spends more time in the modern district.
- For nightlife: Both stop at Navigli. City Sightseeing has a dedicated Yellow Line for the canals.
- For art lovers: Milan Open Tour’s Highlights Line covers Brera more efficiently.
What You’ll Experience
Boarding Your Bus
Show your mobile ticket to the staff when you board. They’ll give you a paper route map and headphones for the audio commentary. Grab a seat on the upper deck for the best views. The front row gives you unobstructed panoramas, but seats further back work great too.
Listening to Audio Commentary
Plug in your headphones and select your language (10-11 languages available depending on your operator). The commentary automatically syncs with your location, telling you about landmarks as you pass them. You’ll hear stories about Milan’s history, from Roman times through the Renaissance to today. Kids get their own version with fun facts and anecdotes in English, Italian, and Spanish.
Seeing Milan’s Landmarks
The Duomo dominates the skyline. This Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete, and you can see why. The Madonnina statue on top watches over the entire city. You’ll pass Sforza Castle, a massive brick fortress that once housed Leonardo da Vinci. The modern skyline around Porta Nuova shows Milan’s contemporary side, with twisted glass towers and vertical forests.
Hopping Off to Explore
When you spot something interesting, just hop off at the next stop. Take your time exploring. Wander through the Duomo’s interior or climb to the rooftop terraces for stunning views. Get lost in Brera’s narrow streets filled with art galleries. Stop for an aperitivo in the Navigli canals district. When you’re ready, head back to any stop and catch the next bus.
Switching Between Routes
The routes intersect at major stops like Duomo and Castello. You can start on one route, hop off to explore, then catch a different line to see another part of the city. Your ticket works on all routes.
Taking Photos from the Top Deck
The open-air upper deck gives you perfect photo angles. You’re high enough to shoot over crowds and traffic. The bus moves slowly through the historic center, so you have time to frame your shots. Just watch for low-hanging tree branches.
Planning Your Day
Use the morning to ride a full loop and get oriented. Note which stops look most interesting. Spend the afternoon hopping off to explore those spots in depth. Save busy attractions like the Last Supper for early morning or late afternoon when tours are less crowded.
FAQs
Does Milan have a hop-on hop-off bus, and which operator is best?
Yes, two run here. City Sightseeing Milan covers 4 color-coded routes and 43 stops, with a real-time tracking app and a Green Line that’s the only one reaching San Siro. Milan Open Tour keeps it simpler with 2 routes and 37 stops, plus an onboard hostess and USB charging. Open Tour’s Highlights Line hits the essentials in one loop, which suits a first visit. City Sightseeing gives you more variety if you’re staying longer or heading to San Siro.
How many stops are there, and how long is a full loop?
Between them the operators cover the city’s main sights, with City Sightseeing running 43 stops over four routes and Milan Open Tour 37 stops over two. Loop times vary by route. City Sightseeing’s Red Line takes about 50 minutes, its Green Line around 80, while both Milan Open Tour routes run roughly 2 hours each. The routes intersect at major points like Duomo and Castello, so you can hop off, explore, then catch a different line on the same ticket.
Where can I find the route map and timetable?
The Route Map & Stops section on this page breaks down every City Sightseeing and Milan Open Tour line stop by stop, with operating hours and frequencies for each. City Sightseeing also offers a detailed route map and timetable as a downloadable PDF, linked in that section, and its app shows live bus locations once you’ve booked.