Traveling from Milan to Lake Como is one of the most affordable day trips in Italy, with the train being the most efficient method. As of 2026, a standard regional train ticket from Milan Central or Milan Cadorna to Como San Giovanni or Como Lago typically costs between €5.20 and €10.00 each way. For a faster experience, the EuroCity (EC) trains can cost around €16.00, though they only save about 15 minutes of travel time. If your destination is the central lake area, such as Varenna, the regional train from Milan Central costs approximately €7.40. Beyond the train, you must budget for the local ferries that connect the lake towns; a single boat ride between Como and Bellagio can cost between €10.00 and €15.00, while an all-day ferry pass for the central lake is roughly €25.00. Therefore, a full round-trip adventure from Milan, including lake transport, can be comfortably managed for a total budget of €35.00 to €50.00 per person, depending on how many towns you choose to visit.