Guide to renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY): Prices, tips, and useful insights
Renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport, also known as Orio al Serio, is a convenient way to explore Lake Como, Milan, and the wider northern Italy region.
This guide explains what actually happens when you rent a car at Milan Bergamo Airport — from desk queues and deposits to insurance gaps that catch many travelers off guard. We also share practical tips and show where to find the cheapest prices.
This article contains affiliate links.
This guide is based on price data, booking behavior, and common issues observed across thousands of car rental searches at Italian airports.
How most travelers book rental cars at Milan Bergamo Airport
Car rental prices at Milan Bergamo Airport can differ by €15–€35 per day for the same car and dates, depending on where the booking is made.
As a major low-cost airline hub, most travelers now start with price comparison rather than booking directly.
The same car model often appears multiple times at different prices, making comparison the simplest way to avoid overpaying.
This happens because the same supplier often distributes the same car through multiple platforms with different commission structures.
> Compare car rental prices at Milan Bergamo Airport in one search
Is renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport worth it?
Renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport depends on your itinerary and closely reflects the broader question of whether it is worth renting a car in Italy, especially when balancing flexibility, costs, and how much driving your trip actually requires.
When it makes sense
Renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport makes sense for trips to Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Verona, or the Dolomites, where public transport is limited. Without a car, reaching smaller towns around Lake Como or the Dolomites often adds hours of transfers.
When it doesn’t
A rental car is usually unnecessary for short stays focused on Milan or Bergamo. Fast train connections, limited parking, and ZTL restrictions often outweigh the benefits, making public transport a simpler and more predictable option for city-based travel.
Understanding car rental prices at Milan Bergamo Airport
Average prices by month
Average car rental prices at Milan Bergamo Airport range from roughly €12–€20 per day in low season to €30–€35 in summer. These patterns closely follow broader national trends, mirroring the same seasonal pattern seen across major Italian airports such as Rome, Milan, and Naples.
Why prices change between providers
Prices vary because rental companies sell the same cars through multiple platforms with different commissions, insurance bundles, and availability rules. As demand shifts, especially on weekends, identical cars can appear at noticeably different prices depending on where they are listed.
How to avoid overpaying
The simplest way to avoid overpaying is to compare prices before booking. Price comparison reveals hidden differences in insurance, deposits, and final cost, which often explains why renting a car in Italy can feel expensive without careful checking.
What is the most popular car category at Milan Bergamo Airport?
Rental choices at Milan Bergamo Airport lean strongly toward smaller cars. Around 43% of bookings fall into the small category, followed by SUVs at 29%, medium cars at 15%, vans at 12%, and premium models at just 1%.
The Fiat Panda is the most frequently rented model, followed closely by the Fiat 500, valued for simplicity and low running costs.
Where to compare car rental prices at Milan Bergamo Airport
Most travelers don’t realize that car rental prices at Bergamo depend more on the booking channel than on the rental company itself.
Discover Cars
Bergamo’s rental market includes both international brands and smaller Italian companies, often offering identical cars under different terms. Discover Cars gathers these offers into a single search, helping travelers compare prices, insurance options, and deposits without checking each company separately.
EconomyBookings
At Bergamo Airport, pricing usually depends more on distribution channels than on the car itself. EconomyBookings works similarly, showing multiple offers for the same car side by side, which helps highlight price gaps and avoid booking a higher-priced duplicate.
Prices and conditions can change daily, so the cheapest option today may not be the cheapest tomorrow.
Is Milan Bergamo Airport cheaper for car rentals than Malpensa?
For short leisure trips and low-cost airline arrivals, Bergamo is often cheaper.
Typical price differences
Car rentals at Milan Bergamo Airport are often cheaper than at Malpensa, especially for small cars and short rentals. Bergamo’s low-cost airline traffic creates competitive pricing, while Malpensa tends to show higher averages due to broader demand and a larger share of business travelers.
Which airport makes more sense for your trip
The better airport depends on the itinerary and timing. Travelers focused on Lombardy or short breaks often prefer Bergamo, while longer routes or international arrivals may align better with the considerations outlined in this guide to renting a car at Milan Malpensa Airport.
Useful tips when renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport
Most issues reported by travelers at Bergamo relate to deposits, fuel policies, and insurance misunderstandings.
- Book early for weekends. Prices at Milan Bergamo Airport rise quickly from Friday to Sunday due to concentrated low-cost airline traffic and limited fleet availability.
- Always compare prices. The same car can appear at different prices across platforms, making comparison the easiest way to spot inflated offers.
- Watch the deposit amount. Lower daily rates often come with higher deposits, especially when only basic insurance is included.
- Choose smaller cars when possible. Small cars are easier to park, cheaper to rent, and better suited to local roads and city access.
- Check the fuel policy carefully. Full-to-empty options appear more often at Bergamo and can increase the final cost if overlooked.
- Inspect the car thoroughly at pickup. High turnover increases the chance of minor damage being missed unless documented in advance.
- Be aware of ZTL restrictions. Driving into Milan or Bergamo city centers without permission can lead to unexpected fines.
