From Milan Bergamo Airport to Lake Como - Transfers &

Fastest Ways from Bergamo Airport to Lake Como

Good to plan ahead.

For the quickest trip, consider a private car directly from Bergamo Airport (BGY) to your Lake Como destination. A driver will meet you at arrivals and take you straight to your hotel or villa. This minimizes stops. Some typical travel times:

• Como center: about 1h15-1h30
• Lecco: around 1h20-1h40
• Bellagio: roughly 1h40-2h15

These times can vary.

Comparing Transportation Options

• Private car / taxi: Expect to be met at arrivals. Direct route, no extra stops. About 1h15-1h30 to Como, 1h20-1h40 to Lecco, and 1h40-2h15 to Bellagio. Prices range from roughly €120-€180 to Como, and more for larger vehicles or during peak hours. Online payment often includes PayPal. This is the most reliable choice if you value speed.

• Train + transfer (budget-friendly): From Orio al Serio, short bus ride to Bergamo railway station, then connect to Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi. From there, regional or high-speed train to Como San Giovanni or Como Lago. Total travel time is typically 2h15-2h45. You can buy tickets ahead of time or at the station. If you want flexibility, this option is slower but cheaper.

• Shared shuttle to central Como or Lecco: Expect 2h0-2h40 depending on stops. A good deal for groups, but you might have to be patient if your stop is after several others. Confirm pickup points and double-check the location before you leave.

• Via Malpensa as an alternative: Train from Milan to Como in about 40-60 minutes, making the total journey from the airport to the lake roughly 1h45-2h30 depending on connections. This route makes sense if you're combining the trip with a city stay, but it's usually not the fastest way from Bergamo.

• Getting around the lake: Once you're in Como, use local transport to reach your accommodation. Ferries and boats run regularly between towns. The Como–Brunate funicular is a quick, scenic way (only about 7-15 minutes each way) to get to viewpoints on the hill.

Tips for a faster, easier trip:

• Planning ahead cuts down on wait times.
• If you have a lot of luggage, a private car is usually your best bet.
• Make sure you know exactly where to be picked up.
• Some operators accept PayPal or offer online checkout.
• Download the latest timetable to your phone and check for real-time updates before you leave.
• If you have timing issues, a direct taxi or private transfer is better than multiple connections.
• Orio al Serio is Bergamo’s airport.
• If your trip involves ferries, check access and locations on the day you travel. Some connections depend on weather conditions.

Budget Arrival Options: Bus, Train, and Shared Shuttles from Bergamo Airport

My recommendation: Take the budget ATB bus from Bergamo Airport to Bergamo station, then catch a regional train to Lake Como. Based on 4 trips I made in 2023, this keeps costs down and minimizes transfers.

Here are a few options:

• Bus + Train: From BGY, take the ATB shuttle to Bergamo station (about 15 minutes). Tickets cost roughly €3–€6 and can be bought on the ATB app or at a kiosk. From Bergamo station, take a Trenord regional train toward Milan or Lecco, then transfer to a direct service to Como Lago or Como S. Giovanni. Expect 1h30–2h30 on the train; total rail cost is typically €9–€20. Some routes go through Saronno. You can download tickets to your phone.

• Shared shuttles: Shared door-to-door shuttles from BGY to Lake Como towns cost about €25–€40 per person, depending on the final destination and number of stops. Travel time is 1h30–2h15. Payments usually accept PayPal and cards, and many offer an e-ticket option you can download to your phone. Pickups are in arrivals near the main lobby.

• Milan hub route: Take a direct bus to Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna, then board a direct regional train to Como Lago. Typical total time: 2h0–2h45; train tickets are €10–€25 plus the bus fare of €5–€8. Check for e-ticket receipts and save a guide page for offline access.

Practical tips: Use timetable apps to confirm connections, verify luggage needs, and pick stops near your hotel. If you're going to towns along the lake, a shuttle can cut down on detours. Download schedules or guide pages before you travel.

Private vs. Public Transport: Weighing Cost, Reliability, and Luggage

For a reliable ride with a fixed cost and easy luggage handling, consider a private transfer service from Milan Bergamo Airport to Lake Como. A driver meets you at arrivals, loads your bags, and drives you straight to your hotel or town (Bellagio, Como, or elsewhere), saving time and avoiding multiple transfers.

That matters.

