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Latest Bergamo hotel reviews
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Bergamo is well placed for getting to other nearby towns by public transport. We decided to spend a day at Lake Iseo (Lago d'Iseo) not as well known as Lakes Como, Garda or Maggiore, which was part of the attraction, and only an hour away by bus.
The bus station is opposite the train station, and adjacent to the Tourist Information Office, where the staff advised on the best places to visit, and the best way to get there. We had hoped to use the ferries to reach different towns, but realised that the timings of the ferries didn't allow for us to do this, if we were to catch the bus back to Bergamo. We decided that the bus to Lovere would give us the chance to explore at least one of the lakeside towns, and get a view of Lake Edine on our journey.
www.navigazionelagoiseo.it Tel - 035.971 482 for ferry timetables/ fares etc.
The sab-autosevizi (S.A.B. bus company) operate bus services to the nearby lakes and mountains, including to Lovere
www.sab-autoservizi.it
Telephone +39 035 28 90 00;
Buses from Bergamo to Lovere depart every half hour from the bus station. We had allowed plenty of time to purchase our ticket. The ticket office in the bus station had a small queue. The lady who served us was efficient and spoke good english. A return ticket cost 7.80 Euros - this is validated on the bus, which we caught at 10.05 from platform 12.
Inside the bus station is a cafeteria, where you can grab a quick drink and snack.
The bus was quite comfortable (sit on the right side of the bus for views of Lake Edine). It was quite a pleasant journey, with views of snow capped mountains, fields and small villages. We enjoyed our day out in Lovere too - There was enough to see and do, but leaving enough for a return trip! We caught the bus back to Bergamo late afternoon.
Bus services from Bergamo
Written Jan 7, 2012
Phone: +39 035 24 02 40
Website: http://www.bergamotrasporti.it
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Atb ( Azienda Trasporti Bergamo) bus number 1 (Aerporto) leaves Orio al Serio airport every 30 minutes. It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach Bergamo train station, before continuing into the lower town (Bergamo Bassa) and the Porta Nuova area, the Funicolare station (The Funicular that links the lower and Upper (Citta Alta) towns, and then to the upper town (Citta Alta).
At the airport, tickets can be purchased from the airport ticket kiosk, and ticket machines. These must be validated on the bus - just punch your ticket in one of the machines located at the front and rear of the bus (it is time and date stamped, and a piece of the ticket is 'nipped' off).
Tickets aren't sold on the bus
I purchased a ticket to take me to the Funicolare, as this was near to my hostel. It cost me 1 euro and was valid for 90 minutes. (2011 - 2 Euros) this includes a trip on the funicular if taken within the time span.
I later purchased a 3 day ticket for 5 Euros (7 Euros 2011), which gave unlimited use of all the local atb buses, the funiculars and the airport bus.
The buses run 0600 - midnight.
In Bergamo, these tickets can be purchased from the kiosk in the train station, some tabaccherias (Tobacco shops) and the Atb office in the right hand 'Temple' of Largo Porta Nuova, if looking towards Citta Alta.
Open - Ticket office - Daily 07.20 - 19.15
Information -Monday - Friday 08.20 -18.45 Saturday 09.30 - 14.30.
We visited this office recently to purchase tickets, It's fair to say that the man at the ticket office wasn't blessed with much charm - answering our query for a tourist ticket, with a grunt and a shrug in the direction of the information desk! Gilly persisted, asking for tickets in her best Italian, which got a grudgeing response of the required ticket.
Time tables and travel info on display.
Allow plenty of time for your return to the airport, especially during busy times.
The Bus stops at Largo Colle Aperto, the Funicular station, Outside the Best Western Hotel and the train station.
The airport bus has a plane symbol next to the #1 and sometimes Aeroporto too. Check with the driver if You're not sure, as not all Number 1 buses go to the airport.
Not all services to Orio al Serio go to the airport either - just the small town.
This is the bus to catch if you want to visit the Orio Center too.
Updated Jan 7, 2012
Phone: +39 035 364 211
Website: www.atb.bergamo.it
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I flew with Ryanair from East Midlands Airport (EMA) to Orio al Serio (BGY) airport, which is just 5km outside the scenic town of Bergamo.
Ryanair list this as Milan airport.
Milan is about 45 km away, easily accessed by train or bus. Milan does have 2 International airports-Malpensa and Linate.
Due to the many cheap flights (I paid £1 each way, including taxes etc in 2008!!) many are using the service to visit Milan (1 hour by train), or the nearby Lake Como or the nearer but lesser known Lakes Iseo and Endine. From Milan you can connect to trains to Florence, Rome, Bologna and the Tuscan coast. (For the Lakes, Venice, Verona etc, Brescia would be a better option). At present Ryanair fly from 49 destinations to Orio al Serio!
