Taking the Train to Lake Como
Taking the train from Milan is by far the easiest and most stress-free way to reach Lake Como, if you don’t have a car. Depending on which side of the lake you are visiting, there are two main train routes to know about. Plus a few insider tricks to help you dodge peak-season crowds and navigate the station like a local.
The Eastern Shore: Lecco, Varenna & Beyond
If you are heading to Lecco, Varenna, Bellano, or any of the towns along the eastern side of the lake, you will take the direct regional train from Milano Centrale.
The Route: Look for trains bound for Tirano. This line runs directly along the eastern shore of Lake Como.
Travel Time to Lecco: Takes just under 40 minutes from Milano Centrale.
Continuing Up the Lake: Staying on the same Tirano-bound train will take you directly to Varenna-Esino, Bellano, and points further north. Colico is the last town on Lake Como served by this route before the train continues onward to its final station in Tirano.
Milano Porta Garibaldi to Lecco (Alternative Route)
If you are staying near Isola, Brera, or the western side of Milan, you can also catch a direct train to Lecco from Milano Porta Garibaldi.
Travel Time: Around 1 hour (slightly longer than the express route from Centrale).
Why Choose It: If you are already closer to Porta Garibaldi, taking this train saves you from travelling across town to Centrale. It is also generally less crowded and easier to navigate than Milano Centrale during peak hours.
Como Town: Choosing the Right Station
When traveling from Milan to Como town on the southwestern tip of the lake, you have two distinct train options depending on where you start and how busy the season is.
Milano Cadorna to Como Lago (Best for Peak Season)
Arrives: Directly in the heart of Como town, right next to the lakefront and ferry terminal.
Why Choose It: During peak summer, Milano Centrale and the fast trains can get chaotic. Heading to Milano Cadorna station and taking the train to Como Lago is a much more relaxed option that drops you right where you want to be.
Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni (Fastest Option)
Arrives: Como San Giovanni station, located on the edge of town (about a 10–15 minute walk downhill to the lake center).
Why Choose It: It is slightly faster than the Cadorna line, making it great for off-peak travel. However, both the train and San Giovanni station can get very crowded during peak season.
Local Insider Warning: Watch Out for Train Strikes
Rail strikes (sciopero) happen fairly regularly across regional transit in Italy, particularly with Trenord. Strikes are always announced in advance, so it is crucial to check the Trenord app or official website a few days before you travel.
How to Handle Italian Train Strikes
These strikes can last anywhere from a few hours to a full 24-hour period.
Have the Trenord app downloaded on your phone before coming, you will be able to see the scheduled strikes on the homepage.
Travel During “Guaranteed Hours”: Italian law requires rail operators to maintain minimum commuter services. Even on full strike days, guaranteed trains run between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will be a link to check the guaranteed trains where you can plan around the strike schedule. However, still be mindful that there will be delays and even some cancellations.
If you are taking a train to the airport during a strike there will usually be replacement buses, but spaces fill up fast.