Cadorna Railway Station (Milano Cadorna) is a major transport hub and the second most important railway station in Milan. Located in the very heart of the city, in the immediate vicinity of the majestic Sforza Castle, it serves as a key arrival point for tourists using the express train from Malpensa Airport, as well as for thousands of commuter passengers. The building's modern architecture and convenient navigation make it a comfortable start to your journey through the Lombardy capital.
City
Milan
Country
Italy
Type
Railway station
It is important for passengers to know that the station is a terminus, so all platforms (10 in total) are on the same level, and there is no need to go up or down stairs to reach them. The main entrance is located on Piazzale Luigi Cadorna. The station is integrated with the metro system: transfer to the M1 (red) and M2 (green) lines takes place directly inside the station complex.
Contact Information
Official website: trenord.it (primary operator of regional trains)
Information line: +39 02 7249 4949 (Trenord contact centre)
Address: Piazzale Luigi Cadorna, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Opening hours: daily from 04:30 to 01:00 (the station closes at night)
Luggage storage info: there are no automatic lockers at the station itself; it is recommended to use private luggage storage services within walking distance.
Accessibility information: an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (Sala Blu / Assistenza) is available; there are elevators for metro access and barrier-free access to platforms.
How to Get There
Getting to Cadorna Station is very easy, as it is located in the centre of Milan's transport network. The most popular method is the Metro. The Cadorna FN station is a transfer hub for the red (M1) and green (M2) lines, allowing you to reach it quickly from almost anywhere in the city.
Surface transport is represented by trams No. 1 and No. 19, which stop right on the square in front of the entrance. City buses also run here (for example, route 50 and night bus NM1). A ride by taxi from other central districts will take 10–15 minutes.
For those who prefer walking, the station is in an ideal location: a walking route from the Duomo along Via Dante will take about 15–20 minutes, and from Sempione Park and Sforza Castle — just 2–3 minutes.
Services and Amenities
A wide range of services is available to passengers at Cadorna Station. Ticket offices and numerous self-service machines for purchasing tickets for regional trains and the Malpensa Express are located in the central hall. Small seating areas are provided for waiting, although they may be occupied during peak hours.
Amenities also include paid restrooms (usually coin-operated), a pharmacy, newsstands, and clothing stores. Wi-Fi is available in café areas and through citywide networks, but for a stable connection, it is better to have your own mobile internet. There are few power outlets in public access areas; they are mainly found in cafés. It is important to remember the absence of luggage lockers inside the station, so please plan your logistics in advance.
Where to Eat
It is difficult to stay hungry at Cadorna Station. Inside the building, there are several typical Italian coffee bars where you can quickly drink an espresso and have a snack with a fresh croissant or panini. This is an ideal option for a quick breakfast; the average bill will be 3–6 Euros.
Popular fast-food chains (for example, Burger King) and takeaway pizza spots are also represented at the station. If you have 30–40 minutes to spare, we advise going out to the square or walking to the neighbouring street, Via Boccaccio: there you will find cozy trattorias and restaurants where you can have a more substantial lunch and try Milanese cuisine in a quiet atmosphere.
Station History
The history of Cadorna Station dates back to 1879, when the first wooden station building, resembling a mountain chalet, was opened. Initially, it was called Stazione di Milano Sempione. A permanent structure appeared later, and the station received its current name in honour of General Luigi Cadorna.
During World War II, in 1943, the building was almost completely destroyed by bombings, but it was restored in the post-war years. The station acquired its modern, recognizable look after a large-scale reconstruction in 1999–2000 under the guidance of architect Gae Aulenti. At the same time, the famous sculpture "Needle, Thread and Knot" adorned the square in front of the station, symbolizing the diligence of the Milanese and the city's status as the world fashion capital.
Traveler Tips
If you are travelling on Trenord regional trains, be sure to validate paper tickets before boarding using the special validators on the platform to avoid a fine. This is not required for electronic tickets.
The Malpensa Express train to the airport usually departs from platform 1 or 2, but always check the display board. It is recommended to arrive at the station 15–20 minutes before departure. Be vigilant: as in any crowded tourist place, pickpockets may operate here, so do not leave your luggage unattended. The station closes at night, so it is not suitable for overnight waiting.