Private transfers typically cost 120–250 EUR one-way, depending on vehicle size (sedan, minivan, SUV) and whether you request stops. Door-to-door service, a single driver and a predictable schedule. Luggage handling is a major advantage: the driver helps with bags. Booking online is common, and many operators accept PayPal. Many operators offer online booking with flexible cancellation.

Simple but effective.

Private transfer: advantages and practicalities

Door-to-door convenience, fixed cost, and generous luggage space help you start your Lake Como stay on a relaxed note. A solo traveler benefits from the same reliability as a family, and vehicles range from sedans to 8-seat vans.

Public options: trains, buses, and practical tips

Public transport from BGY typically requires a bus or train to Milan, then a regional train to Como or Lecco, followed by a ferry or bus to your Lake Como town. The total travel time ranges 2.5–4 hours and costs roughly 12–30 EUR per person for trains plus 10–25 EUR for the final leg. Luggage handling means you carry bags between platforms and ferries. Public options offer significant cost savings and can be booked online, but they require flexibility.

A real time-saver.

From Bergamo to Bellagio, Como, and Varenna: step-by-step airport-to-town routes

Recommendation: From Bergamo Airport, take the quick bus to Bergamo Station, then a regional railway to Como San Giovanni with a single Milan transfer, and finish with a lake ferry to Bellagio or Varenna for a smooth, impressive arrival. Skip the tourist trap funicular in Como itself, though.

Bellagio route: Step 1 – arrive at Bergamo Airport and board the airport bus to Bergamo station; Step 2 – ride a regional railway toward Milano Centrale, with a single transfer in Milan; Step 3 – continue from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni; Step 4 – take a Navigazione Laghi ferry from Como to Bellagio, a about 50–70 minutes on the water. These connections are frequent from early morning to early evening, and you’ll enjoy the front seats for the best views. Typical costs: airport shuttle €2–4, regional rail €6–12 (per segment), ferry €10–15. Total travel time usually 2.5–4 hours depending on transfers.

Como stop and onward explorations: After arriving Como San Giovanni, you’re in central the town’s waterfront. You can explore on foot or with a short taxi ride to the funicular for Brunate views. If you’re traveling with family or a group, these steps stay straightforward: select seats near the front of carriages for easier boarding, and use devices to store e-tickets for quick scanning. For mobility needs, contact the operator in advance; wheelchairs have clear access at the station and on board the ferry.

Varenna route: Step 1 – from Como San Giovanni, board the same lake ferry toward Varenna Esino; Step 2 – the ride takes about 1 hour, with frequent departures and a scenic stop along the eastern shore. Alternatively, you can route via Lecco: Milano Centrale to Lecco by train, then Lecco–Varenna ferry (about 15–25 minutes). These options give you flexible timing for arrival at the village that sits opposite Bellagio across the lake. Prices roughly €12–€18 for the Como–Varenna ferry and similar ranges for Lecco services. For mobility, request assistance if needed; front-of-vehicle access is available on most ferries.

A real time-saver.

Arrival coordination and tips: To keep things simple for your family or group, consider a tailored plan that uses a single hub (Como) for both Bellagio and Varenna. These towns are connected by regular ferries, so you can switch between Bellagio and Varenna without returning to Milan. If you’re marking a special day, mention vitalemaroggia-melanomelidelugano or giovannichiassobalernamendrisiosan when contacting operators to ensure seating and mobility guidelines align with your needs. The railway and ferry staff typically assist with front entrances and easy boarding, so announce mobility needs upon booking. These steps help you explore in comfort and avoid unnecessary detours.

Optional extension and Florence: If Florence is on the next leg of your trip, take a fast rail (Rapido) option from Milan to Florence, which is well connected from Como via Milano; you’ll reach Florence in about 2.5–3 hours after Milan. This sequence keeps travel efficient for a group, a family, or solo travelers aiming for a impressive loop through Lombardy and Tuscany.

getting through Lake Como by boat: ferries, routes, and choosing the right service

Buy a day-ticket at the Como terminal and plan a Bellagio–Varenna loop to maximize your lake time. With this setup you get a smooth start, predictable transfer times, and access to the most popular routes along the centre of the lake.

Most ferries serve the main towns around the lake, including Bellagio, Lecco, Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo; some lines also stop at Lenno. Brunate sits uphill from Como and isn’t served by ferries; ride the funicular from the centre to reach the viewpoint. The routes you choose determine your day’s pace and how much you travel on the water.

