How to Get from Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) to Milan & Bergamo

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Bergamo Airport to Milan depends on your budget, arrival time, and luggage. For most travelers with daytime arrivals: Shuttle bus to Milan Central Station (50-70 minutes, €8-15 online, most convenient). For late night arrivals (after 12:30 AM): Taxi or private transfer (50-70 minutes, €120-160 fixed rate). For budget travelers with time: ATB bus to Bergamo + train to Milan (90-120 minutes, €7-12 total). For reaching Bergamo city only: ATB Bus Line 1 (15-20 minutes, €2.50-3.50). The internet often says "just take the shuttle bus" but I don't actually recommend the shuttle during Friday evening rush hour or if you have more than one large suitcase per person - you'll be stuck in traffic with luggage on your lap.

How to Get from Bergamo Airport to Milan by Shuttle Bus

Bergamo Airport (BGY) is 50km from Milan with no direct train connection, making shuttle buses the primary transport to Milan. Three main companies operate nearly identical services: Terravision (most frequent), Autostradale (premium buses), and Orio Shuttle (often cheapest). All go to Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale) with some continuing to Milan Lambrate Station or Milan Porta Garibaldi. Travel time is 50-70 minutes, but Friday evenings and rush hours can double this. Buses run from approximately 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM.

Route	Bus Company	Travel Time	Cost (Online/Counter)	Frequency
BGY → Milan Central Station	Terravision	50-70 minutes	€8-12 / €10-15	Every 20-30 minutes
BGY → Milan Central Station	Autostradale	50-70 minutes	€10-15 / €12-20	Every 30 minutes
BGY → Milan Central Station	Orio Shuttle	50-70 minutes	€7-10 / €9-12	Every 30-40 minutes
BGY → Bergamo City Center	ATB Bus Line 1	15-20 minutes	€2.50-3.50	Every 20 minutes

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake with Shuttle Buses

You book a Ryanair flight arriving at Bergamo at 8:15 PM on a Friday. You read online that shuttle buses take 50 minutes to Milan, so you book a 9:00 PM shuttle. Your flight is 20 minutes late, you clear passport control at 8:50, rush to the bus, and it's full (they overbooked). Next bus at 9:30 PM. Then you hit Friday evening traffic leaving Milan - the bus takes 95 minutes. You arrive in Milan at 11:05 PM exhausted. Meanwhile, a taxi would have cost €120 split 3 ways (€40 each) and taken 65 minutes despite traffic. This happens every Friday to budget travelers who don't account for Bergamo's realities.

Shuttle Bus Operation: Key Details

• Operating Hours: Approximately 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM (last departure from airport)
• First Bus from Airport: 4:00 AM (good for early flights)
• Last Bus from Airport: 12:30 AM (many flights arrive after this!)
• Frequency: Every 20-40 minutes depending on time of day
• Luggage: One suitcase + one carry-on included. Extra luggage may incur fees.
• Buy Tickets: Online (cheaper) or at airport counters (more expensive, queues)
• Boarding: Show printed ticket or mobile ticket. Arrive 10 minutes before departure.
• WiFi: Available on most buses but often unreliable

Why the Internet is Wrong About Shuttle Buses

The internet says "shuttle bus is the best option from Bergamo to Milan." This is only partially true. Shuttle buses are good for: Daytime arrivals, light luggage, non-Friday travel, budget-conscious travelers. Shuttle buses are bad for: Friday evenings (traffic doubles time), late night arrivals after 12:30 AM, families with strollers (no dedicated space), travelers with oversized luggage (buses get full), and anyone on a tight schedule. Many travel blogs haven't updated their advice since 2019 - shuttle services have changed, and post-pandemic realities are different.

ATB Bus to Bergamo City Center (The Local Option)

The ATB Bus Line 1 is the local bus connecting Bergamo Airport to Bergamo city center. It takes 15-20 minutes and costs €2.50-3.50. Buses run every 20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM. The bus stops at: Bergamo Airport → Via Petrarca → Via Borgo Palazzo → Bergamo Station (train station) → Bergamo City Center (Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII). This is the cheapest and easiest way to reach Bergamo. Many tourists rush straight to Milan and miss beautiful Bergamo - consider spending a night in the stunning medieval Città Alta (upper town).

