Il Caravaggio International Airport

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), officially named Orio al Serio International Airport, is Italy's third-busiest airport and the primary low-cost airport serving the Milan metropolitan area. Located approximately 45 km northeast of Milan in the province of Bergamo, it handles over 15 million passengers annually.

The airport operates from a single terminal with a straightforward layout. Departures are on the upper level, arrivals on the lower level, and a central pier extends from the main building to reach the gates.

BGY is Ryanair's largest Italian hub and one of their busiest bases in Europe. The airport predominantly serves budget carriers, with Ryanair accounting for the majority of traffic. Other low-cost airlines including Wizz Air, easyJet, and various charter operators also use the airport.

Despite carrying "Milan" in its marketing name, the airport is actually located in Bergamo. This is important for travelers to understand when planning ground transport, as reaching central Milan requires a dedicated bus journey of approximately 1 hour.

Key characteristics:

• Single terminal, compact layout
• Budget airline focus (primarily Ryanair)
• 45 km from Milan city center
• 5 km from Bergamo city center
• Direct bus services to Milan Centrale station

Milan Bergamo Airport is located 45 km northeast of Milan and 5 km southeast of Bergamo city center.

Typical travel times:

• Milan Centrale Station: 50-70 minutes by direct bus
• Bergamo city center: 15-20 minutes by bus or taxi
• Bergamo train station: 15 minutes by bus
• Lake Como (Lecco): 45 minutes by car

The airport is not connected to the rail network. Ground transport options are bus services, taxi, or rideshare.

Uber

Uber operates at Milan Bergamo Airport, though availability can be limited compared to Milan city center.

• Pickup location: Designated area outside arrivals
• Services available: UberX, Uber Black
• Note: Wait times may be longer than in Milan

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are metered but certain routes have fixed rates.

Destination	Fare	Time
Bergamo city center	EUR 20-25	15-20 min
Bergamo train station	EUR 15-20	10-15 min
Milan city center	EUR 100-130	50-70 min
Milan Centrale Station	EUR 100-120	50-70 min

Tips:

• Agree on the fare before departure for Milan trips
• Taxis accept credit cards but confirm beforehand
• The bus to Milan is significantly cheaper (EUR 10 vs EUR 100+)

Local Rideshare

FreeNow (formerly mytaxi) is available and can sometimes offer better rates than traditional taxis.

Bus to Milan (Terravision / Orio Shuttle / Autostradale)

Multiple bus operators run direct services between BGY and Milan Centrale station. This is the most popular and cost-effective option.

To Milan Centrale Station:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Bus Station"
2. Purchase tickets at kiosks, counters, or online
3. Board the bus to Milano Centrale
4. Journey time: 50-70 minutes (traffic dependent)

Operator	Adult Fare	Frequency
Terravision	EUR 10-12	Every 20-30 min
Orio Shuttle	EUR 10	Every 20 min
Autostradale	EUR 10-12	Every 30 min

Operating hours: Approximately 04:00-00:30, aligned with flight schedules Booking: Online booking available and recommended during peak periods

Tips:

• Buy return tickets for small discount
• Keep your ticket until the end of the journey
• Buses depart from directly outside the arrivals hall
• Journey time can extend to 90 minutes in heavy traffic

Bus to Bergamo

ATB Bus Line 1 connects the airport to Bergamo city center and train station.

To Bergamo Train Station:

1. Exit arrivals and find the ATB bus stop
2. Take Line 1 direction "Bergamo Stazione"
3. Journey time: 15-20 minutes

Route	Fare	Frequency
Airport to Bergamo Station	EUR 2.50	Every 20 min
Airport to Bergamo Centro	EUR 2.50	Every 20 min

Operating hours: 05:30-00:00 approximately Note: From Bergamo train station, you can catch trains to Milan, Venice, and other Italian cities

Train Connection via Bergamo

While there is no direct train from the airport, you can combine the bus to Bergamo with train services:

To Milan via Bergamo:

1. Take ATB bus to Bergamo Station (15 min, EUR 2.50)
2. Take Trenord train to Milan Centrale (50-60 min, EUR 6-7)
3. Total: approximately 75-90 minutes, EUR 8-10

This option is cheaper than the direct bus but takes longer and requires a transfer.

