How to Get to the Sforzesco Castle

Sforzesco Castle: Where It Is Located

The Sforzesco Castle is located in the historic center of Milan, about 1 km north-west of the Duomo. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible from any part of the city. The official address is Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan.

The castle is located at the end of one of the most beautiful streets in Milan, Via Dante, which directly connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza Castello. Behind the castle extends the Sempione Park, one of the green lungs of the city, which reaches up to the Arco della Pace.

GPS coordinates: 45.4706°N, 9.1797°E

How to Get There by Metro (Subway)

The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Sforzesco Castle. Milan has an efficient metro network and the castle is served by three different lines.

M1 Line (Red) - Cairoli stop

Distance: 200 meters (3 minutes on foot)
The closest: This is the best option. Leaving Cairoli station, you are practically in front of the castle.

Route from exit: Exit the metro and continue straight onto Via Beltrami. In less than 3 minutes you will see the Filarete Tower in front of you.

M2 Line (Green) - Lanza stop

Distance: 400 meters (6 minutes on foot)
Valid alternative: From the Lanza stop you walk along Via Pontaccio and arrive on the north-east side of the castle.

M1 Line (Red) - Cadorna stop

Distance: 500 meters (8 minutes on foot)
Convenient for trains: Cadorna is also a railway station (Trenord). If you are coming from outside Milan, this could be your stop.

Metro Ticket: €2.20 for 90 minutes (valid on all ATM vehicles). Can be purchased at vending machines, tobacconists or via the ATM Milan app.

Tips for the Metro

• Avoid peak times (7.30am-9.30am and 5.30pm-7.30pm) if possible
• Keep your ticket until the end of the journey: there are checks
• Metros are wheelchair accessible (elevators available)
• Stations open at 6am and close at 12.30am (Friday and Saturday at 1.30am)

How to Get There by Tram

Milan's trams are an experience in themselves, especially the distinctive historic models still in circulation. Several tram lines lead directly to the castle.

Main Lines

• Tram 1: It connects the Central Station to Sempione Park, passing through the castle
• Tram 2: Beltrami-Larga stop, 100 meters from the castle
• Tram 4: From Linate airport (with change) to the centre
• Trams 12, 14: They connect several residential areas to the castle

Main stop: "Castello" - all the above lines stop here.

Advantages of the tram: Panoramic journey through Milan, often less crowded than the metro, vintage atmosphere on the historic trams.

How to Get There by Bus

Several bus lines serve the castle area:

• Buses 18, 37, 50, 58, 61, 94: Cairoli - Castello stop
• Night buses NM1, NM2: Night service when the metro is closed

Buses are useful if you're staying in areas not covered by the metro, but the metro is generally faster.

How to Get There on Foot

Walking up to the castle is a great option if you are in the historic center. Milan is a pleasant city to explore on foot.

From the Duomo to the Sforzesco Castle

Distance: 1.2 km
Time: 15 minutes
Recommended route: Via Dante

Starting from Piazza del Duomo, take Via Dante, the pedestrian street that leads directly to the castle. This is one of the most pleasant walks in Milan, lined with shops, bars and historic buildings. At the end of Via Dante, you will find yourself in Piazza Castello with the majestic Torre del Filarete in front of you.

From the Central Station

Distance: 3.5km
Time: 45 minutes
Not recommended: Better to take the M3 metro to the Duomo and then M1 to Cairoli, or M2 directly to Lanza.

From the Navigli

Distance: 2.5km
Time: 30 minutes
Path: Via Torino, then Via Dante

How to Get There by Car and Parking

Arriving by car at Castello Sforzesco is possible, but it is not the most recommended option. Milan has a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) that covers the historic center, and parking is limited and expensive.

Parking Close to the Castle

1. Castello car park

Address: Via Minghetti 5
Distance: 100 meters from the castle
Places: 350
Rate: €2.50/hour, €24 daily
Hours: 24/7

2. Foro Buonaparte car park

Address: Buonaparte Forum
Distance: 300 meters
Type: Paid street parking
Rate: Approximately €2/hour (blue lines)

3. Garage Park Sempione

Address: Via Canova 14
Distance: 400 meters
Places: 200
Rate: €2/hour

ZTL and Area C

Area C: The castle is located within Area C of Milan. To access by car on weekdays (7.30am-7.30pm) you must pay a ticket of €5 (purchasable online or from authorized retailers).

Free days: On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the Area C ticket is not required.

