How to Get from Milan to Bormio: Train, bus, car, taxi
There are several tried-and-true ways to cover the roughly 200 kilometers separating the bustling metropolis from the skiing gem of Valtellina. The key decision you’ll need to make is choosing between comfort, budget, and flexibility.
Here are a few options:
By Car from Milan to Bormio: Freedom to Explore
First, one of the most independent and scenic ways is to drive from Milan to Bormio. This option is ideal for those who value freedom and want to enjoy the breathtaking views of alpine passes like the famous Passo dello Stelvio. The Milan–Bormio route by car usually goes via the A4 motorway toward Bergamo, then along the SS671 and SS38, taking about 3–3.5 hours without stops. Renting a car in Milan gives you the chance to visit charming towns along the way, but remember you’ll need winter tires or chains in the cold season.
If you don’t want to deal with mountain driving, a great alternative is taking a taxi or a private transfer from Milan to Bormio. This door-to-door solution offers maximum comfort, especially with luggage or when traveling in a group. The driver will meet you at Malpensa airport, the central train station, or any agreed location and take you straight to the hotel. Although it’s the most expensive option, it saves time and effort.
By Bus from Milan to Bormio
One budget option is to take a bus from Milan to Bormio. Direct intercity buses, for example carriers like Baltour, run from Milan (often from Lampugnano station) to Bormio several times a day, especially in the winter season. The trip takes about 4–4.5 hours and is economical. Check the schedule in advance, as service frequency can change depending on the time of year.
By Train from Milan to Bormio
A slightly more complicated, but still doable, option is to travel from Milan to Bormio by train. There’s no direct rail connection because Bormio doesn’t have its own station. The usual route is: take a Trenord or Trenitalia train to the town of Tirano — a scenic line that runs from Milan through the town of Colico on Lake Como. The journey to Tirano takes about 2.5–3 hours. From the Tirano bus station a local bus will take you to Bormio (around 1 hour). This combined “train+bus” ticket can often be planned through unified transport apps.
How to get from Milan to Bormio by car
The distance from Milan to Bormio is about 200–215 km, depending on the route chosen. Driving time from Milan to Bormio is around 3–3.5 hours without stops. However, this can increase significantly in winter due to snowfall and mandatory use of chains, and in summer because of heavy tourist traffic, especially approaching the famous Stelvio Pass. So we recommend always allowing an extra hour in your plans in case of unforeseen circumstances.
The fastest and most popular route on the map from Milan to Bormio, considered the best road from Milan to Bormio, starts by taking the A4/E64 motorway out of Milan toward Bergamo. After roughly 50 km you switch to the A35/E70 (Brebemi) toward Brescia, then follow signs for the SS42 and finally the main Milan–Bormio road — the SS38 (dello Stelvio), which will take you straight into the Valtellina valley and to your destination.
For those not in a hurry and looking for more scenery, there’s an alternative route from Milan to Bormio via Tirano. It goes through the picturesque town of Lecco along the eastern shore of Lake Como and, although longer, offers unforgettable views.
And for true adventure seekers, in summer you can take an exciting drive over the Stelvio Pass from Milan by continuing from Bormio along the switchbacks of one of Europe’s highest mountain roads.
Are chains required in Bormio? Toll roads to Bormio. Where’s best to fill up the car?
Having winter tires or chains in the trunk is mandatory for all cars on the approaches to ski resorts, and police carry out regular checks. The fine for lacking the required equipment in snowy weather is quite substantial. Besides preparing the car, it’s important to consider organizational details. The main toll roads on the way to Bormio are sections of the A4 and A35 motorways, with a total cost of about €12–18 one way.
Payment is made when exiting the motorway, in cash or by card. Upon arrival you’ll face the question of parking in Bormio, which is scarce in high season. The town has several large paid parking lots, for example near the sports center, costing from €1.50 to €2.50 per hour. Many hotels offer their own parking spaces, but you need to book them in advance.
