Bergamo Airport (BGY)

Airport in Bergamo

Bergamo Airport
Bergamo Airport
CC BY-SA 23.0 / Arne Müseler

Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY), commonly known as Bergamo Airport, is one of Italy's busiest low-cost travel hubs. Located just 5 km from Bergamo and about 45 km from Milan, it offers quick and efficient services for travellers exploring northern Italy, the lakes, and the Alps. The airport's compact layout and strong transport connections make it especially popular for short breaks and budget travellers.

With its growing network of European routes and easy onward transfers, BGY provides a straightforward and practical entry point to both Milan and Bergamo. This guide covers everything you need to know to navigate the airport with ease.

Why This Airport Matters

Bergamo Airport has become a major low-cost gateway to Italy, offering an extensive network of European flights at competitive fares. Its excellent connections to Milan, Bergamo, and other northern Italian cities make it a convenient choice for travellers who want quick access without the scale of larger airports.

Its compact size allows for faster check-in, shorter walking distances, and efficient arrivals, making it especially useful for weekend visitors, budget travellers, and those connecting to popular lake destinations.

History and Significance

Originally a military airfield, Orio al Serio evolved into a commercial airport in the late 20th century and grew rapidly as low-cost carriers expanded across Europe. Continuous upgrades have improved terminal facilities and increased capacity to meet rising demand.

Today, the airport plays a key role in the region's tourism economy, supporting travel to Bergamo's historic centre, Milan's cultural attractions, and major lake destinations such as Como and Garda.

Airport Layout and Quick Facts

The airport has a single terminal with modern facilities and an easy-to-navigate layout. Departures and arrivals are located close together, with clear signage and manageable walking distances throughout the building.

Arrivals lead directly to baggage claim and transport links, while departures include check-in counters, security, and a central departures lounge with shops and cafés. Despite handling large passenger volumes, processing generally remains efficient.

Where to Stay Close to Orio al Serio International Airport

Travellers seeking convenience can stay at NH Orio al Serio, located directly across from the terminal and accessible via a short walkway. Another nearby choice is Stile Collection Hotel BGY Airport, offering comfortable rooms close to airport transport links.

Budget-friendly options include B&B Hotel Bergamo, located a short drive away with easy access to the centre of Bergamo.

Getting To and From Orio al Serio International Airport

By Bus

Regular express buses connect the airport to Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, and other northern cities. The Bergamo city bus is the quickest option for reaching the upper and lower town, while the shuttle to Milano Centrale takes about 50 minutes.

By Taxi

Taxis wait outside the terminal and offer fast transfers to Bergamo or Milan. Travel to Bergamo city centre takes about 10 minutes, while the journey to Milan typically lasts around 45 minutes depending on traffic.

By Train

There is no train station at the airport. Travellers must first take a bus to Bergamo railway station, where trains connect to Milan, Brescia, Lecco, and other destinations.

Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

By Car

The airport is conveniently located near the A4 motorway, providing fast access to Milan, Brescia, and Verona. On-site parking includes both short-stay and long-stay options. Car rental companies are located inside the terminal.

If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

By Transfers and Shuttles

Private transfers and hotel shuttles operate between the airport and destinations across Lombardy. These are useful for groups, travellers with luggage, or trips to lake towns not well served by buses.

Arriving at Orio al Serio International Airport

Arrivals at BGY are efficient, with clear signage guiding passengers to baggage claim and onward transport. Passport control for non-Schengen flights is generally fast, and luggage usually arrives quickly due to the terminal’s compact size.

The arrivals hall contains ATMs, ticket offices, cafés, car rental desks, and bus stands just outside the terminal doors. Many travellers continue immediately to Milan or Bergamo.

Money Exchange & Currency Tips for Italy

ATMs throughout the terminal provide the easiest way to obtain euros. Currency exchange counters are available but typically offer higher fees or less favourable rates. Italy widely accepts card payments, though small cash amounts may be useful for buses, cafés, or rural destinations.

Travellers should choose to be charged in euros during card transactions to avoid dynamic currency conversion.

SIM Cards & Connectivity

SIM cards from Vodafone, TIM, Iliad, and WindTre can be purchased from shops inside the terminal. Tourist packages include data and local calls. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport with a simple login process.

Departing from Orio al Serio International Airport

Departures follow a streamlined process, with check-in counters at the front of the terminal and a centralised security area. As a major low-cost hub, queues can build during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.

After security, travellers will find a range of shops, cafés, and duty-free outlets. Seating is available in the departures hall, along with charging points and rest areas.

