Lake Como is located north of Milan. It’s a very popular tourist destination, easily accessible for a weekend trip from France. You can get to Milan by plane, train, or car.
Lake Como is not limited to a single destination. Como and Lecco, located at the southern ends of the lake’s two branches, are the closest gateways from Milan. Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio are located further north, in the central part of the lake. The distance of about 50 km therefore mainly applies to Como and Lecco: the actual travel time will depend on which town you wish to visit.
Which train should I take from Milan to Lake Como?
| End point | Departure from Milan | Estimated travel time for the direct route | Recorded one-way fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Como San Giovanni | Milan Central Station | Approx. 40 min. | Starting at €5.20 |
| Lake Como | Milano Cadorna | About 60 minutes | €4.80 |
| Lecco | Milan Central Station | Approx. 40 min. | Starting at €5.20 |
| Varenna-Esino | Milan Central Station | About 64 min | Starting at €7.40 |
| Bellagio or Menaggio | No direct train | Train, then ferry or bus | Varies depending on the route |
These travel times refer to the train trip and not to door-to-door travel time. Schedules and fares are subject to change: always check your itinerary on the Trenord website before departure.
Which mode of transportation should you choose?
- The train is usually the easiest option for a day trip centered around Como, Lecco, or Varenna: it avoids traffic jams, the hassle of finding parking, and restricted traffic zones (ZTL).
- A car offers more flexibility for a road trip lasting several days, with multiple accommodations or stops located far from train stations and ferry terminals.
- Taking the train and then the ferry is a good way to reach the center of the lake—specifically Bellagio or Menaggio—without having to travel along all the lakeside roads.
How do I get from downtown Milan to Como?
We’ve written a full article on how to get to Lake Como from Milan, but here’s a quick summary.
The nearest city, Como, is located about 50 km from downtown Milan via the A8 and then the A9. The trip usually takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour when traffic is light. To allow for traffic delays, it’s best to plan on about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Depending on your chosen entry point, exit, and route, traveling on the A8 and A9 may involve a toll. The amount also depends on the vehicle category: check the route and current rates using Autostrade per l’Italia’s official toll calculator before you leave.
From Milano Centrale, the direct train reaches Como San Giovanni in about 40 minutes. From Milano Cadorna, another direct train reaches Como Lago in about 60 minutes. This second station is located on the outskirts of downtown Como and near the lake. So choose your train based on your departure point in Milan and the area of Como you wish to visit.
Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan
If you don’t have a car, you can book a day trip to Lake Como from Milan. The currently advertised itinerary includes a tour of Como and the gardens of Villa Olmo, a one-hour private cruise on the lake, and then free time in Bellagio. The total duration listed is 10 to 11 hours, and the itinerary is subject to change.
Distance between the airports in Milan and Lake Como
You can fly into Malpensa, Linate, or Bergamo-Orio al Serio. The most convenient airport depends on which part of the lake you want to visit. The estimates below are based on a car trip with light traffic; allow extra time during rush hour.
| Airport | Toward Como | Toward Lecco |
|---|---|---|
| Milan-Malpensa (MXP) | About 49 km and 40 to 45 minutes | About 71 km and 55 minutes to 1 hour |
| Milan-Linate (LIN) | About 52 km and 50 min | About 58 km and 45 to 50 minutes |
| Bergamo-Orio al Serio (BGY) | About 62 km and 1 hour and 5 minutes | About 38 km and 45 to 50 minutes |
In practice, Malpensa is usually the most direct option for Como and the western branch, while Bergamo is particularly well-suited for Lecco and the eastern branch. Linate is about the same distance from both Como and Lecco. Be sure to check the real-time route before booking your car.
If you’re arriving at the airport, we recommend renting a car to get to Como and explore the different areas around the lake at your own pace.
Please note: The historic center of Como, particularly the “Città murata,” is located in a restricted-traffic zone that is in effect year-round. Access is electronically controlled. Do not enter a ZTL zone without authorization, and be sure to check the rules of the city of Como or the instructions provided by your lodging before following your GPS into the city center.
Traveling from Milan to Lecco
At the tip of the southeastern arm of the lake lies Lecco, which we found to be less touristy than the towns in the central part of the lake. From Milan, it’s about 50 km and a 45-minute to 1-hour drive, depending on traffic. There’s also a direct train from Milano Centrale to Lecco that takes about 40 minutes.
Driving Around Lake Como
A complete drive around Lake Como is about 170 km. Starting from Como, the route can take you through Menaggio, Domaso, and Dervio, then on to Varenna, Lecco, and Bellagio before returning to Como.
For our road trip, we rented a car so we could stop whenever we wanted. The lake tour follows several routes, including the SS340 on the western shore, the SS36 or the SP72 on the eastern shore, and the SP583 around Bellagio. The roads are paved, but some sections are narrow, winding, or pass through villages. The routes closest to the water are slower, but offer beautiful views.
Good to know: It’s not always necessary to drive around the lake. In the center of the lake, ferries connect Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Varenna, and Menaggio. Vehicles can only be transported between the ferry terminals marked “traghetto.” Schedules vary by season, and some crossings may be suspended in case of bad weather: check with Navigazione Laghi on the day of your trip.
Allow at least about 4 hours of driving time to complete the tour without any breaks. This estimate is very rough: traffic, narrow roads, and driving through villages can significantly extend the trip. We recommend at least two days to enjoy the scenery and make several stops.
Are you looking for a place to stay at Lake Como during your trip? To make your visits easier, we’ve put together an article detailing the most interesting villages to stay in around Lake Como, along with our top hotel recommendations.
As you can see, Lake Como is the perfect place for a weekend road trip, whether you’re traveling as a couple or with friends!
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