Public Transport: Bergamo Airport to Milan via Bus + Train

For budget travelers or those wanting to avoid shuttle bus traffic, the ATB bus to Bergamo + train to Milan combo is an alternative. It takes longer (90-120 minutes) but is more scenic and often cheaper (€7-12 total). This route uses: 1) ATB Bus Line 1 from airport to Bergamo train station (15-20 minutes, €2.50-3.50), then 2) Trenord regional train from Bergamo to Milan Central Station (50-60 minutes, €5.50-7.50). Trains run every 30 minutes from approximately 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Complete Step-by-Step: Bus + Train to Milan

1. Exit Bergamo Airport arrivals and walk to ATB bus stop (right outside terminal)
2. Take ATB Bus Line 1 to "Bergamo Stazione FS" (train station) - 15-20 minutes
3. Buy train ticket at Bergamo station machines or ticket office
4. Take Trenord train to Milan Central Station - 50-60 minutes
5. Trains stop at: Bergamo → Treviglio → Cassano d'Adda → Trezzo sull'Adda → Vaprio d'Adda → Pozzuolo Martesana → Melzo → Gorgonzola → Villa Fiorita → Cernusco sul Naviglio → Cascina Burrona → Cassina de' Pecchi → Vimodrone → Milano Lambrate → Milano Centrale

When Bus + Train Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't)

Bus+train is good for: Budget travelers (saves €3-8 vs shuttle), sightseers (nice countryside views), avoiding road traffic, flexible schedule, visiting Bergamo first. Bus+train is bad for: Late night arrivals (last train ~11:30 PM), early morning departures (first train ~5:00 AM), heavy luggage (multiple transfers), families with kids/strollers, tight connections, Sunday afternoons (fewer trains). The internet rarely mentions this option, but it's actually more reliable time-wise than shuttle buses during rush hour since trains aren't affected by road traffic.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake with Bus+Train

You arrive at Bergamo with two large suitcases at 10:15 PM. You decide to save money with bus+train. ATB bus takes 20 minutes to Bergamo station. You arrive at 10:35 PM, but the last train to Milan left at 10:30 PM. Next train isn't until 5:00 AM. Now you're stuck in Bergamo with all your luggage at night. A taxi to Milan would cost €120. You end up paying €80 for a Bergamo hotel, then €7.50 for morning train. Total: €87.50 plus hassle vs €120 direct taxi. This happens when travelers don't check last train times.

Tickets and Practical Information

ATB bus ticket: Buy from machine at airport bus stop or on bus (cash only on bus). €2.50-3.50. Validate on bus. Train ticket: Buy at Bergamo station machines or ticket office. €5.50-7.50 depending on time. Validate at green machines before boarding. Combined ticket: No combined ticket exists - buy separately. Travel time: Allow 90-120 minutes total. Frequency: ATB bus every 20 minutes, trains every 30 minutes.

Taxi & Private Transfer from Bergamo Airport

Bergamo Airport to Milan Taxi

Taking a taxi from Bergamo Airport to Milan offers door-to-door convenience but at a high cost. The distance is 50km (31 miles), with travel time of 50-70 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi cost has a fixed rate of €120-160 (approximately $130-175 USD) to any location within Milan's city center boundaries. This fixed rate applies only from airport to city - return trips may be metered. Official taxis are white with a "TAXI" sign. This option is most cost-effective for groups of 3-4 people splitting the fare.

Bergamo Airport to Bergamo City Taxi

Taxis from Bergamo Airport to Bergamo city center cost €15-25 (approximately $16-27 USD) for the 10-15 minute ride. No fixed rate exists for this short distance - ensure meter is used or agree price before departure. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal. For Bergamo city only, the ATB bus at €2.50-3.50 is usually better value unless you have heavy luggage or are in a group.

Private Transfer from Bergamo Airport

Private transfer services provide a pre-booked car with English-speaking driver. Prices range from €100-140 (approximately $110-150 USD) for a standard sedan to Milan, more for vans or luxury cars. Bergamo city transfers cost €25-40. Services include meet-and-greet at arrivals, help with luggage, and fixed rates. You can book online in advance. This is the most convenient door-to-door option, especially for families with children needing car seats, those with excessive luggage, or arrivals after midnight when you want guaranteed transport.

Is a Taxi Worth It from Bergamo to Milan?

For solo travelers: Rarely (taxi €120-160 vs shuttle €8-15). For 2 people: Possibly if you value convenience (€60-80 each vs €8-15). For 3-4 people: Often yes, as splitting makes it €30-40 per person. For late night arrivals after 12:30 AM: Almost always necessary as shuttles have stopped. For early morning departures (flights before 7 AM): Often the only option as first shuttle may not get you there. For families with car seats: Private transfer with pre-arranged seats is highly recommended.

Uber & Ride-Sharing at Bergamo Airport

Uber operates in Milan/Bergamo area but availability at Bergamo Airport is limited. Uber Black (premium) costs €140-180 to Milan. UberX (standard) costs €100-140 but often unavailable. The pickup point for Uber is the same as taxis. Important: During peak times (Friday evenings, Sunday nights), Uber can be more expensive than regular taxis due to surge pricing. The fixed taxi rate of €120-160 is often the better deal. Many tourists wait 30+ minutes for an Uber that never comes - taxis are more reliable at Bergamo Airport.

