How to get to Bergamo: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Bergamo

Bergamo is one of Lombardy's most fascinating cities, with its spectacular Città Alta perched on a hilltop and the lively Città Bassa at its feet. Getting there is straightforward thanks to its strategic position between Milan and Brescia, served by an international airport and excellent rail and road connections.

Getting to Bergamo by train

Bergamo's railway station is located in Città Bassa, at Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi, just a few minutes' walk from the city centre. Rail services are operated by Trenord and Trenitalia.

• From Milan Centrale: regional trains every 30 minutes approximately, journey time 50-60 minutes
• From Brescia: direct connections in about 50 minutes
• From Lecco: regional trains in approximately 40 minutes
• From Cremona: with a change at Treviglio, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

From the station, you can reach Città Alta by bus line 1 to the funicular, or on foot in about 20 minutes through Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII and the Venetian Walls.

Getting to Bergamo by plane

Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), also known as Milan Bergamo, is Italy's third busiest airport by passenger traffic. It lies just 5 km from the city centre and serves as a major hub for low-cost carriers, particularly Ryanair.

• ATB bus line 1 from the airport to the railway station: approximately 15 minutes, frequent departures
• Terravision and Orio Shuttle buses to Milan Central Station: approximately 60 minutes
• Taxi from the airport to central Bergamo: around 15 euros, 10-minute journey

The airport offers direct connections to numerous European cities and some Mediterranean destinations. For those arriving from further afield, Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports provide intercontinental flights, with onward transfer by train or bus.

Getting to Bergamo by car

Bergamo is well connected to northern Italy's motorway network.

• From Milan: A4 motorway towards Venice, Bergamo exit, approximately 60 km (45 minutes without traffic)
• From Brescia: A4 towards Milan, Bergamo exit, approximately 55 km
• From Lecco: SS342 state road, approximately 35 km
• From Lake Garda (Desenzano): A4, approximately 80 km

Parking note: Città Alta is largely a restricted traffic zone. Recommended car parks include Parcheggio della Fara (near the funicular), Parcheggio Via Borfuro in Città Bassa, and the stadium car park with shuttle service.

Getting to Bergamo by bus

Bergamo's bus station is located next to the railway station.

• FlixBus connects Bergamo with numerous Italian and European cities, including Rome, Florence, Bologna, Turin and Genoa
• SAB regional bus services link Bergamo with the Bergamo valleys (Val Brembana, Val Seriana, Val Cavallina) and the lakes
• Direct connections to Malpensa Airport via Terravision buses

Getting around Bergamo

Urban public transport is managed by ATB (Azienda Trasporti Bergamo).

• Urban bus network with single tickets valid for 75 minutes
• Bergamo Alta Funicular: connects Viale Vittorio Emanuele II to Città Alta, an unmissable panoramic experience
• San Vigilio Funicular: from Città Alta up to San Vigilio hill, with breathtaking views of the Pre-Alps
• Valle Brembana Tramway (line T1): fast connection towards Villa d'Almè

Città Bassa is easily explored on foot, while the funicular is the most practical and atmospheric way to reach Città Alta. The Bergamo Card offers unlimited public transport access and discounts on museums and attractions.

Practical tips

The best time to visit Bergamo is from April to October, when the mild climate allows enjoyable walks along the Venetian Walls. For those arriving by plane with light luggage, the airport bus connection is the cheapest and quickest way to reach the centre.

To plan your stay, also check our guides on where to stay in Bergamo, what to see in Bergamo in 2 days and where to eat in Bergamo.