When I was planning time in northern Italy, one place I knew I didn’t want to miss was Lake Como. Sitting just north of Milan, it’s one of the easiest and most beautiful escapes from the city.
The good news is that getting from Milan to Lake Como by train is remarkably simple. The journey takes less than an hour, trains run frequently throughout the day, and it’s an affordable way to reach the lake.
I chose the train from Milan to Lake Como myself, and it turned out to be one of the easiest travel days of my trip. But depending on your travel style and how much time you have, a guided tour from Milan can also make sense.
I’ll walk you through both options — how to take the Milan train to Lake Como, and when a tour might be the better choice — so you can decide what works best for your itinerary.
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First: Know Which Part of Lake Como You’re Visiting
One thing that often surprises first-time travellers is that Lake Como isn’t a single destination.
It’s a large Y-shaped lake surrounded by many small towns, each with its own character. When you take the train from Milan, you arrive in Como City, the town which sits at the southern tip of the lake.
From there, ferries connect to other well-known towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.
I’ve spent time exploring Lake Como myself and have also planned trips here for clients, and this is where many travellers get confused. They assume the train from Milan brings them directly to the famous lakeside villages they see in photos — but there’s one more step after the train.
Understanding where each town sits on the lake will make planning your day much easier.
| Lake Como Town | How to Get There from Milan |
|---|---|
| Como | Direct train from Milan to Como S. Giovanni or Como Lago, then a short walk to the lakefront |
| Bellagio | Train to Como S. Giovanni, then ferry to Bellagio (about 1 hour) |
| Varenna | Direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino station, then a short walk to the lake |
| Menaggio | Train to Como S. Giovanni, ferry to Menaggio |
Personally, I love Varenna. It’s smaller and quieter than some of the other towns, with narrow stone lanes where you’ll catch glimpses of the lake between buildings. It’s the kind of place that rewards wandering slowly.
How to Take the Train from Milan to Lake Como
Taking the Milan train to Lake Como is one of the easiest day trips you can make in northern Italy. The journey takes less than an hour, trains run frequently throughout the day, and tickets are very affordable.
I took the train from Milan to Lake Como myself and found it simple and efficient. Within about 40 minutes, the landscape begins to shift from the energy of Milan to the quieter towns of Lombardy before the lake suddenly appears.
For travellers who enjoy exploring independently, the train is usually the easiest and most flexible way to reach Lake Como.
Main Train Routes from Milan to Lake Como
There are two primary train routes connecting Milan and Lake Como.
| Departure Station in Milan | Arrival Station | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Milano Centrale | Como S. Giovanni | ~36–40 minutes |
| Milano Cadorna | Como Lago | ~60 minutes |
Both routes run multiple times per day and are operated by Trenitalia and Trenord.
Which Train Route Should You Take?
Most travellers choose the train from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni, which is typically the fastest option.
However, the train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago arrives closer to Como’s historic centre and the lakefront.
Both routes work well — the best option simply depends on where you’re staying in Milan and which part of Lake Como you want to visit.
How Long Is the Train from Milan to Lake Como?
The train journey takes about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the route and type of train.
Because trains run frequently — usually 30 to 40 departures per day — it’s easy to choose a time that fits your itinerary.
Train Ticket Prices
Train tickets from Milan to Lake Como are very affordable.
Most second-class tickets cost between €5 and €16, depending on the train and time of booking.
For regional trains, prices are usually fixed, so you can simply buy the next available departure.
Practical Tips for Taking the Train from Milan to Lake Como
Taking the train from Milan to Lake Como is straightforward, but a few small tips can make the journey even smoother.
- Buy tickets in advance during peak season. Trains run frequently, but during summer and weekends, the most convenient departures can fill quickly.
- Arrive at the station about 15 minutes before departure. Milan’s larger stations, like Milano Centrale, can take a few minutes to navigate.
- Validate your ticket if required. If you purchase a paper regional train ticket, remember to validate it at the machines on the platform before boarding.
- Keep your ticket accessible. Conductors regularly check tickets on regional trains.
- Check schedules before travelling. Weekend and holiday timetables sometimes have fewer departures.
- Choose your arrival station carefully. Como S. Giovanni requires a short bus or taxi ride to reach the historic centre, while Como Lago is within walking distance of the waterfront.
- Sit on the left side of the train for the best views. If you’re travelling from Milan to Como, the lake begins to appear on the left-hand side of the train as you approach the station, offering your first glimpse of the water and surrounding mountains.
These small details make the trip from Milan to Lake Como easy and stress-free.
