Compare cheap car hire at Bergamo Airport with practical advice on pickup locations, rental companies, vehicle choices, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Bergamo Airport (Milan Bergamo Airport – Orio al Serio) is one of northern Italy’s busiest low-cost airline hubs and a popular arrival point for travellers heading to Milan, Lake Como and the Italian Alps. Located about 5km southeast of Bergamo city and roughly 50km from Milan, the airport is well positioned for exploring Lombardy by car.
Hiring a car directly from the airport gives you the flexibility to explore the lakes and mountain regions that are difficult to reach by train. Many travellers drive north toward the Alps or lakes, while others continue exploring Italy through destinations such as car hire in Florence or compare rental availability across the country using car hire options across Italy.
Car Hire Pickup Area at Bergamo Airport
The main rental desks are located inside the terminal building close to the arrivals area. After collecting your luggage you will find the car hire counters in the arrivals hall.
Vehicles are normally collected from the airport’s dedicated car rental parking area just a short walk from the terminal. Some suppliers also operate slightly further away with a short shuttle transfer to their depot.
You can check terminal facilities and airport services through the official Milan Bergamo Airport website.
Rental Companies Operating at Bergamo Airport
Bergamo Airport has a wide range of international and Italian car rental brands. Because the airport serves many low-cost flights, availability can vary depending on flight arrival times.
Common suppliers at the airport include:
- Hertz – terminal desk with vehicle pickup in the airport car park
- Europcar – arrivals hall desk with nearby parking collection area
- Avis / Budget – shared desk inside the terminal
- Enterprise – airport desk with cars parked nearby
- Sixt – terminal desk with vehicles located in the rental parking zone
During summer and ski season it is advisable to reserve your vehicle in advance, especially if you need an automatic car or larger vehicle.
Best Cars to Rent at Bergamo Airport
Compact Cars for Cities
If your trip involves driving into Milan or exploring historic towns such as Bergamo Alta, a small hatchback is usually the easiest option. Compact cars are easier to park and navigate through narrow streets.
Family Cars for Lake District Trips
Travellers visiting Lake Como, Lake Garda or Lake Iseo often prefer a larger compact or estate vehicle. These provide extra space for luggage and greater comfort on longer drives.
SUVs for Alpine Routes
If you plan to explore mountain regions or winter ski resorts in northern Italy, a compact SUV can be useful. These vehicles provide extra traction and space for luggage or sports equipment.
Typical Rental Prices at Bergamo Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €20 – €40 per day | €40 – €70 per day | €70 – €130 per day |
| April – June | €25 – €55 per day | €50 – €90 per day | €90 – €150 per day |
| July – August | €45 – €95 per day | €90 – €160 per day | €140 – €240 per day |
| September – October | €28 – €60 per day | €55 – €95 per day | €95 – €160 per day |
| November – December | €22 – €45 per day | €45 – €75 per day | €80 – €140 per day |
Prices typically increase during the summer tourism season and winter ski holidays. Booking early often provides the best selection of vehicles.
Driving from Bergamo Airport
The airport is located beside the A4 motorway, which connects Milan, Brescia and Verona. This makes it easy to reach many popular destinations in northern Italy.
- Milan – approximately 1 hour via the A4 motorway
- Lake Como – about 1 hour 30 minutes
- Lake Garda – around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Verona – roughly 1 hour 30 minutes
Italian motorways are generally fast and well maintained, although most require toll payments. Payment can usually be made by card or cash at toll booths.
Insurance and Excess Protection
Most rental cars in Italy include basic insurance with a standard excess. This means you may still be responsible for a portion of repair costs if the vehicle is damaged.
Many travellers choose additional cover or reduced excess insurance when booking. This can significantly reduce the deposit required when collecting the vehicle.
For travel guidance and driving information across the country you can also check the official Italian tourism website.
Places to Visit from Bergamo Airport
Northern Italy offers a wide range of destinations within a short drive of the airport.
