Wondering how to get to Lake Como from Milan? You’re not alone. The lake is one of the most popular day trips and weekend getaways from the city, and the good news is that getting there is straightforward — with several options to suit different budgets, travel styles, and final destinations. Milan to Lake Como is less than 50 kilometres by road, and the journey can take as little as 30 minutes by fast train.
In this guide we cover every option: train, bus, car, private transfer, and ferry — with accurate travel times, costs, and practical tips to help you choose the best route for your trip.
Milan to Lake Como by Train: The Easiest Option
The train is by far the most popular and convenient way to get to Lake Como from Milan. There are two main rail connections, depending on which part of the lake you want to reach.
Milan to Como San Giovanni (Como City)
The fastest and most frequent service connects Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni station in approximately 30 minutes on the regional express. Trains run several times per hour throughout the day and tickets cost between €4 and €12 depending on the service and how far in advance you book.
Como San Giovanni sits at the southern tip of the lake. From the station you can connect to the public ferry network, which serves all major villages including Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. The ferry journey from Como city to Bellagio takes approximately 2 hours on the regular service, or around 1 hour on the fast hydrofoil (aliscafo).
Milan to Varenna-Esino (for Bellagio and the Central Lake)
If your destination is Bellagio, Menaggio, or the central part of the lake, the better option is to take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino station on the eastern shore. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and tickets cost around €5-€8.
From Varenna station, a short walk leads to the village waterfront, where ferries cross to Bellagio in just 15 minutes. This is the recommended route for anyone heading directly to Bellagio.
Milan Cadorna to Como Lago (Nord Railway)
A third option is the Trenord Nord line, which departs from Milano Cadorna station and terminates at Como Lago — a smaller station right on the lakefront in Como city. Journey time is approximately 1 hour. This is a slower regional service but useful if you’re staying in central Milan near Cadorna.
Milan to Lake Como by Bus
Several bus companies operate coach services between Milan and Como city, including FlixBus and regional ASF Autolinee services. Journey times range from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, and tickets are generally cheaper than the train — often under €5.
Buses typically terminate in Como city, from where you can continue to other villages by ferry. While buses are a budget option, they are less reliable than trains in terms of punctuality, particularly during peak tourist season when motorway traffic can be heavy.
Milan to Lake Como by Car
Driving from Milan to Lake Como is a practical option if you want the freedom to explore multiple villages at your own pace. The journey to Como city takes approximately 45 minutes via the A9 motorway (toll road), or slightly longer on the free SS35 route.
To reach Bellagio by car, continue north along the eastern shore via the SS583 road (approximately 1h 15min from Milan). Be aware that the road into Bellagio is narrow and parking is limited — especially in summer. Several paid car parks are available on the outskirts of the village.
Important note: many lakeside roads are single-lane and subject to traffic restrictions in peak season. In summer, it is often faster and less stressful to park at a larger village and use the ferry to reach Bellagio.
Milan to Lake Como by Private Transfer or Taxi
A private transfer from Milan to Lake Como is the most comfortable option, ideal for groups, families, or travellers arriving with luggage from the airport. Door-to-door service from Milan city centre or Malpensa Airport to Bellagio typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours and costs between €80 and €150 depending on the vehicle type and operator.
Bellagio Boat Tour works in partnership with local transfer specialists to offer competitive private transfers from Milan and Malpensa Airport directly to Bellagio. This can be combined with a boat tour for a seamless arrival experience.
Book a private transfer to Bellagio
From Milan Airports to Lake Como
From Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Malpensa is Milan’s main international airport, located approximately 60 kilometres from Como city. Options include:
- Malpensa Express train: Takes you to Milano Centrale or Cadorna, then connect to a Lake Como train. Total journey: approx. 1.5-2 hours.
- Direct bus: Some services run directly from Malpensa to Como. Check current operators at the airport arrivals hall.
- Private transfer: Door-to-door from Malpensa to Bellagio in approximately 1 hour. Most convenient for groups.