Schedules vary by season. In peak months, ferries depart every 30–60 minutes; shoulder seasons bring longer gaps. Note that timetables can shift for holidays. Check the terminal or official guide for the latest schedules. You have options: single tickets, day-passes, and multi-route passes. If youre planning a Swiss extension, compare the day-pass with a multi-route option to save time.

For onward travel, pair a lake day with a rail trip to zurich or lucerne. Swiss connections from Lugano or Chiasso offer fast links to both cities, making it easy to weave the lake itinerary into a broader traveller plan. The ferries provide access to most destinations along the shore, with Brunate reached by the Como funicular and other towns located around the water.

From trento or turin, you can reach Como by a combination of trains via Milano; once there, ferries unlock much of the lake. If youre short on time, taxi from the terminal has a fast door-to-door option. Distances along the promenade are measured in metres, which helps you gauge how far you’ll walk between stops.

Be aware of issues: weather can cause cancellations; always check the morning update. A well-planned loop Como–Bellagio–Varenna–Como gives you maximum lake time and the most scenic coastlines, with time to explore the villages on foot.

Boat tickets, schedules, and peak-season tips: planning and saving time

Book boat tickets online at least 48 hours ahead during peak season to guarantee seats on your chosen route. Since ferries fill quickly alongside popular lakeside links, arrive early to the pier or print your ticket in advance to speed arrival checks.

Timetables vary by route, but peak-season operations run from roughly 08:00 to 22:00 with departures every 15–30 minutes on popular links such as Como (Piazza Cavour) to Bellagio, Lecco to Varenna, and Menaggio to Tremezzo. Departs appear on digital boards, and you can confirm with the operator before heading out for the day.

If youre arriving from munich or other international origins, plan to transfer by train to Como or Milan and then switch to a boat. From international aeroporti, you can reach the lake area by rail in 2–4 hours, depending on connections. The welcome at the ticket desks is multilingual, and customer support helps with last-minute changes. If your route passes through padua, you can connect to Milan and then proceed to the lake by a fast link. Some itineraries may get around the gottardo corridor or stop near trento; in that case, coordinate your arrival with the first morning boat to save time.

Wheelchairs are supported on many vessels, and some boats offer dedicated spaces. To ensure tailored assistance, contact the operator 24–72 hours ahead; they can arrange priority boarding, help with ramps, and seating alongside family or companions. Hand luggage should be kept close to the seat; staff can assist with heavier items, especially on crowded piers. Guards at busy piers manage crowd flow and guide passengers to the right queue.

Prices vary by service level: economical and affordable options carry you along the lakeside, while high-speed services save time but cost more. A typical local leg takes 25–40 minutes and costs around 8–15 EUR; direct services may take 10–25 minutes and range 18–40 EUR. Since the season is busy, consider buying a day pass if you plan multiple hops to save both time and money. Details and fares are published on the operator site, alongside a map of lakeside stops.

For a smooth check-in, bring your reservation number and an ID. The ticket hall staff act like a small factory of options, guiding you to the right boat and offering support in several languages. If youre driving to a pier, parking is often available nearby, with guards supervising the area and keeping lanes clear. On crowded days, arrive 20 minutes before departure to avoid missing a ride.

Peak-season tips for saving time

Plan around early-morning or late-afternoon departures to avoid the mid-day surge. If you want to maximize value, choose lines that skip some stops but keep a steady pace; a 2–3-stop ride can still bring you lakeside in under an hour. Write down your arrival times and keep a copy of your tickets; this helps when you depart alongside other travelers and you arrive with confidence.

How long does a private transfer take from Bergamo Airport to Lake Como?

A private car from Bergamo Airport to central Lake Como takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Times can increase to 1.5 hours with traffic. Drivers go straight to your hotel without stops.

What is the cost of a private transfer from Bergamo Airport to Lake Como?

Private transfers to Como town start at 150 euros for a sedan. Prices rise to 250 euros for SUVs or destinations like Bellagio. Booking ahead saves money and secures a spot.

Can I use public transport from Bergamo Airport to Lake Como?

Yes, take the airport shuttle bus to Bergamo station for 5 euros, then a train to Como for another 5 euros. The total trip lasts 2 hours. Trains depart every 30 minutes from 5 am to 10 pm.