Lake Como from Milan without the planning?
Round-trip train tickets Milan–Como and a licensed local guide in Como, in a small group, all in one booking.
Staying in Milan and want to see Lake Como? It is one of the easiest day trips in northern Italy. Direct regional trains run from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni in about 40 minutes, and from the station you can walk down to the old town and the lakefront. This guide explains how to get there, what to see in Como and whether to go on your own or with a guide.
Quick answer
- Train: about 40 minutes, direct, Milano Centrale → Como San Giovanni (Trenord)
- Trains run almost every hour through the day
- From Como San Giovanni it is about a 10-minute walk to Piazza Cavour on the lakefront
- Easiest option: an afternoon trip with train tickets and a licensed local guide, starting at Milano Centrale
How to get from Milan to Lake Como
The simplest way is the train. Trenord runs direct trains from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni in about 40 minutes, with around 17 departures a day, almost one every hour. No change is needed. From Como San Giovanni station you walk downhill to the historic centre and the lake in about 10 minutes.
Como is the town at the southern tip of the lake, so it is the closest point of Lake Como to Milan and the best choice if you only have a few hours.
What a typical half-day looks like
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Early afternoon | Train from Milano Centrale (our tour meets at the station at 1:00 PM) |
| About 40 minutes later | Arrival at Como San Giovanni and short walk to the centre |
| In Como | Guided walk through the historic centre and along the lakefront |
| Late afternoon | Train back to Milan |
What to see in Como on a day trip
- Piazza Cavour and the lakefront promenade, the heart of the town on the water
- Como Cathedral (Duomo) and the Broletto in Piazza Duomo
- The old town lanes, Piazza San Fedele and the medieval gate of Porta Torre
- The Brunate funicular, about 7 minutes up the hill for a view over the lake, if you have extra time
For a simple walking route, read our guide on what to see in Como in a few hours.
Lake Como from Milan without the planning?
Round-trip train tickets Milan–Como and a licensed local guide in Como, in a small group, all in one booking.
On your own or with a guide?
On your own you buy Trenord tickets, take the train and explore Como with a map. It is easy, but you will miss the stories behind the places.
With a guided trip everything is organised. Our Lake Como day trip from Milan meets at Milano Centrale at 1:00 PM and lasts about 4 hours: round-trip train tickets Milan–Como are included and a licensed local guide shows you Como’s historic centre and lakefront, in a small group. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Lake Como day trip from Milan
Round-trip train tickets Milan–Como, a licensed local guide and a small group. Meet at Milano Centrale at 1:00 PM, about 4 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Practical tips
- Make sure your train goes to Como San Giovanni, the main station for the town centre.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the old town has cobbled lanes.
- Cover shoulders and knees if you want to enter the cathedral.
- An afternoon trip leaves your morning free for Milan.
More time in Como or more day trips?
If you are already in Como, join our 2-hour Como walking tour from Piazza Cavour, or see all our Lake Como tours. Another great day out from Milan is Venice: read our guide to the Venice day trip from Milan by train.
FAQ
How long is the train from Milan to Como?
About 40 minutes on direct Trenord trains from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, with departures almost every hour.
Is Lake Como worth a day trip from Milan?
Yes. The train is short and direct, and Como’s historic centre and lakefront are compact, so you can see a lot in a few hours and be back in Milan the same day.
Are train tickets included in the guided day trip?
Yes. Round-trip train tickets between Milan and Como are included in our Lake Como day trip from Milan.
Where does the guided day trip start?
It meets at Milano Centrale station at 1:00 PM and lasts about 4 hours, with a licensed local guide in a small group.