How to Get to the Last Supper Metro, Tram, Walking Directions
Santa Maria delle Grazie sits just far enough from Milan’s main tourist axis that getting there requires a plan, but close enough that it’s a 15-minute trip from almost anywhere in the center. Here’s exactly how to reach it by metro, tram, or on foot, including the fastest routes from Milano Centrale and the Duomo.
The Exact Address
Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2, 20123 Milan, Italy
The painting is housed in the refectory (former dining hall) of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, adjoining the church of the same name. The complex sits in Milan’s historic center, roughly a 15–20 minute walk west of the Duomo, in a quiet piazza that feels noticeably calmer than the tourist density around the cathedral.
By Metro (The Fastest Option)
Milan’s metro network puts you within a short walk of the entrance no matter where you’re starting from in the city center.
Closest station: Conciliazione (M1, Red Line) – about 350 meters from the entrance, roughly a 5-minute walk. This is the single most convenient stop if your route allows it.
Alternative: Cadorna (M1 and M2, Red and Green Lines) – about 900 meters away, a 10–12 minute walk. Cadorna is a major interchange, so it’s often the more practical option if you’re coming from a part of the city only served by the M2 line, or connecting from Trenord regional trains or the Malpensa Express.
From Milano Centrale Station
Take the M2 (Green Line) directly from Centrale FS — no transfers needed — and get off at Cadorna, then walk about 10–12 minutes to the piazza. This is the simplest route from Milan’s main train station, and the whole journey, door to door, typically takes 20–25 minutes including the walk.
From the Duomo
Take the M1 (Red Line) from Duomo station, direction Rho Fieramilano or Bisceglie, and ride three stops to Conciliazione. From there it’s a flat, 5-minute walk to the entrance. Total journey time is usually around 12–15 minutes.
By Tram
Tram 16 runs from near the Duomo area out toward Santa Maria delle Grazie and stops right in front of the piazza – a scenic, street-level alternative to the metro if you’d rather watch the city go by than ride underground. It’s a good option on a pleasant day or if you’re already near a stop along its route.
On Foot
If you enjoy walking and the weather cooperates, both major starting points connect on foot without much difficulty:
From the Duomo: About 1.5 km, roughly 15–20 minutes, through some of Milan’s more elegant streets including Via Meravigli and Corso Magenta.
From Sforza Castle: Considerably closer, about 10 minutes on foot, making it easy to combine both sights in one outing.
One thing to know before walking in cold: the building’s entrance isn’t obvious from the street. Many first-time visitors arrive at the back of the complex before realizing they need to continue around to the side entrance marked for the Cenacolo Vinciano, separate from the main church doors. Budgeting a few extra minutes for this is worth it if your ticket has a strict entry time.
Getting There From the Airport
If you’re heading straight from the airport to see the Last Supper on arrival day (not generally recommended given how tightly timed entry slots are, but sometimes unavoidable with a short layover in Milan):
From Malpensa: Take the Malpensa Express train to Cadorna station, then walk 10–12 minutes to the piazza — this route is convenient because the airport train terminates directly at Cadorna.
From Linate: Take the M4 line to San Babila, transfer to the M1, and ride toward Conciliazione.
From Bergamo Orio al Serio: Take the airport bus to Milano Centrale, then follow the M2-to-Cadorna route above.
How to Find the Entrance
This is the detail that trips up first-time visitors: the church and the Cenacolo (the room housing the Last Supper) have separate entrances. Tourists occasionally queue at the main church doors expecting to find the painting, only to be redirected around the side.
Church entrance: Faces the piazza directly, at the front of the building.
Cenacolo Vinciano entrance: Located on the right-hand side of the church complex, marked separately and reserved for ticket holders with a timed reservation.
If you have a Last Supper ticket, look for the Cenacolo Vinciano signage rather than the main church doors – arriving at the wrong entrance and needing to walk around can eat into the buffer time you should be leaving before your slot.
Combination Tours
Combination tours pair the Last Supper with other major Milan sights: most commonly the Duomo, but also Sforza Castle, the Brera district, or a general historic-center walk. These run longer, typically two to three hours, and suit travelers who’d rather bundle their sightseeing into one guided block than book each attraction separately.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions.
What’s the closest metro station to the Last Supper?
Conciliazione, on the M1 (Red) line about 350 meters, or a 5-minute walk, from the entrance.
Can I get there without changing metro lines from Milano Centrale?
Yes. The M2 (Green Line) runs directly from Centrale FS to Cadorna with no transfer, though you’ll still need to walk the final 10–12 minutes from Cadorna to the piazza.
Is it walkable from the Duomo?
Yes, about 1.5 km or 15–20 minutes on foot, through the historic center via Corso Magenta.
Does the tram go all the way to the entrance?
Tram 16 stops directly in front of the piazza, making it one of the most convenient above-ground options from the Duomo area.