Getting There
Bergamo is served by Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY), located approximately 5 km southeast of the city center — one of Italy's busiest airports and a major hub for low-cost carriers. The ATB Airport Bus (Line 1) runs every 20 minutes directly from the airport arrivals hall to Bergamo's train station (Piazza Marconi), Porta Nuova in Città Bassa, the funicular station, and up to Città Alta, with a journey time of roughly 15–30 minutes and a ticket costing around €2.60–€3. Taxis from BGY to the city center take about 15 minutes and cost approximately €20–€30 depending on destination and time of day.
Getting Around
Bergamo's ATB bus network covers both Città Bassa (lower city) and Città Alta (upper city), with a funicular connecting the two — making a car unnecessary for match days and city exploration. ATB bus Lines 6, 9, and 3 all serve Gewiss Stadium on Viale Giulio Cesare, with the nearest bus stop just a 1–2 minute walk from the ground; note that roads around the stadium are closed on matchdays, making the bus the only practical option. Taxis and rideshare apps (FreeNow/MyTaxi) are available but pricier; Uber operates only premium tiers in Italy, so expect higher fares compared to northern European cities.
Where to Stay
For sports fans, staying in Città Bassa (lower city) — particularly near Porta Nuova or the train station area — puts you on the ATB bus lines that serve Gewiss Stadium and keeps you close to the main restaurant and bar scene on Via XX Settembre. Budget and mid-range hotels in Città Bassa start from around €70–€90 per night, while the atmospheric Città Alta (upper city), with boutique hotels typically running €120–€180+, is a great splurge option for the post-match evening given its pedestrian-friendly streets and piazzas. Book well in advance for Atalanta home fixtures, especially European matches, as the city is compact and good rooms go quickly. Staying in Città Bassa also gives you quick access to the ATB Line 1 for the short hop back to BGY if you're on an early departure.
Sports Fan Notes
Atalanta is one of the most passionate and tightly knit fan communities in Italian football — the Curva Nord ultras are renowned across Serie A for their intensity, and the Gewiss Stadium's compact size (around 24,000 capacity) makes for an electric atmosphere on big nights. The club has evolved from a provincial underdog into a consistent Champions League contender, giving visiting fans a genuine top-level European football experience in an intimate, authentic Italian setting. Bergamo's key rivalries include heated derbies against Brescia (the Derby di Lombardia Orientale) and fierce contests with Inter Milan and AC Milan, so checking the fixture calendar before you travel can land you a particularly charged atmosphere. The city's proximity to Milan (40 km, roughly 50 minutes by train) also makes it easy to combine a trip to Gewiss Stadium with a visit to San Siro if timing allows.
Venues in Bergamo
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from BGY to downtown Bergamo?
The easiest option is the ATB Airport Bus (Line 1), which departs from bus shelter No. 1 in the arrivals hall every 20 minutes, runs daily from around 4:50 AM to 1:30 AM, and drops you at the train station and Porta Nuova in Città Bassa in roughly 15–20 minutes for approximately €2.60–€3. A taxi takes about 15 minutes and costs around €20–€30 to the city center — useful if you're arriving late at night or traveling with heavy luggage.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Bergamo for a sports trip?
Città Bassa, particularly the area around Porta Nuova and the central train station, is the top choice for sports fans. It puts you directly on ATB bus Lines 6, 9, and 3 that serve Gewiss Stadium, keeps you near restaurants and bars for pre- and post-match gatherings, and gives you quick access back to BGY. Mid-range hotels here run roughly €70–€120 per night. Città Alta is a fantastic atmosphere for the post-match evening but is harder to reach by bus after late-night games.
Which sports teams play in Bergamo?
Bergamo's main team is Atalanta BC, who play Serie A football at the Gewiss Stadium (Viale Giulio Cesare 18, capacity ~24,000). Atalanta have established themselves as consistent top-four contenders and regular Champions League participants, making Bergamo one of the most rewarding destinations for traveling football fans in northern Italy.
Is Bergamo a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Bergamo is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is held exclusively in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest host city is in North America — New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) is among the closest major venues for European travelers making a transatlantic trip to catch World Cup matches.
Sports cities near Bergamo
Close enough to pair with a Bergamo trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.