Quick Answer
The best way from Lake Como (Como town) to Bergamo Airport (BGY) is the direct FlixBus coach: 1 hour 15 minutes, from €9.99 ($11.00) — no transfers, luggage-friendly. On a budget? Take the train + bus combo (€8.20 / $9.00, ~1h 30min). For groups of 3+, a private transfer from €85 ($94) offers door-to-door ease. Taxis cost €90–120 ($99–132). There is no direct train; all rail routes require a change at Bergamo station.
Train + Airport Bus Combo (Budget-Friendly & Reliable)
Taking the regional train from Como San Giovanni to Bergamo and then hopping on the ATB Line 1 airport bus is the cheapest way to reach Bergamo Airport. It requires one easy transfer at Bergamo railway station.
Step‑by‑Step Breakdown
- Train: Board a Trenitalia Regionale (R) train at Como San Giovanni station bound for Bergamo. Trains run hourly, journey time 50–60 minutes.
- Transfer: Arrive at Bergamo station (Piazzale Marconi). Exit the station and walk to the bus bay just outside the main entrance — look for ATB Line 1 buses to Aeroporto di Bergamo (BGY).
- Airport Bus: Take the ATB Line 1 (every 15–20 min, journey time 12–18 minutes). Alight at the terminal entrance.
Costs & Tickets
| Leg | Ticket Type | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Como San Giovanni → Bergamo | Regionale (2nd class) | €5.20 | $5.70 | Trenitalia app, ticket machines, tabacchi |
| Bergamo → BGY Airport (ATB Line 1) | Single bus ticket | €3.00 | $3.30 | Tabacchi near station, driver (contactless) |
| Total | €8.20 | $9.00 |
Travel Time & Frequency
- Total door‑to‑door: 1 hour 25 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Train frequency: Every 60 minutes (first departure ~5:30 am, last ~10:30 pm).
- Bus frequency: Every 15–20 minutes during daytime, reduced after 9 pm.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheapest option (€8.20 per person) | Requires transfer at Bergamo station |
| Frequent departures all day | Not ideal with heavy luggage (stairs at Bergamo station) |
| Reliable — less affected by traffic | Last train connection may miss early flights |
Insider tip: Buy the ATB bus ticket before boarding at the tabacchi inside Bergamo station — it’s cheaper than paying the driver (€3.00 vs €4.50 / $3.30 vs $4.95). Check Trenitalia schedules for real‑time departures.
Direct Coach (Bus) — Best Balance of Speed & Simplicity
For travelers who want a one‑seat ride from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport, the direct coach is the top choice. Two main operators serve this route: FlixBus and Autostradale.
Operators & Routes
| Operator | Pick‑up Point (Como) | Drop‑off (BGY) | Duration | Starting Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Como (Via Salvatore, near the lake) | Bergamo Airport (Arrivals level) | 1h 15min | €9.99 ($11.00) |
| Autostradale | Como (Piazza Matteotti) | Bergamo Airport (Bus station) | 1h 20min | €11.00 ($12.10) |
Frequency & Booking
- FlixBus: 4–5 departures daily (usually 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm).
- Autostradale: 3–4 departures daily, mostly mid‑morning to early evening.
- Booking: Strongly recommended — especially in summer and on weekends. Book via FlixBus or Autostradale.
Baggage & Comfort
Both operators allow 1 large suitcase (up to 23 kg) and 1 carry‑on included in the fare. Coaches have air conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard toilet (FlixBus). No luggage surcharge, unlike low‑cost airlines.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct — no transfers, no stress | Fewer daily departures than train |
| Good value for money (€9.99+) | Can be delayed by traffic on SS342 |
| Luggage‑friendly, comfortable seats | Last departure ~8 pm — not suitable for late arrivals |
Insider tip: FlixBus tickets are cheapest when booked 7–14 days in advance. A last‑minute fare can jump to €18–22 ($20–24). Check live fares.
Taxi & Private Transfer — Door‑to‑Door Convenience
If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, in a group, or on a tight schedule, a taxi or private transfer offers the fastest and most comfortable way from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport. The trade‑off is cost — this is the most expensive option.