The airport offers several parking options with online booking discounts.

Airport Parking

Facility	Rate	Notes
P1 (Short-term)	EUR 3/hour, EUR 29/day	Closest to terminal
P2 (Covered)	EUR 15-20/day	3-minute walk
P3 (Long-term)	EUR 8-12/day	Free shuttle service

Tips:

• Book online at milanbergamoairport.it for discounts up to 30%
• First 10 minutes free for drop-off
• Electric vehicle charging available
• Off-site parking alternatives available along Via Aeroporto

Milan Bergamo has improved its food offerings in recent years, though options remain limited compared to larger airports.

Landside (Before Security)

• Autogrill: Italian highway restaurant chain, pizza, pasta, and panini
• Bar Milano: Coffee bar with pastries
• Burger King: Fast food option

Airside (After Security)

• MyChef: Italian food court with pizza, pasta, and salads
• Bottega dei Sapori: Local Italian products, sandwiches, regional specialties
• Gran Cafe: Coffee and light snacks
• Relay: Grab-and-go sandwiches and drinks

Budget tip: Prices are standard airport rates (expect EUR 8-12 for a meal). For better value and authentic Italian food, eat in Bergamo before heading to the airport.

Note: Food variety is limited compared to major hubs. If you have dietary restrictions, plan accordingly or eat before arriving.

Free WiFi is available throughout Milan Bergamo Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	Free Airport WiFi
Registration	Email or social media login
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email

Tip: Connection quality can be inconsistent during peak hours. Download content in advance if needed for your flight.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though options are limited.

Airport Locations

• Tabaccheria (newsagent): Basic prepaid SIM cards
• Vending machines: Some offer SIM cards

Italian Carriers

Provider	Prepaid Price	Data
TIM	From EUR 10-15	10-20 GB
Vodafone	From EUR 10-15	10-20 GB
WindTre	From EUR 10-15	10-20 GB
Iliad	From EUR 7-10	Excellent value

Better option: Purchase a SIM card at any TIM, Vodafone, or WindTre store in Bergamo or Milan. Airport markup can be significant and selection is limited.

Note: EU roaming is included on all Italian SIM cards, valid across the European Union.

ATMs are available in both arrivals and departures areas. Major Italian banks including Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit have machines at the airport.

Currency

• Italy: Euro (EUR)

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters (Travelex, Forexchange) are located in the arrivals hall. However, airport exchange rates include significant markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw EUR from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Wise, Revolut)
• Italy is increasingly card-friendly, especially in tourist areas
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid blocked transactions

Tips:

• Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs - always pay in EUR
• Small shops and buses may still prefer cash
• Carry some cash for smaller establishments

As a low-cost airport, shopping options at BGY are more limited than at Milan Malpensa.

Duty-Free

• Duty Free & Travel Value: Main duty-free shop airside with alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, and tobacco
• Tax-free savings: Available for non-EU residents on purchases over EUR 154.94

Italian Products

• Bottega dei Sapori: Local Italian food products, wines, cheeses, cured meats - good for last-minute gifts
• News & Gifts: Magazines, books, Italian souvenirs

Other Shops

• Relay: Travel essentials, snacks, magazines
• Accessorize: Fashion accessories
• Electronics stores: Phone chargers, adapters, headphones

Tips:

• Shopping selection is limited; for serious shopping, visit Milan or Bergamo before your flight
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds (22% Italian VAT) at the customs desk before departing

Lounge options at Milan Bergamo are limited, reflecting its budget airline focus.

Airport Lounges

Sala Vip Landside

• Location: Main terminal, before security
• Access: Pay-per-entry (approximately EUR 25-35)
• Amenities: Comfortable seating, drinks, snacks, WiFi
• Best for: Early arrivals or delayed flights before security

Sacbo Lounge (Airside)

• Location: After security, main departures area
• Access: Priority Pass, credit card programs, pay-per-entry
• Hours: Operating hours vary
• Amenities: Drinks, light snacks, seating, WiFi

Note: Lounge options at BGY are basic compared to major airports. Priority Pass acceptance may be limited or seasonal. Check current availability before traveling.

