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.