Car rental in Bergamo at the Best Prices

A beautiful city located in the Italian region of Lombardy, Bergamo is a city separated by two distinctive centres – the Upper and Lower Towns. Approximately 48 km from the city of Milan, Bergamo is also only 32 km from world renowned Lake Como and Lake Iseo. Living in the shadows of the Alps, makes the whole area ripe for exploring with your car rental from Bergamo. You could enjoy a leisurely drive up the mountain, through lush green forests and along crystal clear lakes.

If you’re planning your next holiday in Bergamo, Italy, then Auto Europe is here to help you plan your car rental needs. Having partnered with numerous world renowned car hire suppliers, and having over 60 years industry experience, has allowed us to provide you with great deals. With collection points at local airports, main train stations and downtown areas, you’ll be spoilt for choice and be able to find exactly the type of car you need. Contact one of our reservation agents and start planning your trip today.

How is the traffic in Bergamo?

Traffic around Bergamo can be challenging due to its narrow cobbled streets. This is especially true of its Upper Town, which is often easier to get around via bicycle or by foot. Like many populous cities, traffic congestion is heavier during rush hour and weekends. It is therefore advisable to avoid these times, or leave plenty of time in which to reach your destination.

The motorways leading from Bergamo to Milan is particularly popular and can become heavily congested, especially around major intersections. Vehicle volume is high and often includes trucks and heavier vehicles. If you plan to visit Milan, we would advise you on leaving early and taking time to enjoy the countryside and journey.

Where can I park my car rental in Bergamo?

Bergamo is relatively small compared to other cities. Many of its main tourist attractions and points of interest can be reached on foot. Parking isn’t extremely difficult, with ample on-street parking around both the Upper and Lower Town city centres. Demand for on-street parking is high however, with many locals using it. It is therefore advised to either head into town early enough to find a parking spot, or park in one of the numerous municipal car parks.

The local tourist board recommends using the following car parks: Piazza Libertà, via Palma il Vecchio, Predaparking, via Borfuro San Marco, via Tiraboschi, via casalino, via baschenis, parking express, via Previtali, via B. Palazzo, via Pinamonte da Brembate, via Tiraboschi, via Camozzi, Piazza Repubblica, Triangolo, Ecolparking and Pitentino.

Bergamo Airport

An ever popular choice for those looking for a low cost alternative to Milan Malpensa and Linate Airports, Bergamo Airport despite being much further away still has great connections to Milan itself. Serving the Lombardy region, Bergamo Airport is only 4.8 km from the city of Bergamo and 48 km from Milan. The airport was inaugurated in 1972 and ultimately expanded in 2003 to cater for an increase in low-cost flights.

Bergamo Airport (BGY)
Address: Via Orio al Serio 49/51, 24025 Grassobbio (BG) Italia
Website: Bergamo Airport
Telephone: +39 35 326323

What to do in Bergamo

With a domineering position overlooking the city, the Upper Town is where most tourists head too. A true gem of intertwining medieval architecture, its buildings are snugly packed into the city’s historical walls. Bergamo has plenty to explore and lots to do for those seeking out adventure. For those wishing a more relaxed trip, the central Piazza Vecchia and Piazza del Duomo are perfect for sitting and watching the world go by.

• Donizetti Museum: Gaetano Donizetti was an Italian Bergamo-born composer during the early 19th century. The famous composer played an important part in expanding the lyrical bel canto tradition of the Rossini’s operas. Splendidly decorated, the museum together with its sporadic live performances portrays the composer’s life and his work.


• Piazza Vecchia: Dating back to the 1300s, Piazza Vecchia still contains many of the city’s most important buildings and is the perfect place to sit and unwind. For centuries this square has been the heart of political power for the Lombardy region. Along with the 1780 central Contarini Fountain, the square also has a former palace - which is now a library and contains around 500,000 volumes. As well as the Torre del Comune and Domus Suardorem.


• Natural Science Museum: Exhibiting a skeleton of an Allosaurus dinosaur, including a life-sized mammoth, Bergamo’s Museo Civico di Scienze Naturali, brings together a large selection of minerals and fossils under one roof. Displays are arranged beautifully and annotated in English. This museum is a must see whenever you’re in the Upper Town area.


• Bergamo Cathedral: This majestic cathedral was constructed on the exact place that the city’s patron saint – St. Alexander of Bergamo - was martyred in 303 AD. Constructed in 1459, this neoclassical style building has many interesting features, including paintings by Previtali, Moroni and Tiepolo.


• Santa Maria Maggiore: This Romanesque Basilica was constructed in 1137 and is famous for having no main entrance, just side doors. The façade is also something to admire during your visit, along with the Renaissance choir stalls. Inside you’ll find stuccos, tapestries, wooden sculptures and frescoes by the Venetian artist Lorenzo Lotto.