Taxi Fares (Typical Range)
| From | Distance to BGY | Taxi Fare (EUR) | Taxi Fare (USD) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Como (city center) | ~65 km | €90–110 | $99–121 | 50–60 min |
| Bellagio (ferry port) | ~80 km | €110–140 | $121–154 | 60–75 min |
| Varenna (train station) | ~85 km | €115–150 | $127–165 | 65–80 min |
| Menaggio (lake front) | ~90 km | €120–150 | $132–165 | 70–85 min |
Private Transfer (Pre‑Booked)
Private transfer companies (e.g., Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, MyTaxi) offer fixed rates with meet‑and‑greet service. Typical costs:
- Sedan (1–3 pax): €85–100 ($94–110)
- Minivan (4–7 pax): €110–150 ($121–165)
- Executive/SUV: €130–180 ($143–198)
When to Choose a Taxi / Private Transfer
- 🕐 Early morning / late night — when trains and buses aren’t running.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family with kids — car seats can be requested.
- 🧳 Heavy luggage — no dragging bags through stations.
- ⏱️ Short connection time — taxi cuts 20–30 min vs public transport.
Insider tip: Always confirm the fare before starting — ask for a fixed price or ensure the meter is running. Official white taxis in Como are reliable; avoid unlicensed drivers. Compare private transfer prices.
Car Rental & Driving — Flexibility at a Price
Renting a car from Lake Como and dropping it off at Bergamo Airport gives you maximum flexibility — you can stop at scenic viewpoints, travel at your own pace, and avoid lugging bags onto trains. However, parking in Como and toll costs can add up.
Driving Route & Time
- Route: From Como, take the SS342 towards Erba/Lecco, then merge onto the A9/A4 motorway (pay toll) towards Milan/Bergamo. Follow signs to Aeroporto di Bergamo (BGY).
- Distance: ~65 km.
- Drive time: 55–65 minutes without heavy traffic.
- Toll cost: €6.50–8.00 ($7.15–8.80) depending on exact entry/exit.
Car Rental Options
| Rental Company | Pick‑up in Como | Drop‑off at BGY | Typical Rate (1‑day, economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Via Gallio 12, Como | Yes — airport counter | €45–65 ($50–72) |
| Europcar | Piazza Matteotti 1, Como | Yes — airport counter | €40–60 ($44–66) |
| Sixt | Via Borgovico 15, Como | Yes — airport counter | €50–70 ($55–77) |
| Locauto | Via Grandi 8, Como | Yes — airport counter | €35–55 ($39–61) |
Hidden Costs to Consider
- One‑way fee: Some companies charge €20–40 ($22–44) for dropping off at a different location.
- Fuel: Full tank required on return — budget €15–20 ($17–22).
- ZTL zones: Como’s historic center has restricted traffic zones — entering without permission costs €80–120 ($88–132) in fines.
- Parking in Como: €1.50–3.00/hour ($1.65–3.30) if you pick up the car after exploring.
Insider tip: If you’re only going to the airport, a taxi is often cheaper than a one‑way rental when you factor in tolls, fuel, and one‑way fees. Compare rental rates.
Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
| Mode | Door‑to‑Door Time | Cost (EUR / person) | Cost (USD / person) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train + Bus | 1h 30min | €8.20 | $9.00 | 1 (Bergamo) | Budget travelers, solo adventurers |
| 🚌 Direct Coach | 1h 15min | €9.99 (advance) | $11.00 | 0 | Best overall value, families |
| 🚕 Taxi | 50–60 min | €90–120 (total) | $99–132 | 0 | Groups of 3+, late/early hours |
| 🚗 Rental Car (1‑way) | 55–65 min | €60–100 (total)* | $66–110 | 0 | Travelers wanting flexibility |
| 🚐 Private Transfer | 50–60 min | €85–150 (total) | $94–165 | 0 | Comfort‑focused, families |
* Rental car total includes rental rate, fuel, toll, and one‑way fee; assumes 1 driver. Per‑person cost varies by group size.
🏆 Best overall: Direct coach (FlixBus) — fast, cheap, and hassle‑free.
💰 Cheapest: Train + bus combo (€8.20 / $9.00).
⏱️ Fastest: Taxi / private transfer (50 min).
Traveler Tips & Real Experience from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport
🧳 Luggage Strategy — Use the “Takkyubin” Style Service
If you’re visiting multiple Italian cities, consider using baggage forwarding (e.g., Bag BnB or Luggage Mates). Ship your suitcase from your Lake Como hotel to Bergamo Airport for about €25–30 ($28–33) — you’ll travel hands‑free. This is especially useful if you’re taking the train + bus combo (no luggage racks on regional trains).
