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Getting from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda

Known as Benaco, Lake Garda can be reached by taxi or a Milan Bergamo Airport transfer in around 60 to 80 minutes, depending on traffic. As the largest lake in Italy, there are several towns to choose from to base yourself, but when coming from Milan Bergamo Airport, the resort town of Desenzano del Garda is the closest.

The best transport options for your trip from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda are a Milan Bergamo Airport taxi or to pre-book a private transfer and have a driver meet you on arrival. Both options provide a direct and door-to-door service.

Alternatively, you can travel using the public bus and train network. This is the cheapest transport option, but it requires taking a bus and then transferring to a train. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, excluding wait times, but bus services don’t run in the mornings.

Finally, you can choose to take a shared shuttle bus to Milan Central Station and catch a train from there. At 2 hours and 10 minutes, this is the slowest and least convenient way to travel.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Milan at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY Action
Taxi €140 60min 24/7
Bus + Train €26.20 75min 14:20–22:20
Shuttle + Train €44 130min 06:25–22:25

How to get from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda by taxi

If you’re lucky enough to avoid Milan’s often very heavy traffic, a taxi from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda takes roughly 1 hour, making this the fastest transport option. Milan Bergamo Airport taxis can generally seat four passengers, and no booking is required. Taxis are metered and available around the clock from right outside the terminal.

How much does a taxi cost from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda?

Bergamo taxis calculate their fares using a taximeter. This means the cost of a taxi from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda will depend on the exact distance traveled. Nevertheless, you can expect the journey to cost between €100 and €150 for up to 4 passengers.

If you’d rather know the cost of your fare up-front, you can lock in a guaranteed and competitive rate by booking your private transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€140

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

During heavy traffic congestion, the trip can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Bergamo Airport (BGY).

Where do I take a taxi from?

Bergamo taxis collect passengers from outside the Arrivals terminal from an official taxi rank. If you want to avoid long queues during rush hour and peak tourist periods, book a private Bergamo Airport transfer instead, and you’ll be shown directly to your vehicle on arrival and dropped straight to your door in Lake Garda.

Convenience

Although taxi transfers from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda seem expensive, they’re reliable and fast, plus they provide a convenient door-to-door service. Moreover, there are no other direct alternatives since public transport options are lengthy and complicated. 

Editor’s Note

A taxi is ideal for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to reach Lake Garda, while keeping your schedule flexible.

Useful Tips

Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Taxis from Milan Bergamo typically use a taximeter, but it's a good idea to agree on a price in advance for longer journeys.
If you have luggage, make sure the taxi has enough space to accommodate it. Some taxis may charge extra for luggage, so clarify this before you get in.
Avoid traveling around rush hour or on Friday evenings when people are most often traveling to Lake Garda after work.
If you don't speak Italian, it's a good idea to have your destination written down or use a map app on your phone to show the driver where you need to go.
Bergamo Airport taxis are white with a rooftop "TAXI" sign.

How to get to Lake Garda from Bergamo Airport by train

Getting from Milan Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda by train is the cheapest way to travel along this route. However, since there are no direct services, it requires a certain degree of effort, and you’ll need to be comfortable transferring between different modes of transport.

The first part of your journey requires you to catch the Autostradale shuttle bus to Brescia Main Train Station, which takes 1 hour. From there, board any train headed toward Verona Porta Nuova for 15 minutes, until you reach Desenzano, a small town at the entrance to Lake Garda.

How much is the train from Milan Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda?

A one-way ticket on the train and bus from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda costs €13.10 per person. The price is broken into two parts: €9.50 for the bus and €3.60 for a second-class ticket on the train. Both tickets can be bought online in advance (recommended) or an arrival at the airport or train station, respectively.

Cost

€13.10

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 15 Min.

There is a 1 to 2-hour wait between bus services. Trains depart approximately every hour.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Buses operate daily between 14:20 and 22:20. Trains run from 05:45 to 00:40.

Where does the bus and train depart from?