Bergamo Airport Route Map & All Stops

The map below shows travel routes from Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) to Milan and Bergamo. Shuttle buses take the A4 motorway (50km) to Milan Central Station. ATB Bus Line 1 takes local roads to Bergamo city center (5km). The bus+train option goes to Bergamo station then follows the railway to Milan.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Bergamo Airport to Milan Central Station on Google Maps

Shuttle Bus Route: Complete Highway Journey

The shuttle bus from BGY to Milan follows this route:

1. Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport - Departure
2. Bergamo bypass road
3. Enter A4 motorway (Milano-Venezia highway)
4. Pass Seriate, Capriate San Gervasio, Trezzo sull'Adda
5. Pass Monza, Sesto San Giovanni
6. Exit at Milan city tangenziale (ring road)
7. Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale) - Arrival
8. Some buses continue to: Milano Lambrate Station or Milano Porta Garibaldi

Total distance: 50km (31 miles). Key factor: Traffic on A4 motorway, especially near Milan during rush hours and on Friday evenings.

ATB Bus Line 1: Complete Stop List to Bergamo

ATB Bus Line 1 from Bergamo Airport to Bergamo city makes these stops:

1. Aeroporto Orio al Serio - Airport terminal (start)
2. Via Petrarca
3. Via Borgo Palazzo
4. Ospedale (Hospital)
5. Via Carnovali
6. Via Paleocapa
7. Stazione FS (Bergamo Train Station)
8. Via Roma
9. Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII (City Center)
10. Some buses continue to Città Alta (Upper Town)

Frequency: Every 20 minutes, 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM. Night bus: Limited service, check current schedules.

Train from Bergamo to Milan: All Stations

The Trenord regional train from Bergamo to Milan Central stops at:

1. Bergamo - Start
2. Treviglio
3. Cassano d'Adda
4. Trezzo sull'Adda
5. Vaprio d'Adda
6. Pozzuolo Martesana
7. Melzo
8. Gorgonzola
9. Villa Fiorita
10. Cernusco sul Naviglio
11. Cascina Burrona
12. Cassina de' Pecchi
13. Vimodrone
14. Milano Lambrate
15. Milano Centrale - End

Travel time: 50-60 minutes. Frequency: Every 30 minutes.

Bergamo Airport to Milan: Ticketing & Costs Comparison

When to Book in Advance (And When Not To)

Book shuttle bus in advance for: Summer (Jun-Aug), weekends, holidays, early morning/late night buses, peak season (Easter, Christmas), large groups. Don't pre-book shuttle for: Weekday daytime in winter, flexible schedule, if you might miss the bus (non-refundable). Taxis/private transfers: Pre-book for late night arrivals, early morning departures, groups, special needs. The internet says "always book shuttle in advance" but that's bad advice if your flight is delayed - you'll lose your money and need to buy new tickets.

Cost Comparison: Different Traveler Scenarios

Solo traveler with backpack: Shuttle €8-15 vs Taxi €120-160 (shuttle wins). Couple with one checked bag: Shuttle €16-30 vs Taxi €120-160 (shuttle wins). Family of 4 with kids: Shuttle €32-60 vs Taxi €120-160 (taxi often better). Group of 3 with heavy luggage: Shuttle €24-45 vs Taxi €120-160 (taxi better for convenience). Late night arrival (1 AM): Shuttle €0 (not running) vs Taxi €120-160 (taxi only option). The internet's cost comparisons often ignore time of day and luggage realities.

Traveler Experience: Getting to Milan from Bergamo Airport

Getting from Bergamo Airport to Milan is a journey of 50km with no perfect solution. Your experience depends heavily on arrival time, day of week, and luggage. First-time visitors are often surprised that there's no direct train from the airport - something many budget airlines don't clearly communicate. The shuttle bus experience varies wildly: 6:00 AM on Tuesday? Smooth 55-minute ride. 5:00 PM Friday? 90+ minutes in traffic with standing passengers. Late night arrivals face the "Bergamo dilemma": pay €120+ for taxi or wait 4-5 hours for first shuttle. The airport itself is small and efficient, but transport queues can be long (especially at shuttle counters). Bergamo city is an underrated gem - many travelers rushing to Milan miss its beautiful medieval upper town. The "bus+train" option, while longer, offers lovely Lombardy countryside views. Overall: manage expectations, book in advance during peak times, and always check last departure times for your arrival day.

