Bergamo city center and the stunning Citta Alta (Upper Town) are just 5 km from the airport.
About Bergamo City Center
The Città Alta is reached by funicular from the lower town and immediately transports visitors into a different era. Piazza Vecchia is one of Italy\'s most beautiful squares, flanked by the Palazzo della Ragione (12th century), the Biblioteca Angelo Mai, and the Contarini Fountain. Through an archway, the religious complex of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni (with its elaborate Renaissance facade by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo) is a masterpiece of Italian art and architecture.
The Venetian Walls that encircle the upper town — built by the Republic of Venice between 1561 and 1588 to defend against the Duchy of Milan — offer a scenic 6-km walking path with views across the Po Plain to the Alps. Bergamo is also the birthplace of Gaetano Donizetti, and the opera tradition lives on at the Teatro Donizetti. The lower town\'s Sentierone boulevard and the commercial streets around Via XX Settembre offer shopping and excellent restaurants serving bergamasca cuisine — including casoncelli (stuffed pasta) and polenta e osei.
Nearby Landmarks
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $15-20 | 10-15 min | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rideshare | $10-15 | 10-15 min | Budget-conscious, app users |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
After midnight, a taxi from the airport to Bergamo center costs EUR 12-18. Bus service ends around 11:00 PM. Bergamo's upper town restaurants close by 11 PM mostly, but the lower town has bars open later. The airport-to-city trip is so short that late-night taxi costs are very reasonable.
Luggage Tips
For this ultra-short transfer, any vehicle works. If visiting Città Alta, the funicular easily accommodates luggage. However, the upper town's cobblestone streets are rough on wheeled luggage — consider a backpack for exploring. Hotels in Città Alta may require walking from the funicular station through narrow streets.
Accessibility
The airport is accessible. The funicular to Città Alta has a step at entry that may challenge wheelchair users — confirm with ATB (local transport). Città Alta's medieval streets are cobblestoned and hilly, presenting significant wheelchair challenges. The Città Bassa is flat and more accessible. Some Città Alta restaurants and hotels are accessed by steps.