Lake Como airport transfers by train, bus and car
Choose your airport route around your actual lakeside town. Como town has different rail connections from Varenna, while Bellagio and western shore villages usually need another bus, ferry or car journey. Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo all serve lake visitors. The times below are approximate travel times to the named town, with additional time needed for waiting and onward connections.
The airports
- Milan Malpensa (MXP)
- roughly 50 km by road to Como town, about 45 to 75 minutes by car
- Milan Linate (LIN)
- roughly 65 km by road to Como town, about 60 to 90 minutes by car
- Milan Bergamo (BGY)
- roughly 90 km by road to Como town, about 75 to 120 minutes by car
Every way from the airport to Lake Como
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainMalpensa Express via Saronno | MXP | allow about 75 to 100 minutes to Como Lago | Como town and stays near its waterfront |
| TrainMalpensa Express via Milano Centrale | MXP | allow about 2 to 3 hours to Varenna | Varenna and onward ferries to Bellagio |
| CarPrebooked transfer to your accommodation | MXP | about 45 to 75 minutes to Como town | Late arrivals and accommodation beyond Como |
| Metro and trainM4, M2 and the train from Cadorna | LIN | allow about 90 to 120 minutes to Como Lago | Como town using public transport |
| CarTaxi or prebooked transfer | LIN | about 60 to 90 minutes to Como town | Groups with luggage and direct hotel access |
| Bus and trainAirport coach to Milano Centrale, then train | BGY | allow about 2 to 3 hours to Como or Varenna | Rail connections to either side of the lake |
| CarPrebooked transfer to the lake | BGY | about 75 to 120 minutes to Como town | Late flights and avoiding a Milan connection |
How each one works
Train: Malpensa Express via Saronno
Follow signs to the airport railway station and take a Malpensa Express service that stops at Saronno. Change there for Como Lago. Buy the required tickets through the operator or station machines, and check validation instructions.
Train: Malpensa Express via Milano Centrale
Take a Malpensa Express service to Milano Centrale, then change for a regional train stopping at Varenna-Esino. Buy tickets for both parts of the journey and check the departure board before boarding. Continue on foot toward Varenna's waterfront.
Car: Prebooked transfer to your accommodation
Book a transfer using your accommodation's full address and flight details. Confirm the meeting point, luggage allowance and quoted fare before paying. A direct car avoids carrying bags between stations and ferries, particularly for western shore accommodation.
Metro and train: M4, M2 and the train from Cadorna
Take metro M4 from Linate to Sant'Ambrogio, then M2 to Cadorna. Change to a train for Como Lago. Buy the appropriate metro and railway tickets separately, checking current ticket instructions and the train's destination before boarding.
Car: Taxi or prebooked transfer
Use the official taxi rank or meet a transfer booked before arrival. Give the driver your precise lakeside destination, since Como town and Bellagio require different journeys. Confirm the fare arrangement before setting off.
Bus and train: Airport coach to Milano Centrale, then train
Take an airport coach to Milano Centrale and buy a separate railway ticket for Como San Giovanni or Varenna-Esino. Choose the station that suits your accommodation. Buy coach tickets from the operator and leave a generous connection margin.
Car: Prebooked transfer to the lake
Arrange collection with a licensed transfer provider and confirm your flight number, meeting instructions and destination. Ask for a quote to your exact accommodation. Roads to villages beyond Como can add substantial time to the journey.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the complete journey before booking a late flight, including the final bus or ferry to your accommodation. A train reaching Como does not guarantee an onward connection. If services finish too early, arrange a direct transfer or sleep near the airport or station.
Before you land
- Use your accommodation's town when searching routes. Como Lago, Como San Giovanni and Varenna-Esino serve different journeys.
- For Bellagio, compare arrival through Varenna with arrival through Como. The easiest choice depends on your landing time and ferry timetable.
- Check current direct airport bus services before booking. Confirm the exact airport stop, Como stop and operating day on the operator's site.
- Leave a generous buffer on departure day. A ferry delay can affect every later connection to the airport.
Lake Como airport transfers by train, bus and car
Which airport is best for Lake Como?
Malpensa is practical for Como town through Saronno. For other villages, compare the full journey and flight arrival time rather than choosing by airport distance alone.
Is there a direct airport train to Bellagio?
Bellagio has no railway station. Travel to a suitable lakeside rail town, then continue by ferry, bus or a booked car transfer.
Can I take a direct bus from Malpensa to Como?
Check the current direct bus service on the operator's official site. Confirm its operating days and airport terminal before relying on it for your arrival.
Should I book an airport transfer for an early flight?
A booked car is useful when your flight leaves before public transport can get you there. Confirm collection time with the provider using your exact lakeside address.