Car Rental in Bergamo

Why rent a car in Bergamo?

Bergamo is a great place for renting a car. Historic and cozy, it is also close to the Alps, many other famous Italian cities, and the Adriatic Sea which you can all easily reach if you have your own wheels.

Top ways to enter Bergamo

• Bergamo Airport: Located just 6 km (3.6 mi) from the city center, Bergamo Airport is served by more than 20 airlines. It is sometimes also called Orio al Serio Airport and Il Caravaggio Airport. Due to its proximity to the nearby metropolis, it is sometimes called Milan–Bergamo by low-cost airlines.
• Milan Linate Airport: Located about 50 km (31 mi) from Bergamo and the one closest to Milan, Linate Airport is a hub for ITA Airways and is also served by many other airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM. 
• Milan Malpensa Airport: Second busiest in Italy, Malpensa Airport is by far the largest one in the Lombardy region. Driving from there to Bergamo takes about an hour.

City facts

• The average high temperature in Bergamo is 29°C (83°F) in July and 7°C  (44°F) in January. Due to its rather high elevation, the city quite often experiences snow in winter.
• Bergamo is built on the site of Bergomum, an ancient town built by Cenomani, a Celtic tribe. The city has been part of many different domains like the Roman Empire, the Ostrogothic Kingdom, the Republic of Venice and many others.

Top sights and activities

• Santa Maria Maggiore. One of the most notable churches of Bergamo’s Città Alta, or Upper Town, this basilica was built in medieval times and took several centuries to finish, and it has been one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city ever since. Make sure to see it from the inside as well because, curiously, the church has a Romanesque exterior but a Baroque interior.
• Accademia Carrara. Both a place of learning and a gallery, the Carrara Academy is one of Bergamo’s most notable art centers. Established in the 18th century, it boasts works by many famous masters and has recently also hosted exhibitions of Velasquez, Caravaggio, and Tiziano. Visit the gallery’s English language website to learn more. Unlike most of Bergamo’s landmarks, the academy is in the Lower Town.
• The Venetian Walls. Having kept the Upper City safe for hundreds of years, the construction of the walls that enclose it dates back to the Venetian rule of Bergamo in the 16th century. Nowadays, the walls have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Citadel. Also known by its full name, the Visconti Citadel of Bergamo, this gate and fortress ranks among the most famous (and most photographed) landmarks in the city. Part of the Città Alta, its construction dates back to the 14th century, although it was significantly expanded in the upcoming centuries.
• Civic Museum of Natural Sciences. Located right next door to the aforementioned Citadel, this museum ranks among the most popular family attractions in the city of Bergamo. Very visual and interactive, it has a number of fascinating collections on topics such as zoology, paleontology, geology, and ethnography.
• Find more of the best things to do in and around the city in this Bergamo guide.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. 
• Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h. During the rain the limits are respectively lowered to 110 km/h, 100 km/h, and 80 km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50 km/h during heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Being over the allowed limit can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment. 
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are numerous toll roads in Italy. The exact fee depends on the route of your choice and the type of a vehicle. See the official Italian toll road website for more information. Use the website’s toll road calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route. 

Ideas for day trips

• Milan. Bergamo’s much larger neighbor is the capital of Lombardy and one of Europe’s most famous cities. Roaming its streets, interacting with locals, and eating in small side-street restaurants is just as fun as seeing incredible architecture like the Duomo or visiting the city’s many museums. The drive from Bergamo takes only about an hour.
• Lake Garda. Slightly less than an hour and a half drive east of Bergamo, Lago di Garda is located on the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains and is considered one of the most picturesque lakes in Europe. Many a lovely lakeside town can be found on its nearest western shore, and the area is also worth visiting during the winter months as it is located near several winter sports resorts.
• Verona. This stunning historical city is a must-see if you’re in the region. While Verona might be most famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet story, the town has many other worthwhile sights. Visit the ancient Roman amphitheater, the central Piazza delle Erbe, and marvel at the beautiful views of the city from the hill of Castel San Pietro. From Bergamo, it takes about one hour and fifteen minutes to reach Verona. 
• Valtellina Orobie Alps Regional Park. Also known as Bergamo Alps Park and Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche, this wilderness area is one of the most popular day trips from the city. Made up of snow-capped peaks, highland lakes, and even glaciers, it is a biodiversity hub and provides a home to such varied species as western capercaillies, alpine ibexes, and grey wolves. The drive from Bergamo takes only about 70 minutes.
• Bergamesque Alps Regional Park. Located on the foothills of the Alps, Bergamo is only a several-hour drive away from some of the most magnificent peaks of Europe. Those looking to combine mountainous scenery with accessibility, however, could do worse than visit the nearby Bergamesque Alps. Although the peaks here are not quite as high as further north – the highest, Pizzo Coca, is about 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) tall – it is a wonderful nature refuge that’s known for its rich birdlife and can be reached in only about 75 minutes by car.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Italy is the Fiat Panda, although travelers also like the Ford Fiesta and the Fiat 500. The most often picked rental car types are economy, mini, and compact. 

