You know Lake Como by name and reputation…but what do you really know about one of the most famous lakes in all of Europe?
Ocean’s Twelve, Casino Royale, and even Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones were filmed there.
Everyone from George Clooney and Sylvester Stallone to Madonna and Gianni Versace have owned homes there.
But what do you really know about one of the most famous lakes in all of Europe, a world-renowned vacation destination less than an hour from Milan by train?
Image Credit: Getty Images, Michal Ludwiczak. Image Location: Bellagio, Italy
Where is Lake Como?
Lake Como is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It’s flanked by the foothills of the Alps and dozens of charming towns line its three slender branches.
Distance from Milan to Lake Como by train
The distance between Lake Como and Milan is approximately 24 miles by train. The journey typically takes from 30 to 60 minutes. Multiple trains run between the Como San Giovanni station and Milano Centrale station each day.
Cost of the train from Milan to Lake Como
Train tickets between Milan and Lake Como can vary in price depending on the time you choose and how far in advance you purchase. Don’t be surprised to see tickets as low as $5 or even under $10 for first-class seats—that’s just how affordable train travel truly is in Italy.
How to get around Lake Como
Trains serve many towns on eastern Lake Como, while buses and ferries will cover the gaps going to and from many towns on the western branch.
Related: the best hotels in Lake Como
Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola. Image Location: Varenna, Italy
What to do in Lake Como
From hiking and skiing alpine trails to relaxing at a spa and finding your way to the bottom of endless wine glasses, there’s so much to do in Lake Como. Whether you love art, history, outdoor adventure or pure bliss, you’ll have plenty of options set against Lake Como’s dramatic backdrops.
Summer nights in Lake Como
Italy’s third-largest lake is an absolute delight in the warmer months. Golfers can spend every waking moment admiring the views while playing through nine challenging golf courses. Kids can wrinkle up like prunes after spending the day splashing along the beachfront. The whole family can come together for riverfront alfresco dining with vibrant blooming flowers that create a picture-perfect experience that you’ll cherish forever.
Cozy Lake Como: what to do in winter
The winter breeze sends the holiday spirit straight to Lake Como, with many towns hosting fairs, markets, and events sure to fill your visit with cheer. The Alps are full of season’s greetings, as well, offering fresh powder for skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. If warmth is what you want, you can après-ski, soak up relaxation at a spa hotel, or spend your days hopping between fascinating museums and churches.
Image Credit: Getty Images, John Harper. Image Location: Bellagio, Italy
Avoid being "fashionably late" for your train
Trust us, you don’t want to waste a moment of your vacation in Lake Como.
But you easily could: all it takes is a little miscommunication, mistiming, and an honest mistake.
There are plenty of variables that could derail your vacation, including train delays or missing your scheduled train. While you can’t predict the future, you can prepare for—and overcome—unexpected occurrences with help from Trainline.
You’re the conductor of your trip; we’re just here to keep it on track. Rely on our easy-to-use app to purchase and store your tickets, see live updates on incoming and outgoing trains, and speak to our friendly customer service team, should you need it.
Extending your journey to see Italy’s other stunning landscapes like Rome, Florence, and Venice? They’re closer than you think by train from Milan.
Download the Trainline app today to keep your Italian escapades running on track and on time.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Janoka82. Image Location: Varenna, Italy