As for infrastructure, gas stations on the way from Milan to Bormio are fairly frequent: on the highways and along the SS38 route through the valley. Keep in mind that petrol is expensive in Italy on the way to Bormio, so it’s cheaper to fill the tank up on the major motorways.
And of course, this trip is famous for its scenery. Among the beautiful spots on the drive from Milan to Bormio are Lake Iseo, visible from the A4, the picturesque vineyards and castles of the Sondrio province by car, historic Tirano, and the alpine resort of Bormio itself with its thermal springs.
Where to rent a car in Milan to drive to Bormio
The most convenient option is to rent a car right after you arrive at Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Linate (LIN), from where it’s easy to get onto the roads you need. For example, from Malpensa you can head to Bormio by car, immediately getting onto the A8 motorway, which connects to the main A4 route. Many rental companies are also located right in central Milan, including the famous Central Station. When booking, it’s very important to state that you plan to travel to mountainous areas and make sure the chosen vehicle class is allowed for mountain travel.
Note that large minivans or premium cars often have restrictions on taking them to such areas or may require special insurance. If your group is 6–8 people with lots of luggage, it’s often more practical and cost-effective to consider another option — book a taxi from Milan to Bormio in a minivan with a professional driver. This saves the whole group the hassle of driving in unfamiliar mountain terrain, searching for parking, and lets everyone fully enjoy the Valtellina scenery on the drive from Milan. For independent travelers on a tight budget, there’s another alternative — take a direct bus from Milan to Bormio.
How to get from Milan to Bormio by bus: schedules, prices, and tips
The direct Milan–Bormio bus is one of the most popular public transport options for this trip, especially during the peak ski season. In this guide we’ll explain in detail how to organize your journey, from stepping out the door of your hotel in Milan to arriving at the Bormio bus station.
Your journey starts with choosing a departure point. If you arrive at one of Milan’s airports, like Malpensa or Bergamo, it’s worth knowing that there are practically no direct buses from the terminals to Bormio. The usual route first involves a transfer to the city’s central transport hub, Lampugnano. Lampugnano is the main hub for intercity routes and is well connected to the metro. Less commonly, departures may be from the square at the Central Railway Station (Milano Centrale). So when you buy a Milan–Bormio bus ticket, always check carefully which Milan bus station your bus leaves from. Every single bus finishes its route at Bormio’s central bus stop — a modern bus station on Via Milano, right in the heart of the resort, which is very convenient for tourists.
The main carrier operating this route is Baltour (Autostradale) in partnership with the local operator Bormio Bus. They run the direct Milan–Bormio bus year-round, and especially during peak months, allowing you to reach Bormio by bus without tiring transfers. As for the Milan–Bormio bus schedule, it varies a lot with the seasons. In high season — the winter months from December to April and the summer period in July–August — the number of departures reaches its peak, up to three or four runs a day. In the shoulder seasons the schedule is less busy, sometimes only one departure per day, so planning a trip in spring or autumn requires extra care.
The Milan–Bormio bus route runs along highways and the scenic Valtellina valley, and the journey takes on average between 4 and 4.5 hours.
A one-way bus ticket from Milan to Bormio usually ranges from €22 to €40, depending on the time of year and how far in advance you buy it. To guarantee a seat—especially on the winter Milan–Bormio bus—we strongly recommend purchasing your ticket online through official carrier websites or trusted aggregators.
This will not only save time but also spare you stress on travel day. Buying a Milan–Bormio bus ticket at the station ticket office or from the driver carries a risk, especially during peak tourist periods when seats sell out quickly.
When choosing this mode of travel, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Clear advantages include affordability—it’s one of the most budget-friendly options—direct routes without transfers that allow luggage, and the chance to relax while watching Alpine scenery from a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Downsides include the need to stick closely to the schedule, longer travel time compared with a car or private transfer Milan–Bormio, and luggage restrictions, which can be critical for skiers and snowboarders.