Airport Services and Facilities

• Cafés, bars, and snack outlets
• Duty-free shopping and retail shops
• ATMs and currency services
• Free Wi-Fi
• SIM card sales
• Baby-changing facilities
• Accessible services for reduced mobility
• First-aid and medical support

Lounges at Orio al Serio International Airport

A small number of lounges are available for eligible passengers and through paid access. Lounges typically include quiet seating, refreshments, and workspace facilities, providing a comfortable alternative to the busy main terminal.

Orio al Serio International Airport Hotels

Accommodation near the airport includes NH Orio al Serio, ideal for early flights or short layovers, and Stile Collection Hotel BGY Airport. Many travellers also stay in Bergamo’s Città Alta or Città Bassa for sightseeing and easy airport transfers.

Renting a Car at Orio al Serio International Airport

Car rental desks operate inside the terminal, offering vehicles suitable for travel across Lombardy and the nearby lakes region. Access to the A4 motorway makes driving convenient for trips to Milan, Verona, or smaller lake towns.

Flights and Airlines Operating at BGY

The airport is a major base for low-cost airlines with extensive European routes. Flights connect Bergamo to destinations across Italy, the Mediterranean, northern Europe, and seasonal holiday regions.

For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Bergamo on Booking.com.

Can You Sleep Overnight at Orio al Serio International Airport?

The airport remains open overnight, and many travellers sleep in the public seating areas. Facilities are basic, but the terminal is safe and well lit. Nearby hotels provide greater comfort for early departures.

Practical Tips for Using Orio al Serio International Airport

• Arrive early during peak seasons due to heavy low-cost traffic
• Use express buses for the fastest travel to Milan
• Withdraw euros from ATMs instead of using exchange counters
• Expect busy periods during weekend flights
• Plan extra time to reach Bergamo railway station if travelling onward by train
• Pre-book transfers if visiting lake destinations

Final Thoughts

Orio al Serio International Airport offers a practical and efficient gateway to Bergamo, Milan, and the lakes region. With its strong transport links, budget-friendly routes, and compact layout, it provides a smooth and convenient travel experience for visitors exploring northern Italy.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.7 (31,687)

Il Caravaggio International Airport at Via Aeroporto 13 in Orio al Serio is a large, budget-friendly airport open 24 hours with bus connections to regional destinations; visitors note a relaxed atmosphere with Italian coffee, a public Yamaha piano and occasional celebrity sightings, and the airport lists an international contact number and official website for more info.

PegiTa (PegiTa)
3 weeks ago
"Bergamo Airport is clean and well-maintained, and it’s clear that it has recently been renovated. The modern look and improved facilities make theoverall atmosphere pleasant and comfortable. The staff are polite, professional, and always willing to help, which makes traveling through the airport much easier. There are many options for food and drinks, with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and stores to choose from. Whether you want a quick snack, a coffee, or a full meal, there are plenty of choices available. Another good feature is the open smoking room, which is convenient for smokers. The only downside is the passport control. Both on arrival and departure, waiting times can be very long, which can be frustrating, especially during busy hours. Overall, it’s a well-equipped and modern airport with great services, but the passport control process definitely needs improvement...."
Elena Marina
4 weeks ago
"crazy i haven’t reviewed this airport yet, considering i’ve been here about 30 times and even slept in it multiple times. the first time i came wasin 2021 and honestly… a lot has changed. if before i kind of hated it. small, cramped, nothing like mxp. now i’ve grown to appreciate it. it serves its purpose and it serves me well. there are way more food options now, even though they’re all extortionately expensive. they also added a new water refill station which is painfully slow, but hey, at least i can refill my bottle for free before taking off. expect queues at peak times: 5 am and 9 pm are absolute chaos, so give yourself enough time. come around midday and it’ll take you five minutes to go from entrance to gate. the seats are fine, some even have chargers but they’re hiding like easter eggs. never had issues with security, but i’m also basically a speedrun champion at this point. the flights from here are insanely cheap, which is hands down my favourite part. the airport is packed all night long, so don’t worry about being alone , i’m a solo female traveller and i’ve always felt completely safe. the only downside is that there’s never enough space for everyone, so a lot of people end up sleeping on the floor. overall, great for planespotting and it serves me great. lots of upcoming trips :)..."
Charlie Alfie
a week ago
"Extremely long queues and a very unfriendly airport layout, with excessive walking required throughout the terminal. Despite being on a transitflight, we were forced to exit and re-enter the departure area, going through standard luggage screening and police control again, which was both time-consuming and frustrating. I would avoid using this airport unless absolutely necessary. The only positive aspect was that the staff were helpful and polite...."

The Bergamo Airport (BGY) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bergamo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Orio al Serio, Bergamo Province of Bergamo, Italy
Bergamo: 4 km
Brescia: 43 km
Milan: 45 km
Como: 50 km
Verona: 105 km

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