Travelling to Lake Como

Como is such an accessible place to get to whether its from overseas or within Italy.

Simply head for the Swiss border from Milan and you can't miss this beautiful place! Last turning on the right by road!

Well served by Rail

Como Station San Giovanni is on Italy's main railway network and trains run from Milan to Como frequently. Journey time is approximately 45-60 minutes. They depart from Milan's Stazione Centrale and Stazione Porta Garibaldi, and arrive at San Giovanni, Como's main station.

By Air

The nearest major Air Terminal for Como is Milano Malpensa International Airport. To arrive from Malpensa you should ideally hire a car or alternatively take the airport shuttle bus to Milan and then a train to Como. Driving from Malpensa to Como should take around 40 minutes depending on the traffic. Air travel can be quite inexpensive these days and its will pay to check out the cheap carriers for special deals. A flight and hotel can be good value for that special break!

By Road

From Malpensa take the A336 to the A8, take the Milan direction then head off on the A9 to Como and Switzerland..
From LInate, take the A1 toward Monza, then the A4, West, then join the A9 North toward Switzerland and Como
Como can also be approached from Switzerland through San Bernadino or Splugenplass and then along the lake roads, or can be approached through Chiasso, after going through the San Gotthard tunnel. This Swiss border is only a couple of miles from Como.

We suggest you study the map carefully, the route is very simple and Como is just before the Swiss border. There are tolls however and a few Euros may be necessary to navigate them. Italian drivers are famous for their casual approach, this combined with the narrow dual carriageways and link roads means care needs taking at all times.

Getting Around Como

Steamers, boats and buses all serve the lake with good connectionsto towns and villages all over Lake Como. A frequent boat service. The frequency of the services increases in peak season i.e. from May to September but also operates in the winter months. A less frequent but faster boat travels the full length of the lake from Como (with stops at most of the above). Buses run approximately hourly all the way up the west coast from Como round to Colico at the north-east point.

Lake Como Boat Rentals

We would thoroughly recommend renting a boat. This is a fantastic way to see the Lake and experience a completely different perspective. In the summer months this is also a quick way of getting from point to point! we have created a separate Boat Rental page. The following link takes you to an external site with information on Booking and boat hire.

Lake Como Boats

Walking

This is by far the best way to see Como. Roam the old streets, do some serious shopping, hike up the local hills and you can relax in the cafes or dine in a traditional Italian restaurant with local wines and produce.

Lake Como Travel Information

Many people request information on travelling around and to the lake. The following links should give some help when planning a trip to Lake Como from different countries and how to to get around when you have arrived. You will find ferry times, train times, bus times, shuttle and travel information from the airports and some international planning links.

Lake Como Ferry Timetable Link

The Lake Como Ferry Timetable changes frequently. The ferry link can be found below:

Lake Como Ferry Timetable (English)

Local Trains

The links to the right hand side are international train links. Those below are Italian train services for Milan, Como and Lugano

Arriving at Lake Como

Airports

MILANO MALPENSA 50 minutes to Como City by car. Malpensa airport is the biggest airport and took over from Milan Linate due to the restrictions on Inernational travel so close to Milan centre. This airport is very well served by all amenities.

LINATE 60 minutes to Como City by car

ORIO AL SERIO 1:15 minutes to Como City by car

LUGANO AIRPORT 20 minutes to Como City by car

Connection

Bus SPT (Linea C-250) From Milano-Malpensa airport to Como (1 hour).

Malpensa Express From Milano Malpensa airport to Milano Cadorna Station - Trains depart to Como every 30 minutes.

Car rental with driver

Connection BUS From the airport to the Milan Central Station. Trains depart for Como every 60 minutes (S. Giovanni Station).

Shuttle Bus Services From airport to Station FFS and Lugano Center. Trains to Como City depart from the Lugano Station.

Stations

Como Borghi

Como Borghi is located in the East side of the city, Ferrovie Nord Milano Station, connects Como to Milano Centre ( Milano Cadorna Station).

Como San Giovanni

Como San Giovanni is located in the West side of the Como City, Ferrovie dello Stato Station, that is connecting Milano, Como and Lugano.

Trains

Frequent and fast trains connect Como, Milano and Lugano.

There are two train lines:

Ferrovie Nord (Italian)

Ferrovie Dello Stato

City & Lake Como

City Districts are connected through yellow buses, for going outside the City the buses are blue.It's possible to reach the villages on the lake by public boat service. A cableway connects Como and Brunate.