Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Bergamo Airport (BGY) to Bergamo city center is by bus. The cheapest option is the public ATB Line 1 bus (â¬2.60, 15-20 mins to the train station). The fastest door-to-door option is a taxi (10-15 mins, â¬15-â¬25 fixed fare). There is no direct train from the airport; you must take a bus to Bergamo's train station first.
By Bus: The Best Way from Bergamo Airport to City Center
Buses are the undisputed champion for value, frequency, and convenience for transfers from Bergamo Airport (BGY) to Bergamo. You have two main types to choose from: the local public bus and direct shuttle buses. Both depart from directly outside the arrivals hall.
1. ATB Public Bus (Line 1) â The Budget King
Operated by Bergamo's local transport company (Azienda Trasporti Bergamo), this is the most economical and frequent option.
- Route: BGY Airport â Bergamo Train Station (Stazione FS).
- Travel Time: 15-20 minutes.
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes during the day, less frequent in the evening.
- Operating Hours: From early morning (around 5:30 AM) until after midnight (check latest schedule).
Ticket & Cost:
A one-way ticket costs â¬2.60. You must buy your ticket before boarding from the ticket machine at the bus stop or the âBar Atlanticâ inside the airport. Tickets are not sold by the driver. Validate the ticket on board.
Pros: Extremely cheap, frequent, reliable.
Cons: Can be crowded, limited luggage space (suitcases are allowed but may be inconvenient during peak times), terminates at the train station, not the historic center.
2. Direct Airport Shuttle Buses (e.g., Terravision, Autostradale)
Private companies offer direct shuttle services, often geared towards tourists heading to the Città Alta (Upper City).
- Route: BGY Airport â Bergamo Train Station (FS) â Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe (at the base of the Città Alta funicular).
- Travel Time: 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.
- Frequency: Roughly every 20-30 minutes.
Ticket & Cost:
One-way tickets start from around â¬5-â¬7 if purchased online in advance. Buying on the spot from the driver is more expensive (â¬7-â¬10). Online booking guarantees a seat.
Pros: Direct to the historic center gate, more tourist-oriented, often have dedicated luggage compartments, can be pre-booked.
Cons: More expensive than the public bus, schedule may be less frequent than ATB.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
Taxis offer the ultimate in convenience and speed for a direct door-to-door transfer, but at a significantly higher cost.
Official Airport Taxis
The official taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals hall. These are white taxis with âTaxiâ signs.
- Travel Time: 10-15 minutes to Città Bassa (Lower City); slightly longer to Città Alta due to the climb.
- Fixed Fare: To destinations within the Bergamo municipality (including Città Alta and Città Bassa), a fixed fare applies. As of 2024, this is typically in the range of â¬15 to â¬25. Always confirm the fixed price with the driver before departing.
- Payment: Cash and card are generally accepted.
When to Choose a Taxi:
- Late-night or very early morning arrivals when buses are not running.
- Traveling in a group of 3-4 people (splitting the fare makes it reasonable).
- If you have a lot of luggage or mobility issues.
- For absolute convenience after a long flight.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
For maximum comfort and predictability, you can book a private car in advance through services like SunTransfers or Booking.com's transfer service. A driver will meet you in arrivals with a name sign.
Cost: Starts from around â¬35-â¬50 for a standard car, depending on the service and vehicle class. Often more cost-effective for families or small groups than two separate taxis.
By Train (Indirect Route)
It's crucial to understand: Bergamo Airport (BGY) does not have its own railway station. Using the train involves a two-step process.
Step 1: Bus to Bergamo Train Station
You must first take either the ATB Line 1 bus or an airport shuttle bus (as detailed above) to âBergamo Stazione FSâ (the main train station). This journey takes 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Train from Bergamo Station
Bergamo train station connects you to the rest of Italy (Milan, Brescia, Verona, etc.), but not to the local Bergamo city center. For getting into Bergamo's historic core from the train station, you would need to:
1. Walk (15-20 mins) to the Città Bassa center.
2. Take a local city bus (multiple lines).
3. Take the funicular from Viale Vittorio Emanuele II up to the Città Alta (this is the most scenic and popular option).
Conclusion: The train network is not a practical method for transferring from the airport to Bergamo's city center itself. It is only useful if your final destination is another city in Italy.
