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Bergamo Airport to train station going west

We need to get from the Bergamo Airport Italy(Ryan Ai rflt) to the train station for trip to Ponte di Legno west of Milan. Don't speak or read Italian.

Posted by
284 posts

I'm not sure what 100% the question is, but if it is just how to get from the airport to the train station, the answer is take a taxi or the shuttle. Here's info on the shuttle (and what I would use): http://www.sacbo.it/Editorial/newsCategoryViewProcess.jsp?editorialID=2656&currentMenu=2175 For the taxi, the language barrier shouldn't be that big of a deal, with a little creativity. Here's what I would do: Option 1: Give English a try. Lots of people in Europe are multi-lingual. You might get a cab driver that understands it. Option 2: Print out instructions to give to the cab driver, using Google Translate. Option 3: Point out where you want to go on a map, digital or physical.
Beyond that, it may be time to look into learning some basic phrases and words in Italian. Here's a free basic travel phrase guide from Fodors: http://www.fodors.com/language/italian/ItalianToGo.pdf

Posted by
26 posts

Thank you. We are good at sign language.

Posted by
6898 posts

From where are you flying into Bergamo? This is a good idea. For Ryan Air, carefully read the small print in the travel conditions. Pay attention to the check in times, identifying checked luggage online and luggage weights and measurements. Ryan Air makes lots of money on these extra charge items. Also, I believe that they may close their check-in counters 30 minutes before the flight. Once at Bergamo, the bus from Milan stops there on the way to Ponte di Legno. I just don't know where it stops. There may be other bus runs as well. Next, be cautious about bus travel in Italy on a Sunday. The trains run fine but many of the local bus companies have reduced schedules on Sundays.

Posted by
6898 posts

Lee, you are correct. Ponte di Legno is NE of both Milan and Bergamo and east-north-east of Tirano.

Posted by
19092 posts

Going West? The only Ponte di Legno, Italy, I find on Google maps in NE of Milan, near Tirano.

Posted by
32212 posts

Harry, Your travel route is a bit challenging, but in the same situation this is the method I'd probably use...... After arrival at Bergamo, take the Terravision Bus to Milano Centrale. The schedule indicates that Buses depart every 30-minutes, and the trip is about 1H:05M (depending on traffic). At Milano Centrale, use one of the ticket Kiosks to buy a ticket to Sondrio (ticket office usually has long queues). Trains depart about every 2 hours and the trip is ~2 hours. That's the same line that goes to Varenna. It's a Regionale, so DON'T forget to validate! I don't often suggest this, but when you arrive in Sondrio, rent a car. Avis and Alamo appear to be represented, but I'm not sure of any others. Of course, for driving in Italy you'll have to be aware of the usual "caveats". You will need the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. You'll also need to be wary of the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas. I believe it's compulsory in Italy to purchase insurance from the rental firm, so you'll need to budget for that. MapQuest indicates the distance from Sondrio to Ponte di Legno is ~65 kM, and driving time ~1H:35M. You can obtain the I.D.P. at any B.C.A.A. office at a cost of ~$35 (includes two Passport photos). The nearest office to your location is either Kamloops or Prince George. When you're ready to move on, return the Car in Sondrio (or elsewhere in Italy) and then resume travel by train. This is only one possible travel route, and I'm sure the others will have additional suggestions. Happy travels!