Lake Como · Italy

Getting to
Lake Como

Air, train, ferry, or car — every way to reach the lake, ranked by practicality. Pick your route.

01

By Air

Milan Malpensa is the main gateway. Bergamo is budget-friendly. Both connect to the lake in under two hours.

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Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Recommended

Italy's second-busiest airport, 45 km northwest of Milan. Major carriers fly from most European capitals and many long-haul routes.

To Como ~1h 45min (train)
Distance to lake ~55 km
Typical flight EU capitals, UK, US east
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Milan Linate (LIN)
City center

Closer to central Milan, mainly domestic and short-haul EU routes. Handier if you're staying in Milan before heading north.

To Como ~1h 30min (train + bus)
Distance to lake ~50 km
Typical flight Italian domestic, EU
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Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)
Budget

Ryanair and budget carriers base here. Great for value but plan for the longer journey to the lake.

To Como ~2h (bus or train)
Distance to lake ~75 km
Typical flight UK, Ireland, budget EU

02

By Train

Italy's rail network puts you at Lake Como's doorstep. Milan–Como takes just 45 minutes. From Milan Centrale, you're at the waterfront in under an hour.

Step 1

Arrive in Milan

Milan Centrale or Milan Porta Garibaldi — both connect to Como. Trenitalia, Frecciarossa, and regional lines all serve this route.

Step 2

Milan → Como San Giovanni

Direct regional trains (Trenord R13 or S1) run every 30 min. Journey: 45 min. Tickets from €5 one-way.

Step 3

Ferry from Como

From Como's lungolago (lakeside), catch a ferry or hydrofoil to Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, or Tremezzo.

Total
~1 hour
from Milan

Key routes from major cities

  • Milan → Como: 45 min, regional train from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi. Runs every 30 min, ~€5.
  • Milan → Varenna/Esino: 1h 15min via Lecco direction. Direct trains on the Milano–Colico line.
  • Zurich → Como: ~4h 30min with one change in Seregno or Chiasso. Scenic route through the Alps.
  • Venice → Como: ~3h 30min via Milan Centrale. Take a Frecciarossa to Milan then regional to Como.
  • Rome → Como: ~5h 30min. High-speed Frecciarossa to Milan, then regional. Worth it for the time saved.

03

By Ferry

Not getting here by ferry — but navigating within the lake. Once you're at any lakeside town, the ferry network covers everything. Check the full ferry planner →

Major ferry routes

  • Como → Bellagio: ~70 min slow ferry, ~35 min hydrofoil. Most scenic crossing on the lake.
  • Bellagio → Varenna: ~25 min. The short crossing that defines the Y-shape of the lake.
  • Menaggio → Varenna: ~25 min. Car ferry every 30 min runs year-round.
  • Como → Tremezzo (Grand Tour): ~90 min. The classic slow-boat route, perfect in spring or autumn.
  • Cernobbio → other stops: Frequent local stops connect Cernobbio to Como, Laglio, and Tremezzo.

04

By Car

Approaching by road gives you flexibility, but parking in lakeside towns is expensive and limited. Worth it if you're staying in the hills or carrying gear.

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From Switzerland
Most scenic

A2 motorway through Lugano and Chiasso is the main north approach. The road between Lugano and Como is particularly stunning — lake views the whole way.

Milan Malpensa → Como ~55 km / 50 min
Zürich → Como ~275 km / 3h
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From Milan
Fastest

A9 motorway (LakesideAutostrada) runs directly to Como. Toll road, well-maintained. Exit at Como Nord for the city center.

Milan → Como ~50 km / 40–50 min
Toll cost ~€8 one-way
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Car ferry crossing
Experience

The Menaggio–Varenna–Bellagio car ferry crosses the central lake every 30 minutes. Essential if you're staying on the opposite bank from where you arrive.

Crossing time ~25 min
Car fare From ~€15

Parking at the lake

  • Como centro: Park atComo centro storico or Parcheggio Valduce. Expect €15–25/day in peak season.
  • Bellagio: Very limited — arrive early or use the car ferry to avoid the chaos.
  • Varenna: Better availability. Street parking fills by mid-morning in summer.
  • Cernobbio: Most manageable. Small local lots, or park near Villa Erba for events.
  • Tip: Park in Como and take the ferry to other towns — avoids the parking scramble entirely.

05

Transfers & Private Drivers

Door-to-door is the most comfortable option, especially if you're arriving late or traveling in a group.

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Private car service
Most comfortable

Pre-booked private drivers meet you at arrivals with a nameboard. Fixed price, no meter anxiety. Popular for airport transfers and multi-stop itineraries.

Malpensa → Como ~€90–120
Journey time ~1h 15min
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Shared shuttle
Best value

Shared minibus from airport to your hotel or town. Cheaper than private, takes longer. Book ahead — same-day availability drops off quickly.

Malpensa → Como ~€25–35 per person
Journey time ~1h 45min
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Taxi / Uber
On demand

Flagging a taxi at Malpensa is straightforward. Uber is available in Milan but coverage north of the city is patchy. Book ahead for peace of mind.

Malpensa → Como ~€110–150 metered
Tip Fix the price before you go

Book your transfer

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