When transferring from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport, travelers can choose between two scenic routes, each allowing for breaks in picturesque locations. The first option involves a ferry to Varenna and driving via Lecco and also proposes a visit to Lecco. While the second option follows the western shore through Como and a visit to both Lower Bergamo and Città Alta. Both routes offer manageable driving distances and charming stops.
Bergamo Airport Hotels
If you have an early-morning flight from Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio), staying nearby can make your trip much easier and less stressful. There are several hotels around the airport and in nearby Bergamo, offering convenient access for early departures. This can be especially useful if you’re finishing a road trip through Lake Como, Lugano, or northern Italy and don’t want to worry about a long drive on the morning of your flight.
Transfer from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport – Route Options
As your Lake Como adventure comes to an end, it’s time to head to Bergamo Airport. Depending on your departure time, you can choose between the two scenic routes. Each one is offering the opportunity for one last stop to soak up the beauty of northern Italy before your flight. Travelling with a baby on board, both routes feature manageable driving distances and convenient places to stop for a coffee, snack, or a relaxing stroll.
- Menaggio ? Varenna ? Lecco ? Bergamo ? Bergamo Airport or
- Menaggio ? Como ? Bergamo ? Bergamo Airport
What to Pack for Your Trip: Toddler Travel Activity Book
A toddler travel activity book can be a simple way to keep young children entertained during flights, airport waits, and longer car journeys. Choose one with age-appropriate puzzles, stickers, coloring activities, or reusable games that are easy to pack and use while traveling. It takes up very little space in your carry-on and can be especially helpful when children need a quiet activity away from screens.
Bergamo Transfers & Airport Services
Not everyone wants to rent a car when visiting Bergamo and northern Italy. Airport transfers can be a convenient alternative, especially if you’re travelling with luggage, children, or arriving late at night. You can find private transfers, shared transportation, and other airport services connecting Bergamo Airport with the city and surrounding destinations.
Bergamo Airport Transfer Option 1 – Ferry to Varenna & Drive via Lecco
Start the morning with a short ferry crossing from Menaggio to Varenna, enjoying one final cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Como. From Varenna, continue along the eastern shore of the lake toward Lecco, a picturesque city framed by dramatic mountain scenery.
Stop in Lecco
Lecco is an excellent place to stretch your legs before continuing to the airport. Enjoy a coffee or light snack. Also, take a leisurely stroll through the historic centre, or walk along the lakeside promenade while admiring views of the surrounding mountains.
You can start your stroll on the lakeshore in the northern part of Lecco at Parco Pubblico Lungolario Luigi Cadorna. There you can stop at Ristorante Tabula Rosa Lecco if you get there at lunch time, as it opens at 12. But if you arrive early, drive ahead and park by the city center.
If time allows, visit Piazza Mario Cermenati, the elegant heart of the city, admire the impressive Church of Saint Nicolò – Basilica prepositurale di San Nicolò with its iconic bell tower. Then explore Piazza XX Settembre, lined with cafés and local shops.
Recommended places for a break include: Plaza Caf̬, Pasticceria Pontiggia Di Esposito Pietro Corrado and Cardamomo Persian Palace Lecco Рrestaurant.
From Lecco, continue towards Bergamo Airport, enjoying one last scenic drive through Lombardy.
Bergamo Airport Transfer Option 2 – Via Como & Bergamo
Morning Drive from Menaggio to Como
If you prefer to revisit the western shore of Lake Como, then drive south along the famous Via Regina (SS340) toward Como. The route offers beautiful lake views and passes through charming lakeside villages. From Menaggio to Como – Lido Villa Olmo. It is a 40 minutes drive, 32 km.
What to Pack for Your Trip: Portable Power Bank
A portable power bank is a useful travel essential for keeping your phone charged while waiting at the airport, exploring a new city, or spending a long day on the road. It can be especially handy when using your phone for boarding passes, maps, translations, directions, and taking photos. Choose a compact model that is easy to keep in your carry-on or day bag.
Breakfast Stop in Tremezzo
Before reaching Como, stop in Tremezzo for breakfast. Park near Grand Hotel Tremezzo and enjoy coffee and pastries at La Locanda Tremezzo. This would be a wonderful way to begin your final day.
Continue towards Como on SS340, avoiding the busy centre of Cernobbio by following Via Regina Nuova. At the roundabout near the Bennett hypermarket, turn onto Via Silvio Pellico. Then turn right at the next roundabout on Via per Cernobbio. Follow the scenic Chilometro della Conoscenza and enter the city of Como.
