General
Overview
Milan Bergamo (BGY) is a major low-cost hub 45 km from Milan, served by frequent express coaches to Milan Centrale.
Transfer Options
Luggage Storage
Situated within the Mobility Plaza corridor that connects the terminal to the Parcheggio Aeroporto P1 (Via Milano Parking) building. Follow the signs for Left Luggage or Baggage Deposit once you exit the Arrivals hall.
Note: Italian law requires a valid government ID or passport to store luggage at any staffed station facility. If you’d rather skip the queue or store bags closer to the city center, these apps connect you to nearby shops and hotels instead.
Visitor Cards and Passes
YesMilano City Pass
Milan’s official city pass, backed by the city’s tourism office. Includes ATM public transport plus entry to top attractions. Fully digital — activate on first use; no kiosk pickup needed. Tiers: Flash €39.90 (24h) · Standard €60 (3 days) · All Inclusive €90 (3 days).
YesMilano City PassTourist Museum Card
Entry to all 6 Civic Museums (Sforza Castle, Novecento, GAM, Aquarium, Archaeological, Natural History Museum) for €20 over 3 consecutive days. No transport included.
Tourist Museum CardATM Pass
Standard option for the metro, trams, and buses within Zone Mi1-Mi3:
- 24-Hour Ticket: €7.60
- 3-Day (72-Hour) Ticket: €15.50
MilanoCard (milanocard.it) and Milan City Pass (milancitypass.com) are privately operated with documented complaints about non-delivery and misleading inclusions. For transport only, buy ATM tickets directly. For a full city pass, use the official YesMilano City Pass.
Purchase these at Bergamo airport from the Turismo Bergamo desk.
Use Citymapper for the most intuitive step-by-step navigation and “best carriage” guidance.
Use official ATM Milano app specifically for purchasing multi-day digital passes or checking the real-time status of station elevators and escalators.
Public Transit
Train and Metro
Bergamo (BGY) does not have a direct station; you must take a €3.00 bus to Bergamo station first.
Bus
Shuttle buses (e.g., Terravision, Autostradale, Malpensa Shuttle) run between the airports and Milano Centrale. Tickets cost approximately €10.
The journey takes 50–60 minutes from BGY.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Milan Bergamo Airport features tactile paths for visually impaired passengers, lifts to all levels, and accessible restrooms throughout the terminal. Request assistance at least 48 hours in advance via your airline.
BGY – Reduced Mobility AssistanceSafety
Milan is generally safe, but Milano Centrale and other major stations are known hotspots for pickpockets and distraction scams.
At train ticket machines, people may offer to help you navigate the screen or carry your bags up the stairs. Their goal is either a “tip” or a distraction to steal your wallet. Politely say “No, grazie” and keep a firm hand on your belongings. Station staff wear official uniforms and will never ask for money.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost & Found office is in the Arrivals area, open Monday–Friday. Phone: +39 035 326 297.
BGY – Useful NumbersFirst Aid
The First Aid Centre is located within the terminal. Phone: +39 035 326 370.
Pharmacy
Farmacia Orio al Serio is inside the terminal, open daily 06:00–20:00. Phone: +39 035 459 2820.
Arrival
Official Taxi
From Bergamo, the flat rate to Milan is €128.
As you exit baggage claim or the train platform, individuals may approach you whispering “Taxi?” or “Transport?”. These are unlicensed drivers. Always ignore them and walk to the official outdoor taxi rank where a dispatcher or a line of white cars is waiting.
Rideshare
Uber exists in Milan but only as Uber Black or Van, meaning it is significantly more expensive than in North America. Freenow is the most reliable app as it calls official city taxis.
Bolt and Uber Black drivers meet in the parking area directly in front of the Arrivals exit. Follow signs for 'NCC/Rideshare'.
Use Freenow for speed in heavy traffic (official taxis using bus lanes), Uber for consistent premium reliability at airports and major hubs, and Bolt for the most budget-friendly fares.
ATMs and Currency
When the ATM asks “Would you like to be charged in USD/CAD or EUR?”, always choose EUR (Local Currency) or “Decline Conversion”. Selecting your home currency allows the ATM to set its own poor exchange rate, costing you 5–10% more.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
Bergamo (BGY) Allow at least 3 hours before your flight, especially if you need to check bags. The airport has a single terminal but check-in can be crowded during peak hours — security lines can be long.
Source: Check-In – Bergamo Orio al SerioSecurity Controls
Security & Screening
CT scanners have been operational at Bergamo (BGY) since November 2025. You may carry liquids up to 2 litres and do not need to remove laptops or tablets. Lanes without CT scanners may still enforce stricter rules — follow staff directions.
Passport Control
e-Gates are available for biometric passport holders (EU/EEA/CH) and Italian citizens with an electronic ID card (over 14, or over 12 if accompanied). Non-EU travelers on extra-Schengen flights are processed through the EES biometric system — wait times may be extended.
Source: Security Checks – BergamoSource: Travel Documents – BergamoVAT Refunds
Italy uses the OTELLO digital system for VAT refunds. You must present your unused purchases and tax-free forms at the Customs (Dogana) desk before checking your luggage.
If your items are in your checked bags, visit Customs first, then drop your bags. If they are in your carry-on, clear Customs after security. Global Blue and Planet kiosks are available at the airport for faster processing.
Source: OTELLO VAT Refund – Italian Customs