Getting from Milan Bergamo Airport to the Milan City Centre: What You Need to Know
Travelling from Milan Bergamo Airport to the city centre is slightly different from other Milan airports, because the airport is not actually in Milan. It is located near the city of Bergamo, around 50 kilometres from central Milan, which means the journey typically takes 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on how you travel.
Most travellers arriving here are heading toward Milano Centrale, which is the main transport hub in Milan and the primary arrival point for airport transfers. From there, it is easy to connect to the metro, trams, taxis, or local buses, making it the most practical destination for visitors.
The key thing to understand is that bus transfers dominate this route. Unlike Malpensa, there is no direct train from the airport itself, which means your main choices are direct airport coaches, a bus and train combination, taxis, or car hire.
The route into Milan is straightforward, using major roads connecting Bergamo to the city. However, traffic can vary, particularly during peak travel times and weekends, which can affect journey duration.
Choosing the right option depends on how you balance cost, speed, and convenience, especially if you are arriving late or travelling with luggage.
Milan Bergamo to City Centre Transfer Comparison
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus / Coach (Direct) | 50 to 70 minutes | €8 to €12 | Most travellers, simplest option |
| Bus + Train (via Bergamo) | 1h 15 to 1h 40 | €10 to €20 | Flexible travellers, rail connections |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 50 to 70 minutes | €90 to €120+ | Convenience, groups, late arrivals |
| Car Hire | 50 to 70 minutes | Varies | Onward travel beyond Milan |
For most travellers, the direct airport bus offers the best balance of price, simplicity, and frequency, which is why it is the most commonly used option.
Bus from Milan Bergamo Airport to City Centre: Easiest Option
For most travellers, the direct airport bus is the easiest and most practical way to travel from Bergamo Airport to Milan.
Multiple operators run frequent services between the airport and Milano Centrale, with departures scheduled throughout the day to match flight arrivals. Journey times are typically 50 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The main advantage of the bus is simplicity. You leave the arrivals area, board a direct coach, and travel straight into Milan without needing to change or navigate different transport systems. This makes it particularly useful after a flight, especially for first-time visitors.
Tickets are usually priced between €8 and €12, making this one of the cheapest ways to reach the city. They can be purchased online in advance or directly at the airport, depending on the operator.
Coaches are generally comfortable, with luggage stored underneath the vehicle, although space can be more limited during busy periods. Traffic can affect journey times, particularly when approaching Milan, but overall the service is reliable and widely used.
For most travellers, this option provides the best combination of low cost and minimal effort, which is why it is the default choice.
Train from Bergamo Airport to Milan: Via Bergamo Station
There is no direct train from Milan Bergamo Airport, so if you want to travel by rail, the first step is getting to Bergamo railway station. This is where most guides are vague, but the process is actually straightforward once you know how it works.
From the airport, you take a local bus to Bergamo station. The main service is the ATB airport bus (Line 1), which runs directly from outside the terminal to the station. Buses operate frequently throughout the day, typically every 20 minutes, and the journey takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
At the airport, follow signs for “Bus / Autostazione” just outside arrivals. Tickets can be bought from machines in the terminal, at the bus stop, or via local transport apps, and must be validated when you board. This is important, as checks do happen.
Once you arrive at Bergamo station, you walk straight into the main rail terminal, where trains to Milano Centrale run regularly. Journey times are usually 45 to 60 minutes, and services operate frequently throughout the day.
In total, the full journey from the airport to Milan by bus and train takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on how well your connection lines up.
This option works best if you are planning to continue your journey by rail beyond Milan, or if you prefer trains over buses. However, the need to change between bus and train makes it less convenient than the direct airport coach, particularly if you are travelling with luggage.
For most travellers, the direct bus remains the simpler choice, but if you understand the steps, the train route is a perfectly workable alternative.
Compare Trains and Buses with Omio
Choosing between trains and buses is not always obvious. Some routes are faster by train, while others are cheaper or easier by bus. Omio helps you compare routes, journey times, prices, and tickets in one place.
It is useful for city-to-city travel, cross-border journeys, and trips where flexibility matters. You can quickly see which option works best for your route, budget, and schedule before booking.
Taxi from Milan Bergamo Airport to the City Centre
Official taxis are available directly outside the arrivals area at Bergamo Airport and provide a simple, direct route into central Milan.