- Allow extra time in high season. Summer weekends can bring queues at rental desks despite the airport’s compact layout.
Car rental insurance at Milan Bergamo Airport
What basic insurance usually includes
Basic car rental insurance at Milan Bergamo Airport typically covers third-party liability and damage to the car, but with a high excess. Windscreen, tires, and underbody damage are often excluded. Many disputes at return relate to damage categories excluded from basic insurance.
Excess and deposits
Most rentals at Bergamo Airport involve an excess that can reach several thousand euros and require a credit card in the driver’s name. Lower daily prices often come with higher deposits, which are temporarily blocked until the car is returned.
Is full coverage worth it at Bergamo Airport?
Full coverage can make sense at Bergamo, particularly for short rentals or budget cars. It reduces excess exposure and simplifies pickup, though it increases the daily rate and may overlap with credit card insurance for some travelers.
Best car rental companies at Milan Bergamo Airport
No single rental company is always ‘best’ — pricing, insurance, and availability change daily.
Availability and pricing often matter more than brand name.
International rental companies
Well-known international brands operating at Milan Bergamo Airport typically include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise. These companies are often chosen for brand familiarity, newer fleets, and broader insurance options, though prices can be higher during peak periods.
Italian and local rental companies
Alongside international brands, Bergamo Airport hosts several Italian and regional providers such as Leasys, Locauto, Sicily by Car, Noleggiare, Drivalia, and Autovia. These companies often offer competitive pricing and flexible availability, particularly for small and economy cars.
Where to find car rental desks at Milan Bergamo Airport
For the most up-to-date terminal layout and desk locations, the official Milan Bergamo Airport website provides current maps and access information.
Inside the terminal
Car rental desks inside Milan Bergamo Airport are located near the arrivals area and are clearly signposted. Most major international and Italian companies operate here, making pickup straightforward and quick. Cars are usually parked within walking distance, which helps reduce transfer time after paperwork.
Off-site and shuttle-based providers
Some rental companies operate from facilities outside the airport perimeter. After check-in at a designated meeting point, travelers are taken by shuttle to the pickup location. This process can add 15–30 minutes, but sometimes offers lower prices or access to a wider range of cars.
During peak summer weekends, queues can build up despite the compact terminal.
Pick-up and drop-off a rental car at Milan Bergamo Airport
Pick-up
After landing, follow the Arrivals signs to the ground floor, where car rental desks are grouped near the main exit doors. Once the paperwork is completed, staff will hand you the keys and direct you either to the nearby on-site parking area on the south side of the terminal or to a shuttle pickup point just outside arrivals for off-site providers.
Drop-off
Dropping off a rental car at Milan Bergamo Airport is straightforward and takes place in the same area used for car pick-up. The airport is well signposted from all approach roads, with clear “Car Rental Return” signs. After parking the car in your company’s marked section, complete a brief inspection if required and return the keys at the rental desk or via a secure drop box for early departures.
Because traffic conditions around the airport can change quickly, many drivers check real-time congestion and incident reports using a live navigation service, such as Waze, before starting their return journey.
Final thoughts
For travelers who plan to explore beyond city centers, renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport often saves time and simplifies logistics.
With a single terminal, clearly marked pick-up and drop-off areas, and a wide range of rental providers, the process is generally smooth when you know what to expect. Booking in advance, understanding insurance options, and allowing a bit of extra time during peak season can make the experience even easier.
If you’re also planning to travel through Rome, check out our guide to renting a car at Rome Fiumicino Airport for a helpful comparison and tips tailored to Italy’s busiest hub.
FAQs
At Milan Bergamo Airport, weekend prices rise mainly because of demand. Low-cost airline traffic peaks from Friday to Sunday, fleets sell out faster, and rental companies adjust prices dynamically. Leisure travelers booking last-minute also push rates higher compared to midweek business rentals.
Yes, short-term rentals often cost more per day. One- or two-day rentals usually don’t benefit from weekly discounts, and fixed airport fees are spread over fewer days. In many cases, adding an extra day can significantly reduce the daily rate.
Airport rentals are usually slightly more expensive due to airport surcharges, but they’re often more convenient. City rentals can be cheaper, especially in low season, but limited opening hours and transport to the office can offset the savings.
Common mistakes include booking without full insurance clarity, underestimating the deposit amount, choosing the wrong fuel policy, and not checking card requirements in advance. Another frequent issue is ignoring office hours, especially for late arrivals or early returns.
Hidden charges aren’t common, but unexpected costs can appear if terms aren’t checked carefully. These usually relate to fuel refills, young or senior driver fees, extra drivers, toll devices, or insurance exclusions like tires, glass, and underbody damage.
The cheapest period is typically late autumn and winter, excluding holidays. November, January, and February often have the lowest prices, while summer months and holiday weekends see the highest demand and rates.
In most cases, yes. A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually required to block the security deposit. Some companies allow alternatives, but they often come with higher prices, limited car choice, or mandatory insurance.
Some companies accept debit cards, but the conditions are stricter. You may face higher deposits, limited car categories, or additional insurance requirements. Acceptance also varies by supplier, so checking the card policy before booking is essential.
