Orio al Serio International Airport

Orio al Serio Airport (or Milan Bergamo) is not merely a transit hub, but a true gateway to Lombardy for millions of travellers. Often overshadowed by its "older brothers" Malpensa and Linate, this airport, named after the great artist Caravaggio, surprises visitors with its dynamism and convenience. It is here that your Italian adventure begins, whether it is a shopping tour to Milan or a leisurely trip to picturesque Bergamo.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The airport is renowned for its strategic location: it is situated just a couple of kilometres from the charming city of Bergamo, whose historic centre (Upper Town) is worth a visit for everyone, even if you are flying to Milan. For shopping enthusiasts, Orio Center — one of the largest shopping malls in Italy, located literally across the road from the terminal (accessible via an underground passage) — will be a real treat.

Orio al Serio is a key hub for low-cost carriers, making it an ideal choice for budget-friendly travel across Europe. Despite the high passenger traffic, the airport is compact and easy to navigate: there is only one terminal, which eliminates long walks between gates. Transport connections are also excellent: shuttle buses run regularly to Milan Central Station, with a travel time of about one hour.

• Official Airport Website: You can find flight schedules, parking information, and details about services on the official website: www.milanbergamoairport.it.
• Information Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call the call centre at +39 035 326323.
• Airport Address: Via Aeroporto, 13, 24050 Orio al Serio BG, Italy.
• Email: The airport recommends using the contact forms on the official website to communicate with various departments. This is the most reliable way to get an answer to your query.
• Social Media: Follow airport updates and news on its official pages on popular social networks such as Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost luggage or personal items, you must contact the Lost & Found office located in the arrivals hall. Contacts and a claim form are also available on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passengers requiring special assistance (PRM), there are dedicated counters and staff. It is recommended to request this service in advance through your airline. General questions can be asked via the information service phone number.

Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Milan, is one of the key transport hubs for travellers visiting northern Italy. Although it is closer to the city of Bergamo, getting to it from Milan is quite simple, and there are several convenient methods to suit any budget and preference.

The most popular and balanced option is the shuttle bus. Several companies (e.g., Terravision, Autostradale, Orio Shuttle) offer direct services from Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale). Buses depart every 20–30 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes about 50–60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. A one-way ticket usually costs around 10–12 Euros, making this the most affordable and convenient method.

An alternative route via public transport is a combination of train and bus. You can take a train from Milano Centrale station to the station in Bergamo (travel time about 50 minutes). From Bergamo train station, city bus No. 1 runs directly to the airport. This option might be interesting for those wishing to briefly visit Bergamo, but it is less convenient if you have a lot of luggage, and the total travel time will be at least one and a half hours.

For maximum comfort, you can use taxis or book a private transfer. A taxi ride from central Milan will cost significantly more — approximately 100–120 Euros. A pre-booked transfer can offer a fixed price and slightly more favourable conditions, which is particularly convenient for groups or families with children. The journey time is about 50 minutes, excluding traffic jams.

If you are travelling by car, the airport can be reached via the A4 motorway. Orio al Serio Airport offers numerous parking options — from short-term to long-term. To save money, it is highly recommended to book a parking space online in advance, especially if you plan to leave the car for several days.

The choice of transport depends on your priorities. The shuttle is the ideal choice for price and speed. Taxis guarantee comfort, while car rental offers independence. It is worth remembering that Milan is also served by other airports, including the larger Milan Malpensa and the city-adjacent Milan Linate, each with its own transport routes.

Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), despite its high passenger volume, has a fairly simple and clear structure. A key feature of the airport is that it consists of a single passenger terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation for travellers, as there is no need to move between different buildings or use shuttles for transfers.

All infrastructure is concentrated in one building, which is nominally divided into several zones. The departure and arrival zones are on different levels but are logically connected by escalators and lifts. The terminal layout is quite intuitive: check-in counters and the arrivals area are located on the ground floor, while the security checkpoint and boarding gates are on the first floor. Signs in Italian and English will help you orient yourself and find the necessary sector.

The departure procedure is standard. After checking in for the flight, passengers proceed to the first floor to pass through security control. It is worth noting that Orio al Serio Airport is one of the largest hubs for budget airlines, such as Ryanair, so during peak hours (early morning and evening), queues for security can be quite long. It is recommended to allow at least 2-2.5 hours before departure to complete all formalities, especially if you are travelling only with hand luggage and do not need to check in at a counter.

The arrivals area is located on the ground floor. After passing passport control (if arriving from outside the Schengen area), you enter the baggage claim hall. Immediately after the customs area is the exit to the general hall, where you can find car rental offices, tourist information, as well as exits to bus stops for services running to Milan, Bergamo, and other cities in Italy.

For comfortable navigation through the terminal, simply follow the signs. Since all services — cafes, shops, currency exchange points, and restrooms — are in one building, it is practically impossible to get lost. The main advice for those flying from BGY is to arrive early to pass through all pre-flight procedures without haste and avoid stress due to potential queues.