The journey typically takes 50 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic, and follows the main motorway route toward the city. Unlike Milan Malpensa, there is no fixed official flat fare, so prices are usually metered or agreed in advance, and typically fall in the region of €90 to €120 or more, depending on demand, time of day, and exact destination.
The main advantage is immediacy. You land, walk outside, and leave straight away without needing to wait for scheduled departures or manage connections. This makes taxis particularly useful if you are arriving late at night, travelling with luggage, or want a completely straightforward journey.
However, for solo travellers, this is one of the more expensive options. It becomes much more reasonable when the cost is shared between two or more people, especially when compared to the combined cost and effort of public transport.
For travellers who want a no-planning, door-to-door solution, taxis provide a reliable and flexible way to reach the city centre.
Private Transfers from Milan Bergamo Airport to the City Centre
Private transfers offer a more structured and predictable alternative to taxis, with the journey arranged in advance before you arrive.
Your driver meets you inside the arrivals hall, assists with luggage, and takes you directly to your accommodation. This removes the need to queue, negotiate fares, or locate transport after landing, which can make a noticeable difference after a long flight.
Journey times are similar to taxis, typically 50 to 70 minutes, but the experience is more controlled. Pricing is fixed at the time of booking, so there are no surprises, and vehicle options can often be selected based on group size or luggage requirements.
This option works particularly well for families, groups, or travellers arriving late at night, as well as those who want a completely stress-free arrival. It is also useful if you are travelling with multiple bags or oversized luggage, where managing public transport becomes less practical.
While private transfers are generally the most expensive option, they offer the highest level of comfort, certainty, and ease, making them a strong choice for travellers who prioritise a smooth and predictable journey.
Book Your Airport Transfer in Advance
Arriving in a new destination can be stressful, especially after a long flight. Welcome Pickups lets you pre-book a private airport transfer, so your driver is ready and waiting when you land.
It is ideal for first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, and travellers who want a smooth, reliable start to their trip. Instead of searching for taxis or navigating public transport, you can head straight to your accommodation.
Driving from Milan Bergamo Airport to the City Centre
Driving from Bergamo Airport into Milan is straightforward in terms of route, but it is not always the most practical option once you consider traffic and city conditions.
The journey follows the A4 motorway toward Milan, with a typical travel time of 50 to 70 minutes in normal conditions. However, this route is one of the busiest in northern Italy, and delays are common, particularly during morning and evening rush hours or at weekends.
The bigger challenge comes when you reach Milan itself. The city has restricted traffic zones (ZTL), limited central parking, and complex road layouts that can be difficult to navigate if you are unfamiliar with the area. Entering a restricted zone without permission can result in fines, and parking near major attractions is often both limited and expensive.
Car hire is therefore best suited to travellers who are passing through Milan or continuing their journey elsewhere, rather than those staying in the city centre. If your destination is within central Milan, public transport or a direct transfer is usually a much easier option.
Late Night and Early Morning Transfers
If your flight arrives at Milan Bergamo Airport outside standard hours, your transfer options become more limited, and planning ahead becomes more important.
Direct airport buses continue to operate into the evening and early morning, but services are less frequent than during the day. Depending on your arrival time, you may need to wait for the next scheduled departure, which can extend your overall journey time.
The train option becomes more complicated at these times, as it relies on a connection between the airport bus and rail services from Bergamo station. If schedules do not align, waiting times can increase significantly, particularly late at night.
For maximum flexibility, taxis and private transfers are the most reliable choice. They operate at all hours and allow you to leave the airport immediately without relying on fixed timetables. This makes them especially useful for late arrivals, early departures, or tight travel schedules.
Planning your onward journey in advance ensures that you can move smoothly into Milan, even when travelling outside peak hours.
Luggage and Practical Considerations
Luggage can play a bigger role than expected when choosing how to travel from Bergamo Airport to Milan, particularly because some options involve multiple steps.
Direct airport buses are generally well set up for luggage, with storage compartments underneath the coach. This works well for most travellers, although space can become limited on busy services, especially during peak travel periods.
The train route requires more effort. You first need to take a bus from the airport to Bergamo station, then transfer onto a train. Managing luggage across these stages, including boarding and moving between stops, can make the journey feel more complicated than it looks on paper.
Taxis and private transfers provide the simplest experience, as luggage is handled directly and you are taken straight to your destination. This is particularly useful if you are travelling with multiple bags or larger items, or if you want to avoid handling luggage between connections.