Turn left and enter the gates of Villa Olmo; there is Parcheggio Villa Olmo. Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful Giardini di Villa Olmo. If time permits, continue along the lakeside promenade, Passeggiata Lino Gelpi passing elegant historic villas including Villa Parravicini Revel and Villa Saporiti.
Direct Transfer Route from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport (Optional)
If your flight schedule is tight, you can skip the stop in Como and from SS340 join the Autostrada dei Laghi. Then near Milan take the A4 Torino – Trieste. Afterwards leave the motorway and enter Bergamo on Via Autostrada. This is the quickest and most convenient option while still allowing time for a short refreshment stop in either Milan or Bergamo.
A Stop in Bergamo Before You Drive to the Airport
If time allows before your flight, make one final stop in Bergamo. Whether you choose a quick coffee, a final Italian gelato, or simply a short walk through the city centre, Bergamo provides a fitting conclusion to your unforgettable journey through the Italian Lakes before continuing the short drive to Bergamo Airport for your flight home.
Bergamo – Città Bassa
You can start with a visit to Bergamo’s Città Bassa (Lower Town).
At the second roundabout turn right on Via Giovanni Carnovali. Then, at the next one, take the 3rd exit on Via San Giovanni Bosco. At the second intersection, after the railway, turn right on SS42. And then at the railway station turn left on Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, the city’s elegant main boulevard. Keep forward on the street and cross Lower Bergamo – Città Bassa. Pass by Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata delle Grazie on the right, then Porta Nuova on the left. Continue forward and see on the left Torre dei caduti – Tower of the Fallen – Memorial tower in honor of WWI soldiers.
Across the street is the Quadriportico del Sentierone. It is a trade center with history where you can stroll through the corridors and gardens and also visit the interior.
From the Tower of the Fallen continue forward towards North on Viale Roma at the first intersection. Then keep forward on Viale V. Emanuele II at the next intersections, and reach a roundabout. There go right on Viale V. Emanuel, pass by the Funicolare Città Alta station and continue ahead along the city walls, keep left.
Upper Bergamo – Citta Alta
Get through Porta Sant’Agostino and arrive in Upper Bergamo – Citta Alta. Keep forward at the next intersections. Pass by Parco della Fara, keep ahead, see again the city walls. At a fork intersection keep left on Via S. Lorenzo, along the city wall. Then also keep left at the next fork. Then keep ahead on the narrow road Via S. Lorenzo. Turn left at Mercato del Fieno and park there.
Afterwards, from the parking lot walk forward on Via S. Lorenzo and pass by the Antico Lavatoio on the left; continue forward and pass through the archway.
Piazza Vecchia
Continue forward on Passaggio Ca Longa and arrive in Piazza Vecchia – a nice square, with many restaurants nearby. See Caffè del Tasso 1476 on the left – beautiful interior, restaurant listed on TheFork app, 35 euros set menu; and on the right it’s Trattoria Sant’ Ambroeus with the Fontana di Piazza Vecchia in front of it. On the left see Palazzo della Ragione, built in the 12th century, former town hall, courthouse, theater etc.
Exit Piazza Vecchia through the North exit, turn left on Via Bartolomeo Colleoni. You have Il Sole restaurant and hotel on the right just at the intersection when the street begins. Continue forward on Via Bartolomeo Colleoni and just before the second intersection there is on the left Vineria Cozzi, quite expensive food, nice interior.
Piazza della Cittadella & Lunch Options
Continue forward, pass the intersection, keep going and get to Piazza della Cittadella with its Torre della Campanella and you have on the left Il Dispensario Beer Garden with a modern interior. And a better option is the restaurant on the right, Bernabo listed on TheFork app, with superb interior and a garden terrace, with a 20 euros discount menu. You can have lunch there.
Also good lunch options: Caffè del Tasso 1476, Ristorante Bernabò, Il Dispensario.
Then get back to Piazza Vecchia. On the way you can also have ice cream – look for rose flavor, at Carmen Gelato – Colleoni on Via Bartolomeo Colleoni, or at Dei Mille in Piazza Vecchia.
Piazza del Duomo
After Palazzo della Ragione you get to Piazza del Duomo. See the Campanone on the right. This is a 12th century tower offering panoramic views, opened Tuesday – Friday between 9:30AM–1PM, 2:30–6PM, Saturday – Sunday between 9:30AM–6PM and closed on Monday. The entry price is 5 euros. There is a lift but you will have to climb the last flight of stairs to reach the top of the tower.