Practical Tips for Bergamo to Milan by Situation

• With large luggage/suitcases (2+ per person): Taxi or private transfer. Shuttle buses have limited luggage space - you may be refused with oversized bags.
• Family with kids/strollers: Private transfer with pre-arranged car seats. Shuttle buses have no child seats and limited stroller space.
• Late night arrival (after 12:30 AM): Taxi is only realistic option. Last shuttle at 12:30 AM - if you land at 12:15 AM, you won't make it. Pre-book private transfer for fixed price.
• Early morning flight departure: First shuttle from Milan at 4:00 AM arrives BGY ~5:00 AM. For flights before 7:00 AM, take taxi or airport hotel night before.
• Friday evening arrival (4-8 PM): Expect 80-100 minute shuttle ride. Consider bus+train (train unaffected by traffic) or taxi if 3+ people.
• Solo female traveler late at night: Pre-book private transfer for safety. Official taxis are safe but expensive alone.
• Business traveler with carry-on only: Shuttle bus is fine. Book online for specific time. Allow 70+ minutes during business hours.
• Elderly/disabled travelers: Private transfer door-to-door. Shuttle buses have steps, no special assistance.
• Group of 3-4 people: Taxi often best value (split €120-160 = €30-40 each vs €8-15 shuttle each).
• Rainy weather arrival: Taxi (covered pickup/drop-off). Shuttle means waiting outside and walking to/from stops.
• Summer season (June-August): Book shuttle online weeks ahead. Buses sell out. Prices increase.
• Winter season (Nov-Feb): Check for snow on A4 motorway causing delays. Trains more reliable in bad weather.
• Return trip to airport: From Milan to BGY, allow: Shuttle 50-70 minutes plus 30-minute traffic buffer. Morning rush hour (7-9 AM) can double time.
• Mobile apps: "Terravision" or "Autostradale" for shuttle tickets, "Trenord" for train times, "Free Now" for taxis.
• Payment methods: Shuttle online: card. Shuttle at airport: cash/card. ATB bus: cash on bus, card at machine. Train: card/cash at machine.
• Hotel location matters: Near Milan Central? Shuttle perfect. Near other Milan areas? Taxi from Central or different shuttle stop.
• Ryanair/other budget airline passengers: Your flight likely arrives at remote stand. Allow 10+ minutes to walk to terminal plus passport control if non-EU.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

The "Friday Evening Shuttle Bus" Traffic Trap

You book a Friday 5:00 PM shuttle from Bergamo to Milan, expecting 50 minutes. But Friday evening traffic on the A4 is Europe's worst. The bus takes 95 minutes, you miss your dinner reservation, and arrive exhausted. Meanwhile, the train from Bergamo (had you taken bus+train) would have taken exactly 60 minutes, unaffected by traffic. Lesson: Fridays 4-8 PM, avoid shuttle buses. Take train or taxi.

The "Last Shuttle" Timing Miscalculation

Your Ryanair flight lands at 12:15 AM. You rush to shuttle desk, arrive 12:25 AM. "Last bus left 5 minutes ago." Now you need a €120 taxi. Had you known, you'd have pre-booked private transfer for €100. Lesson: If landing after 11:30 PM, assume shuttle isn't an option. Book taxi/transfer in advance.

The "Oversized Luggage" Shuttle Refusal

You have two large suitcases plus ski equipment. Shuttle driver says "one bag per person only." You argue, miss the bus, next bus full. You end up paying €120 taxi. Lesson: More than one large bag per person? Don't rely on shuttle. Take taxi or private transfer.

The "We're 4, Let's Save" Public Transport Struggle

Four adults with 8 suitcases try to save €100 by taking shuttle. Bus is full, they wait 40 minutes for next bus. On bus, luggage blocks aisle, they annoy everyone. They save €100 but waste 90 minutes and have major hassle. Lesson: Groups of 3+ with luggage: taxi is usually worth the extra €20-30 per person.

The "Early Morning Flight" Shuttle Assumption

You have 6:30 AM flight from BGY. First shuttle from Milan at 4:00 AM arrives 5:00 AM. But you need to be at airport 2 hours before (4:30 AM). You're late, stress, nearly miss flight. Lesson: For flights before 8:00 AM from BGY, shuttle schedule rarely works. Book airport hotel or taxi.

The "I'll Just Get an Uber" Availability Surprise

You arrive at 1:00 AM, open Uber. "No cars available." You try for 20 minutes while taxi queue grows. Finally get Uber for €145 (surge pricing). Taxi would have been €120 fixed rate. Lesson: At BGY late night, taxis are more reliable than Uber. Pre-book or use taxi queue.

The "Summer Season Walk-Up" Sold-Out Bus

August, you arrive at 10:00 AM without booking. "Next available shuttle: 3:00 PM." All buses sold out until afternoon. You wait 5 hours or pay €120 taxi. Lesson: June-August, always book shuttle online in advance for specific time slot.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bergamo Airport to Milan & Bergamo