How to Get from Milan Bergamo Airport to Milan City Centre

milan bergamo airpot

If your flight lands at Milan Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport and your final destination is Milan, you are probably wondering about the best way to reach the city centre.

Although it is known as Milan Bergamo Airport, it is actually located right next to Bergamo, roughly 50 kilometres from Milan. That means once you land, you will still need to decide how to make the onward journey to Lombardy's capital.

The good news is that you have plenty of options: direct bus, a combination of bus and train, a taxi or private transfer, or a hire car.

Which option is best? It really depends on what you plan to do on your holiday.

If you are only visiting Milan, the bus is usually the easiest and most affordable choice. If, on the other hand, you want to use your trip to explore Lake Como, Bergamo, Lake Garda, Verona, or other Italian destinations, hiring a car directly from the airport is well worth considering.

In this guide, we break down how to get from Milan Bergamo Airport to Milan city centre, how long each option takes, their key benefits, and which choice works best depending on your travel plans.

How to Get from Bergamo Airport to Milan?

These are the main options available:

  • Direct bus: The option I recommend if you want to save money and travel straight to Milan.
  • Bus + train: A great choice if you want to visit Bergamo before carrying on to Milan.
  • Taxi or private transfer: The most convenient option, though usually the most expensive.
  • Hire car: Particularly appealing if Milan is just one stop on a wider road trip around Italy.

Let's break down each option.

1. Bus from Bergamo Airport to Milan

The direct bus from Bergamo Airport to Milan is one of the simplest and most affordable options if your final destination is the city itself. Services run straight to Milano Centrale, where you can pick up the metro, a local bus, tram, or taxi to reach your accommodation.

The journey usually takes around an hour, though this can vary depending on traffic, particularly during peak times. Fares depend on the operator, the date, and how far in advance you book, so I recommend comparing different prices and booking ahead if you want to secure the best deal.

In my view, this is the best choice if you are travelling solo or as a couple, looking to save money, and simply need to get to Milan without needing a vehicle for the rest of your trip.

> What to see around Lake Como by car

2. Bus plus Train from Bergamo to Milan

Another way to travel from Bergamo Airport to Milan is by taking a local bus into Bergamo town and then hopping on a train to Milano Centrale. The train journey takes roughly 48 to 50 minutes, though you will need to add time for the bus transfer from the airport to the station and any connection waits.

While this option is slightly less convenient if you are carrying heavy luggage, it is a great choice if you want to stop off and explore Bergamo, especially its famous Città Alta (Upper Town), before heading onwards to Milan.

3. Taxi or Private Transfer from Bergamo Airport to Milan

A taxi or private transfer from Bergamo Airport to Milan is the most convenient option if you want to travel directly to your accommodation without making transfers or hauling heavy luggage around. In return, it is usually considerably more expensive than taking the bus, particularly if you are travelling solo or as a couple.

Even so, it can work out well if you are travelling in a group, carrying plenty of luggage, or simply after maximum comfort. If you choose this option, booking a private transfer with a set, pre-agreed price is recommended so you know the total cost upfront and can weigh it up against other options.

4. Hiring a Car at Bergamo Airport

rent a car in milan

If Milan is not your final destination and you plan to explore other parts of northern Italy, hiring a car at Bergamo Airport can be one of the most convenient choices. You will have full freedom to plan your itinerary without relying on train or bus timetables, allowing you to discover spots like Bergamo, Milan, Lake Como, Lake Garda, or Verona at your own pace.

At DoYouItaly, you can compare deals from a wide range of suppliers and find the right vehicle to match your journey and budget.

Compare car hire at Bergamo Airport

Is It Worth Hiring a Car to Explore Italy?

If Milan is simply the first stop of your holiday, hiring a car gives you far more freedom. Plus, if you are short on time to explore the city, you can also check out our guide on what to see in Milan in one day.

Imagine that after Milan, you want to explore Lake Como, Bergamo, Verona, or Lake Garda.

With a hire car, you can plan your route at your own pace and reach places that can be much trickier to visit using public transport.

You can also keep your luggage with you in the car, avoiding the hassle of changing trains or buses every time you move on to a new destination.

That said, it doesn't mean you have to use the car for absolutely everything.

In major cities, it is often far better to leave your car parked up and explore using public transport.

Where to Park in Milan?

If you decide to hire a car for your trip, there is one thing you should do before arriving: plan where you are going to park in Milan.

Do not wait until you reach the city centre to start looking for a space.

You should also pay close attention to the restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) and the access rules for driving into the centre.

> What to See in Milan in One Day

If you want to save money, check out our guide on where to park for free in Milan.

Our advice is simple: use your hire car to tour Italy and, when visiting major cities, find a suitable car park and carry on on foot or by public transport.

duomo milan

Frequently Asked Questions: Getting from Bergamo Airport to Milan

What is the cheapest way to get from Bergamo Airport to Milan?

If you simply need to travel from the airport to Milan, the direct bus is usually one of the most budget-friendly and straightforward choices.

We recommend comparing available fares and booking in advance based on your travel dates.

How long does it take from Bergamo Airport to Milan?

The bus journey to Milano Centrale usually takes around one hour, though this can vary depending on traffic.

If you opt for the bus and train combination via Bergamo town, you will need to factor in the time to get from the airport to the station and wait for your connection.

Is there a direct bus from Bergamo Airport to Milan?

Yes. Direct services operate between Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport and Milano Centrale, run by several different coach companies.

Can you get a direct train from Bergamo Airport to Milan?

No, there is no direct railway connection from the airport terminal to Milan.

What is better: taking the bus or hiring a car?

It depends on your travel plans.

If you are only visiting Milan, go for the bus.

If you plan to explore multiple destinations across Italy, compare the cost of public transport against hiring a car for a few days.

In the second scenario, the extra freedom of having your own vehicle can easily make any price difference worthwhile.

Can I hire a car at Bergamo Airport?

Yes. The airport offers car hire services, and you can compare different deals before you travel.

See car hire at Bergamo Airport

Is it worth hiring a car to get from Bergamo to Milan?

If you plan to head onwards to other Italian destinations after visiting Milan, it is definitely worth it.

You can also check out car hire deals in Milan if you would prefer to pick up your vehicle once you have finished exploring the city.