- Bergamo Alta – historic walled city with panoramic views
- Lake Como – famous lake surrounded by mountains and elegant towns
- Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake with beaches and resorts
- Milan – major cultural and fashion centre
A rental car allows you to combine several destinations in one trip, particularly if you plan to explore the lakes and alpine scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Bergamo Airport?
The rental counters are located inside the arrivals area of the terminal building.
Which rental companies operate at Bergamo Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Sixt, along with several Italian companies.
Is it easy to drive from Bergamo Airport to Milan?
Yes. The airport connects directly to the A4 motorway, and the drive to Milan usually takes about one hour.
What type of car is best for driving in northern Italy?
Compact cars are ideal for cities and towns, while larger vehicles are more comfortable for longer journeys to the lakes or mountains.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Bergamo Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name to hold the security deposit.
Are automatic rental cars available?
Yes, but they are less common than manual vehicles and should be reserved in advance.
Can I drive a rental car from Bergamo into Switzerland?
Many suppliers allow cross-border travel into Switzerland, but you should confirm the policy when booking.
Is parking difficult in Bergamo or Milan?
City centres can have restricted traffic zones, so it is important to check parking rules and permitted driving areas.
Should I book car hire at Bergamo Airport in advance?
Booking ahead usually gives better availability and more competitive prices than arranging a vehicle at the airport desk.
How far is Bergamo Airport from Bergamo city?
The airport is located about 5km from Bergamo city centre and the journey normally takes around 15 minutes.
10 Irish Reasons We Quietly Adore Visiting Bergamo (Even Though We Pretend We’re “Really Going to Milan”)
- We Love a Hidden Gem We Can Brag About Later
Bergamo is the place Irish people go so we can say, “Oh, you went to Milan? Cute. I was in Bergamo—it’s where the real Italy is.” - Cobbled Streets + Hills = Instant Sense of Achievement
We love a scenic walk that feels like gentle exercise but allows us to claim we “hiked through the Italian Alps” in WhatsApp groups. - It’s Quiet, Which Means We Can Pretend We’re Locals
No massive tourist mobs, just locals living their lives and us Irish visitors trying to act like we also casually pick up focaccia every morning. - Bergamo Airport Is Our Gateway to Not Being in Dublin Airport Anymore
Half of Ireland has seen Bergamo from an airplane window. The rest of us finally decided to stay and realised—it’s actually unreal. - We Appreciate Anywhere With an ‘Upper Town’ and a ‘Lower Town’
Bergamo literally gives you options: historic views at the top, shops at the bottom, and a funicular in between—ideal for Irish decision-making (we like a scenic backup plan). - It Looks Straight Out of a Medieval Netflix Series
Walk around Bergamo’s Città Alta and you half expect a knight to gallop past. The Irish love old stone walls that look like they’ve seen things. - The Food Is Unreal and Comforting
Polenta, fresh pasta, cheese that could raise the dead—we like Italian cuisine that doesn’t judge you for needing carbs at all times. - It Has That “Sure We Could Live Here” Vibe
Every Irish person who visits Bergamo starts casually browsing property listings “just out of curiosity.” - It’s Near the Lakes, So We Can Pretend We’re Living La Dolce Vita
Bergamo is close to Lake Como, which means we can pop over, dramatically stare at the water, and pretend we’re in a film starring ourselves. - It Feels Like a Secret We’ve Been Let In On
Bergamo isn’t screaming for attention—it’s quietly confident, stunning, historic, and authentic. Very much like how Ireland sees itself on a good day.
Ski Holiday near Bergamo
Regardless of whether you’re searching for simple access to ski locations such as Valle di Susa, Andermatt, or Champoluc or just a low cost method of reaching Milan, then Bergamo may be the airport for you.
With airlines such as Ryanair continuing to expand their base at Bergamo the long term future for the airport is bright. As flights numbers increase at the airport so too must the services being offered by nearby agencies.
