How to get from Milan to Lake Como

Why visit Lake Como?

Lake Como is the 3rd largest lake in Italy (after La Garda and Maggiore) and has been named several times as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Backdropped by the Italian Alps, a cruise at Lake Como and a visit to any one of the surrounding villages — especially Bellagio — will bring you an unforgettable experience.

It’s common for tourists to visit this inverted Y-shaped lake as a day tour from Milan, but we think you need more time to enjoy the exquisite beauty of Lake Como. Here is the perfect destination for slow days hopping from one small commune to another while marvelling at nature’s gifts.

There are 4 ways to travel the 85 kilometre (53 miles) distance from Milan to Lake Como. You can choose between the bus, day trip, private transport and train. The journey takes 40 minutes - 11 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at €3.70 ($4.30).

Taking the train from Milan to Lake Como can be pretty flexible. You can choose to board the train from various railway stations: Milan Centrale, Porta Garibaldi, and Milano Cadorna, whichever is nearest to your hotel!

Take note that your arrival point will vary depending on which train you take.

• If you’re coming from Milan Centrale or Porta Garibaldi, you need to get off at Como S. Giovanni Station. From here, you can simply walk the 10-minute distance to Lake Como.
• If you’re taking the train from Cadorna, your arrival point is Como Nord Lago, the last station on that line. You can already see the beautiful lake as soon as you leave the station.

Trains are available as early as 05:39 and depart every 30 minutes until 23:09. Travel time is 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the train station you will be departing from.

A train ticket costs only €6 ($7) when you book with Omio.

Are you heading straight to Lake Como from Malpensa Airport? There are no direct trains from Milan Airport to Lake Como, so you’ll have to switch trains in Milan city centre.

You’ll first have to take a Malpensa Express to Milan Centrale, and then transfer to a Trenitalia bound for Lake Como.

The airport train costs €13 ($15.10), while a train ticket to Como costs €5 ($5.80). Combined travel time is around 1h 40m.

Planning to stay a few days around Lake Como? You can choose from several villages surrounding the lake. The most famous of these villages is Bellagio, the so-called Pearl of Lake Como.

You can reach Bellagio by bus or boat from Lake Como.

If you opt for the boat, there are 2 types of boats you can choose from. The hydrofoil takes 45 minutes from Como to Bellagio and costs €14.80 ($17.20). Meanwhile, slow boats take 2 hours and are cheaper at €10.40 ($12.10).

Buses, on the other hand, depart from the bus stop just in front of Como S. Giovanni Train Station. Take the C30 bus with ticket prices starting from €3.70 ($4.30). Travel time is a little over an hour.

FlixBus operates direct buses from Milan to Lake Como daily. A bus ticket costs €5 ($5.80).

The estimated travel time is 40 to 50 minutes. However, keep in mind that bus departures can get delayed and that they can get stuck in traffic. You can expect the bus ride to Como to take around an hour or more.

Schedules vary daily, so we recommend that you check the FlixBus website for the latest departure times.

Check Bus Tickets

An alternative is to book with TrenItaly, but this option will include a 5-minute change in Saronno.

Departure and arrival station

Buses depart from Lampugnano Bus Station. This station is around 8 km away from Milan city centre.

You will be dropped off at S. Giovanni Bus Stop, just beside the train station. From here, you can take a 10-minute walk to the lake.

Enjoy Lake Como by joining one of the many day trips offered from Milan. Here are some of our top choices:

• With rates starting from €85 ($99), you can avail of a 2-hour cruise of Lake Como and visit the charming villages of Bellagio and Varenna.
• If you want to take the tour a more luxurious notch, you can spend 4 hours aboard a Venetian-style boat touring Lake Como. This tour costs €250 ($290) per person.
• Hoping to hit two lakes in one day? Also offered from Milan is a guided trip to both Lake Como and Lake Lugano. You can join this for €99 ($115).

Day trips from Milan to Lake Como take 4 to 11 hours. All tours include a roundtrip bus or train transfer from Milan.

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Milan to Lake Como.

Rates start from €130 ($150) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about €43.50 ($51) per person. Travel time is around 40 to 50 minutes.