A guide to Bergamo's traffic for getting around by car
Renowned for its UNESCO-listed Venetian walls, panoramic funiculars, and strategic location near Milan, Bergamo has in recent years risen prominently on the radar of tourists. Well connected to the nearby Orio al Serio Airport and to the cities of Milan and Brescia, its layout with an ancient, hilltop upper town and a dynamic modern center still requires some extra care for those visiting by car, especially when it comes to Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs). Here are our tips to help you navigate and park in Bergamo with peace of mind.
How Bergamo’s ZTL works: hours, restrictions, and other key information
To begin with, access to Città Alta (the Upper Town) is generally always closed to all vehicles except those belonging to residents and public transport, with few exceptions for special events.
As for Città Bassa (the Lower Town), some of the more modern central streets such as the main thoroughfare of Via XX Settembre and the surrounding shopping areas are often pedestrianized or restricted to vehicle traffic to encourage walking and shopping. Keep in mind that in this area, particularly on autumn and winter weekends, special events frequently take place, during which traffic restrictions may extend beyond the usual limits.
In the stadium area, while there is no official ZTL, traffic is nevertheless limited and redirected through barriers and police checkpoints during Atalanta football matches. On those days, it’s best to look for parking elsewhere to avoid having your car towed.
For detailed information about temporary permits (for example, to access hotels located within ZTLs) and for up-to-date schedules, please refer to the official website of the City of Bergamo.
Free parking in Bergamo: where to park
Finding parking in Bergamo not only near Città Alta but often even in Città Bassa can be quite frustrating, especially if you insist on finding a free spot. Most parking options are, in fact, concentrated in paid facilities or designated areas within the Lower Town.
If your destination is Città Alta, it’s advisable to leave your car in Città Bassa and reach the upper part by funicular or bus. The most convenient car parks in this regard are those in Via Fara and Piazza della Libertà, both centrally located and well connected.
Driving directly into Città Alta is only allowed to reach a few paid parking areas, which are very limited and often quite expensive, such as Parcheggio Sant’Alessandro or Parcheggio della Fara. Given the scarcity of spaces, these are recommended only when absolutely necessary.
In the areas surrounding the city center, such as Viale Vittorio Emanuele and Viale Papa Giovanni, there are some paid street parking spots, with rates varying depending on proximity to the center and duration of stay but they are generally quite high.
If you’re arriving by plane and simply want to explore the city, the best option is to reach the center by shuttle bus and then continue your journey to other cities, lakes, and mountains in Lombardy by car perhaps by renting one directly from a car hire agency at Bergamo Airport.
