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Travel by train from Milan to Lake Como in just 37 minutes
Want to spend some time exploring Italy’s third-largest lake and need more information on how to travel from Milan to Lake Como by train? You’ve come to the right place!
Usually, the train from Milan to Lake Como takes just 48 minutes, but can take just 37 minutes on the fastest Trenitalia services. With around 63 trains running on this popular route each day, you don’t need to worry about changing along the way. When travelling on this service, you’ll depart from either Milano Centrale or Milano Greco Pirelli station and arrive at Como San Giovanni station.
Whether you’re headed there for a weekend, a short break or just a day trip, Lake Como is the perfect tonic to the hustle and bustle of Milan. In fact, with a journey time of just over half an hour, you can get there for breakfast and be back for lunch! Why not take a break from the fashion capital of Italy and spend some time in one of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders? Hop on a Trenitalia train and relax as you’re transported to the waterfront.
Once you’ve arrived at Como San Giovanni station, you can start exploring this elegant location. Not sure where to go? We recommend:
- Starting at Villa Carlotta – a suitably regal destination full of charming art and situated on the waterfront.
- Then, take a boat to Isola Comacina, an island located in the middle of the lake.
- Here you can head to Castello di Vezio and take in panoramic views of the lake.
For more inspiration, check out our complete guide to taking the train from Milan to Lake Como.
Eager to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Milan to Lake Como in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information, keep reading for a train timetable, FAQs and tips on how to find cheaper fares. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Milan to Lake Como first, keep reading for more information on:
- Today's train times
- Information about Trenord and EuroCity
- Trenord and EuroCity classes
- Onboard services on Trenord and EuroCity
- Finding cheap train tickets from Milan to Lake Como
- Trenord discounted tickets
- Travelling from the airport to central Milan
- How to get to Milan stations from central Milan
- Train stations between Milan and Lake Como
- Arriving at Como San Giovanni station from Milan
- Using public transport in Como
- Things to see and do in Como
- Explore Europe with an Interrail pass
Milan to Como San Giovanni by train
It takes an average of 39m to travel from Milan to Como San Giovanni by train, over a distance of around 24 miles (39 km). There are normally 11 trains per day travelling from Milan to Como San Giovanni and tickets for this journey start from £4.53 when you book in advance.
| First train | 07:10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:05 | |
| Departure station | Milan | |
| Arrival station | Como San Giovanni | |
| Journey time | From 37m | |
| Distance | 24 miles (39 km) | |
| Frequency | 11 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £4.53 | |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, Flixbus, Trenord |
FAQs about the train journey from Milan to Como San Giovanni
Want to know more about your journey from Milan to Como San Giovanni? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Milan to Como San Giovanni?
What's the distance between Milan and Como San Giovanni by train?
Who runs the trains from Milan to Como San Giovanni?
Can you travel from Milan to Como San Giovanni without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Como San Giovanni from Milan?
What time is the first train from Milan to Como San Giovanni?
What time is the last train from Milan to Como San Giovanni?
How often do trains go from Milan to Como San Giovanni?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Milan to Como San Giovanni?
Is there a return trip from Milan to Como San Giovanni?
Trenitalia and Trenord trains from Milan to Como San Giovanni
Trenitalia
Trenord
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.
More information
Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Milan to Como San Giovanni
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Milan to Como San Giovanni.
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity
Second Class
Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat – just sit back and enjoy the views around you.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
First Class
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your luggage in the dedicated luggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
Second Class
From spacious armchairs to at-seat power sockets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
First Class
In addition to all the services available in Second Class, you’ll get to enjoy extra-wide and comfier seats, more legroom, and an at-seat catering service in EuroCity’s First Class:
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
Onboard services on Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan to Como San Giovanni.
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity
- You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm.
- You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.
- Children under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap.
- Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
- Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains. Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm are allowed on board free of charge.
- If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike. Please note that the last coaches of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
- Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re travelling. They also need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
- Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 07:00 to 09:30 and from 17:30 to 19:30.
Passengers with disabilities can:
- Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
- Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
- Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 08:15 to 19:45) at least 48 hours before departure.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
- A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
Children under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.
Cheap train tickets from Milan to Como San Giovanni
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Milan to Como San Giovanni by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Trenord discounted tickets
If you’d like to save money on your train tickets, take advantage of Trenord’s discounts!
Children aged 0-14
Children aged 0-3 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat. Kids aged 4-14 (or kids under 4) who have a seat get 50% off the Tariffa Unica Regionale fare, which is the standard fare.
Seniors
Women over 60 and men over 65 are entitled to travel with a discounted fare ticket on all Trenord trains. They can get up to 20% off Trenord’s standard fare tickets for the selected route.
Travellers with disabilities
Travellers with disabilities can apply for the annual "IO Viaggio" pass at a reduced price. They don’t need to pay for a ticket for their carer.