Further destinations

• Venice. The famous sinking city comprised of 118 islands and countless canals could be explored for weeks. Most of historic Venice cannot be accessed by car, so it’s a good idea to find a parking space in advance, or make sure you’ll be provided one by your accommodation. The drive from Bergamo takes slightly over two hours, and on your way east, you’ll cross other historical gems like Verona and Padua.
• Florence. When it comes to history, architecture, and art, there are very few places that can compete with Florence. Better yet, this splendid city is the capital of Tuscany and can be used as a hub for exploring the rest of that bucolic region. The drive from Bergamo to Florence takes a little less than four hours.
• Switzerland. Just an hour’s drive north of Bergamo, Switzerland's beautiful, Italian-speaking Ticino region offers fascinating cities like Lugano and Locarno, stunning landscapes, and food that’s as delicious as on the other side of the border. From here, you can continue to explore the rest of Switzerland. Note that if you’re coming from Bergamo to Switzerland, you’ll have to cross an international border, so check with your car rental supplier first to make sure they allow it.

Car rental prices in Bergamo

• Small cars - from $3 per day
• Medium cars - from $7 per day
• SUVs - from $6 per day
• Large cars - from $16 per day
• Station wagons - from $17 per day
• Premium cars - from $101 per day
• Convertibles - from $66 per day
• Vans - from $59 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Below, you'll find reviews about traveling to Bergamo from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the most frequent tips they mentioned:

1. Exploring Local Villages:

   • Count: Mentioned 3 times.

   • Tip: Renting a car is great for visiting the picturesque villages around Bergamo.

   • Example: "The towns and the villages are beautiful around here, well worth the drive."

2. Visiting Major Attractions:

   • Count: Milan mentioned 4 times, Lake Como 2 times.

   • Tip: Use a rental car to easily access nearby major attractions like Milan and Lake Como.

   • Example: "We went to Milan and later to lake del Garda. Car was necessary."

3. Enjoying Natural Beauty:

   • Count: Mentioned 7 times in the context of Bergamo.

   • Tip: A car allows you to thoroughly enjoy the natural beauty and leisure activities in places like Lake Como.

   • Example: "Lake Como and Bergamo both beautiful places worth visiting."

and some issues to watch out for:

1. Weather Dependencies:

• Count: Mentioned 1 time.

• Issue: Weather can impact travel plans and activities in Bergamo.

• Tip: Check the weather forecast in advance, especially if planning outdoor activities.

• Example: "Weather could be better :-)"

2. Accessibility of Remote Locations:

• Count: Mentioned 1 time.

• Issue: Some locations around Bergamo are fairly remote and might require a reliable car.

• Tip: Ensure your rental car is suited for possibly rugged terrain when staying in or visiting remote areas.

• Example: "We were staying in a fairly remote location in the mountains."

3. Winter Activities Preparation:

• Count: Mentioned 3 times.

• Issue: Preparation is key when planning for winter sports like skiing.

• Tip: Make sure your rental vehicle is equipped for winter conditions if you plan to go skiing.

• Example: "Skiing at Chervinia. Stayed at an Agritourismo, la Pera doussa. Excellent.”

Follow these tips to get a good rental car deal in in Bergamo:

• Compare rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Bergamo is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 47% cheaper than the yearly average.