Reaching Santa Maria delle Grazie can be confusing, especially since the church and The Last Supper museum have separate entrances.
Milan’s public transport system can also feel a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors.
This guide makes it simple by covering the best metro routes, tram stops, and walking paths from different parts of the city.
You’ll also learn how to avoid delays and head straight to the right entrance.
What’s ahead
Where is Santa Maria delle Grazie located?
Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in the city center, in a peaceful residential area known for its cobbled streets and elegant buildings.
The church and The Last Supper museum are part of the same complex but have separate entrances.
- Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
You’ll need to know the exact entrance if you’re visiting the mural, as late arrival or confusion at the site can cost you your reserved slot.
Don’t miss: Opening hours & what to see
Quick comparison: best ways to reach
| Transport Mode | Best For | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🚇 Metro | Fastest & most convenient | 5–8 min walk from station |
| 🚋 Tram | Scenic & stops nearby | Direct stop at the church |
| 🚌 Bus | Good for local routes | 5–8 min walk from the station |
| 🚶 Walking | From nearby landmarks | 8–10 mins walk from the stop |
| 🚗 Driving | Not recommended | Parking is limited |
Tip: The metro is your best bet if you’re short on time or want the smoothest option.
Museum map: Download the map of Santa Maria delle Grazie’s Refectory. It will guide you through the complex, highlighting key areas and artworks, including The Last Supper.
Metro: easiest and most efficient
Milan’s metro is the fast, reliable, and straightforward way to reach Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Take the M1 Red Line and get off at Conciliazione station. From there, it’s a five-minute walk. This is the most recommended route because it avoids traffic and has clear signage leading toward the church.
You can also use the M2 Green Line, getting off at Cadorna FN. It’s an eight-minute walk, slightly longer but useful if you arrive from Centrale or Malpensa via Cadorna station.
Why this works well for tourists:
- Trains arrive every 3–6 minutes
- Simple platform layouts
- Easy transfers from other lines
Tram: scenic route
Trams are a great choice if you prefer to stay above ground and enjoy a more local experience.
They’re slower than the metro, but more visual and accessible.
Take Tram 16, which runs the Monte Velino – San Siro route and stops right outside the church.
It’s the most direct tram option for reaching Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Bus: best for locals
For buses, Line 50 connects you to the Cadorna station, from where you can walk about 8 minutes to the church.
Buses are better suited for travelers staying in local neighborhoods without metro access.
Walking from nearby landmarks
If you’re already in central Milan, walking may be the most enjoyable way to reach the church.
Milan is flat and walkable, and the route includes historic streets and quiet corners.
Here’s what to expect from key points in the city:
- From the Duomo: Around 20 minutes on foot or 7 minutes via M1 metro. Get walking directions.
- From Cadorna Station: 8 minutes walking. Get walking directions.
- From Sforza Castle: 12 minutes on foot. Get walking directions.
Walking is great if you have flexible time and want to soak in the city, but plan ahead if you have a Last Supper ticket booked.
Coming from major stations or airports
Milan has multiple entry points, so here’s how to reach the church from the main ones:
- Milano Centrale
- Take M2 Green Line to Cadorna → walk or transfer to M1 for 1 stop
- Travel time: 15 minutes
- Milano Porta Garibaldi
- Take the M2 Green Line to Cadorna
- Or take Tram 10 via Ariosto stop (~20 minutes)
- Milano Cadorna
- Just 8 minutes walk to the church
- Or 1 stop on M1 to Conciliazione
- Malpensa Airport
- Take the Malpensa Express train to Cadorna
- Walk or switch to the M1 Red Line
- Travel time: 40 minutes
If you’re coming directly from the airport, Cadorna is your ideal arrival hub: simple, central, and metro-connected.
The church’s two masterpieces: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and Giovanni Donato da Montorfano’s Crucifixion.
Can you drive to Santa Maria delle Grazie?
Technically, yes. But it’s not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
The church sits in Milan’s ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). This means:
- 🚫 Most streets are restricted to residents during daytime hours
- 🚗 Parking is limited and expensive
- 🅿️ On-street parking fills quickly and may require local permits
There are paid parking garages nearby (like Garage Alle Grazie), but even then, you’ll have to walk a few minutes.
If you must drive:
- Avoid peak hours (8–10 am, 5–7 pm)
- Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle
- Check ZTL restrictions before entering central zones
Final tips to make your visit stress-free
Before you go, here are a few things to keep in mind:
🎫 Double-check your Last Supper ticket time. They are strict, and you won’t be allowed in if you’re late.
🚪 The church and museum have different entrances. Don’t confuse them!
📍 Use Google Maps walking directions from Conciliazione or Cadorna.
⏳ Give yourself at least 20 minutes buffer if you’re coming from farther stations.