From Linate Airport (LIN)
Linate is Milan’s city airport, closer to the centre. Take the M4 metro line to Milano Centrale, then catch a train to Como or Varenna. Total journey to Bellagio: approximately 1.5 hours.
From Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)
Bergamo airport is popular with budget airlines. Take a bus or taxi to Bergamo train station, then a regional train to Lecco (on the eastern arm of the lake), and a ferry or local bus to Varenna or Bellagio. Journey time: approximately 2 hours total.
Getting from Lake Como’s Ferry Network to Bellagio
Once you arrive at Como, Varenna, or Menaggio, the public ferry service run by Navigazione Laghi connects all major villages on the lake. Key crossing times from the main arrival points:
- Varenna to Bellagio: 15 minutes by car ferry (traghetto). Runs every 30 minutes in season.
- Como to Bellagio: Approximately 2 hours by regular ferry, or 1 hour by fast hydrofoil.
- Menaggio to Bellagio: 15 minutes by regular ferry.
Ferry timetables and prices are available on the official Navigazione Laghi website. In peak summer, ferries can be busy — arrive at the dock early, especially if you are travelling with a car.
What to Do First When You Arrive in Bellagio
Once you step off the ferry in Bellagio, the lake opens up before you in all its beauty. The village is compact and walkable, but the best way to truly appreciate its surroundings is from the water. A private boat tour from Bellagio lets you explore hidden coves, admire the great villas from the lake, and reach villages like Varenna and Tremezzo without queuing for public ferries.
Bellagio Boat Tour offers private departures directly from the village centre, with tours ranging from 1 hour to a full day. The VIP Tour (3 hours, best seller) includes stops at Villa del Balbianello, Isola Comacina, the Nesso waterfall, and Villa Oleandra — George Clooney’s famous residence on the lake.
-> Explore all private boat tours from Bellagio: https://bellagioboattour.com/lake-como-italy-boat-tours/
FAQ: How to Get to Lake Como from Milan
How long does it take to get from Milan to Lake Como?
By fast train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. To reach Bellagio specifically, the recommended route is Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino by train (1 hour), then a 15-minute ferry crossing to Bellagio. By car, expect 45 minutes to Como city and around 1 hour 15 minutes to Bellagio.
What is the cheapest way to get from Milan to Lake Como?
The cheapest option is the regional train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, which costs as little as €4-€5. Regional buses to Como are also inexpensive but slower and less reliable. For travel to Bellagio, combine the train to Varenna with the 15-minute ferry crossing for a total cost of around €8-€10.
Is it better to go to Lake Como by train or car?
For most visitors, the train is the better option. It is faster, avoids motorway tolls, and eliminates the stress of finding parking in busy lakeside villages. Driving becomes more practical if you plan to visit several villages not well-connected by ferry, or if you are travelling with young children and a lot of luggage.
Can you do Lake Como as a day trip from Milan?
Absolutely. Lake Como is one of the most popular day trips from Milan. With a 30-minute train journey to Como or a 1-hour journey to Varenna, you can easily spend a full day on the lake and return to Milan in the evening. For the best experience, head directly to Bellagio and book a morning private boat tour to cover the main highlights efficiently.
Which station in Milan do I use to get to Lake Como?
For the fastest journey, use Milano Centrale. Fast trains to Como San Giovanni depart frequently throughout the day. For Varenna (best access point for Bellagio), all trains also depart from Milano Centrale on the Lecco line. If you are starting from the Cadorna area, the Nord Railway to Como Lago is a convenient alternative.
Ready to Explore Lake Como?
Getting to Lake Como from Milan is quick, affordable, and stress-free — whichever option you choose. Whether you take the fast train to Varenna and hop on the ferry to Bellagio, or arrange a private transfer directly to the village, the lake is closer than you think.
Once you arrive, make the most of your time on the water. Browse our private boat tours from Bellagio — from a 1-hour introduction to the lake to a full-day luxury experience — and discover how to get to Lake Como from Milan and then explore it in the best way possible.