Cost & Time Comparison: Bergamo Airport to City Center
This table summarizes all key information to help you decide the best transfer for your needs.
| Transport Method | Total Travel Time (Door-to-Door) | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Convenience & Key Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATB Public Bus (Line 1) | 20-30 mins* | â¬2.60 | Must buy ticket before boarding. Drops at train station. Cheapest. | Solo travelers, budget travelers, those going to the train station area. |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | 20-35 mins* | â¬5 - â¬10 | Can book online. Drops near Città Alta funicular. More luggage space. | Tourists, families, those with luggage heading to the historic center. |
| Taxi | 10-20 mins | â¬15 - â¬25 (fixed fare) | Door-to-door, 24/7. Confirm fare before ride. | Late arrivals, groups, those with heavy luggage, maximum convenience. |
| Private Transfer | 10-20 mins | â¬35 - â¬50+ | Pre-booked, driver meets you. Most comfortable and stress-free. | Families, special occasions, business travel, large groups. |
*Time includes walk from bus stop to final central destination (e.g., hotel).
Essential Traveler Tips for Bergamo Airport Transfers
Before You Arrive
- Book Shuttles Online: If you choose a private shuttle like Terravision, book online in advance for the best price and a guaranteed seat, especially during peak season (Summer, Easter).
- Have Small Change/Euros: For the ATB public bus ticket machine and for potential taxi payments (though cards are often accepted).
At the Airport
- Find the Bus Stop: Exit the arrivals hall, turn right, and walk a short distance. You'll see clearly marked bus bays for both ATB and shuttle buses.
- Buy Your ATB Ticket FIRST: Do not board the public bus without a ticket. Use the red ticket machine at the stop or go to the âBar Atlanticâ inside the terminal.
- Validate Your Ticket: Once on the ATB bus, stamp your ticket in the small yellow or green validation machine to activate it.
General Advice
- Avoid Rush Hour: If arriving between 7:30-9:00 AM or 5:00-7:00 PM on a weekday, allow extra time for road traffic, especially for taxis and shuttles.
- Luggage to Città Alta: If your hotel is in the walled upper city (Città Alta) and you have heavy bags, consider a shuttle bus (stops at the funicular) or a taxi. Cobblestone streets and steep climbs are challenging with rollers.
- Return Journey: Plan your return to the airport in advance. Buses back to BGY depart from the same locations (train station for ATB, Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe for shuttles). Allow ample time before your flight.
FAQs: Bergamo Airport to City Center Transfers
What is the cheapest way to get from Bergamo Airport to the city center?
The cheapest way is the public bus (ATB Line 1). A one-way ticket costs only â¬2.60, and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the Bergamo train station (FS), which is at the foot of the lower city (Città Bassa).
What is the fastest way to get from Bergamo Airport to Bergamo?
A taxi is the fastest door-to-door option, taking approximately 10-15 minutes to reach the Città Bassa (lower city). However, the airport shuttle bus is also very quick (15-20 mins) and significantly cheaper.
How do I get from Bergamo Airport to the city center at night?
The ATB public bus (Line 1) operates from early morning until past midnight. For flights arriving very late at night (after the last bus), your only options are taxi or pre-booked private transfer, as there is no 24/7 scheduled bus service.
Is there a direct train from Bergamo Airport to Bergamo?
No, there is no direct train station at Bergamo Airport (BGY). To use the train, you must first take a bus (either the public ATB Line 1 or the shuttle bus) to Bergamo's main train station (Stazione FS), which is about a 15-minute bus ride away.
Where does the bus from Bergamo Airport drop you off in the city?
The main public bus (ATB Line 1) terminates at Bergamo's train station (Stazione FS), in the Città Bassa (lower city). From there, you can walk, take a local bus, or the funicular up to the Città Alta (upper city). Private shuttle buses may stop at both the train station and central squares.
How much is a taxi from Bergamo Airport to the city center?
A fixed-rate taxi fare from BGY Airport to destinations within the Bergamo city municipality costs approximately â¬15-â¬25, depending on your exact destination (e.g., Città Bassa vs. Città Alta). Always confirm the fixed price with the driver before starting the journey.
Can I walk from Bergamo Airport to the city center?
It is not recommended or practical. The airport is about 5-6 km from the edge of the Città Bassa, and the route involves walking along busy roads with limited pedestrian infrastructure. The walk would take over an hour. Taking the bus or taxi is the sensible choice.
Is the shuttle bus or the public bus better from Bergamo Airport?
The public ATB bus (Line 1) is better for budget travelers going to the train station area (â¬2.60). Private shuttle buses (like Terravision) are better if you have lots of luggage, want a direct drop-off closer to the Città Alta, or prefer pre-booking a guaranteed seat online. Both have similar journey times.