Rent a cheap car at Bergamo Airport (BGY)
Landing at Bergamo Airport opens up some of northern Italy’s most scenic road trips. Pick up your rental car at BGY Airport and you can make Bergamo your first stop or settle down first and continue your journey towards the lakes, historic cities, and countryside beyond it. With VIP Cars, you can search and compare available deals from leading suppliers and choose one that fits the purpose of your trip.
Lake Garda makes for an easy road-trip option, especially for travelers who want a change from Italy’s cities. Its clear blue waters, mountain scenery, and picturesque lakeside towns make the journey as appealing as the destination itself. You can spend the day exploring the shoreline, stop in small towns along the way, and continue towards another part of northern Italy when you are ready. A rental car gives you the flexibility to explore the city and beyond whenever and however you want.
Where are car rental desks located at BGY Airport?
Picking up and dropping off your vehicle at Bergamo Airport is straightforward, with several rental companies such as Avis, Autovia, Noleggiare, OK Mobility, Sicily by Car, SIXT, and Viaggiare Rent available here and others located off-site. After you have collected your luggage, head to the car rental desks on the ground floor and locate your supplier.
Pickup process
Follow these simple steps to reach your supplier’s rental desk at the airport:
- Follow the airport signs for "Car Rental" and locate your supplier’s desk.
- Complete the rental paperwork and collect your keys.
- Follow your supplier’s instructions to the designated vehicle pickup area.
- Take a quick look at the car before leaving and make sure you have no doubts regarding your rental agreement. If any, get them sorted before hitting the road.
Return process
Follow these simple steps to return your vehicle at the airport:
- When approaching the airport, look for signs of your rental supplier's dedicated rental-car return area around the P2/P3.
- Park the vehicle in the designated parking lot. For example, SIXT uses P3, while Hertz specifies its return area in P3 on Via Aeroporto.
- Complete the vehicle return process or inspection, if conducted.
- Return the keys to the rental desk or designated key-drop facility.
- Keep your rental agreement and return confirmation until the rental is fully closed.
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Off-airport suppliers
Some rental companies, like Centauro, serving Milan Bergamo Airport operate from locations away from the main terminal. If you have booked with an off-airport supplier, check your booking confirmation voucher for the complete details and supplier's instructions. Depending on the supplier, you may need to use a shuttle bus to reach its rental location.
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After-hours pickup and return
If your flight arrives late or you need to return the vehicle outside your supplier’s opening hours, check the company’s after-hours policy before booking. Some suppliers may offer late pickup or key-drop facility by prior arrangement, while additional fees may apply.
Car hire deal types available at Bergamo Airport (BGY)
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Short-term car rental (daily/weekend/weekly rentals)
Bookings made for one day, a few days/weekend, or a week are ideal for travelers visiting Bergamo for short city breaks, quick business trips/corporate events, or going on short road trips. Lake Como is a popular choice for its scenic lakeside towns and Alpine backdrop.
Note: Even if you book a car for a few hours, suppliers usually charge for a full 24-hour rental period.
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Long-term car rental (monthly/extended rentals)
If you are in Bergamo for business or spending a longer holiday across Northern Italy with family or friends, long-term booking is the right rental duration for you. Instead of booking multiple short rides, you can rent a car for the time you are in the city. Also, these bookings are more valuable than short-term i.e., they come at a lower daily cost.
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Last-minute car rental (same day/urgent bookings)
Some trips are planned spontaneously and in that case, travelers often book a last-minute rental car. Even if someone needs a vehicle at short notice, they end up booking last-minute. Although you can easily rent a car at BGY Airport at short notice, vehicle choices become limited, especially during peak season, i.e., May to August.
Popular one-way trips from Bergamo
A one-way car rental from Bergamo is a convenient option for travelers planning to explore multiple destinations across Italy without returning to the original pickup location. While one-way rentals usually include additional fees, the cost may vary by the supplier, car type, and location.
With VIP Cars, you can easily find suitable one-way rental options at affordable prices. Here are some of the popular one-way trips from BGY Airport:
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Lake Como
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Verona
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Lake Garda
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Turin
Cross-border car rental from Bergamo Airport (BGY)
A cross-border car rental means taking your vehicle from Italy to another country. However, this service is subject to the supplier’s approval and includes an additional cross-border fee depending on the destination and car type.
