Lake Como is one of the most popular destinations in northern Italy, but how to get to Lake Como? There are various ways, I explain the pros and cons of traveling with public transportation. Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, today we discover the best way to do it.
FROM MALPENSA AIRPORT
From Malpensa airport to the city of Como there are 51km but unfortunately, there is no direct transport. I show you the options you can choose if you don’t want to rent a car:
- Train XP2 from Malpensa to Milan Central Station and then take the EC train to Como San Giovanni Railway Station. Duration 1h45min. Tickets here!
- Train S50 to Mendrisio and then S10 train to Como. Duration 1h45min. Tickets here!
FROM ORIO AL SERIO AIRPORT
From Bergamo Orio al Serio airport, it’s 87km and the options to get to Como are the following:
- Orio Shuttle bus to Milan Central Station and then take the EC train to Como San Giovanni Railway Station. Duration 1h50min. Tickets here!
- Flixbus to Milan Central Station and then EC train to Como. Duration 1h40min. Tickets here!
FROM MILAN
From Milan city center there are various regional and Swiss trains that can take you to Como. The frequency is high and all trains depart from Milan Central Station, prices vary depending on the company. The direct trains that cover this section are EC / RE10 / RE_10, duration 30min.
If instead, your goal is only to visit Bellagio, you will have to take the RE_8 line to Varenna and then a ferry. Journey time 1h50. I advise you to visit Lake Como starting the tour from Como, sleeping in Bellagio is very expensive.
RENT A CAR OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Without a doubt it is the best way to visit Lake Como, it will save you time and money. Remember that renting a car is always best done from an airport.
Visiting Lake Como without a car is feasible but complicated. There are various ferries that connect Como to Bellagio and Menaggio or the option of a bus that takes more than an hour for the high number of stops. Visiting the villas, for example, Villa Carlotta is only possible by car.
MAP OF THE LAKE
Do you have free time and do not know where to go? Lugano is a great option or checks my last post: “5 days in Lombardy“.
