Milan Central to Bergamo Trains from €5.40

Whether you’re visiting this underrated city for the day or spending a few nights, the train from Milano Centrale to Bergamo makes getting there a breeze.

This means you’ve got peace of mind that you’re getting the real thing and some of the hottest prices. Plus, you’ll benefit from English-language search and comparison tools, payments in GBP with no FX fees, and QR-code e-tickets that are available to download as soon as you book.

Departure station: Departing from Milano Centrale

Milano Centrale is Milan’s main station and is just a few metro stops north of the Duomo. It’s on the green M2 and yellow M3 lines, so you can easily get there from most of the main tourist areas.

• Address: Piazza Duca d’Aosta 1, 20124 Milan.
• Facilities: Left luggage, cafés, a supermarket, waiting areas and paid toilets.
• Departure platforms: Platforms vary from train to train, so keep an eye on the departures board. They’re all upstairs, but there are escalators and lifts for those travelling with bags, kids or reduced mobility.
• Good to know: You’ll need to scan the QR code on your e-ticket to get through the ticket gates, so have it ready on your phone. If you’re coming by metro, allow a few extra minutes to get up to the gates.
• How to get there:
  • From the Duomo: Take the yellow M3 line towards Comasina. Centrale FS is the 4th stop.
  • From Brera: Walk to Lanza and jump on the green M2 line towards Gessate or Cologno Nord. Centrale FS is 4 stops up the line.
  • From the Navigli: Catch the green M2 line at Porta Genova towards Gessate or Cologno Nord. It’s 8 stops to Centrale FS.

Arrival station: Arriving at Bergamo

• Address: Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi, 24122 Bergamo.
• Facilities: A café, a newsagent, a minimarket, a waiting room and paid toilets, plus left luggage if you want to drop your bags off before exploring.
• Arrival platforms: Vary. Platform 1 is closest to the exit, while the others are further away.
• Good to know: The bus stop and taxi rank are right outside the main exit. For bus tickets, use the ATB app or tap your contactless card when you get on.
• How to get around:
  • To Porta Nuova and the lower town: Head straight along Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII and you’ll be there in around 10 minutes. If you’ve got luggage, it’s a short bus ride on line 1.
  • To Città Alta: Catch the bus that says Colle Aperto on the front. This takes 15 minutes to get to the top. You can also hop off at the Funicolare stop and ride the funicular the rest of the way.
  • To Milan Bergamo Airport: Bus 1 doubles as the Airport Bus and there are departures every 20 minutes. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the terminal.

Trenord is the only operator on this route and offers both 1st and 2nd class. This is a regional provider that only operates in the north of Italy and is part-owned by Trenitalia. Here’s what to expect:

• Avg. duration: Around 48 minutes.
• Frequency: One train an hour from just after 6 am until just after 10 pm, always at five past the hour.
• Ticket types: Fixed fares of around £5.50 in 2nd class and £8.35 in 1st. These are non-refundable but allow for changes. 

Trenord First vs Second Class

Here's what you'll want to know when deciding between 1st and 2nd class. 

• 2nd Class: Standard seats in a 2+2 configuration. You can sit wherever’s free in any 2nd Class carriage. There are no reserved seats.
• 1st Class: Larger seats with more legroom in a separate section of the train. Often in a 2+1 configuration, although this can vary by model. 

Now, is 1st class on Trenord trains from Milan Centrale to Bergamo worth it? If you’re travelling during the weekday rush hour, then yes. That’s when trains are packed with commuters and you might struggle to find a seat in 2nd class. 

At any other time of day, though, you'll usually be comfortable enough in 2nd class for a journey of just under an hour. That said, it's less than a £3 difference between the two classes, so you may think it's worth it. 

Keep in mind that 1st class on Trenord doesn't include food or drinks, lounge access, or the other trimmings you'd expect on long-distance operators in Italy. After all, these services cater to commuters and residents travelling short distances.

Trenord onboard facilities

Trenord trains offer basic but functional facilities. Here's what to expect:

• Charging: Plug sockets and USB ports at each seat on newer trains. You’re best to charge your phone before you set off, though, in case you end up on an older one.
• Connectivity: These trains don’t usually have Wi-Fi, so make sure you’ve got data if you want to stay connected.
• Food and drink: There’s nothing for sale on board, so grab a snack and some water at Milano Centrale.
• Toilets: Available. Accessible toilets only on newer models. 

Most of Bergamo’s main attractions are up in Città Alta, so you’ll want to head there first to make the most of your day trip. Here’s what to see and do:

• Piazza Vecchia: Città Alta’s main square is around 25 minutes from the station by bus and funicular. This is where you’ll find Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel, too.
• Venetian Walls: Take bus 1 to Via delle Mura. When you arrive, allow enough time to walk along these UNESCO-listed walls and take in the views across the valley.
• San Vigilio funicular: Stay on bus 1 until Colle Aperto, then switch to Bergamo’s other funicular for the ride up San Vigilio hill.
• Accademia Carrara: Art lovers won’t want to miss this gallery, with works by the likes of Botticelli, Titian and Canaletto. It’s around a 25-minute walk from the station, but be sure to check that it’s open before you set off.