Milan to Como

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Lake Como is one of Italy's most celebrated destinations, and Como city — at the lake's southern tip — is barely 50 km from the centre of Milan. That closeness is both its greatest selling point and, in summer, its main challenge: the route is popular enough that it demands a little planning. Here is every way to make the journey.

The quickest way: train to Como San Giovanni

Trenitalia regional trains run from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni in about 35 to 40 minutes. This is the main Como station, on the south shore of the lake, and the most convenient arrival point for most visitors. Services run regularly throughout the day, and no reservation is required — buy a standard regional ticket at the machine or ticket window.

A second rail option is the Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM/Trenord) commuter service from Milan Cadorna to Como Lago, which takes about 50 to 60 minutes and terminates right at the lakeside, literally next to the ferry piers. This is often a better arrival point if you want to take a boat straight up the lake without walking through the town first. Tickets are bought from Trenord machines at Cadorna.

Both options are excellent; which is "better" depends on where you are staying in Milan and whether you are heading into Como's streets or straight to the water.

The cheapest way: coach

ASF Autolinee operates regular coaches from Milan Lampugnano (Metro M1) to Como, and FlixBus has routes covering the corridor. Journey times are around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic — the A9 motorway can be slow, especially in summer. Coach fares are sometimes lower than the train, but the time difference makes the train a better value for most people.

Flying

Como is not served by any airport with meaningful short-haul connections. Milan has three airports (Malpensa, Linate, Orio al Serio), but none is usefully placed for a Como trip that doesn't originate at the airport itself. There is no realistic flying option for this route.

The scenic way: driving

The drive from central Milan to Como via the A9 is around 50 km and takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending heavily on traffic — Milan's urban ring road and the approach to Como both congest badly. Parking in Como is limited and expensive in high season. A car is useful for exploring the lake's side roads and smaller villages, but for the city itself the train is easier. If you plan to hire a car and drive around the lake to Lecco, Varenna or the upper reaches, it makes sense to pick up the car in Como rather than bringing one from Milan.

Once on the lake: ferries

Navigazione Lago di Como operates the ferry network on the lake, connecting Como with Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo and many smaller stops. From Como Lago station (the FNM terminus) or the ferry piers in Como, you can hop on a fast hydrofoil or slower car ferry to reach the villages that make the lake famous. A full crossing from Como to Bellagio takes around one to two hours by slow ferry; the hydrofoil is faster. Timetables vary significantly by season.

The lake itself is the attraction: the water, the mountains, the villas and their gardens (Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero) are spread along the shore and best accessed by boat. Plan to spend a day or more on the water rather than treating Como as a mere transit hub.

Getting around Como city

Como's compact old town — with its medieval walls, Romanesque Duomo and pleasant lakefront promenade — is entirely walkable. Como San Giovanni and Como Lago stations are about a 10-minute walk apart, and the town centre lies between them. If you arrive at San Giovanni and want to reach the ferry piers directly, city buses run between the stations.

For wider context on travelling around northern Italy by rail, see our Italy by train guide.

Which should you choose?

Most visitors are best served by taking the Trenitalia regional train from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni (for town exploration) or the Trenord service from Milan Cadorna to Como Lago (for immediate lakeside access). The coach is slower and rarely cheaper enough to justify it. Drive only if you plan to tour by car. Flying is not applicable. Once at the lake, budget generously for time on the ferries — that is where the real pleasure lies.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Milan to Como?

About 35–40 minutes from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni (Trenitalia), or 50–60 minutes from Milan Cadorna to Como Lago (Trenord). Both run regularly throughout the day.

Which Como station should I arrive at?

Como San Giovanni is the main station and is central for exploring the town. Como Lago (also called Como Nord Lago) is right at the lakefront and ferry piers — better if you are heading straight to the lake. They are about a 10-minute walk apart.

Do Interrail or Eurail passes work on Milan–Como trains?

Trenitalia regional trains from Centrale are covered by Interrail/Eurail passes (no reservation needed). The Trenord service from Cadorna is a separate network; pass conditions differ, so check before travelling.

How do I get to Bellagio from Como?

Take the Navigazione Lago di Como ferry from Como city. The slow ferry takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours; the hydrofoil is faster. Timetables vary by season — check the official Navigazione Lago di Como website for current schedules.