Flight
There are 2 international airports in Milan. Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milano Linate Airport (LIN). Malpensa is the main international hub for long-haul flights, about 50 km from the city center, while Linate is the smaller, closer airport (7 km away from city center) primarily used for domestic flights. You can get the regional train station, Milan Central, from both airports.
Train
From Milano Centrale Station, take a regional train to Varenna Esino (east side of lake como) or Como San Giovanni. In Milan Central Station, go towards the back of the building where you’ll see 3 train ticket offices. Go to the Trenord ticket office, where they sell tickets directly to Lake Como stops. Don’t forget to validate your tickets before getting on the train to avoid getting fined!
Travel Note
Step-by-Step 1. Arrive at MXP and go to the train station. • At Terminals 1 & 2 follow signs to the Malpensa Express / Train Station (“Treni”). 2. Take the Malpensa Express train. • Board the train heading toward Milan. Trains run roughly every 20-30 minutes throughout the day. 3. Transfer to a regional train. • Option A — Via Milan Centrales or Saronno: • Get off the Malpensa Express at Saronno OR continue to Milano Centrale. • From Saronno: take a Trenord train toward Como Lago or Como San Giovanni. • From Milano Centrale: take a regional train to Como San Giovanni or toward Varenna if you’re heading to the eastern side of the lake. 4. Arrive at your Lake Como train station. • Como Lago or Como San Giovanni are the main arrival points if visiting Como city/town. • From there you can walk into town or take a taxi, bus, or ferry depending on where you’re staying. 🕐 Approx. total travel time: ~1 hr 30 min – 2 hrs (depending on transfers) 💶 Approx. cost: ~€20-€30 one-way (train tickets vary by route)
Travel Note
Step-by-Step 1. Rent a car at MXP (or meet your driver) • All major rental companies are available at the airport. Or, if you’ve booked a private transfer, your driver will meet you at arrivals. 2. Drive toward Lake Como • Follow A8 / A9 highways north (signposted Como/Chiasso). 3. Exit and follow local roads. • Take the exit for the town you want around Lake Como, then follow local signage to your final address on the lake. 🕐 Approx. driving distance: ~100 km / ~62 miles 🕐 Approx. driving time: ~1 hr 30 min (traffic dependent) 💶 Taxi/private transfer cost: ~€100-€200 (varies by distance and service)
Travel Note
• Train tickets: You can usually buy them at the station kiosks, ticket machines, or via apps like Trenitalia or Trainline. • Be sure of your destination town: Lake Como is large, and trains go to multiple stations (Como Lago, Como San Giovanni, Varenna, etc.).