Yes, you must pay for the metro in Milan, as the system is not free for the general public, though the payment methods have become incredibly modern and user-friendly as of 2026. The most convenient way to pay is via contactless payment (credit card, debit card, or a digital wallet on your phone or smartwatch); you simply tap your card or device at the reader on the turnstile when entering and exiting, and the system automatically calculates the correct fare. Milan also utilizes a "best fare" or fare-capping system, ensuring you are never charged more than the price of a daily pass regardless of how many trips you take in a 24-hour period. For those who prefer traditional methods, you can still purchase physical paper tickets or a "MilanoCard" from automated vending machines found in every station. A standard single ticket (covering zones Mi1-Mi3) costs approximately €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes across the metro, buses, and trams. It is critical to remember that you must validate your ticket before boarding and keep it with you until you exit the destination station, as ticket inspectors frequently conduct spot checks and can issue heavy on-the-spot fines for anyone traveling without a valid, validated fare.