Bergamo is the city of two souls — a town in Lombardy, 40 kilometres northeast of Milan, that is divided into two distinct parts: the medieval Città Alta (Upper Town), perched on a hill and surrounded by Venetian walls, and the modern Città Bassa (Lower Town), with wide boulevards, shopping streets, and a bustling business district. It is a city of extraordinary beauty, with Renaissance churches, frescoed palaces, and views of the Alps from the upper town. Bergamo is also the home of the composer Gaetano Donizetti and the birthplace of the Bergamo mask (a traditional carnival character). Hiring a car here lets you explore the Lombardy lakes, the Alps, the vineyards of Franciacorta, and the fashion capital of Milan.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators in Bergamo. Compact cars start around €15/day. The city is 45 kilometres from Milan.

Why Hire a Car in Bergamo

• Città Alta: The medieval upper town, surrounded by 5 kilometres of Venetian walls (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The Piazza Vecchia is the heart, with the Palazzo della Ragione, the Campanone (a bell tower you can climb), and cafes under the arcades.
• The Basilica: The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a 12th-century church with a Baroque interior, tapestries, and the tomb of the composer Gaetano Donizetti.
• The Duomo: The cathedral of Bergamo, with a neoclassical facade and an octagonal dome designed by Filippo Juvarra.
• The Funicular: Two funicular railways connect the upper and lower towns. The ride is short but scenic, and the stations are attractions in themselves.
• Lake Como: 1.5 hours north. The most famous lake in Italy, with villas, gardens, and the town of Bellagio.
• Lake Iseo: 1 hour east. A smaller, less touristy lake, with the island of Monte Isola (the largest lake island in Southern Europe).
• Franciacorta: 1 hour south. The champagne of Italy — a wine region that produces sparkling wine using the same method as Champagne. The vineyards are beautiful, and the wineries offer tastings.
• Milan: 45 minutes west. The fashion capital of Italy, with the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and La Scala opera house.

Driving in Bergamo and Lombardy

Italy drives on the right. The A4 motorway connects Bergamo to Milan, Venice, and the rest of Italy. The roads are excellent. Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in towns.

Parking in Bergamo is in multi-storey car parks — expect €10–€15 per day. In Città Alta, cars are not allowed — park at the base and take the funicular.

Booking Tips for Bergamo

• Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer.
• If visiting Città Alta, park at the base and take the funicular — the upper town is pedestrian-only.
• GPS is useful — the road network around Bergamo is complex.
• If combining with Milan, the drive is 45 minutes west.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire in Bergamo

Is Bergamo worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the most beautiful and underrated cities in Italy, with a stunning medieval upper town and easy access to the lakes.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for the city and the region.

Can I use my EU driving licence? Yes — EU licences are valid in Italy.