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Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport is one of the most popular arrival points for people traveling to Milan. Although it’s located about 50 kilometers from the city center, several convenient transportation options are available. This guide contains all the information you need to make the best decision.
Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio) – Basic Information
Bergamo Airport officially bears the name “Il Caravaggio” and is the third-largest airport in Italy. It’s the main hub for budget airlines, especially Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet. The IATA code is BGY.
Milan Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport is the third busiest airport in Italy in terms of passenger traffic. It is also known as Milano – Bergamo or Milano – Orio al Serio, and along with Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports, forms a complex that served over 13 million passengers in 2022. Previously dedicated to Antonio Locatelli, since March 23, 2011, the airport has officially been named after the famous painter from Bergamo, Michelangelo Merisi, better known as Caravaggio.
Although Milan Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport is geographically closer to the city of Bergamo, it is commonly referred to as Milan’s airport due to its strategic location in the Lombardy region. The airport’s proximity to Milan, just 45 km away, makes it a convenient transport option for travelers visiting both Milan and Bergamo.
The airport has one passenger terminal and two jet-bridge gates, allowing for efficient and comfortable travel. Ryanair has a significant presence at Orio al Serio, operating about 90% of the flights from this airport. In addition to Ryanair, travelers can choose from several other low-cost airlines, including Wizz Air, easyJet, Volotea, and Vueling, offering a wide range of destinations and travel options.
Transportation options available from Bergamo Airport
When it comes to traveling to and from Orio al Serio Airport, you have various transportation options available. The most popular choice is the bus, which offers convenient and frequent services connecting the airport with the city center. Additionally, travelers have the option to use taxis, rent cars, or even take a train (to the station in Bergamo and then an ATB bus), providing easy access to both Bergamo and Milan.
Bus from Bergamo Airport to Milan – Most Popular Option
The bus is the most popular means of transportation on the Bergamo-Milan route. It connects the airport directly to Milano Centrale station, is relatively inexpensive, and runs very frequently. Several carriers operate on this route with similar offerings but different prices.
Main Carriers
Terravision
Terravision is one of the oldest operators on this route. Buses run practically around the clock (from around 12:10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.), with a frequency of every 20-30 minutes during the day. The journey takes about 50-60 minutes, although it may take longer during rush hour.
Orio Shuttle
Orio Shuttle, It runs daily every 20-30 minutes.
Autostradale (Airport Bus Express)
Autostradale is another operator offering a similar service on this route.
Terravision, Orio Shuttle, and Autostradale offer direct connections to Milano Centrale without transfers.
Flixbus
Flixbus is a good alternative, especially if you are looking for connections to other cities. Prices are competitive, but courses may be less frequent.
Buy a bus ticket:
Note: Bus ticket prices may vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, and occupancy. Always check current prices on the carriers’ official websites before traveling. Tickets purchased in advance online are usually cheaper.
Where to Find Bus Stops?
At Bergamo Airport: Exit the arrivals terminal and head toward the bus zone (Stazione Autolinee). Stands are clearly marked, each carrier has its designated stop.
In Milan: All buses stop at Milano Centrale station, usually at Piazza Luigi di Savoia. This is the city’s main transport hub, where you can easily transfer to the subway (lines M2 and M3).
How and Where to Buy Tickets?
Schedule
Buses adjust schedules to arrivals and departures. During the day, you can count on departures every 20-30 minutes. At night, services are less frequent but still available (especially with Terravision).
Important: If your flight is delayed, tickets remain valid for subsequent services on the same day.
Bus Pros and Cons
What routes are available between Bergamo Airport and Milan?
How to get from the airport to Bergamo?
Airport Bus is the ideal transportation option for travelers looking to get from Orio al Serio Airport to the charming city of Bergamo. The bus operates daily at regular intervals of every 20 minutes, providing convenient and frequent transfers. It will take you directly to the Bergamo station, located near the city center, and is operated by ATB (Azienda Trasporti Bergamo).
Connections between the airport and other Italian cities.
How to get from Bergamo Airport by train – an alternative for travelers with light luggage
Train travel requires a transfer, but it’s a great option if you want to avoid traffic jams and enjoy rail travel.
How to Get from the Airport to the Train Station in Bergamo?
There’s no direct rail connection between the airport and Milan. First, you need to reach the train station in Bergamo.
ATB Line 1 Bus (Airport Bus)
This is a local city bus that connects the airport with Bergamo train station (Stazione FS).
- Price: Tariffa C – Tre Zone (three ATB fare zones). Check the current amount in the fare schedule on atb.bergamo.it in the “Sistema tariffario” section
- Travel time: approximately 10-15 minutes
- Frequency: every 20 minutes during the day
You can buy tickets at the airport from ATB ticket offices, vending machines, or through the Moovit app. Line 1 also serves Città Alta (upper town of Bergamo), so if you have a few hours, you can explore Bergamo along the way.
Train Connections Bergamo – Milan
Regional Trenord trains run from Bergamo station to Milan.
