Trains to Como

Situated in Lombardy, a region in the northwest of Italy, Lake Como (Lago di Como in Italian) is part of the Italian Lake District and is famous for its beauty and open spaces. With its rich history and peaceful natural landscape, Lake Como is a popular destination for all budgets and itineraries. Many quaint little villages and towns surround the lake, adding a traditional and unique charm to this already stunning natural wonder.

    Trains to Lake Como

The best way to reach Lake Como is by train: you can take a train from Milan Centrale Station (Milano Centrale) or Milan Nord Cadorna and get off at Como San Giovanni, Como’s main station, or Como Nord Lago. You can also start your journey by visiting one of the other beautiful tiny villages around the lake and get off at Lecco or Varenna-Esino.

Lake Como Train Stations

 

Milan to Lake Como by train

Trenitalia operates more than 40 trips a day between Milano Centrale station and Como San Giovanni station, all with regional trains; the journey takes about 40 minutes and the first train leaves at 05:46. If you prefer to leave from Milan Cadorna and travel on the Trenord line, you can arrive at Como Nord Lago with a direct regional train in 55 minutes. For more information, check out our guide to how to get from Milan to Lake Como by train.

Florence to Lake Como by train

You can travel to Como from Florence in 2h 46m, with 1 change. You can take Trenitalia’s high-speed train, the Frecciarossa, from Firenze Santa Maria Novella and reach Milano Centrale in less than two hours. The same journey is also operated by Italo’s high-speed train, Italo EVO. From Milano Centrale, you can take one of the available regional trains to Como San Giovanni.

Need more information on the Italian rail network? Check out our guide to trains in Italy.

How to get to Lake Como from the airport

From Milano Malpensa: The most convenient route to reach Milan Malpensa airport from Como San Giovanni station is to take a regional train to Milan Porta Garibaldi and from there take a Malpensa Express train to the airport. The entire journey takes 1h 54m, with the first train leaving Como at 05:22 and the last train departing at 21:58.

From Milano Linate: To get to Milan Linate airport from Como station you can take a regional or Intercity train to Milano Centrale (37m) and from there one of the Linate Shuttle buses leaving from the bus square in via Poma. The first service departs at 06:00, then at 06:15 and then every 30 minutes until 20:15. From 21:00 trains run every 30 minutes until 23:00.

From Bergamo Orio al Serio: From Como San Giovanni you can reach Bergamo Orio al Serio airport by taking a train to Bergamo with a change in Monza. When in Bergamo, you can take one of the frequent shuttle buses to the airport. The whole journey takes about 1h 40m. 

Things to do in Lake Como

Varenna-Esino station is a popular stop for those who stay in Varenna, Bellagio and other towns up north. Como is famous for its silk industry and you'll find traditional boutique shops selling silk scarves, ties and other garments at very reasonable prices.

Piazza del Duomo cathedral, a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, is the focal point of the historic city. Head to one of the many bars and restaurants that line the lakefront and enjoy a meal, glass of wine and people watching. Take a boat to Bellagio where the picturesque lakeside promenade gives you a breath-taking view. A public swimming pool is open most days of the week, as well as two famous botanical gardens, Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi.

Varenna is a real gem you must explore while in Como. Known as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the city, Varenna is where visitors walk among gelato-coloured houses. Make sure you visit Villa Monastero with its extensive garden featuring plants from all over the world, and finally head towards Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle located on top of a cliff.

Need more inspiration for your next trip to Lake Como? Read our guide to a day trip to Lake Como to remember.

Visiting Como

Como is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful cities on the Italian peninsula. This historic city is defined by enchantment and elegance, not to mention a world-famous lake that frames the city on one side. Architectural wonders and inspiring natural scenery can be found around every corner, ensuring that there's plenty to keep visitors occupied during their stay.

If you’re taking the train to Como, you can hop off at Como San Giovanni train station and enjoy a 10-minute walk through town towards must-visit landmarks, such as the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta. Here, you’ll find a fascinating exhibition all about this renowned scientist. Another unmissable experience is a boat tour around Lake Como itself. Jump aboard a chartered vessel and go from shore to shore, admiring the scenery and enjoying a stopover on the island of Comacina, which is the only island to be found on the lake. After enjoying this maritime adventure, and once back on dry land, there's plenty more to see and do.

Tourists should grab their camera and head to the Duomo di Como, where they might be inspired by the cathedral’s mighty dome. This landmark is only a 10-minute walk from Tempio Voltiano. In general, those with an interest in architecture will find Como incredibly rewarding. This city is populated with many elegant villas like Villa Olma, which takes centre stage with its Neoclassical-style architecture, stunning gardens and first-class views of Lake Como!