Quick Answer
The best way for most travelers is the direct shuttle bus, offering the best balance of cost (from €5-€15), speed (~1h 30m), and convenience (direct, luggage-friendly). The cheapest way is an advanced-purchase shuttle bus ticket (as low as €4-€10). The fastest door-to-door method is a private taxi or transfer (~1h), but it's costly (€180-€220). There is no direct train; the train route requires a change at Milano Centrale and takes about 2 hours plus transfer time.
Train from Malpensa Airport to Bergamo: A Step-by-Step Guide
While there is no single direct train, combining the Malpensa Express with a regional train is a reliable, scenic, and comfortable option, especially if you have a rail pass or are not in a rush. The journey consists of two distinct legs and offers a chance to experience Milan's grand central station.
Recommended Route vs. Budget Alternative
| Route | Step 1: MXP → Milano Centrale | Step 2: Milano Centrale → Bergamo | Total Est. Time | Total Est. Cost (One Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended | Malpensa Express (Non-stop, 52 min, every 30 min) | Trenord Regional Train (Direct, ~50-60 min, frequent) | ~2h + transfer (30-45 min advised) | €20 - €30 | Comfort, reliability, avoiding traffic |
| Budget/Slower | Trenord S50 Bus to Saronno + Train (Bus+Train, ~70 min) | Trenord Regional Train from Milano Cadorna or Porta Garibaldi | ~2h 45min + complex transfers | €10 - €15 | Extreme budget travelers, flexible schedules |
Detailed Step-by-Step: Recommended Route
Step 1: Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale. Follow signs in Terminal 1 or 2 to the “Malpensa Express” station. Purchase a ticket at the kiosk or online (€13 one-way, valid for 90 minutes). Trains depart every 30 minutes. Validate your ticket at the green/white machines before boarding. Arrive at the monumental Milano Centrale station.
Step 2: Transfer & Train to Bergamo. From your arrival platform, follow signs for “Trenord” or “Regional Trains”. Purchase a ticket to Bergamo (€6.40 - €8.40, depending on time). Validate it. Trains (usually line S5, S6, or direct regionale) depart frequently from tracks 1-5. The journey passes through the Lombardy countryside before arriving at Bergamo Railway Station.
Key Considerations:
- Luggage: Malpensa Express has racks. Regional trains can be cramped at peak times.
- Tickets: Buying a combined “Malpensa-Bergamo” ticket from Trenord kiosks can simplify the process into one purchase (two coupons).
- Final Mile: Bergamo's train station is 2km from the historic center. Take local bus line 1, 7, or 9, or a short taxi (€8-€12).
Flight from Malpensa to Bergamo (Orio al Serio - BGY): Why It's Not Practical
Despite both locations being airports, flying is the least efficient option for this transfer. The road distance is only about 80 km, making air travel redundant.
“Door-to-Door” Time & Cost Breakdown
Let's compare the total time commitment for a hypothetical 30-minute flight vs. a direct bus:
- Flight (MXP → BGY):
- MXP Terminal 1 to BGY check-in: 45 min (bus/train to wrong terminal risk)
- Check-in & Security: 90+ minutes pre-departure
- Flight time: 30 minutes (boarding/de-boarding included)
- BGY to Bergamo City Center: 20-30 min by bus/taxi
- Total Estimated Time: ~3.5+ hours
- Estimated Cost: €100+ for last-minute flight + transfers
- Direct Shuttle Bus (MXP → Bergamo City):
- Walk to bus stop: 5-10 minutes
- Bus journey: 75-105 minutes
- Arrive downtown.
- Total Estimated Time: ~1.5-2 hours
- Estimated Cost: €5-€15
Verdict: Flying is slower, more expensive, and involves more hassle. The only conceivable reason to choose a flight would be if you had a pre-booked connecting ticket on the same airline alliance, but such itineraries are rare. Always choose ground transport.
Direct Shuttle Bus: The Best Overall Option
Direct shuttle buses are the most recommended transport for the majority of travelers. They provide a seamless, cost-effective, and comfortable journey without the stress of train transfers.
Major Bus Operators & Service Comparison
| Operator | Departure Point at MXP | Arrival Point in Bergamo | Frequency | Journey Time | Advance Online Price (One Way) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autostradale | Terminal 1, Bus Station Exit 4; Terminal 2, Arrivals Level | Bergamo Autostazione (Main Bus Station) | Every 20-40 mins | ~1h 15m - 1h 30m | €6 - €12 | Most frequent, reliable, free WiFi, power sockets |
| Terravision | Terminal 1 & 2, designated bus bays | Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) / Bergamo Autostazione | Every 1-2 hours | ~1h 30m - 1h 45m | €4 - €10 | Often the cheapest, easy online booking |
| Orioshuttle | Terminal 1 & 2, clear signage | Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) | Every 30-60 mins | ~1h 20m | €8 - €15 | Direct to BGY, modern fleet, good for onward flights |
Why Choose the Bus?
- Direct & Simple: No transfers. Board at MXP, disembark in Bergamo.
- Luggage-Friendly: Dedicated under-bus storage for large suitcases and sports equipment.
- City Center Access: Arrive at Bergamo's Autostazione, steps from the Città Alta funicular and old town.
- Best Value: Unbeatable price-to-convenience ratio.
Pro Tip: Always book online in advance for the lowest fares (up to 50% cheaper). Tickets are emailed; just show the QR code on your phone to the driver. Check your ticket carefully for the specific departure terminal and bay number at Malpensa.