🚉 Bergamo Station Transfer — Don’t Get Lost
The ATB Line 1 bus stop is directly outside the main entrance of Bergamo station (Piazzale Marconi). Look for the orange ATB bus shelter. Buses run every 15 minutes from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. Warning: There are two different ATB lines serving the airport — Line 1 (the most frequent) and Line 8 (hourly). Always check the electronic display.
⏰ Early Morning & Late Night — Plan Ahead
The first Trenitalia train from Como to Bergamo departs around 5:30 am. If you have a flight before 7:00 am, you’ll likely need a taxi (€90–120) or a pre‑booked private transfer. The last direct coach from Como to BGY departs around 8:00 pm — after that, the train + bus combo is your only public option until ~10:30 pm.
🌦️ Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (July–August): Lake Como is crowded. Book your coach or train ticket online at least 2 days in advance. Queues at the Bergamo bus ticket machine can be long.
- Winter (December–February): Fog on the A4 motorway can delay buses and taxis by 15–30 minutes. Trains are rarely affected.
- Lake Festival (June): Como hosts fireworks and events — some roads near the lake close. Allow extra 30 minutes if departing from Como town.
🎒 What Other Travelers Say
- “FlixBus was perfect — we were at the airport in 1h 15m with no stress. Book the 11 am departure, you get lunch at BGY.” — Sarah, UK (TripAdvisor)
- “Train + bus is fine if you travel light. But dragging two big suitcases through Bergamo station stairs was tough.” — Marco, Italy (Google Reviews)
- “We were a group of 4, shared a private transfer — cost €25 each, door to door. Worth every cent.” — Linda, USA (Facebook Group)
Insider tip: Download the ATB Mobile app (Bergamo transport) to buy your airport bus ticket digitally — no queuing, and you can show the QR code to the driver. ATB official site.
FAQs: Lake Como to Bergamo Airport (BGY)
1. Is there a direct train from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport?
No, there is no direct train. You must take a regional train from Como San Giovanni to Bergamo station (about 55 minutes), then transfer to the ATB airport bus (Line 1) for the final 15‑minute ride to Bergamo Airport (BGY). The combined journey takes about 1 h 30 min.
2. How long does it take to get from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport?
The fastest door‑to‑door journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes by direct coach or taxi. The train + bus combo takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Driving yourself takes approximately 55 minutes without traffic.
3. What is the cheapest way from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport?
The cheapest option is the regional train from Como San Giovanni to Bergamo (€5.20 / $5.70) combined with the ATB airport bus (€3.00 / $3.30), totalling just €8.20 ($9.00) per person. Direct coaches like FlixBus start at €9.99 ($11.00).
4. How much does a taxi from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport cost?
A standard taxi from Como town to Bergamo Airport costs €90–120 ($99–132). From Bellagio or Varenna, expect €110–150 ($121–165). Fixed‑rate private transfers start at €85 ($94) for up to 3 passengers.
5. Are there direct buses from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport?
Yes. FlixBus and Autostradale operate direct coaches from Como (Via Salvatore / Piazza Matteotti) to Bergamo Airport (BGY). The journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes, with fares from €9.99 ($11.00) if booked in advance. Services run 4–6 times daily.
6. What is the best way from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport?
For most travelers, the direct FlixBus coach offers the best balance of speed (1h 15min), cost (€9.99+), and simplicity — no transfers. On a tight budget, the train + bus combo (€8.20) is unbeatable. For groups of 3+, a private transfer offers great convenience at a comparable per‑person cost.
7. Is the train or bus better from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport?
The bus is generally better because it’s direct, avoids the Bergamo station transfer, and has a comparable travel time. The train is cheaper (€8.20 vs €9.99+) but requires a transfer. If you have heavy luggage, the direct bus is strongly recommended.
8. Can I use a single ticket for train and bus to Bergamo Airport?
No, you need separate tickets. The Trenitalia regional train ticket is one purchase, and the ATB airport bus (Line 1) requires a separate €3.00 ($3.30) ticket, which can be bought at the tobacco shop (tabacchi) near Bergamo station or from the driver (contactless accepted).