How far is Milan and Lake Como?

The southern shore of Lake Como is just 32 miles (51 km) from Milan. This iconic Italian lake draws visitors from around the world, and with good reason.



Milan and Lake Como are very close, making it one of the most popular 2026 day trips in Italy. The distance is approximately 31 miles (50 km) to the southern tip of the lake (Como town). By car, the drive typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic on the A8/A9 motorways. However, the most "supportive" way to travel in 2026 is by train. Direct regional trains from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni take only about 40 minutes, while the "Trenord" trains from Milano Cadorna take about an hour but drop you off at Como Lago, right next to the water. If you are heading to the "mid-lake" area (Bellagio or Varenna), it is roughly 45 miles (75 km) from Milan. For Varenna, you can take a direct 1-hour train from Centrale, while Bellagio is best reached by taking the train to Como and then hopping on a 2026 high-speed hydrofoil (catamaran) for a stunning 45-minute ride up the lake.

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It does not have to be expensive, but can be if you want it to be expensive. Typically I pay abot €11 for lunch in a bar and about €15 for dinner in a trattoria for dinner in the evening (both including wine). Restaurants will be more expensive.

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If you love exploring small towns and villages and are willing to spend a bit more for that high-end, luxury experience, Lake Como is the best destination for you. However, if you're looking to enjoy a magical holiday with your children and grandchildren, Lake Garda is the right choice for your family.

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If Lake Como is for relaxation plus some adventure, then the Amalfi Coast area is the opposite — plenty of adventure with the options of enjoying a beach day, should you chose.

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Milan is known as the most expensive city in Italy, and that's certainly true for its rental prices! According to the HousingAnywhere Rent Index, Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Europe when it comes to rental prices.

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For Como city and Lake Como west-side destinations, the nearest airport is Milan Malpensa. From Malpensa Airport you can get the Malpensa Express train to Saronno and then take a train from Saronno to Como Nord Lago. Journey time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

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Lake Como is a little more elegant and expensive While accommodation and meals at either lake is pricey, particularly in the high season, Lake Como also tends to be a little bit more expensive, too.

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There are a lot of different ways to get around Lake Como without a car: private or public transportation will take you wherever you want to go. But given the high influx of tourists, it is very important to plan your trips carefully.

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Perfect Pairings: Lake Como & Portofino. Dive into the abundant beauty of Lake Como and Portofino on this breathtaking tour of Italy. Combining the tranquillity of Lake Como with the glitz and glamour of Portofino, this idyllic break takes you to new levels of R&R.

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You can get a glass of wine anywhere from 3-10 euro a glass, depending on the vintage. But the local or house wines are perfectly lovely and you can get them between 2,50 to 4,50 euro per glass throughout Italy.

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The area around Lake Como has a rich historical heritage. It was a popular retreat for Roman aristocrats and later served as a place of inspiration for writers, poets, and philosophers. The region's history and culture have left their mark on the architecture, art, and traditions of the area.

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