Destination stations in Milan:
Ticket price: approximately 6 EUR in second class
Travel time: from 48 minutes (according to Trenord), depending on the connection can be up to 60 minutes
Frequency: approximately 15 trains daily on the Bergamo-Milano Centrale route, almost every hour during the day. First train around 5:00 AM, last around 9:12 PM
Where to buy tickets:
Remember: Tickets must be validated before boarding the train in the machines on the platform.
Total Cost and Time
Cost: approximately 9-11 EUR total (ATB bus according to fare C – Tre Zone + Trenord train 6 EUR)
Total time: approximately 70-90 minutes (depending on waiting time for bus and train)
Train Pros and Cons
Taxi and Private Transfers from BGY to Milan – Convenience and Comfort
If you value comfort, are traveling in a group, or have a lot of luggage, a taxi or private transfer may be a good choice.
Official Taxis from Bergamo Airport
Taxis wait at the stand in front of the terminal (arrivals exit, Door 1). They’re white with a characteristic illuminated sign on the roof.
Price: 128 EUR (fixed rate applied by most licensed taxi and NCC carriers on the Orio al Serio Airport – Milan route)
Travel time: approximately 45-60 minutes (depending on traffic)
Important information:
Private Transfers (NCC – noleggio con conducente)
Private transfers are a service similar to taxis, but with the option of early booking and a guaranteed price.
Popular platforms:
Price: approximately 100-120 EUR (often lower than official taxis, especially when booking in advance)
What you get:
Taxi/Private Transfer Pros and Cons
Car Rental at Bergamo Airport
Car rental is a good option if you’re planning to explore Lombardy and need flexibility.
Where to Rent a Car?
At Bergamo Airport, you’ll find stands of all major companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Maggiore. Offices are located in the arrivals hall.
Costs and Requirements
Approximate prices: from 30-50 EUR/day (depending on vehicle class and season)
Additional costs:
Required documents:
Car Rental Pros and Cons
If you decide to rent a car, you can easily reach Milan from Bergamo Airport. The journey typically takes about 45 minutes, allowing you to arrive in the city in a relatively short time. However, keep in mind that travel time may vary depending on road conditions.
During your journey to Milan, you will encounter toll booths along the route. The toll fee for this route is around €10, so it’s advisable to have cash or an appropriate payment method on hand.
Search for a car:
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Milan and its surroundings at your own pace. Driving in the city can be quite a challenge, so take a look at what to expect in this guide: Driving in Milan.
Transportation Options Comparison – Which is Best for You?
|
Transportation |
Price |
Travel Time |
Frequency |
ComfortKey Advantages |
Key Advantages |
Key Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bus (Terravision) |
From 5 EUR (promo) / 8 EUR |
50-90 min |
Every 20-30 min |
Medium |
Direct, frequentTraffic jams during rush hours |
Traffic jams, crowded in season |
|
Autobus (Orio Shuttle) |
12 EUR |
50-60 min |
Every 20-30 min |
Medium |
Direct, frequentTraffic jams during rush hours |
Traffic jams during rush hours |
|
Autobus (Autostradale) |
From 7 EUR online, R/T 14 EUR |
50-60 min |
Per schedule (frequent) |
Medium |
Online deals, cheap |
Traffic jams during rush hours |
|
Train + ATB bus |
9-11 EUR (ATB + Trenord 6 EUR) |
70-90 min |
Hourly |
Medium |
Cheapest, no traffic jams |
Transfer, luggage transport |
|
Official taxi |
128 EUR |
45-70 min |
On demand |
High |
Comfort, door-to-door |
Very expensive for 1 person |
|
Private transfer |
100-120 EUR |
45-70 min |
Reservation |
High |
Guaranteed price, flight monitoring |
Expensive for 1 person |
|
Car rental |
From 30 EUR/day + extras |
45-60 min |
– |
High |
Independence, regional explorationExtra costs, parking, ZTL |
Extra costs, parking, ZTL |
Which Option for Whom?
Choose bus if:
Choose train if:
Choose taxi/transfer if:
Rent a car if:
Practical tips for travelers
Buying Tickets in Advance
Online booking is always a good idea. Bus tickets purchased in advance are cheaper, and with private transfers, you’re guaranteed the driver will be waiting.
Night Transportation
If you arrive late at night or very early in the morning:
Luggage
Buses: Usually no restrictions – one suitcase per person + carry-on (check carrier conditions)
Train: No official limits, but remember about transporting luggage to the station and on the train
Taxi: Standard trunk will fit 2-3 large suitcases
Traffic and Congestion
The A4 highway connecting Bergamo with Milan is very busy. The worst hours are:
During these hours, bus or car travel can take up to 90 minutes.
What If You Lose Your Ticket or Miss Your Bus?
Most bus carriers honor tickets for subsequent services on the same day. If your flight is delayed, don’t worry – just board the next available bus.