For this reason, Bergamo is often missed out, which is a shame (or a blessing!- less crowds) My trip was purely to visit Bergamo, a place that I'd wanted to visit for quite a while, ever since I learned of this medieval walled town - (one of the only 3 remaining fully walled towns in Europe) and for the independent shops and family run restaurants serving traditional cuisine.
ATB Bus number 1 leaves the airport every 30 minutes and stops at the train station (15 minutes), Porta Nuova (Bergamo Bassa, or lower town), the Funicular, which connects the lower and upper towns and Bergamo Alta (upper town)
The bus service runs from about 0600hrs -midnight.
Tel. 035 236 026 www.atb.bergamo.it atbpoint@atb.bergamo.it
Buy your ticket from the tourist office or ticket kiosk(pic 2) in the airport.
A single ticket costs 2 Euros (December 2011) and is valid for 90 minutes - validate it on the bus. This also includes the funicular ride if taken in the time limit.
A 3 day ticket, (7 Euros) gives unlimited travel on the ATB buses, including the airport bus and the funiculars. Purchase from here, the kiosk in the train station or ATB office in Bergamo - (Puerta Nuova - The right hand temple, if facing Citta Alta)
The airport is quite busy, dealing with many International flights, but is surprisingly small. Ryanair alone offer flights here from 60 destinations around Europe and North Africa, including Paris, Brussels, London and Madrid, which in turn connect with major cities worldwide.
Airport services
2 Banks, ATM's, Currency Exchange, post office.
Left Luggage service, Doctor, pharmacy, prayer room.
VIP room 15 Euros
Parking spaces close to the terminal reserved for the disabled. ( report at the counters of P2 before parking).
Ramped wheelchair access, and WC's with access for those with mobility problems.
Telephones for the hearing impaired, relief pathways for visually impaired.
Bergamo tourism Info desk. (tel: +39(0)35 320 402). where you can book hotel rooms and purchase a tourism card that gives you discounts on public transport and attractions in Bergamo
I mistakenly ignored the shops located in the departures area, but headed through security, expecting to find more shops and cafes etc.
There is only a small duty free shop, with a limited selection of perfumes, cigarettes, alcohol and chilled foods etc.
Once through passport control, to gates 1-5 there was only a snack bar serving hot and cold drinks and a selection of sandwiches etc.
Apparently there is a bigger cafe with tables and chairs by Gate 9, which you can still use if departing from Gates 1-5
On my latest trip to Bergamo, 7 of us waited in the gate area, as a thunderstorm roared above! The rain was hammering down on the tin roof, which was quite deafening!
Opposite the airport is a huge shopping mall with over 70 clothing shops, plus - Household goods, Electrical, sporting, jewellery, perfumeries, shoes, pharmacies, banks and around 25 cafes/bars/restaurants/gelaterias etc (Oriocentre, Via Portico 71-24050, Orio al Serio BG. Tel 035 4596201) which can be reached by a tunnel from the airport.
Even though I'd arrived at the airport in plenty of time, I didn't dare risk visiting here - I was afraid that I'd lose all track of time and miss my flight home. I wonder how many times this has happened to others?!.
Taxi Rank outside Arrivals
Radiotaxi Company +39 035 4519090 (Main number)+39 035 314545 (airport)
Car Hire etc
Autoeuropa, Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Locauto Tirreno, Maggíori and Sixt have desks in the Arrivals Hall -
Luxury cars with drivers can be hired through Airport Car Service and AClass.
Airport Parking
5,400 parking spaces ( 1,000 of these are under cover,
Skypark (tel: +39(0)35 779 386).
Parking lot P1 is connected to the terminal and is intended for short-term parking.
www.trasporti.regione.lombardia.it for travel to other places
www.ferroviedellostato.it Italian Railways company timetables etc. tel 892021
Autostradale bus company runs a half hourly service to Milan Centrale train station, an hour away.
Orioshuttle also run this service, but is not as regular.
Autostradale run to Brescia 5 x daily (One hour journey)
Updated Dec 30, 2011
Phone: +39(0)35 326 323
Website: www.orioaeroporto.it
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My 3rd visit to Bergamo, and I finally got to ride the funicular from the Citta Alta (Upper Town) to San Vigilio. I'm afraid that we didn't have too long to spend exploring San Vigilio, as Gillybob and I had to return to Citta Alta to meet Chiara (pollon) and her husband - Hopefully at our next visit, we'll return here.
The atb (Azienda Trasporti Bergamo) company runs the Funicular service.
Tickets are available from the ATB point in Largo Porta Nuova, and the Funicular stations.