Advise: If you are arriving from outside Milan, consider parking in one of the interchange car parks outside the center and taking the metro. You will save time and money.

How to Get There by Bike

Milan is increasingly bike-friendly, with expanding cycle paths and an excellent bike sharing service.

BikeMi - Bike Sharing in Milan

Stations close to the castle:

• Station 1: Largo Cairoli (50 meters from the castle)
• Station 2: Foro Buonaparte (100 meters)
• Station 3: Sempione Park (150 meters)

BikeMi Rates:
- Daily pass: €4.50 (first 30 minutes free for each trip)
- Weekly subscription: €9
- Annual subscription: €36

How it works: Download the BikeMi app, register, pick up a bike from one station and return it to any other station in the city.

Bike racks and parking

Around the castle you will find numerous free bike racks where you can park your bike safely. The best areas are along Foro Buonaparte and in the Sempione Park area.

How to Get There from Milan Airports

Malpensa Airport

Distance: 50km
Time: 50-70 minutes

Option 1 - Malpensa Express + Metro (Recommended):

1. Take the Malpensa Express to Milan Cadorna (50 minutes, €13)
2. From Cadorna station it's an 8 minute walk to the castle, or 1 M1 metro stop to Cairoli

Option 2 - Shuttle Bus + Metro:

1. Shuttle bus to Milan Centrale (50 minutes, €10)
2. Metro M3 (yellow) to Duomo
3. Change to M1 (red) up to Cairoli

Option 3 - Taxi: €90-100, 50 minutes (traffic permitting)

Linate Airport

Distance: 8km
Time: 25-35 minutes

Option 1 - Bus + Metro (Economic):

1. Bus 73 to Piazza San Babila (15 minutes, €2.20)
2. Metro M1 (red) to Cairoli (5 minutes)

Option 2 - Taxi: €25-30, 20 minutes

Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport

Distance: 55km
Time: 60-90 minutes

Option 1 - Shuttle Bus + Metro:

1. Terravision or Orio Shuttle bus to Milan Centrale (60 minutes, €5-8)
2. Metro M2 (green) to Lanza (10 minutes)
3. 6 minute walk to the castle

How to Get There from the Main Attractions of Milan

From the Cathedral

🚶 On foot: 15 minutes via Via Dante
🚇 Metro M1: 2 stops (Duomo → Cairoli), 5 minutes

From the Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie)

🚶 On foot: 10 minutes
🚌 Tram 16: 1 stop

From La Scala

🚶 On foot: 10 minutes
🚇 Metro M1: Cordusio → Cairoli, 1 stop

From Navigli

🚇 Metro M2 (green): Porta Genova → Lanza, then 6 minutes on foot
🚶 On foot: 30 minutes

From the Central Station

🚇 Metro M2: Centrale FS → Lanza (8 stops, 15 minutes), then 6 minutes on foot
🚕 Taxi: 15 minutes, €15-20

Accessibility for People with Reduced Mobility

The Sforzesco Castle is accessible to visitors with motor disabilities:

• Accessible Metro: All the stops mentioned (Cairoli, Lanza, Cadorna) have elevators
• Accessible entrances: The castle has dedicated ramps and paths
• Disabled parking: Reserved seats in Piazza Castello
• Elevators in museums: Present in all main sections
• Accessible bathrooms: Available inside

Advise: If you have specific needs, contact the castle in advance on +39 02 88463700 to best organize the visit.

Practical Tips for Getting to the Castle

When to Leave

To arrive at opening time (10:00): Leave at least 45 minutes early. Public transport during rush hour (8.30-9.30) can be crowded.

On the weekend: The means of transport are less frequent but also less crowded. Add 10-15 minutes to the expected time.

Useful Apps

• ATM Milan: Official transport app, route planning and ticket purchasing
• Google Maps: Great for walking routes and real-time directions
• Moovit: Route alternatives and updated timetables
• BikeMi: For bike sharing

What to Bring

• Valid ATM ticket/subscription
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Cell phone charged with navigation app
• Identity document (to access Area C if necessary)

What to Do Nearby After the Visit

The Sforzesco Castle is surrounded by other attractions easily reachable on foot:

• Sempione Park: Behind the castle, perfect for a relaxing walk
• Arch of Peace: 10 minute walk through the park
• Milan Triennial: Museum of contemporary design, in Sempione Park
• Brera district: 10 minute walk, artistic area with galleries and restaurants
• Cathedral: 15 minute walk via Via Dante