The shuttle bus departs from outside the Arrivals Hall at Bergamo Airport; signs toward the bus stop are clearly marked. Once at Brescia Station, board a train toward Verona Porta Nuova.

Convenience

Given that the bus doesn’t start running until the afternoon, and the wait time in between train and bus services is at least 1 hour, this isn’t a very convenient way to travel. However, if you’re on a budget and your flight schedule matches up with the bus and train timetable, then it is a great way to save money.

Editor’s Note

If you're trying to save money, have plenty of time on your hands, and aren't carrying much luggage, this could be a decent option for you.

Useful Tips

There are other variations of the bus and train option, however, this method is the most direct and straightforward.
First class tickets start at €5.40 per person.
There is luggage storage areas available on both the bus and train.
Check out the route to ensure there is a stop close enough to your accomodation.

Getting from Milan Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda by train and shuttle

An alternative option to the train and bus option is to take the Orio Shuttle to Milan Central Station, where you can connect with a train for the rest of the way to Lake Garda. The shuttle takes 50 minutes, and the train takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, bringing the total journey time to 2 hours and 10 minutes, not including time spent waiting or transferring.

How much does the shuttle and train cost?

A one-way ticket on the Orio Shuttle costs €12 per person when purchased at the airport from the ticket vendor. Train prices start at €10 for a second-class ticket, bringing the total cost to €22 per traveler. Tickets for the train can either be purchased online in advance or on arrival at the station.

Cost

€22

Trip Duration

2 Hrs. 10 Min.

The average wait time for the shuttle is 30 minutes, except between 23:50 and 05:20 when the wait time increase to around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The train departs every hour.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Orio Shuttle is available 24/7. Direct trains depart Milan Central Station between 06:25 and 22:25.

Where does the shuttle and train depart from?

You will need to take the shuttle bus from outside the airport; staff can direct you where to go. At Milan Central Station, be sure to stand on the correct platform headed in the right direction toward Verona Porta Nuova.

Convenience

The shuttle and train combination from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda is the least convenient option and should only be considered if you’re arriving early in the morning, as the shuttle is available 24/7. Otherwise, it is more costly and takes longer than the bus and train option.

Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups and be there in half the time without any of the hassle that comes with navigating public transport.

Editor’s Note

This option is ideal for budget travelers arriving in the morning who don't want to wait around for the afternoon bus service. Keep in mind the potential for a crowd.

Useful Tips

The shuttle timetable may change with the seasons so be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Tickets for the shuttle cost €10 when booked online.
Avoid this option between 17:00 and 19:00 as Milan Central Station becomes very crowded with daily commuters.
Children under the age of two can travel for free on the shuttle bus.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Milan. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda?

If you plan on traveling by taxi from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda, expect to pay between €100 and €150 for up to 4 passengers, not including tolls or surcharges.

Can you get a train from Milan Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda train. However, it is possible to take a bus part of the way, before transferring to a Trenord train at either Brescia or Milan Central Station. If you go via Brescia, the total journey time without wait or transfer times will be 1 hour and 15 minutes, whereas the Milan Central Station route will take about 2 hours and 10 minutes.

How long is the train from Bergamo to Lake Garda?

The quickest transfer option that includes a train ride takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This involves taking a 1-hour bus from Bergamo Airport to Brescia Train Station, followed by a Trenord train service for the remaining 15 minutes.

How do I get from the airport to Lake Garda?

An airport taxi or private transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Milan Bergamo to Lake Garda. You’ll reach your destination in around 1 hour in light traffic and pay between €100 and €150 for 4 travelers. 

Since there isn’t a direct bus or train service from the airport, public transport can take several hours and will require at least one transfer. Nevertheless, the quickest and cheapest public transport option is to take a bus to Brescia Station and then transfer to a train the rest of the way. All up, the journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, excluding wait and transfer times.

What is the easiest airport to get to Lake Garda?

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) is the closest airport to Lake Garda, located just 36 kilometers away or 30 minutes by car.

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