Da milano centrale a lago di como

Escape the bustle of modern Milan for the idyllic lakeside town of Como. Find out about taking the train from Milan to Como San Giovanni.

Milan is an underrated destination, but it is an excellent place from which to explore the picturesque lakes of northern Italy. One lake that stands out from the rest is Lake Como, and the town bearing the same name is an easy day trip from busy Milan by train.

It might take you the same amount of time to drive the 22.4 miles (36 km) from Milan to Como as it would take the train, but the train eliminates the hassle of navigating roads and finding parking, particularly in the charming and popular lakeside towns. The train is your best bet for a day trip to Lake Como.

Frequent Trains from Milan to Como San Giovanni

Both the Regionale and the slightly faster EuroCity trains offer the route between Milano Centrale station and Como San Giovanni station. The trip can take as little as 36 minutes on the EuroCity, and up to 49 minutes on the Regionale trains.

There aren’t many trains, approximately 5 per day, to Como from Milan, so make sure to plan ahead, especially if you’re planning on taking a day trip. Tickets on this trip are only $16.

Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.

Direct Trains from Milan to Como San Giovanni

All of the train options from Milan to Como are direct, so the difference is between the speed of each type of train. The Regionale trains aren’t as fast as the EuroCity, though both will get you there in less than one hour.

Amenities on Trains from Milan to Como San Giovanni

Regionale trains are simple and do not provide many amenities on board. There are sometimes both 1st and 2nd class cars, but the 1st class cars not similar to the Frecciarossa 1st class, for example some Regionale trains don't have air conditioning in every car. Reservations on these trains aren't necessary.

Milan and Como San Giovanni Train Stations

Milan's main station, Centrale, is also a local transportation hub with buses and trams stopping outside, and a Metro (subway) stop in a lower level of the station itself. Porta Garibaldi station is a smaller station, though it also has a Metro stop and several bus lines stopping nearby.
Como San Giovanni is the main railway station for the city of Como, not far from the city center. In the piazza in front of the station there is a bus terminal with several lines that serve other towns around the lake, including Bellagio.

Journey Information

See below for details on traveling from Milan to Como San Giovanni by train.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Train Travel in Italy

From seat assignments and luggage space, to the different types of tickets, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about train travel in Italy.

Arrival and Departure Train Destinations

Read on for information about Milan to Como San Giovanni train stations.

Milano Centrale Guide

Milan is the center of commerce and fashion and its train station reflects that, with its gorgeous architecture.

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The main train station in the town of Como, on the eponymous lake in northern Italy, is Como San Giovanni station. It was originally opened in 1875, though the current building dates from 1949 - it needed to be rebuilt after World War II.

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Things To Do in Como

Book tours and activities from nearby Milan

Best of Milan Tour with Da Vinci's Last Supper

On this walking tour, see all of the historic and modern-day highlights of Italy’s most fashion-conscious city, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.

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Bellagio & Lake Como Day Trip from Milan

Experience the stunning Alpine scenery and exclusive resort communities that make Lake Como a favorite celebrity hideaway.

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Hotels in Como

See Hotels from nearby Milan

Milan Suite Hotel

The popular Milan Suite Hotel is within striking distance of the Villapizzone station and within close proximity to the Piazza Portello and Fiera Milano City.

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Park Hyatt Milan

One of Milan's most luxurious hotels sits around the corner from shopping mecca, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

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Types of Trains in Italy

From Trenitalia's high-speed Frecciarossa trains to old-world scenic rail cars, learn about the different kinds of trains in Italy.

More Popular Train Routes in Italy

If Como San Giovanni is not your final destination, see below for ideas and information on other popular train routes in Italy.