Groups
Groups of at least 10 people are entitled to travel at a discounted rate on all Trenord trains. The discount is 20% for adults and 50% for kids under the age of 14. The discount applies to Second Class one-way tickets.
Travelling from Milan airports to the city centre
If you’re visiting Milan from abroad, chances are you’ll be arriving at one of the three airports in Milan. Want to know how to get to the city centre from the airport? Keep reading for more details.
How to get from Malpensa Airport to the city centre
How to get from Linate Airport to the city centre
How to get from Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport to the city centre
How to get to Milan stations from central Milan
Before your journey to Lake Como, you need to travel to the station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
While EuroCity trains depart only from Milan Central station, Trenord trains leave from both Milano Porta Garibaldi and Milan Central stations. Read on for more details.
How to get to Milan Central station
You can easily reach Milan Central station with one of the following modes of transport:
- Metro lines M2 and M3
- Buses 42, 60, 81, 82 and 87 and night buses NM2, NM3, N6, N4
- Tram lines 5, 9 and 33
- Trolleybuses 90, 91, 92, N90 and N91
- Other regional trains operated by Trenitalia.
How to get to Milan Porta Garibaldi station
Milano Porta Garibaldi is served by the following modes of transport:
- Metro lines M2 and M5
- Tram lines 10 and 33
- ATM buses 42, 53, 60, 82 and 83
- Trolleybuses 90, 91 and 92.
Travelling from the airport directly to the station? You can get to Milan Central station from Malpensa Airport with the fast regional Malpensa Express train, from Linate Airport with Air Bus and from Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport with Orio Shuttle bus services.
Train stations between Milan and Lake Como
On your way from Milan to Lake Como, your train will stop at various Italian towns.
Trenord trains departing from Milano Porta Garibaldi call at the following stations:
- Milano Greco Pirelli
- Sesto San Giovanni
- Monza
- Lissone-Muggiò
- Desio
- Seregno
- Camnago-Lentate
- Carimate
- Cantù-Cermenate
- Cucciago
- Como Nord Camerlata
- Como San Giovanni
While EuroCity services from Milano Centrale don’t stop at any stations along the way to Como, Trenord trains departing from Milan Central call at the following stations:
Upgrade to Trenitalia First Class
Looking for luxury? Why not travel First Class on one of Trenitalia’s Frecce trains?
On Frecciarossa trains, choose Business or Executive when booking to benefit from Trenitalia’s First Class offer. For starters, you’ll be greeted on board with a welcome service and a welcome drink. First Class also means more spacious carriages, solo seats and an at-seat meal service. Plus, you’ll be able to access the FrecciaLounge at Italy’s main train stations, such as Roma Termini and Milano Centrale.
On Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains, go First Class and you’ll get a welcome service when you get on the train, including a welcome drink. Then, once you’re on board, you can enjoy real leather seats and more legroom.
Arriving at Como San Giovanni station from Milan
At the end of your journey, you will arrive at Como San Giovanni station.
Trains departing from Milan arrive at Como San Giovanni station (or Como S. Giovanni) which is only a 10-minute walk away from the city centre.
Once you’ve left the station, you’ll want to start soaking up the local atmosphere as soon as possible. From the station, central Como can be easily reached by one of the following modes of transport:
- ASF buses – they can take you straight to the city centre in just 10 minutes
- Funicular railway
- Navigazione Laghi ferry service
Using public transport in Como
Not sure how to get around? Keep reading for more information on how to navigate the public transport in Como.
The main modes of transport you’ll find in Como are buses, boat services and the funicular railway.
Taking the bus in Como
Buses in Como are run by ASF Lines with urban services (lines 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 and T3) and extra-urban services (lines 1, 6, 8 and 12). The main bus station is in Piazza Matteotti, next to Como Lago Nord train station, and some buses stop at Como San Giovanni train station.
Taking the boat on Lake Como
Boat services on Lake Como are run by Navigazione Lago di Como. Boarding is at Lungo Tario Trento/Piazza Cavour. You can buy all-day tickets and choose one of the itineraries and cruises around the lake.
Travelling with the funicular railway in Como
Travel on the funicular railway from Como to the town of Brunate and enjoy an amazing view of the city, the lake and the Alps. Como’s funicular station is in Piazza De Gasperi, which is a 15-minute walk away from the city centre. Services run every day from 06:00 am to 10:30 pm and the journey takes around 7 minutes each way.
Things to see and do around Lake Como
Known for its world-famous Lake Como, the city of Como is a beautiful Italian gem you don’t want to miss! To help inspire your trip to this beautiful city, here are some ideas for things to near Lake Como:
How to travel by train from Switzerland to Italy
Explore Europe by train with an Interrail Pass
Once you’ve finished exploring Como, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass. If you’re an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.