Taxi & Private Transfer: For Convenience at a Premium
This is a hassle-free, door-to-door solution but comes with a significant cost. Ideal for groups, those with excessive luggage, or travelers arriving late at night when public transport has stopped.
Options & Price Ranges
- Official Airport Taxi (White Taxis):
- Cost: Fixed fare of approximately €180 - €220 for the car (up to 4 people).
- Journey Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (highly traffic-dependent).
- Where to Find: Official ranks outside Terminal 1 and 2 Arrivals. Only use licensed taxis from the rank.
- Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended if needed):
- Cost: €130 - €180 for a standard sedan (1-3 pax), €160 - €220 for a minivan (4-8 pax).
- Advantages: Fixed price agreed upfront (no meter surprises), meet-and-greet with a name sign, 24/7 service, child seats available on request.
- Booking: Use reputable platforms like Suntransfers, Welcome Pickups, or KiwiTaxi.
Warning: Avoid unlicensed touts inside the terminal offering rides. They charge exorbitant, unregulated rates. For most solo travelers or couples, the cost is prohibitive. A pre-booked transfer is safer and often cheaper than a rank taxi for this long-distance journey.
Ticket, Cost & Time Comparison Table
This table summarizes all options to help you decide at a glance.
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time (Door-to-Door) | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Number of Transfers / Changes | Best Suited For | Where to Buy Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Shuttle Bus | 1h 15m - 1h 45m | €4 - €15 (BOOK ONLINE) | 0 (Direct) | ⭐ BEST OVERALL (Most travelers, budget-conscious, luggage) | Operator websites (Autostradale, Terravision), Omio |
| Train (Malpensa Express + Regional) | 2h - 2h 30m (incl. transfer) | €20 - €30 | 1 (at Milano Centrale) | Rail enthusiasts, off-peak travel, bad weather/traffic days | Trenord kiosks/website, Trenitalia, Italo |
| Private Taxi / Transfer | 1h - 1h 15m | €130 - €220 (for car) | 0 (Direct, door-to-door) | Late-night/early-morning arrivals, groups of 3-4+, special needs | Pre-book online (Suntransfers, etc.) or official taxi rank |
| Flight (MXP → BGY) | 3.5+ hours | €100+ | 2+ (Bus to terminal, flight, bus to city) | ❌ NOT RECOMMENDED (Inefficient for this short distance) | Airline websites |
Key Takeaway: For speed and value, book an advance shuttle bus ticket online. For absolute ease regardless of cost, pre-book a private transfer.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for a Smooth Journey
Essential Pre-Trip Advice
- Book Buses Online, Always: This is the single biggest money-saving tip. Walk-up fares can be double the online price.
- Verify Your Terminal at MXP: Malpensa has two terminals (T1 and T2). Most shuttles stop at both, but check your ticket for the correct pick-up location. Allow 10-15 minutes to walk between terminals if needed.
- Luggage Strategy: If you have a long layover and want to explore Milan, use the left-luggage facilities (“Deposito Bagagli”) at Milano Centrale station (approx. €6-€12 per bag for 12 hours) instead of dragging suitcases around.
- Navigating Bergamo Arrival:
- Bus Arrival (Autostazione): You're at the foot of the Città Alta. Take the funicular or a short uphill walk.
- Train Arrival (Bergamo Station): You're in the modern lower city. Buy a bus ticket (€1.60) from the machine/newsagent for buses 1, 7, or 9 to “Città Alta”.
- Peak Season & Strikes: In summer and during Italian national holidays, buses fill up. Book further ahead. Check for national transport strikes (sciopero) which can disrupt train and bus schedules, usually announced weeks in advance.
- Mobile Data: Having a local SIM or good roaming data is invaluable for accessing e-tickets, real-time bus tracking apps (like “Moovit”), and navigation in Milan Centrale.
FAQs: Milan Malpensa Airport to Bergamo Common Questions
Is there a direct train from Malpensa Airport to Bergamo?
No, there is no direct train service. The journey requires at least one change, typically at Milano Centrale railway station.
What is the cheapest way to get from MXP to Bergamo?
The cheapest way is to pre-book a seat on a direct shuttle bus online. Promotional fares can be as low as €4-€10 one-way.
What is the fastest way to travel from Malpensa to Bergamo?
A private taxi or pre-booked transfer is the fastest door-to-door option (approx. 1 hour). The fastest public transport is the direct shuttle bus (~1h15m).
How do I get from MXP to Bergamo late at night or early in the morning?
Your only reliable options are a pre-booked private transfer or an expensive official taxi (€180+). Public transport does not operate 24/7.
Should I fly from Malpensa to Bergamo's Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)?
No. The distance is short (80km). Total door-to-door time and cost are much higher than ground transport. It is not a sensible option.
Can I use the Malpensa Express train ticket to get to Bergamo?
No. The Malpensa Express ticket is only valid to Milano Centrale. You must buy a separate ticket for the regional train to Bergamo.
Is it easy to travel with large luggage from Malpensa to Bergamo?
Yes, on shuttle buses (under-bus storage). On trains, space can be limited during peak hours on the regional leg.
Where exactly in Bergamo do the buses and trains arrive?
Most buses arrive at the central Autostazione (bus station). Trains arrive at Bergamo Railway Station, 2km from the historic center, requiring a local bus or taxi.