Two very different questions here — Bergamo is 5 km away (cheap), Milan is 50 km away (not cheap by taxi).
To Bergamo city (5 km)
| Transport | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Local bus (ATB Line 1) | 2.50 € | 15 min |
| Taxi | 15-20 € | 10-15 min |
| Transfer | €18-28 | 10-15 min |
Bergamo is easy and affordable. The bus is frequent and drops you at the train station, from which the Upper Town (Città Alta) is a funicular ride away.
To Milan center (50 km)
| Transport | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Airport bus (direct) | 7-10 € | 50-70 min |
| Bus to Bergamo + train | ~8.50 € | 80-90 min |
| Taxi | 100-130 € | 50-70 min |
| Pre-booked transfer | €80-120 | 50-70 min |
The airport bus is king for Milan
At 7-10 €, the direct airport bus to Milano Centrale is the obvious choice for most travelers. Here's why it works:
- Frequent: Every 15-30 minutes during the day
- Comfortable: Modern coaches with luggage storage, AC, sometimes WiFi
- Direct: No stops between BGY and Milano Centrale
- Reliable: 50-70 minutes, rarely significantly delayed
Book online for 1-2 € less than at the counter. Companies: Terravision, Autostradale, Orio Shuttle — all similar quality.
When is a taxi/transfer worth the cost to Milan?
| Scenario | Bus cost (family) | Transfer cost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler | 7-10 € | €80-120 | Bus by far |
| Couple | 14-20 € | €80-120 | Bus |
| Family of 4 | 28-40 € | €80-120 | Bus (but closer) |
| Group of 5-6 | 35-60 € | €90-140 (van) | Transfer approaches value |
| Late night (no bus) | N/A | €80-120 | Transfer (only option) |
The math only works for transfers when you're a group of 4+ or when buses aren't running.
The Bergamo + train combo
An alternative route to Milan: 1. Bus to Bergamo station: 2.50 €, 15 min 2. Trenord train to Milan: ~6 €, 50 min 3. Total: ~8.50 €, 80-90 min
This is slightly cheaper than the direct bus but takes longer and requires a connection. The advantage: you can stop in Bergamo on the way. The disadvantage: more hassle with luggage.
Hidden costs
- Bus ticket online vs counter: Online is usually 1-2 € cheaper
- Taxi tolls: The A4 motorway has tolls (included in taxi meter, but worth knowing)
- From Milano Centrale to your hotel: The bus drops you at the train station. From there, Milan's metro costs 2.20 €, or a taxi across Milan is 10-20 €
- Return journey: Bus companies run the same route in reverse. Book your return too if you know the date.