Lake Como has no airport of its own, so every trip there starts with a transfer from somewhere else in Italy.
- Milan is the fastest gateway. Milan Centrale reaches Lake Como in about 40 minutes; Malpensa airport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with one change either way.
- The lake has two train gateways: Como (west shore) and Varenna (east shore, best for Bellagio). Pick based on where you’re staying.
- From Rome, budget roughly 4-5 hours door to platform via high-speed train through Milan.
- From Venice, expect about 3.5 to 4 hours by train (one change in Milan) or a similar drive time.
- Milan Bergamo Airport, used by many budget carriers, is actually about 45km from Milan. Build in extra transfer time.
Lake Como transport options at a glance
Which Lake Como gateway do you need: Como or Varenna?
Lake Como splits into two shores once you get off the train, and picking the right one saves you a backtrack. This is the first decision to make, before you even book transport.
Getting to Lake Como from Milan’s airports
Milan has three airports, and each one reaches Lake Como differently. None of them sit close to the lake, so every route involves at least one change.
Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Malpensa is the closest of Milan’s airports to Lake Como and the most common entry point. Neither route from here is direct, so budget one change either way.
- Via Saronno (cheapest): take the Malpensa Express to Saronno, then change to a regional train to Como Lago (Como Nord Lago station, not Como San Giovanni). Total journey runs about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 20 minutes for around €12, with 1 change.
- Via Varese: take the TILO regional train to Varese, then change onto the S40 line to Como San Giovanni. Total journey runs about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes for around €11-13, with 1 change.
Milan Linate (LIN)
Linate has no direct rail link, so you first need to reach central Milan. Take the official airport shuttle bus (Airport Bus Express/Linate Shuttle) to Milano Centrale station, a ride of around 25-40 minutes for about €5.
From Centrale, a direct Trenord train to Como San Giovanni takes about 40 minutes. Total journey time runs 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)
Milan Bergamo Airport is popular with budget airlines, but don’t let the name fool you. It sits roughly 45km northeast of Milan, near the city of Bergamo, not Lake Como.
The simplest option is the direct Flibco shuttle bus to Como, which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and starts from around €10. A taxi covers the same route in about 1 hour 20 minutes, at a considerably higher cost.
Getting to Lake Como from Milan city center
If you’re already in Milan, skip the airports entirely and head straight for Milano Centrale station. Two direct Trenord lines run from there, one to each shore of the lake.
- To Como San Giovanni (west shore): direct trains run close to hourly, taking about 40 minutes for a ticket from €5.20.
- To Varenna-Esino (east shore, for Bellagio): direct trains take about 1 hour 4 minutes, from €7.40. Connect onward with a 15-minute ferry to Bellagio.
Both lines depart frequently through the day, so there’s rarely a long wait even without a fixed schedule in hand.
Getting to Lake Como from Rome
Rome is the furthest of the three gateways from Lake Como, so plan for most of a travel day. There’s no direct train, so you’ll change trains once in Milan.
Getting to Lake Como from Venice
Venice is the closest of the three long-haul gateways to Lake Como, though there’s still no single-seat train ride.
The train suits most travelers well. Driving only pays off if you want a car once you reach the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an airport at Lake Como?
No. Lake Como has no airport of its own. The nearest gateways are Milan’s three airports (Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo), followed by Rome and Venice for travelers whose flights land there instead.
What’s the closest airport to Lake Como?
Milan Malpensa (MXP) is the closest and best-connected of the three Milan airports. Regional trains reach the lake (Como Lago or Como San Giovanni, depending on the route) in about 1 to 1.5 hours, with one change either way.
Should I fly into Milan Bergamo for Lake Como?
It works, but budget extra time. Milan Bergamo Airport sits about 45km from Milan, and the direct shuttle bus to Como takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Can I get from Rome to Lake Como in a day?
Yes. Budget about 4 to 5 hours each way via high-speed train through Milan, so a round trip in a single day is tiring but doable if you start early.
Which train station do I need: Como or Varenna?
Use Como San Giovanni for the western shore towns like Como town, Cernobbio, and Tremezzo. Use Varenna-Esino for Bellagio and the eastern shore, connecting by a short ferry ride.
Plan your Lake Como trip
Once you know your gateway and your shore, the rest of the trip falls into place quickly. Compare flights on Wego, then check places to stay in Como once your transport plan is set.
Sources
- Trenord — Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni route timetable
- Trenord — Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino route timetable
- Malpensa Express — official timetable
- Milano-Aeroporti (SEA) — Linate Shuttle official page
- Flibco — Milan Bergamo Airport to Como shuttle
- Milan Bergamo Airport (SACBO) — official site
- Trenitalia — Frecciarossa connections (Rome-Milan and Venice-Milan high-speed legs)
- Navigazione Laghi — Lake Como ferry tickets and timetables
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
