If you’re flying through northern Italy and looking for a smaller, well-connected airport alternative to Milan Malpensa, Bergamo Airport (BGY) is a solid option. We recently flew out of Bergamo to Berlin, and while it was definitely busy, everything was surprisingly smooth and well organised.
Here’s what our experience was like, plus tips for getting there, where to stay nearby, and what to do if you have extra time in Bergamo, a town that deserves more attention than it gets.
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Arrival at Bergamo Airport
As we arrived at Bergamo Airport, the drop off area was buzzing with travellers, luggage, and families saying goodbye. It’s clearly a popular hub, especially for low cost airlines like Ryanair. That said, despite the crowds, we moved through the initial entrance quickly and the entire process felt pretty efficient. It’s easy to see why this airport has become such a go to for flights across Europe.
Check In and Bag Drop
Inside the terminal, we headed straight to the Ryanair bag tag collection area, which was easy to find with clear signage. Once we had our luggage tags sorted, we joined the bag drop queue and yes, it was long. If you’re flying Ryanair, I’d definitely recommend getting there early, especially during peak hours or holidays. Patience is key here but everything was moving and staff were on hand if you had questions.
Security Check
Next up: security! There was a noticeable line, but arriving early gave us that buffer we needed.
Once through security, things opened up and the vibe was a lot more relaxed.
Airport Facilities and Dining Options
Post security, Bergamo Airport has everything you’d expect, duty-free shops, lounges, a smoking area, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of places to grab food.
We spotted a few cafes, pizza bars, and sandwich counters. So whether you want a full meal or just a quick espresso, you’re covered.
I always appreciate when food options aren’t tucked away in some corner, and here everything was easy to find and close to the gates.
Gate Area and Boarding
Finding our gate was straightforward thanks to clear signage, and the layout felt intuitive. As boarding time approached, the waiting area was well lit with large windows, which made the space feel open and calm, a nice change from some of the darker, more crowded gate areas I’ve passed through in bigger airports.
Boarding was quick and well organised. Before we knew it, we were walking across the tarmac and boarding our Ryanair flight to Berlin.
How to Get to Bergamo Airport
Getting to the airport is pretty easy, with a few different options depending on where you’re coming from:
- From Bergamo city: You can catch the airport bus (Line 1), which runs regularly and takes about 15–20 minutes. A taxi is also an option if you have bags or want less hassle.
- From Milan: Take a train to Bergamo (about an hour), then transfer to the airport bus or grab a taxi. You can also book a private transfer if you’re travelling with a group or have early flights.
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Where to Stay Near Bergamo Airport
If you’ve got an early morning flight or are arriving late, staying near the airport can save you time and stress. Here are a couple of great options.
Airport Hotel Bergamo – Simple, clean, and super convenient
Petronilla Hotel Bergamo – A boutique-style stay with more charm, located in the lower part of town
Have Time to Spare? What to Do in Bergamo
If you have a few hours (or even a day) to explore before or after your flight, don’t skip Bergamo. It’s often overlooked in favour of Milan or Lake Como, but this small city is full of charm and surprises.
Here’s what I’d recommend.
- Explore Città Alta – The old town on the hill is stunning, with cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic views.
- Walk across Piazza Vecchia – A beautiful public square surrounded by cafés and old buildings.
- Ride the funicular – A fun and easy way to get between the upper and lower towns.
- Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore – One of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen in Italy.
- Grab a bite – Try local specialties like casoncelli (stuffed pasta) or polenta e osei (a local dessert).
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