Orio al Serio: where it is, how to get there, and how big the airport is

The third-busiest airport in Italy by passenger numbers is Orio al Serio, named after the painter Michelangelo Merisi, better known as Caravaggio.

Each year, more than three million passengers pass through its terminals, the majority travelling with low-cost airlines. Since 2003, when Ryanair selected Orio al Serio as one of its three European operational bases, the airport has become a key hub for budget carriers.

Let’s take a closer look at this airport.

Where is BGY Airport, Orio al Serio?

Let’s clear things up straight away: Il Caravaggio Airport, often considered one of Milan’s airports, is actually located in the province of Bergamo (hence its official code, BGY) more precisely in the municipality of Orio al Serio.

A brief historical aside: the name “Orio” is believed by some to derive from the Latin orum, meaning “margin”, referring to the town’s location on the edge between Bergamo and the Serio River.

Now that the meaning of Orio al Serio has been clarified, it’s worth noting that this is a small and historic village, where visitors can admire a medieval tower and the Church of San Giorgio, which dates back to the 14th century. The town’s fate changed dramatically in 1937, when it was chosen as the site for the airport.

How to get to Orio al Serio from Milan

There are several ways to reach Orio al Serio from Milan in around 45 minutes.

By bus or shuttle

This is probably the most popular option among travellers, as it’s both convenient and affordable (around €10 one way). A number of public and private operators run the service daily, roughly from 4 a.m. until 11 p.m. Buses usually depart from Milan’s Central Station.

By train

Although it takes a bit longer, travelling by train is a good way to avoid traffic on the A4 motorway, which often gets congested during peak hours. Trains from Milan Central Station to Bergamo run regularly throughout the day and take about an hour. From Bergamo, you can then catch a shuttle bus to the airport, which takes around 10 minutes.

By car

Take the A4 motorway (Milan–Venice), exit at the Bergamo toll gate and follow the signs to the terminal. There are numerous low-cost car parks throughout the area, many of which are open 24 hours a day. The most expensive option is taking a taxi, which typically costs around €100.

How big is the airport?

Orio al Serio Airport was renovated in 2014, with significant investment in shopping and dining facilities. It has a single terminal housing both arrivals and departures, with separate areas for Schengen and non-Schengen flights.

The check-in area features 35 desks. The airport operates 24 hours a day.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

Tag

Transport and Mobility

Travel

Subscribe to our newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news Subscribe with your email address to receive the latest news, updates and practical tips from the real estate world directly in your inbox

Subscribe