Then in the back of Palazzo della Ragione there is Meridiana del sole, a former astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of the Sun. See Battistero di Bergamo in front of the Campanone, Cappella Colleoni, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Bergamo Cathedral.
Religious Monuments in Bergamo Citta Alta
Battistero di Bergamo is part of the Cathedral. It has an octagonal base that recalls the 8 days of Creation; there are statues placed outside the dome, at the corners representing the Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice, Prudence, Fortress, Temperance, Patience. Unfortunately the monument is almost always closed, the only way is to join the guided tour that starts on Saturday at 15:30 in front of the cathedral door at a cost of 3 euros. Baptisms are held behind closed doors and you can visit between a baptism and another.
Capela Colleoni it’s a 15th-century funerary chapel, it has a beautiful colored marble exterior and frescoed ceiling, columns and statues. It is open daily from 9: 00-12: 30 14: 00-18: 30, the entry is free.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore has beautiful wall and ceiling paintings. Taking pictures inside is only allowed without flash. Entry price is from 3 euros.
Bergamo Cathedral – Cattedrale di Sant’Alessandro has an amazing interior, multicolored marble. Entry is free with Abbonamento Musei Lombardi. It is open Monday – Friday between 7:30 – 12:30 and 15:00 – 18:30.
Go to the back of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and find Tempietto di Santa Croce, a small temple built in the 12th century in the Romantic style.
Go South in Via Arena and then in Piazza Rosate and go left on Via Rosate and then a little left and get to Piazza Terzi. Visit Terzi Palace – possible only as a guided visit upon booking. It offers a breathtaking view of the lower city and from its wonderful terrace. The interiors are also beautiful, with stuccos, frescoes. It has a mirror sitting room, a miniature version of the one in Versailles.
Venetian Walls & Porta San Giacomo, Bergamo Citta Alta
Get back to Piazza Rosate, go to the back of Tempietto di Santa Croce and turn left towards South on narrow alley Via Simone Mayr, then turn right on narrower Vicolo Bettami, continue right and then go left and cross the street and go leftTowards South East on Viale delle Mura.
See Mura Veneziane – Patrimonio mondiale dell’UNESCO. Continue forward on Viale delle Mura. When the road turns left there is Baluardo di San Giacomo from where you can have the most beautiful view of Porta San Giacomo, which is the entrance to the upper town. From there you can also have a beautiful view on the city. Continue towards the gate and there across the intersection see beautiful Medolago – Albani Palace – private villa from late 1700.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to visit inside. It is a noble palace with classical figure bas-relief.
Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe & Palazzo e Giardini Moroni
Continue forward on Via S. Giacomo, by the left of the Medolago – Albani Palace and arrive in Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe and see the Funicolare Città Alta stazione superiore on the right.
If you have time, go right on Via di Porta Dipinta and walk for 3 minutes in order to get to Palazzo e Giardini Moroni. This is an art museum, a 17th century noble palace, the entry price is 11 euros. Visit it to admire the frescoed walls, the paintings, the art collections, the original furnishings, and the beautiful terraced Italian gardens offering a spectacular view of the Bergamo area. Check the website for info.
After exploring Bergamo’s Città Alta, make your way back to Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe and turn right onto Via Gombito, one of the oldest and most charming streets in the Upper Town. As you pass the historic Fontana Del Gombito / Fontana di San Pancrazio continue straight before turning right onto Via San Lorenzo, where you’ll find Parcheggio Mercato del Fieno. This convenient parking area marks the end of your visit to Bergamo’s medieval heart.
Drive to Bergamo Airport
From the parking area, retrace your route back toward the railway station and turn right and join SS42, continuing onto Via Autostrada in the direction of Bergamo airport. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes (9 km), depending on traffic.
As you arrive at the airport, it’s time to say arrivederci to Italy after an unforgettable road trip through Lake Como, Lake Lugano, and Bergamo.
What to Pack for Your Trip: Carry-On Travel Backpack
A carry-on travel backpack is a practical choice for weekend getaways and low-cost airline trips, especially when you want to travel light and avoid checking a suitcase. Look for a comfortable design with plenty of compartments for clothes, electronics, documents, and other essentials. It can also be useful for keeping everything you need within easy reach during a road trip or flight.