A single ticket is 2 euros (May 2011), valid for 90 minutes
A daily ticket (24hours) Tariff G (4.80 Euros May 2011).
A 3 day (72 Hours)Tariff S ticket cost 7 Euros These give unlimited travel on the funiculars and all ATB urban bus services as well as the funiculars.
From Citta Bassa we caught the #1A bus from the station to the Funicular station, then after queueing for quite a while (This was the busiest that I'd seen it) we alighted in Citta Alta (The Upper Town) Heading forward along Via Gambito, we continued along Via B. Colleoni until we reached the Piazza Lorenzo Mascheroni, and the attractive clock tower. Entering Piazza Cittadella, we crossed diagonally and exited by the arch way and found ourselves on Largo Colle Aporto, where there were bus stops, food stalls, news kiosks and quite a bustle as there was a Vintage car rally taking place - We'd spotted some of these splendid cars (and their proud owners)! in Piazza Cittadella.
Turning Left from the archway, we followed the signs to the Funicular Station at Porta S. Alessandro, and we were soon boarding for the short journey to San Vigilio.
After leaving the Funicular, it is a few steps to the Restaurant, which is noted for its high quality food. It was Sunday lunchtime, and all of the tables were reserved! There is another restaurant a little bit further on, that we were considering for our lunch, but we had to return straight away to Citta Alta to meet up with Chiara and Alex.
I have a video of the ride from San Vigilio to Citta Alta, which I'll post shortly.
Written Nov 11, 2011
Phone: 035 236 026 fax 035346211
Website: www.atb.bergamo.it
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The 2 centres of Bergamo -Citta Alta, the upper town and the lower town of Citta Bassa, have been linked by a funicular railway since 1887. This has been modernized many times over the years.
In 1912 another Funicular was built to link Citta Alta and the hill of San Vigilio. From 1976 to 1991, this service was closed. Initially, this was for renovation and safety works. As the works proved to be so expensive, the service was closed, but later the city council and ATB invested in the service.
The atb (Azienda Trasporti Bergamo) company runs the service.
Tickets are available from the ATB point in Largo Porta Nuova, and the Funicular stations.
A single ticket is 2 euros (2011), a daily ticket Tariff G gives unlimited travel on the funiculars and all ATB urban bus services. I purchased the 3 day Tariff S ticket for 5 euros. (7 Euros 2011) As well as unlimited use on the funiculars and buses, it included the Airport bus service. As my hostel (in 2008) was near to the Citta Alta Funicular station on Viale Vittorio Emanuele 11, I used the funicular service many times during my stay.
I'm afraid that I didn't get to use the San Viglio funicular, hopefully I'll visit again and will use it.
The Citta Alta funicular runs from 0700 - 2400 hrs.
Trains run approximately every 7 minutes, and the journey takes less than 5 minutes.
Each carriage holds up to 50 passengers. There are 2 carriages on the 2 rail lines.
There are great views over the city on the journey, as well as sneaky peeps into the gardens of some of the grandest houses. Grab your viewpoint, standing at the back, so that you can see Bergamo appear before you!
Be aware that there can be long queues at weekends in the summer at peak times (pic 5)
There is a cafe/bar at the bottom station, which opens until quite late - it appeared to be popular with local workers. For a treat though, I'd reccommend a drink and pastry (Not the cheapest, but delicious and nicely presented) at the
Cafe Funicular at the Upper station - Art Deco furnishings and a panoramic view!
Updated Nov 11, 2011
Phone: 035 236 026 fax 035346211
Hola! no recomiendo viajar a Bergamo (en mi opinión "estafan" o "se aprovechan" de la falta de conocimiento de los "turistas" en los transportes públicos, inventándose multas cuando no hay información suficiente sobre el procedimiento de pago), la oficina de información y turismo informa muy poco, no tienen ganas y lo hacen de malas formas con los que no hablamos italiano.
Soy español, estuve este puente de visita en Venecia y Bergamo (Italia),quería comentar que en general bien. Pero mi familia, yo,otros españoles y otros viajeros también, tuvimos problemas (nos multaron) con los revisores de billetes de la línea de Autobús que va desde la Estación de Tren de Bergamo hasta el Aeropuerto de Bergamo.
