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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Il Caravaggio International Airport (BGY), also known as Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, is the closest to Bergamo, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) southeast.

Airport Overview

  • Milan Linate Airport (LIN): 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Bergamo, serves domestic and short-haul European flights.
  • Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): 95 km (59 miles) west of Bergamo, a major international airport for long-haul and intercontinental flights.
  • Flight prices vary; peak summer (June-August) and holidays see higher costs. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often present better value.

Airport Transfers

Efficient transfer options connect all three airports to Bergamo city.

Transfer Details

  • From BGY: The ATB Airport Bus (Line 1) offers direct, convenient transfer to Bergamo train station, city center, and Citta Alta (15-30 mins). A Bergamo Card includes this transfer.
  • From LIN: Bus to Milan Central Station (25 mins), then frequent trains to Bergamo (45-60 mins). Direct bus services also operate to BGY.
  • From MXP: Malpensa Express train to Milan Central (30-50 mins), then regional train to Bergamo. Direct bus services also operate to BGY (90-120 mins).

Airport Facilities

All airports offer useful facilities including car rental desks, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, and dining. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Finding Flights

Dollar Flight Club assists in finding deals. Skyscanner searches for flight options.

Direct Flights

Direct flights to BGY originate mainly from European cities. For intercontinental travel, MXP or LIN are common entry points.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

  • Bergamo's main train station is in Citta Bassa (Piazzale Marconi).
  • Trenord operates regional trains; Trenitalia handles national services.
  • Frequent train connections to Milan (45-60 mins), Brescia, Lecco.
  • Purchase tickets at stations or online. Validate your ticket before boarding at green/yellow machines on the platform to avoid fines.

Bus Services & Self-Driving

  • Long-distance buses (e.g., FlixBus) link Bergamo to various Italian cities and international destinations from the bus station near the train station.
  • Renting a car (from DiscoverCars.com, Hertz, Avis, etc.) offers regional exploration flexibility. An IDP is mandatory for non-EU citizens.
  • Italian roads are well-maintained. Motorways are toll roads.
  • ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Many historic city centers, including parts of Citta Alta, have limited traffic zones. Unauthorized entry results in high fines. Parking in Citta Alta is limited.

Road Safety and Borders

Driving Challenges

Driving in Italian cities presents challenges: narrow streets, ZTLs, assertive local drivers. Plan routes carefully to bypass unexpected ZTL entries. GPS systems often do not account for ZTLs.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 90 km/h (secondary), 110 km/h (main), 130 km/h (motorways). Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.

Border Crossings

Italy shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia. As part of the Schengen Area, routine passport checks are generally absent at internal land borders for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens holding a Schengen visa must ensure their visa allows for re-entry if they exit the Schengen Area.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland Location

Bergamo is an inland city situated in Lombardy.

Direct Water Access

  • The city does not feature sea or significant river ports for public transportation.
  • Sea or river arrivals are not applicable as a direct means of reaching Bergamo.
  • Travelers typically arrive by air or land.

Regional Waterways

While Bergamo itself lacks direct water transport, the region hosts several scenic lakes.

Nearby Lakes

  • Lake Como and Lake Iseo are accessible by car or train from Bergamo.
  • These lakes offer boat tours and water activities once you reach them by land.
  • No direct sea or river routes serve Bergamo for passenger transport.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on departing passengers from Italian airports; these charges are usually included in the ticket price.

Departure Timing

  • International Flights (non-Schengen): Arrive at least 2.5-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Schengen Flights: Arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Be ready for standard airport security checks.

VAT Refunds & Facilities

If you made eligible purchases (over €154.94 per store for non-EU residents) and plan to claim a VAT refund, allow extra time for this process at the airport.

Airport Facilities

  • Go to the customs office for verification and stamping Before checking luggage.
  • BGY and larger Milanese airports offer shops, restaurants, duty-free stores, and lounges.
  • Bergamo train station presents basic facilities like a ticket office and cafes.

Airline Information

BGY Airport Operators

Ryanair dominates operations at BGY. Wizz Air, Volotea, and other low-cost carriers also operate here, connecting to numerous European cities like London, Dublin, Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris.

LIN Airport Operators

Milan Linate Airport serves traditional airlines like ITA Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France, mainly for domestic and short-haul European flights.

MXP Airport Operators

Milan Malpensa Airport handles major airlines worldwide, including American Airlines, Delta, United, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, connecting travelers to global hubs across North America, Asia, and other continents.

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