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Covid test in Milan?

I'm having a hard time finding somewhere to get a rapid antigen test to return to the US. A few places say there's a Red Cross testing station in the Milan Centrale train station, but warn that there can be very long lines. We'll be staying near the Duomo. Google maps doesn't show anything else close, at least not anywhere that doesn't require a referral. I usually have no trouble with online searches, but am having a problem here.

Our hotel says the best alternative is a nurse they retain, for €75 per test, which seems excessive.

Posted by
1124 posts

The higher end Marriott properties have a nurse come to the hotel to do rapid antigen and PCR tests. The rapid tests run around €40 or €50. PCR is €75. I would contact the Westin or one of the other Marriott properties.

Posted by
3812 posts

You mean you did not find a single Pharmacy close to your hotel on Google Maps? I can't believe it, what's the hotel address? Maybe it's because you are making the online search in the wrong language.

Posted by
117 posts

@Dario - I searched for covid tests milan, not for pharmacies. Most results were something like: COVID-19 testing center
Appointment required; Referral required; Tests limited to certain patients; Drive-through.

Do all pharmacies do rapid antigen tests, preferably giving the results with a QR code?

Address is Via Gesù, 6-8, 20121 Milano

Posted by
117 posts

@April, we are not staying at a Marriott. From my experience and what I have heard, hotel tests are given in the guest's hotel room and are for those staying at the hotel. Does the Milan Marriott have a different policy?

Posted by
8050 posts

Like Dario mentioned, just go to a local Pharmacy and ask, they will either be able to do it, or direct you to one. If they have a tent or portable building set up outside, that is a dead giveaway that they do.

In Rome, there were three places within a a couple blocks of my hotel. About a 5 minute wait, easy test, results in 20 minutes, all for about 25 euro.

Will be leaving from the Netherlands next week, wish it was as easy, and cheap, in Amsterdam.

Edit: you also do not need a QR code for return to the US, just a report.

Posted by
3812 posts

Here you are: https://farmacia-aperta.eu/?time=&orari=orari&dateStr=23/11/2021&timeStr=11:00&nolocate=1#45.46449,9.18771,15z

Check the "Tamponi" box on the left. Of course if you use the link when it's night in Italy most pharmacies will be displayed as closed.

They will give you the results as a QR code to be scanned by the Italian's government app, otherwise no Italian would get tested in that Pharmacy. What kind of QR code do you exactly need?

Posted by
1045 posts

Returned from Rome last week. Pharmacy near hotel did tests with results in 19 minutes. I timed it. They said 20 minutes. Got a printout with a bar code and all relevant info, passport number, name, test date and time. That’s all you need. Cost 22 euros.
Your hotel should know where to get a test if it caters to travelers. It is not only US citizens that need tests.
Milan is a big international city. No reason you cannot find a pharmacy that does tests. Ask around.

Posted by
285 posts

Was just in Milan and didn't see the pop up tents like we did in Rome, but many pharmacies had signs up saying they do the tests.

Posted by
1124 posts

No, you don’t have to be staying at the Marriott property. You just have to call them for the appointment.

Edited to note that I have done the tests at the Gritti Palace in Venice and the Westin in Florence, neither of which I was a guest of.