Best Tours from Milan to Lake Como
While taking the train from Milan to Lake Como is easy, some travellers prefer the simplicity of a guided tour — especially if they only have one day and don’t want to manage train schedules, ferries, and logistics.
A well-organized tour can make the experience effortless. Transportation is arranged for you, guides provide context about the region, and many itineraries include stops in several towns around the lake.
Personally, I tend to prefer exploring Lake Como independently by train. But if you’re short on time or prefer everything organized for you, a guided tour can make the day very easy.
Lake Como & Bellagio (Bus and Private Boat Tour)
Duration: 10–11 hours
This tour combines several of the highlights of Lake Como into one day. After departing Milan by coach, you’ll explore the town of Como before boarding a private boat to Bellagio — one of the lake’s most famous villages.
Highlights include:
- Round-trip transportation from Milan by coach
- Guided walking tour in Como
- Visit to Villa Olmo gardens
- Private boat cruise across Lake Como
- Free time to explore Bellagio
This is a good option for travellers who want to see several Lake Como highlights without worrying about transportation.
Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train
Duration: 13 hours
This full-day excursion is a more ambitious itinerary combining Lake Como with the dramatic scenery of the Swiss Alps.
The experience includes a scenic cruise on Lake Como before continuing to St. Moritz, where travellers board the famous Bernina Red Train, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in Europe.
Highlights include:
- Lake Como cruise
- Visit to St. Moritz in Switzerland
- Bernina Red Train journey through the Alps
- Round-trip transportation from Milan
This tour appeals to travellers who want to experience both Lake Como and the Swiss Alps in one day.
Como, Bellagio & Lugano Day Tour
Duration: 11 hours
This tour combines Italy and Switzerland in a single day. After visiting Como, travellers cruise across the lake to Bellagio before continuing on to Lugano in Switzerland.
Highlights include:
- Visit Como’s historic centre
- Private boat cruise on Lake Como
- Free time in Bellagio
- Visit to Lugano, Switzerland
This itinerary is ideal for travellers who enjoy seeing multiple destinations in one day.
Recommendation for Getting to Lake Como from Milan
Both the train and guided tours make it easy to reach Lake Como from Milan, but the best option really depends on your travel style and how much time you have.
Having travelled in this region myself — and helped clients plan visits to Lake Como — I usually suggest thinking about it this way.
| If You Prefer… | Choose This Option |
|---|---|
| Flexibility and exploring at your own pace | Take the train |
| A simple, structured day with everything arranged | Join a guided tour |
| Spending the night on Lake Como | Take the train |
| Seeing several towns in one day without planning logistics | Join a tour |
When the Train Is the Better Choice
If you enjoy travelling independently, the train from Milan to Lake Como is usually the most flexible option.
Trains run frequently, the journey is short, and you can explore the lake at your own pace once you arrive. This option also works best if you’re planning to stay overnight on Lake Como, which I personally recommend if your itinerary allows.
The lake becomes noticeably quieter in the early morning and evening once the day-trip crowds leave.
When a Tour Makes More Sense
A guided tour from Milan can be a great option if you only have one day and want to see several highlights without managing train schedules, ferries, and connections.
Many tours combine Como, Bellagio, and a boat cruise on the lake, allowing you to experience multiple places in a single day.
For travellers who prefer everything organized in advance, this can make the experience very easy.
My Final Take on How to Get to Lake Como from Milan
Lake Como feels surprisingly close to Milan, yet the atmosphere changes quickly once you arrive. The pace slows, the scenery opens up, and the lake becomes the centre of everything.
Whether you take the train independently or join a guided tour, visiting Lake Como is one of the easiest ways to experience northern Italy’s landscapes beyond the city.
If your itinerary allows, I always suggest giving yourself time to linger — wander a lakeside promenade, sit at a café overlooking the water, or take a ferry between villages.
Places like Lake Como are best experienced slowly.
And if you’re planning more travels through Italy and Europe, I share practical guides and slow travel insights in my newsletter to help you dream, plan, and experience Europe more deeply.
FAQ About Milan and Lake Como
Is Lake Como worth a day trip from Milan?
Yes. Because the journey takes less than an hour, Lake Como is one of the most popular day trips from Milan. Travellers can explore lakeside towns, take a ferry across the lake, and enjoy views of the surrounding Alps.
Can you take a train from Milan to Varenna?
Yes. Direct trains run from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino, which is the station serving the town of Varenna on Lake Como. From the station, it’s about a 15-minute walk down to the waterfront.