El caso es que la información no estaba clara en la parada de la Estación de Tren de Bergamo, no había plano porque no decía claramente las zonas que había que pagar hasta el Aeropuerto.Compramos un billete en una máquina automática de una zona (porque entendíamos que estaba cerca y suponíamos que sí era más pagaríamos la diferencia) y porque los conductores de autobuses no nos querían informar, a parte de que no encontrábamos oficina de información en la Estación de Tren.Entonces los revisores de autobuses se subieron en un sitio donde no bajo ningún viajero (en medio del Campo), y nos retuvieron los pasaportes hasta que les pagáramos la "multa" unos (43€ por persona!!) por no pagar 2 zonas más y encima por no ticar los tickets en el bus.A la llegada al aeropuerto les argumentamos que no sabíamos porqué teníamos(unos 7 viajeros) que pagar esa multa cuando la información no estaba clara. Nos dicen que eso no es problema suyo, que es de la Estación de Tren de Bergamo. Llamamos a la policía del Aeropuerto para que nos explique(porque mientras tanto nos retienen los pasaportes), dice que los revisores hacen su trabajo. Le comentamos que eso es un "robo", y que si ha sido un error nuestro pagamos una cantidad, pero no tanto. Uno de los revisores dice sí queremos poner denuncia en plan "prepotente", que lo hagamos, nos embargarán y tendremos que volver a Italia al Juicio.
De repente los revisores empiezan a hacernos "rebajas" en las "multas", de 43€ por persona, uno hace una rebaja a una pareja de 21€ por persona y otro pasa a 33€ por familia de 3 personas (11€ por persona),INCREIBLE!!! estabamos regateando con las "Multas" y por fin nos devuelven los pasaportes para poder ir al avión. "Un auténtico ROBO" con la Policia italiana delante.
Written Nov 1, 2011
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One of the best bus routes in Bergamo is number 1.
This bus route is operated by ATB and services Citta Alta, Stazione Funicolare (to take the funicular to Citta Alta) as well as Bergamo's airport Orio al Serio.
It starts at Bergamo's train station and runs up Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII before turning off and heading towards the Stazione Funicolare. Some services run out to the airport as well.
This is one of the most frequent services and also has the longest service, running until well into the evening at the weekend.
A single journey from the airport to the train station will cost you €1.70. Alternatively, you can obtain a day pass which allows you on all services in Bergamo for €3.50 or a 3-day pass for Bergamo which costs €5.00 (prices correct at May 2011).
The journey to/from the airport (Bergamo Orio al Serio) takes approximately 15 minutes (so travelling hand luggage only can have you in the city centre very quickly). Generally speaking, the buses are quite reliable and frequent, but it is wise to be at the bus stop 30 - 45 minutes in advance of needing to be when returning to the airport to avoid possible difficulties with traffic delays.
Written Jul 4, 2011
Website: http://www.atb.bergamo.it/ITA/homepage.aspx
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Bergamo Train Station is not only served by trains from Milan and surrounding areas, it is also the termination point of Bus 1 which serves as a link between Bergamo and its Orio al Serio Airport, passing by the Citta Alta on its way.
Written Jul 3, 2011
Website: http://www.trenitalia.com
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Bergamo is served by an hourly (weekday) direct train service from Milan's Central Station. This journey takes a little less than 50 minutes and includes stops at Milan Lambrate, Pioltello-Limito and Verdello-Dalmine before arriving at Bergamo. Second class tickets on this service cost €4.70 (with only one class of carriages provided).
The service from Milan Central is provided by very comfortable carriages with upper and lower seating areas taking you through the suburbs of Milan before entering countryside scenery and transitioning into the suburbs of Bergamo.
Bergamo is also serviced by an hourly (weekday) direct service from Milan's Porta Garibaldi station. This journey takes a little less than 1 hour and 10 minutes and includes stops at Milan Greco Pirelli, Sesto S. Giovanni, Monza, Arcore, Carnate-Usmate, Paderno-Robbiate, Calusco, Terno and Ponte S. Pietro before arriving at Bergamo. Second class tickets on this service cost €4.05 (I have not travelled on this service but will presume that, like other trains I have boarded, there is no differential seating for 1st or 2nd class).
Costs quoted were valid in May 2011.
Updated Jul 3, 2011
Website: http://www.trenitalia.com
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This useful bus service runs frequently from Bergamo station up to Largo Colle Aperto in Citta Alta.
On the way it stops at Largo Porta Nuova (by the Semperione), at the Bassa funicular station and near to the Porta Sant Agostino on Viale Vittorio Emmanuale ll (and a couple of other stops too).
If you buy a 1 or 3 day ticket you can use it on both buses and the funicular. You can get tickets from the newsagents at the station and also from the ATB office which is sited in the right-hand 'temple' (as you look towards Citta Alta) on Largo Porta Nuova.
If you are based in Bergamo I think it's a good idea to find accommodation somewhere near the route of the 1A.
You can find a bus route map on the ATB site linked below (unfortunately they don't do paper copies...I asked). Click on 'linee e orari' and then on 'linee e orari' again.
Written Jun 19, 2011
Website: http://www.atb.bergamo.it/ITA/homepage.aspx
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