Where to park for free in Milan

Milan

Did you know Milan has one of the highest numbers of cars per resident in all the country? That means finding free parking can be tricky, but not impossible. In this guide, we’ll show you where to park for free in Milan, how the parking zones work, which neighbourhoods offer free spaces, and what alternatives you have to get around easily if you decided to hire through DoYouItaly.

Parking in Milan

Milan is one of the busiest cities in Italy when it comes to traffic. Its historic centre is pretty small, and many areas are restricted to private vehicles. So if you’re planning to explore the city by car, it’s worth understanding how the parking zones and Limited Traffic Areas (ZTL) work.

While free parking in the heart of the city is nearly impossible, there are free or low-cost options in other parts of Milan, well connected by metro and tram. That way, you can leave your car without paying and reach the city centre in just a few minutes.

How parking works in Milan

Before looking for free parking, it’s important to understand how parking is regulated in Milan. The city has three types of parking zones, each marked by a different colour:

• Blue zones: These are the most common and are designated for paid parking. Prices vary by area but typically cost around €2 per hour.
• White zones: The ones everyone looks for. Parking is free here, although in some cases there may be time limits or restrictions for residents during certain hours.
• Yellow zones: Reserved for residents, disabled drivers or public services. Parking here without authorisation can result in hefty fines.

Plus, Milan has a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) known as Area C, which covers the historic centre within the perimeter of the mediaeval walls. To enter this zone with a private vehicle, you must pay a daily fee of around €5. If you’re hiring a car with DoYouItaly, it’s important to avoid entering without permission, as number plates are recorded by cameras and fines are issued automatically.

Where to park for free in Milan: recommended areas

There are several outer districts where you can park for free and travel easily by public transport.

1. Bovisa Area

Located to the north of the city near the Polytechnic University of Milan, Bovisa is a quiet, well-connected neighbourhood. Free parking is available on residential streets.

2. Precotto and Villa San Giovanni

These areas offer plenty of free parking and direct access to Metro Line 1 (red), which takes you to the Duomo in around 15 minutes. If you're travelling with a hire car, this is one of the best options for leaving it all day.

3. San Siro

Near the famous football stadium, you’ll find wide avenues and streets with free parking spaces, except on match days. Via Novara and Via Harar are good spots to park without charge and take Metro Line 5 into the city centre.

4. Cascina Gobba

Cascina Gobba is another ideal area for free or low-costparking. From here, Metro Line 2 connects directly to the historic centre.

5. Bicocca

The modern, university district of Bicocca also offers white zones and free parking near the Bicocca Village shopping centre. It’s a great option if you're staying in northern Milan.

Free parking near Milan’s city centre

Finding free parking right in the city centre is tricky, but there are affordable options and park-and-ride alternatives that combine well with public transport.

In neighbourhoods like Porta Romana, Citta Studi, or Porta Vittoria, you’ll find streets with white zones (free parking), although these tend to fill up early. It’s best to arrive before 8:00 a.m. to find a spot.

Another option is to take advantage of free parking during evenings and weekends, as many blue zones (paid parking) are free outside working hours. Always check the street signs before parking to confirm the permitted times.

Where not to park in Milan

There are areas where parking can be costly or even risky. Avoid:

• Streets within Area C, unless you have authorisation
• Yellow zones or resident-only areas, which are closely monitored by cameras
• Areas marked with “Divieto di sosta” (no parking), especially common during weekly markets

Free parking near Milan’s tourist attractions

• Duomo: The best option is to leave your car at a Park & Ride (such as Famagosta or San Donato) and take the metro to Duomo station.
• San Siro Stadium: On non-match days, there are free streets nearby where you can park.
• Navigli: This bohemian district doesn’t offer free parking nearby, but you can leave your car at Porta Genova or Famagosta and take the metro.
• Central Station: While the immediate area is mostly paid parking, you may find white zones further out along Via Tonale or Via Gioia.

Common parking mistakes in Milan (and how to avoid them)

• Accidentally entering the ZTL: Milan’s Limited Traffic Zone is monitored by cameras, and fines are issued automatically—even to foreign drivers.
• Confusing white and blue zones: Sometimes the paint is faded, so it’s best to check the signage carefully.
• Not displaying a parking disc: In some free zones, you’re required to indicate your arrival time using a disc.
• Leaving your car parked for several days: On certain streets, this is prohibited due to street cleaning or weekly markets.

Getting around Milan without paying for parking is possible

Milan may not be the easiest city for parking, but with a bit of planning, you can enjoy your visit without spending on parking fees.

Wondering how to hire a cheap car in Italy? Remember, with DoYouItaly you can hire a car at the best price, collect it directly at the airport or in the city centre, and explore Milan and northern Italy with complete freedom. That way, you can discover stunning destinations like Lake Como, Bergamo or Verona without relying on public transport.