Milano Centrale

Milan's principal railway station, Milano Centrale, is one of Europe's most identifiable transit terminals, thanks to its imposing size and 1930s-era design. Built under Mussolini's fascist administration, the edifice is supposed to portray strength and superiority, with immense halls of arched marble and massive glass and steel canopies. Because this is Milan, there are also high-fashion stores and apparently limitless shopping choices, as well as handy eating alternatives. While the station is intimidating and frequently crowded with tourists and business travelers, it is also very user-friendly for first-time visitors coming in and departing from the city.

Milano Centrale Station is located in the city's northeast, just north of Giardini Park (Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli). The neighborhood is relatively industrial and not very attractive, although there are several hotels and restaurants nearby, and the Isola district immediately west of the station has become one of the city's most popular attractions. While Milano Centrale is the largest and busiest, the city also has two additional "central" train stations: one at Garibaldi Park, just south of Centrale, and one on the west side of town in Cadorna.

Despite its huge and intimidating appearance, Milano Centrale is easy to traverse, with clear signage and visible train departure reading boards that keep visitors informed of any delays or cancellations. There are two major floors and a mezzanine at the station. When you arrive, take a minute to orient yourself and check the current train schedule information, which is shown on numerous huge ticker-style reading boards located around the station. There will be another sign at your platform (the train platform area is accessible from the entry level); this should correspond to the information on the reader boards around the station but may be more up to date.

Location: Milan, Italy