Helpful Apps and Tools for Travel
- Moovit: Planning routes with city buses (ATB in Bergamo, ATM in Milan)
- Trenord: Train schedules and ticket purchases
- Google Maps: Navigation and current traffic information
- Carrier websites: Terravision, Orio Shuttle – latest schedules and prices
Accommodation near Bergamo Airport
There are several convenient options for a one-night stay near BGY airport (especially for late arrivals or very early departures): from on-site accommodation in the terminal to classic hotels in Orio al Serio and Grassobbio. The airport’s official website even has a “Flights and Hotels” section, which lists accommodation options, including the ZZZleepandGo capsule hotel operating at the airport.
If you want a hotel outside the airport but still close by, a popular choice is NH Orio al Serio (on the other side of the airport), which is about a 10-minute walk away. A 15-minute walk through the underground passage or a short shuttle ride. Alternatively, many people choose accommodation in nearby towns (e.g., Grassobbio), where lower prices and guesthouses/aparthotels are easier to find, and the airport is usually just a few minutes away by car or taxi.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Bergamo Airport in Milan
How much does it cost to travel from Bergamo airport to Milan?
Cena zależy od wyboru transportu i waha się od 7,6€ (shuttle + pociąg) do 128€ za taxi, ale może sięgać nawet 400€ jeśli wybierze się przejazd limuzyną.
How much does a taxi cost from Orio al Serio to Milan?
Dla tych, którzy wolą wygodę i komfort taksówki, podróżowanie między Mediolanem a Bergamo jest również opcją. Opłata za tę podróż wynosi 128 euro, zgodnie z przepisami regionalnymi i miejskimi. Ważne jest, aby pamiętać, że ta taryfa dotyczy konkretnie podróży do i z miasta Mediolan i nie obejmuje miejsc znajdujących się w sąsiednich okolicach. W takich przypadkach konieczne jest wynegocjowanie osobnej taryfy z taksówkarzem.
Is the airport in Bergamo closed at night?
The airport is open all night.
How much does the train from Bergamo to Milan cost?
The train ride costs €6 and takes about 45 minutes.
Is Bergamo Airport close to Milan?
The airport is located about 50 kilometers from Milan’s center. The journey takes from 45 minutes (by car without traffic) to 90 minutes (by bus during rush hours).
Which transportation is the cheapest?
The combination of ATB city bus with Trenord train is the cheapest option – approximately 9-11 EUR total (ATB bus according to fare C – Tre Zone + Trenord train 6 EUR). However, you must account for a transfer.
Are there direct train connections?
No, there’s no direct train connection between Bergamo Airport and Milan. You must first take a bus to the station in Bergamo.
Do taxis accept credit cards?
Most do, but it’s always worth confirming with the driver before starting the journey. Also bring euro cash just in case.
Can I buy a bus ticket from the driver?
It depends on the carrier. Some sell tickets on the bus, but it’s usually a more expensive option. Better to buy online or at the airport ticket office.
How much time before departure should I leave Milan?
It’s recommended to be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for international flights. If you’re taking the bus, add 1-1.5 hours for the journey (more during rush hours). In total: leaving 3-4 hours before departure is a safe option.
Do Uber and Bolt work at Bergamo Airport?
Uber has a presence at Bergamo Airport and offers services like Uber Reserve (advance booking) and premium options like Uber Black. However, standard Uber Taxi services may be limited in the Orio al Serio area. The Bolt app is not widely available at this airport. It’s best to check availability in the app before your planned trip. Alternatively, you can use official taxis or book a private transfer in advance.
What if my flight is delayed?
Bus tickets are usually valid for all services on the purchase day. Private transfers monitor flights and the driver will wait. Official taxis are always available at the stand.
Are there hotels near the airport?
Yes, in Orio al Serio and Grassobbio (neighboring towns) there are several hotels. It’s a good option if you have a very early flight or late arrival.
Summary – Plan Your Journey Wisely
The choice of transportation from Bergamo Airport to Milan depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for an inexpensive solution, opt for the combination of ATB bus and train. For comfort and time savings, a direct shuttle bus will be best. And if you’re traveling in a group or with children – a private transfer or taxi is an investment in peace and convenience.
Always remember to purchase tickets in advance and account for time for possible traffic jams. Milan awaits – buon viaggio!
Sources
Więcej informacji znajdziesz na stronach:
- ATB (Bergamo) – tourist information / Airport Bus
- ATB (Bergamo) – fare system (prices/zones)
- Trenord – Bergamo ⇄ Milano Centrale (times and prices)
- Trenord – Milan Central Station ⇄ Bergamo (times and prices)
- Orio Shuttle (official website OrioShuttle)
- Highway – Milan Central Station ↔ Bergamo Orio al Serio (airport transfer)
- Terravision – BGY ↔ Milano Centrale
- Uber – BGY Airport Page
- Orio Shuttle on the Milano-Aeroporti portal
I lived in Milan for 18 years, and it was there that I came to know the city’s daily life best - not just its landmarks, but also its rhythm, its habits, and its less obvious sides. Today I live in Wrocław, but I still return to Milan regularly.