What the Bergamo–Albino Light Rail is
The Bergamo–Albino Light Rail, also known as TEB Line T1, runs for 12.5 km through the Val Seriana, linking Bergamo’s city centre with Albino. It provides access to neighbourhoods, local attractions and connections towards Bergamo’s UNESCO-listed Città Alta (Upper Town) (CityRailTransit, TEB Route and Operation).
The line follows the former Valle Seriana railway corridor and uses modern infrastructure. It is largely segregated from road traffic and runs on standard gauge track (1435 mm). The system connects with bus, bike and pedestrian networks.
History
Rail-based transport in Bergamo dates to the late 19th century. The funicular, opened in 1887, still connects the lower city (Città Bassa) with the historic upper town (Città Alta). Electric tramways operated in the early 20th century, but declined after the war as automobile and bus transport grew.
In the late 20th century, concerns about congestion and air quality prompted plans for modern light rail. T1 opened in 2009 on the former Valle Seriana railway route (CityRailTransit).
What to see
Città Alta and the Venetian Walls
Città Alta has cobbled streets, ancient fortifications and panoramic views. Its sights include the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Colleoni Chapel, which are listed as open from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The Venetian Walls are open daily with free access.
From Bergamo Stazione, Città Alta can be reached by bus or funicular. The T1 line connects with Bergamo Stazione, from which buses or taxis can take visitors to Città Alta.
Bergamo Cathedral
Bergamo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant’Alessandro, also called Duomo di Sant’Alessandro) is in Città Alta. Dating from the 15th century, the current Baroque building was completed in the 17th century. It houses works by Giovanni Battista Moroni and Andrea Fantoni.
Highlights include the Baroque façade and bell tower, frescoes, marble altars, the Crypt of Saint Alexander and the adjacent Museum of Sacred Art.
Val Seriana and local neighbourhoods
Val Seriana offers greenways for walking and cycling, accessible from several stations. Borgo Palazzo and Alzano Centro offer local markets, cafés and neighbourhood experiences.
Practical visiting information
Route and stations
T1 has 16 stations and serves Bergamo, Torre Boldone, Ranica, Alzano Lombardo, Nembro, Pradalunga and Albino. Listed from south to north, they are:
- Bergamo Stazione (main railway station)
- Bergamo Borgo Palazzo
- Bergamo San Fermo
- Bergamo Bianzana
- Bergamo Redona
- Bergamo Negrisoli
- Bergamo Martinella
- Torre Boldone
- Ranica
- Alzano Centro
- Alzano Sopra
- Nembro Camozzi
- Nembro Centro
- Nembro Saletti
- Pradalunga
- Albino
The line follows the decommissioned Valle Seriana railway route, with new infrastructure built to modern standards (TEB Route and Operation, UrbanRail.net).
Service hours and frequency
T1 operates daily from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight. The first departure is typically at 05:49 and the last at 22:10 (Moovit T1 Schedule).
- Monday–Friday Every 15 minutes during the day and every 18 minutes in the evening
- Saturdays and summer period Every 20 minutes
- Sundays and holidays Every 30 minutes, increasing to every 20 minutes in the afternoon (TEB Timetable)
Tickets
Tickets are integrated with the regional ATB and SAB bus networks, allowing transfers (TEB Route and Operation).
- Single ticket, valid for 90 minutes ~€1.30
- Day pass ~€4.00
- Multi-ride and monthly tickets are available.
Tickets can be bought from station vending machines, authorized retailers, or through the ATB Mobile and Audiala apps.
Accessibility and rolling stock
The fleet consists of 14 AnsaldoBreda Sirio low-floor trams. The trams have 100% low-floor access for boarding with wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles. Other accessibility features include audio and visual stop announcements, tactile maps at key stations, audible signals at tram crossings and digital displays for hearing-impaired passengers. These features were developed in partnership with local associations for people with visual and mobility impairments (TEB Accessibility).
Bergamo Cathedral visiting information
- Opening hours Daily, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Entry Free; donations welcome
- Guided tours Available in several languages via the official tourism website
- Access Take the funicular from Città Bassa or walk from Piazza Vecchia. Wheelchair-accessible entrances and audio guides are available.
Park & ride
Free park-and-ride lots are available at these stations:
| Station | Spaces |
|---|---|
| BG Martinella | 20 |
| Torre Boldone | 22 |
| Ranica | 52 |
| Alzano Centro | 62 |
| Alzano Sopra | 68 |
| Nembro Saletti | 82 |
| Pradalunga | 57 |
| Albino | 155 |
Technical summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line length | 12.5 km (7.8 miles) |
| Number of stations | 16 |
| Track gauge | 1435 mm (standard gauge) |
| Electrification | 750V DC |
| Rolling stock | 14 AnsaldoBreda Sirio low-floor trams |
| Maximum speed | 70 km/h |
| Average commercial speed | 25 km/h |
| Journey time | ~28 minutes end-to-end |
| Service frequency | 15–30 minutes, varying by day and time |
| Accessibility | Low-floor trams; audio, visual and tactile aids |
| Park & ride | 8 sites, with 20–155 spaces each |
| Intermodality | Integrated with bus, bike and pedestrian networks |
| Control centre | Ranica |
| Real-time information | Moovit, ATB Mobile and on-site displays |
Management and future developments
T1 operations are supervised from the control centre and main depot in Ranica (TAUT Online).
The T2 tramway line is scheduled to open in 2026. It will share infrastructure with T1 before extending to Villa d’Almè, connecting the city centre with Villa d’Almè. Plans describe 17 stations, new park-and-ride facilities and a terminus near the funicular, streamlining transfers to Città Alta and the Venetian Walls. T2 will have barrier-free access and a parallel 10-km bike path (Rail Journal, TEB Route and Operation).
Tips
- Use Moovit or ATB Mobile for real-time updates and route planning.
- The ATB Mobile and Audiala apps also offer digital tickets.
- Tram&Bike connections provide options for cycling trips.
- Park-and-ride lots are available for visitors wishing to avoid city-centre parking.
- Spring or autumn is suggested for a visit.
- Combination tickets are suggested for savings.
- Check Visit Bergamo for current opening times and ticket information.
Nearby places
The T1 route serves Bergamo and the Val Seriana municipalities of Torre Boldone, Ranica, Alzano Lombardo, Nembro, Pradalunga and Albino. The line also connects visitors to neighbourhoods along its route, including Borgo Palazzo and Alzano Centro.