Prior approval is mandatory for cross-border travel. Popular nearby countries where you can take your vehicle are Switzerland, France, Austria, or Slovenia.
Bergamo International Airport: Overview & passenger facilities
| Address: | Via Aeroporto 13, 24050 Orio al Serio (BG), Italy |
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| IATA Code: | BGY |
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), also known as Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport, is located about 5 km from Bergamo and 45 km from Milan. It is one of Italy’s busiest airports, welcoming nearly 17 million passengers in 2025.
The airport is an important gateway to northern Italy, with a strong network of international and domestic connections and 152 destinations across 44 countries served during the 2026 summer season. Its convenient location makes BGY a popular starting point for exploring Bergamo, Milan, the Italian lakes, and the Alps by road.
Passenger facilities at Bergamo Airport:
- Free Wi-Fi
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Restaurants and cafes
- Shops and duty-free stores
- Pharmacy
- Tourist information
- Baggage and lost luggage services
- VIP lounges
- Car rental services
- Parking facilities
Popular attractions to see with a rental car in Bergamo
Bergamo beautifully blends historic charm with modern city life, offering everything from medieval landmarks to cultural museums and lively shopping streets. Here are some of the best places that can be explored in a BGY Airport car rental.
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Accademia Carrara
One of Italy’s finest art galleries, featuring masterpieces by renowned Renaissance artists.
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Museo di Scienze Naturali Enrico Caffi
A fascinating natural history museum known for its dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits.
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Santa Maria Maggiore
A stunning Romanesque basilica admired for its lavish interiors and artistic details.
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Bergamo Cathedra
The city’s main cathedral, featuring elegant architecture and centuries of religious heritage.
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Cappella Colleoni
A beautifully decorated chapel famous for its Renaissance façade and intricate marble work.
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San Michele al Pozzo Bianco
A historic church celebrated for its remarkable frescoes and peaceful atmosphere.
VIP Cars’ tips to rent a car at Bergamo Airport (BKY)
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Choose economy cars for easy city parking
For a short trip or city break, economy cars such as the Fiat Panda and Renault Clio are practical choices. Their small size makes parking and navigating Bergamo’s streets easier, while their fuel efficiency can help keep everyday driving costs down.
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Check ZTL restrictions before driving
Several Italian cities and towns have Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) areas where access is restricted to authorised vehicles. Bergamo’s historic Upper Town, Città Alta, has restricted traffic zones, so check the permitted routes before driving into the old city centre. Because if you enter a restricted area without permission, you will be charged a fine.
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Inquire about the toll system with your supplier
Italy has an extensive network of toll motorways, known as autostrade. If your itinerary includes longer drives from Bergamo, check your route in advance and be prepared for toll payments. Electronic toll lanes and cash/card lanes are available at many toll stations. Check with your supplier how tolls will be charged to your rental bill so you have a clear picture.
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Pick a convertible for scenic drives
Convertibles can make scenic drives more enjoyable, especially when the weather is pleasant. They are a fun option for couples or travelers visiting Lake Como and other picturesque routes in northern Italy.
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Leave extra time when returning your car
If you have a flight to catch, do not plan to arrive at BGY just some time before departure. Allow some buffer time for completing the return process and getting back to the terminal. This is useful if you are returning the car during rush hours (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM & 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM) or peak season (May to August).
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Check winter tyre availability
If you are renting a car during the colder months, check whether winter tyres or winter equipment are included or available with your vehicle. Winter conditions can be different across northern Italy, so if your itinerary includes mountain areas, confirm with your supplier about winter tyres and equipment policy before booking.
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Choose luxury cars for business travel
For business travelers, a luxury car offers comfort when traveling between meetings, hotels and the airport, while also making a good impression when arriving at meetings or events.
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Confirm 24-hour rental service
Some car rental suppliers may offer 24-hour pickup or return. If your flight arrives late at night or departs early in the morning, check the supplier’s opening hours and after-hours arrangements before booking.