Best day trips with my car hire in Bergamo

The Lombardy region of north Italy has many wonderful architectural gems and awe-inspiring beauty within varying landscapes. From the Alps to pristine lakes, with a car rental from Bergamo you’ll be able to explore countless medieval villages and gaze over idyllic scenery.

San Pellegrino: A wonderful spa town set in the Alpine foothills, San Pellegrino draws in tourists from all across the globe. Three springs on the River Brembo contribute to San Pellegrino’s fresh sparkling natural spring water. This beautiful forested spa town will entice you and draw you into its relaxed atmosphere. The area is especially appealing to wildlife lovers and nature enthusiast.

Le Cornelle Animal Park: Northwest of Bergamo you’ll come across the Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle, a zoo that focuses on protecting rare animals. Along with a white Bengal tiger, the zoo also has a Cheetah Oasis. Other themes include the Savannah, Tropical Forest, Pinnawala Elephant and the Aldabra Island – where you’ll find the endangered Seychelles tortoise.

Milan: Only 48 km from Bergamo is the superb city of Milan with all its splendour and charm. Spending just a day here is enough for you to get a feel of this city. A vast cultural influence, Milan is not only one of the capitals of fashion, but also is home to the Leonardo da Vinci National Museusm, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the magnificent 14th century Duomo di Milano.

Lake Maggiore: Located around 120 km from Bergamo you’ll come across a slice of paradise known as Lake Maggiore. Only an hour and a half by car, this lake is simply breath-taking and a great escape from city life. Whilst there, make sure you visit Borromeans, a collection of three islands located on the lakes southwest-most corner. With picturesque landscapes, one of the islands is still a fully functioning fishing village.

Geographic Information & History

Nestled within the fertile Italian region of Lombardy, Bergamo inhabits the central half of the Alpine slopes, including a portion of the Po River plains. A mountainous region, the valleys of Seriana and Brembana are home to various ski slopes during the winter months and some amazing hiking and cycling trails during summer time. The legendary lakes around Lombardy are perfect for outdoor activities, bathing, boating and other water sports.

Initially known as Bergomum, the settlement is said to have been originally founded by Cenomani, an ancient Celtic tribe. Around 49 BC the Romans captured the settlement and under its rule became an important military base. The town prospered and grew to around 10,000 inhabitants until it was eventually in 5 AD devastated by Attila the Hun. During the 12th century the town became the seat of the Lombard duchy. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, Bergamo formed part of the Republic of Venice’s most westerly outpost. The town eventually went on to play a major role during the Italian reunification.

How to get around Bergamo

Public transport in Bergamo is operated by Azienda Trasporti Bergamo (ATB) since its founding in 1907. ATM runs the bus, train, tram and the city’s funicular railways. The network is modern, well maintained and provides a cost-effective and easy way to get around town and into its suburbs.

Bus

Regular bus services operate between the airport and central Bergamo. These are offered by Autostradale, Orio Shuttle, Flixbus and Terravision. ATB, also provides a bus service between Milan Bergamo Airport and Bergamo main railway station. Bus route 1 is of particular interest to tourists because it connects the airport to the main railway station, and onto the upper town, Orio shopping centre, Stazione FS and to Porta Nuova.

Train

ATB runs trains from Bergamo main railway station - Bergamo’s Stazione Ferroviaria, is located at Piazza Marconi 7 in the Lower Town, towards Milan Bergamo Airport – taking around 10 minutes. A regional train service towards Milan takes around 50 minutes. Likewise a service towards Lecco and Brescia exists, allowing you to change for Venice and Verona. Other services will take you further afield to such cities as Bologna.

Taxis

Official city taxis are white in colour with a taxi sign on its roof. Taxis are metered however, we would advise talking to your driver about costs involved before heading off. Taxis can be pre-ordered of picked up at one of the numerous taxi ranks spread out throughout the city. Taxis tend to congregate around the Bergamo main train station and airport.

Funicular

Two funicular railway lines exist in Bergamo. These unique railways are designed to take you up and down steep slopes. In Bergamo, the Funicolare San Vigilio links the Upper Town with the San Vigilio district, whilst the Funicolare Città Bassa-Città Alta, connects the Lower Town with the Upper.

Tram

Tramvie Elettriche Bergamasche (TEB) runs regular tram services in Bergamo and the Lower Seriana Valley, in the northeast of Bergamo city. A quick mode of transport for getting you around the city, the trams also connect you to Albino, where you’ll find plenty of great hiking and cycling terrain.

Useful links

Tourism Information