Choosing the right option based on what you are carrying can make a noticeable difference to how smooth your arrival feels.
Where You Arrive in Milan
Understanding where your transfer will drop you is an important part of planning your journey into Milan.
Most airport buses and trains arrive at Milano Centrale, which is the city’s main transport hub. From here, you can connect easily to the metro network, taxis, and local buses, and many hotels are within a short distance.
If you arrive by train from Bergamo, you will also reach Milano Centrale, which simplifies onward travel within the city. From this point, it is easy to reach areas such as the Duomo, Porta Nuova, and Navigli using public transport or a short taxi ride.
Taxis and private transfers take you directly to your accommodation, removing the need for any further travel. This is particularly useful if you are staying outside the main transport corridors or arriving late.
Knowing your arrival point in advance helps you plan the final stage of your journey and ensures a smoother transition from airport to city.
Best Option for Most Travellers
For most people travelling from Milan Bergamo Airport to central Milan, the direct airport bus is the best overall option.
The reason is simple. It offers a direct, no-change journey from the terminal to Milano Centrale, with journey times typically between 50 and 70 minutes. It is also one of the cheapest options, usually costing between €8 and €12, which makes it accessible for almost all travellers.
The biggest advantage is simplicity. You leave the airport, board the coach, and arrive in the centre without needing to navigate stations or manage connections. After a flight, this makes a noticeable difference compared to the bus-and-train combination.
The train option works well if you prefer rail travel or are continuing your journey beyond Milan, but the extra step of getting to Bergamo station makes it less convenient for most arrivals. Taxis and private transfers offer the highest level of comfort, but at a significantly higher cost.
For most travellers, the direct bus provides the best balance of cost, convenience, and ease, which is why it remains the recommended choice.
How Long to Spend in Milan
Milan is often treated as a gateway city, but it is well worth spending time exploring once you arrive.
A stay of 1 to 2 days is enough to experience the main highlights, including the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforza Castle, while also giving you time to explore neighbourhoods and enjoy the city’s food scene.
If your trip includes day trips, such as visiting Lake Como, or travelling onward into the Alps, you may want to allow additional time. Milan works well as both a short city break and a transport hub, making it a flexible base for wider travel.
Even a short stay can be rewarding if you allow time to explore beyond the main attractions.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Rupert knows that Bergamo Airport can feel busy and a little chaotic at times, especially when several flights arrive close together, so having a clear plan makes all the difference.
If you want the easiest journey, take a direct airport bus and avoid unnecessary changes. It is the simplest way to move from the terminal straight into Milan without needing to think about connections.
If you are arriving late or travelling with luggage, a taxi or private transfer can save time and effort, particularly when bus services are less frequent.
Always allow extra time for traffic when travelling into Milan, as delays on the approach to the city are common. A small buffer here helps keep your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milan Bergamo Airport Transfers
How far is Milan Bergamo Airport from the city centre?
Milan Bergamo Airport is located around 50 kilometres from central Milan, with journey times typically between 50 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic and transport choice.
What is the best way to get from Bergamo Airport to Milan?
For most travellers, the direct airport bus is the best option, offering a simple, low-cost journey to Milano Centrale.
Is there a direct train from Bergamo Airport to Milan?
No. You must first take a bus or taxi to Bergamo railway station, then continue by train to Milan.
How much is a taxi from Bergamo Airport to Milan?
Taxi fares typically range from €90 to €120 or more, depending on traffic and time of travel.
Do buses run directly from Bergamo Airport to Milan?
Yes. Multiple operators run direct coach services to Milano Centrale, making it the most straightforward option for most travellers.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are planning your arrival into Milan, it is worth comparing all airport options before you travel. Our guides for Milan Malpensa Airport and Milan Linate Airport explain how to reach the city centre from each location, helping you choose the most convenient route for your trip.
Milan is also a key gateway for exploring northern Italy. If you are heading toward the lakes, our guide to travelling from Milan to Lake Como breaks down the fastest and most practical options. For those continuing by rail, our European rail journeys guide explains how to plan routes across multiple countries, while the Italy Interrail guide helps you make the most of train travel within Italy.
Staying connected is essential when navigating busy transport hubs. Using a reliable eSIM for Italy ensures you can access maps, tickets, and live updates from the moment you arrive, making your journey smoother from start to finish.
Last Updated
May 2026
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