The history of Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) is a vivid example of transformation from a military facility into one of the busiest airports in Italy. Its journey began in 1937, when the airfield was built for military needs. For several decades, it functioned exclusively as a military base, and only towards the end of the 1960s did the idea arise to repurpose it for civil aviation.

A key moment in the airport's history was 1970, when the management company SACBO was founded, and on 21 March 1972, the first commercial flight from Rome landed here. However, the real breakthrough occurred at the turn of the century. In 2002, the Irish budget airline Ryanair chose Orio al Serio as its first operational base in continental Europe. This move radically changed the airport's destiny, turning it into a major hub for low-cost carriers serving Milan and the entire country.

The rapid growth in passenger traffic required large-scale renovations. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the terminal complex was constantly expanded and modernised: new departure and arrival zones were completed, the number of gates increased, and infrastructure improved. Thanks to this, the airport has been able to set numerous records for the number of passengers served, firmly securing its place as the third busiest in Italy.

Interesting fact: the airport bears the official name Il Caravaggio International Airport in honour of the great artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, who was born in the vicinity of Bergamo. This name highlights the airport's cultural connection to the region it serves alongside Milan.

Orio al Serio Airport offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Before departure or after arrival, you can visit numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. Here you will find both fast-food outlets and establishments offering Italian cuisine. In the Duty Free zone, you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, gifts, and souvenirs, while boutiques offer clothing and accessories from famous brands.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport operates VIP lounges (such as the HelloSky Lounge), where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Numerous power outlets and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of need, a first aid station operates in the terminal, where you can receive consultation or purchase necessary medicines at the pharmacy.

Special attention is paid to passengers with children and people with reduced mobility. For travellers with little ones, nursery rooms with changing tables are equipped. Passengers with special needs are provided with the Sala Amica assistance service, which is recommended to be booked in advance through your airline. The terminal is fully equipped for comfortable wheelchair movement.

If you have an early flight or a long layover, you can stay at one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport; some can be reached on foot. For business travellers, business centres and conference rooms are available, allowing meetings and events to be held right on the airport premises, which is especially convenient for transit passengers.

Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) offers passengers diverse opportunities for a snack or a full meal, catering to various tastes and budgets. Here you can find places for those rushing to a flight, as well as restaurants for a leisurely meal.

In the public area (before security control), the choice of establishments is more modest but sufficient for greeters or passengers arriving early. Several cafes operate here, where you can drink a genuine Italian espresso with a croissant (cornetto) or eat a sandwich (panino). This is an ideal place for a quick and inexpensive breakfast.

The majority of restaurants and cafes are concentrated in the "airside" zone, after passing security control. Here the choice is significantly wider: from world-famous fast-food chains to restaurants offering Italian cuisine. Passengers can enjoy freshly prepared pizza, pasta, or taste classic local snacks. There are also lounge areas where you can pass the time waiting for departure with light refreshments.

Particular attention should be paid to Italian dishes. Even in an airport setting, you can find excellent thin-crust pizza or try risotto. For those following specific diets, many establishments offer vegetarian and gluten-free options — usually salads, fresh fruits, or special menu items, which should be checked with the staff. Finding certified Halal or vegan dishes might be more challenging, but vegetable pastas and cheese-free pizzas are available almost everywhere.

Prices at BGY airport, as in most air hubs, are higher than in the city. A quick snack of a panino and coffee will cost approximately 10-15 Euros, while a full meal in a restaurant will cost from 25 Euros upwards. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the last flights depart, providing food for passengers throughout the day.

When planning a trip through Orio al Serio Airport, which serves Milan and is one of the key hubs for budget airlines in Italy, it is worth considering a few practical points to make your journey as comfortable as possible. This airport is known for being busy, especially during peak hours and the tourist season, so good preparation is the key to a calm start to your adventure.

Arrival Time and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones. To save time, always complete online check-in if your carrier offers this option. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters and proceed immediately to the security checkpoint or bag drop-off.

Security and Hand Luggage: Security checkpoints can be crowded. Be prepared in advance: place all electronics, liquids, and metal items in a separate tray. Remember the standard restriction on liquids in hand luggage — no more than 100 ml per container, packed in a transparent bag. Be sure to check the hand luggage allowance of your airline, as low-cost carriers based at Orio al Serio often have very strict rules regarding size and weight.

For Transfer Passengers: It is important to know that Orio al Serio is not a classic transit airport. If you are flying with a connection, especially on different airlines, you will likely have to exit the arrivals area, pass passport control, collect your luggage, and go through check-in and security again for the next flight. Allow sufficient time for this — at least 3-4 hours between flights.

Customs Control and Saving Money: When entering the EU from non-Schengen countries, follow the "Red" or "Green" channels depending on whether you have goods to declare. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so having a snack beforehand is a good idea.

Flight Delays and Seat Selection: In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information and instructions. If the departure is delayed for a long time, you may be entitled to compensation or assistance (meals, drinks) according to EU regulations. Regarding seat selection on the plane, if you want to take photos, choose a window seat avoiding the wing area. For more legroom or the ability to exit faster upon arrival, aisle seats are ideal.