Tips for Layovers

• Lounges at BGY fill up quickly during peak times
• Consider spending longer layovers in Bergamo's beautiful old town instead
• The airport is small enough that arriving 2 hours before your flight is generally sufficient

There are no hotels directly connected to the airport terminal. Options nearby require a short transfer.

Near the Airport

NH Orio al Serio

• 5 minutes by free shuttle from terminal
• 4-star, modern business hotel
• Restaurant, bar, free parking
• From EUR 80-120/night

Hotel Fly Orio

• 3-minute drive from airport
• Budget-friendly option
• Free airport shuttle
• From EUR 50-70/night

Starhotels Cristallo Palace

• Located in Bergamo city
• 15 minutes from airport
• 4-star, elegant property
• From EUR 100-150/night

In Bergamo

For longer layovers or overnight stays, Bergamo city offers more character and better value:

• Hotel Piazza Vecchia: In the heart of Citta Alta (old town), boutique option
• GombitHotel: Design hotel in historic center
• B&B options: Abundant in Bergamo, from EUR 40-60/night

Tip: Bergamo is a beautiful city worth exploring. If you have an early flight or late arrival, staying in the old town is more pleasant than airport hotels.

Milan Bergamo Airport primarily serves as a gateway to Milan, but its location also provides excellent access to Bergamo, Lake Como, and the broader Lombardy region.

Bergamo (5 km)

Often overlooked, Bergamo is a stunning medieval city worthy of a visit.

Citta Alta (Upper Town):

• Enclosed by 16th-century Venetian walls (UNESCO World Heritage)
• Take the funicular from Citta Bassa (lower town)
• Piazza Vecchia: One of Italy's most beautiful squares
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Romanesque architecture
• Excellent restaurants and cafes at half Milan prices

Getting there: ATB Bus Line 1 (15 minutes) or taxi (EUR 20)

Layover recommendation: A 4-6 hour layover is enough to visit Citta Alta

Milan (45 km)

Italy's fashion and business capital offers world-class attractions:

Destination	From Centrale Station	Highlights
Duomo	Metro 15 min	Gothic cathedral, rooftop access
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II	Metro 15 min	Historic shopping arcade
The Last Supper	Metro + walk 25 min	Leonardo da Vinci (book ahead)
Brera District	Walk 20 min	Art galleries, aperitivo bars
Navigli	Metro 20 min	Canal district, nightlife

Getting there: Direct bus to Milan Centrale (50-70 min, EUR 10)

Lake Como (50-70 km)

BGY provides the closest airport access to Lake Como's eastern shore.

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Lecco	45 min	Car/taxi via SS342
Como town	90 min	Car via A4/A9
Bellagio	75 min	Car to Lecco + ferry

Tip: Rent a car from the airport for Lake Como exploration, or take the train from Bergamo to Lecco.

Travel Tips

• Aperitivo culture: Between 18:00-21:00, bars in Milan and Bergamo serve drinks with free buffets
• Validate train tickets: Stamp your ticket before boarding regional trains to avoid fines
• Stores close for lunch: Many shops close 12:30-15:30, especially outside Milan
• Tipping: Service charge (coperto) is standard; additional tipping is not expected

Day Trips from Bergamo

• Lake Iseo: 30 minutes by car, less crowded than Como
• Brescia: 50 minutes by train, Roman ruins and museums
• Verona: 90 minutes by train, Romeo and Juliet balcony, Roman arena
• Venice: 2.5 hours by train from Bergamo station

Italian Specialties (Lombardy)

• Risotto alla Milanese: Saffron risotto, Milan's signature dish
• Cotoletta alla Milanese: Breaded veal cutlet
• Casoncelli: Bergamo's stuffed pasta with butter and sage
• Polenta taragna: Buckwheat polenta with cheese (Bergamo specialty)
• Panettone: Milan's Christmas cake, available year-round
• Franciacorta: Lombardy's sparkling wine region, Italian alternative to Champagne