What to Pack for Your Trip: Digital Luggage Scale
A digital luggage scale is a simple but incredibly useful travel accessory to have before flying home. After shopping for souvenirs, clothes, gifts, or other items during your trip, it lets you quickly check your suitcase weight and avoid unpleasant surprises or excess baggage fees at the airport. It is small, lightweight, and easy to keep in your luggage throughout your trip.
Read On
We hope this journey has inspired you to discover the beauty of Northern Italy at your own pace—and perhaps to start planning your next Italian adventure before you’ve even boarded your flight home.
Be sure to explore Our Lake Como and Lugano Visit by Car + Baby on Board – Day 1, to see the story of our journey and lots of pictures. You can find all our posts about Lake Como on this page. For more inspiration and practical travel tips, don’t miss our maps and travel guides, and visit our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your go-to resources for exploring Italy in depth. Are you looking to expand your itinerary? Don’t miss our posts on Venice!
Where to Stay, Eat and Explore in Lake Como
Lake Como is a wonderful destination for a road trip from Milan Malpensa, especially when travelling with a baby. From the charming streets of Como and Cernobbio to the lakeside scenery of Menaggio, Argegno, and other beautiful villages, here are our favorite recommendations.
Find the Best Hotels in Lake Como
Lake Como offers beautiful lakeside views, charming villages, and easy access to some of northern Italy’s most scenic destinations. Compare hotels and find the perfect family-friendly stay in Como, Menaggio, Cernobbio, Argegno, or other picturesque towns around the lake.
Explore Lake Como by Car
Discover Lake Como at your own pace with a private full-day driving tour. Visit some of the lake’s most picturesque towns and sights, including Cernobbio, Villa del Balbianello, and Villa Carlotta, while enjoying the comfort and flexibility of private transportation.
Discover Lake Como by Boat
Experience Lake Como from the water and enjoy a completely different perspective of its villages and mountains. Choose from scenic ferry rides, shared cruises, private boat tours, sunset experiences, and guided excursions to some of the lake’s most beautiful destinations.
Lake Como Road Trip Travel Essentials
These are some of our favorite travel essentials for a road trip from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como, especially when travelling with a baby. From keeping your luggage organized to making stops easier, these practical products can make your Italian adventure more comfortable.
Digital Luggage Scale
A digital luggage scale is a handy travel essential for checking your suitcase weight before heading home. It is especially useful after shopping in Italy and helps you avoid unexpected excess baggage fees at the airport.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are perfect for keeping clothes, baby outfits, and travel essentials organized during a road trip. They make it easier to find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase at every stop.
Portable Stroller Organizer
A stroller organizer keeps baby essentials such as bottles, wipes, snacks, and small toys within easy reach while exploring Lake Como. It is especially handy when stopping in villages, cafés, and scenic spots along the way.
Portable Baby Changing Mat
A portable baby changing mat is a practical essential when travelling by car with a baby. Keep it handy for quick changes during scenic stops, shopping breaks, or whenever you need a clean and comfortable place for your little one.
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More Budget Travel Finds
Looking for affordable travel accessories? Discover our favorite luggage organizers, travel gadgets, waterproof bags, packing cubes, phone holders, and other useful items that make every trip easier without stretching your budget.
Planning Your Lake Como Adventure?
Discover our detailed travel guides, day-by-day itineraries, driving advice, scenic stops, hidden villages, family-friendly recommendations, and budget travel ideas to help you plan an unforgettable trip around Lake Como.
Best Restaurants in Lake Como
Discover our favorite restaurants around Lake Como, from authentic Italian trattorias and family-friendly cafés to charming lakeside restaurants. Enjoy fresh pasta, local specialties, pizza, and beautiful views after a day of driving and exploring.
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Thanks for reading!
Table of contents
- Transfer from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport – Route Options
- Bergamo Airport Transfer Option 1 – Ferry to Varenna & Drive via Lecco
- Stop in Lecco
- Bergamo Airport Transfer Option 2 – Via Como & Bergamo
- Morning Drive from Menaggio to Como
- Breakfast Stop in Tremezzo
- Direct Transfer Route from Lake Como to Bergamo Airport (Optional)
- A Stop in Bergamo Before You Drive to the Airport
- Bergamo – Città Bassa
- Upper Bergamo – Citta Alta
- Piazza Vecchia
- Piazza della Cittadella & Lunch Options
- Piazza del Duomo
- Religious Monuments in Bergamo Citta Alta
- Venetian Walls & Porta San Giacomo, Bergamo Citta Alta
- Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe & Palazzo e Giardini Moroni
- Drive to Bergamo Airport
- Read On
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