USD ($)
EUR (€)
GBP (£)
JPY (¥)Yearning to escape the urban buzz of Milan and bask in the serenity of Lake Como? This picturesque haven, fringed by mountains and dotted with charming towns, is easily accessible from Milan, inviting you for a day trip or longer stays. But how do you get there? The distance from Milan to Lake Como varies depending on the chosen town (Como: 50 km, Bellagio: 70 km). Buckle up, as we explore the various ways to travel this scenic route with details on departure points, ticketing, and estimated times.
Best Way to Get From Milan to Lake Como: Join a Tour
For a hassle-free experience with insightful commentary and seamless transportation, we highly recommend joining a guided tour from Milan to Lake Como. Relax on a comfortable coach, skip navigation worries, and let expert guides unveil the lake’s hidden gems. At Tourist Italy, we have a range of small group tours from Milan that will transport you comfortably and efficiently to the picturesque lake views. If you’re not afraid of an early start, join our Lake Como Sunrise, Bellagio & Como Town Tour From Milan which is one of the best day trips from Milan. Presenting you with the best lake spots before the crowds arrive, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. For the later starters, book yourself a spot on our Bellagio and Como Tour from Milan. On both tours, your expert guide will escort you around the picturesque villages, sharing unique insights about your surroundings. The itinerary also includes time for independent exploration and boat rides for stunning panoramas.
Italy Tour Packages are another great option for navigating between these Italian hotspots. With our Milan, Verona & Italy’s Lakes 5 Day Tour Package, for example, you’ll be whisked through the region, from Milan to Lake Como and more, to see all these iconic sites in just 5 days. With just one booking, all your inter-city transfers, accommodation, and expert guides will be taken care of.
Other Ways to Get From Milan to Lake Como
By Train
A popular and convenient option, trains offer swift and frequent connections between Milan and the lakeside towns. The Milan to Lake Como train cost ranges from €4.80 to €12, depending on the route and train type. The Milan to Lake Como train time is between 40 minutes and 1 hour. It’s recommended to select a different route for your return train from Lake Como to Milan. This will allow for a new perspective.
- From Milan Cadorna Station:
- Take Trenord regional trains to Como Nord Lago station (40 minutes, €4.80 – €12). Platforms 1-4 at Cadorna serve this route. Tickets can be purchased at Trenord machines or online (trenord.it). Ideal for accessing central Como.
- Opt for Trenitalia regional trains to Varenna Esino station (1 hour, €5 – €7). Platforms 1-8 at Cadorna offer this option. Tickets are available at Trenitalia machines or online (trenitalia.com). Perfect for a lakeside experience closer to Bellagio.
- From Milan Centrale Station:
- Consider Trenitalia regional trains to Como San Giovanni station (50 minutes, €5 – €8). Platforms 14-21 serve this route. Tickets are available at Trenitalia machines or online (trenitalia.com). This station is slightly farther from the lake compared to Como Nord Lago.
- From Malpensa Airport:
- Take the Malpensa Express (33 minutes, €13 – €20) to Milano Cadorna, connecting you to Trenord trains for Lake Como. Tickets are available at Malpensa Express counters or online ([invalid URL removed]).
By Bus
A budget-friendly alternative, public buses offer panoramic views but will take longer. The Milan to Lake Como bus time is between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on the town visited and traffic conditions.
- Depart from:
- Milan Lampugnano Bus Station: Take FlixBus or Autostradale services to Como (buses leave every 1-2 hours, starting at €9). Tickets are available online (flixbus.com, autostradale.it) or at the bus station ticket office.
- Milan Malpensa Airport: Take FlixBus or Autostradale services directly to Como (journey time 1 hour 45 minutes, starting at €12). Tickets are available online or at the Malpensa Airport bus station.
Bonus Tip: Consider purchasing the C10 bus pass for €5, allowing unlimited bus travel around the central lake area. It’s a great option for exploring different towns and villages easily.
By Car
Enjoy flexibility and independence with a rental car, but consider potential traffic, tolls, and parking limitations. The drive time from Milan to Lake Como is approximately 45 minutes.
Private Transfers
For a little extra luxury, splurge on a private transfer. Although there is a a higher price tag, there’s nothing quite like personalized service and direct door-to-door convenience. Direct private transfers are also available from Milan Malpensa Airport to Como.
Milan to Lake Como: A Tranquil Escape
For the ultimate laid-back experience which allows you to hand off all navigating decisions, opt for an Italy guided tour. If a tour is not for you, select your travel style based on convenience, budget, and desired experience. No matter your chosen mode of transport, prepare to be mesmerized by Lake Como’s beauty. Explore vibrant towns like Como and Bellagio, wander through serene gardens, or simply soak up the stunning lake views. Pack your camera, and embark on an unforgettable journey from the bustling streets of Milan to the serene shores of this Italian gem.
If you’re based in Milan and looking to venture out to some other Italian cities, check out our list of the best day trips from Milan. You can also read our guides on how to get from Milan to Florence, Milan to Venice, Milan to Verona, or Milan to Rome. Alternatively, if Lake Como has left you wanting more scenic lake views, allow us to help you navigate your way from Milan to Lake Garda. For the best experiences, book one of our tours from Milan and ensure you’re seeing the region through the eyes of a local expert!
