How to get from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como?
Arriving at Malpensa Airport and eager to head straight to the scenic landscapes of Lake Como? In this article, we’ll cover all the ways to reach the most popular towns on Lake Como, from budget-friendly options to comfortable transfers. We’ll also help you choose the perfect spot for your getaway!
Transfer options from Malpensa to Lake Como
Taxi or private transfer from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como
The most convenient way to get to Como is to book a taxi directly from Malpensa Airport. This way, you can travel hassle-free at any time of day.
• Door-to-door service – you will be greeted with a sign in the arrivals hall
• Fixed price (€90–150 depending on the destination)
• Fast (1–2 hours depending on the city)
• Available 24/7 – even late-night flights are no problem
• Wi-Fi and water provided in the vehicle
Approximate prices:
| Route | Distance | Travel Time | Price |
| Malpensa → Como | 60 km | 1 hour | € 90+ |
| Malpensa → Bellagio | 90 km | 1h 45 min | € 180+ |
| Malpensa → Varenna | 85 km | 1h 40 min | € 180+ |
How to get from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como by train
The most budget-friendly option is Train + Ferry.
1. Bus Malpensa → Milano Centrale (50 min, €10)
From Malpensa Airport, take the bus to Milano Centrale (Central Station). From there, transfer to a train to Como.
2. Train Milano Centrale → Como S. Giovanni (40 min, €5–10)
From Como, you can take a ferry or bus to the desired town on Lake Como.
3. Ferry Como → other towns (from €10, travel time depends on the route)
✅ Pros: cheaper (€25–40 one way)
⛔ Cons: long (2.5–3.5 hours), transfers, inconvenient with luggage
How to get from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como S. Giovanni by bus?
By bus, you can travel from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale and then transfer to a train to the final station in Como.
By rented car
At Malpensa Airport, you can rent a car.
The advantage of this mode of transportation is complete freedom of movement. However, parking in Como can be challenging. The roads are narrow, and parking is limited during peak season! A spot in a paid parking lot costs around €4 per hour, and even that isn’t always easy to find.
Conclusion: If you want comfort and speed, choose a taxi. If you’re on a budget, opt for the train + ferry.
How to get from Como by ferry to the desired town on the lake
Lake Como is one of the most picturesque places in Italy, and its charming towns are easily accessible from the city of Como. Here are the main ways to reach popular destinations: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Lenno, Cernobbio, and Villa Balbianello.
You can reach your desired destination on Lake Como by ferry or bus.
By ferry or boat
The most scenic and convenient option is water transport.
If you’ve already arrived in Como on your own and now need to get to your destination on the lake, you can take a ferry. Ferries on Lake Como are the best way to explore the picturesque towns without traffic or parking hassles. Departures are from the Como San Giovanni port (near the train station).
Tips for Choosing a Ferry
Early departures (before 10:00 AM) are less crowded. If you want to fully enjoy your trip on Lake Como, opt for early routes.
The upper deck offers the best views but no shade. Choose the upper deck for your journey to enjoy an unobstructed view of the sights around Lake Como.
Avoid Sundays—long queues. On weekends and holidays, ferries have long lines, so it’s best to book tickets in advance.
Ferries do not operate in bad weather (check the website). Navigation on Lake Como runs from April to the end of October. At the beginning and end of the season, windy conditions and high waves are common, leading to the suspension of lake navigation.
Main ferry routes and schedules on Lake Como
Fast ferries (Hydrofoil, “aliscafo”)
These ferries are twice as fast as regular ones.
| Route | Travel Time | Frequency | Price |
| Como → Bellagio | 50 minutes | 6–8 times a day | € 15.50 |
| Como → Varenna | 1h 10 min | 4–5 times a day | € 18.20 |
| Como → Menaggio | 1 hour | 5–7 times a day | € 16.80 |
Regular ferries (Battello)
Slower but cheaper and with panoramic views.
| Route | Travel Time | Frequency | Price |
| Como → Bellagio | 2 hours | 3–4 times a day | € 10.90 |
| Como → Tremezzo | 1h 40 min | 4–5 times a day | € 9.50 |
By Bus
Some towns can be reached by bus, but the routes are less convenient than the ferry. The bus station in Como is located near the Funicular, not far from the Como Lago train station.
From Como, buses run to Bellagio and Menaggio. Along the way, you can get off at your desired stop.
• Como – Menaggio (Bus C10): ~1 hour
• Como – Bellagio (with a transfer): ~1.5 hours
Popular Places on Lake Como
Menaggio – A Charming Italian Town on Lake Como
If you’re looking for a peaceful yet very atmospheric place on Lake Como, Menaggio is the place for be!
This lovely town is located on the western shore, directly opposite Bellagio and Varenna, and is famous for its charming lakeside promenade with cafes and stunning lake views. It also boasts a medieval center with narrow streets and colorful houses straight out of a postcard.
From here, it’s easy to reach other towns around Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, and Como.
What to do in Menaggio?
Try the local cuisine—restaurants by the shore serve fresh fish and truffle pasta. Take a stroll along the promenade—the perfect spot for photos with views of the lake and the Alps. Go on a lake tour—ferries depart from here to Bellagio, Varenna, and Como. Buy souvenirs—small shops sell olive oil, wine, and ceramics.
Getting to Menaggio:
You can reach Menaggio by ferry, bus, or car (taxi).
Travel times:
• By ferry from Como (~1 hour) or Bellagio (~15 minutes).
• By bus C10 from Como (~1 hour).
• By car—take the scenic SP583 road (~40 minutes from Como).
Bellagio — The Pearl of Lake Como
If you dream of a place where Italian charm, Alpine landscapes, and azure waters come together seamlessly, Bellagio is the perfect destination for you. This cozy town is called the “pearl of Lake Como,” and here’s why…
Why is Bellagio a must-visit?
Perfect location — situated on a promontory, it offers panoramic views of all three branches of the lake. The historic villas, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant flowers at every turn create a magical atmosphere. Stendhal, Liszt, and even George Clooney have spent time here.
What to see in Bellagio
Villa Melzi, with its luxurious garden, exotic plants, sculptures, and breathtaking views of the lake. Stroll along the Promenade and waterfront, where dozens of cozy cafes offer the perfect spot to admire the sunset. From Bellagio, it’s easy to take a ferry or boat to Varenna or Menaggio.
How to get to Bellagio from Como:
• Ferry (~1-1.5 hours) — the most scenic option!
• Boat (~30-40 min) — faster but more expensive.
Varenna is a charming fishing village on Lake Como
If you want to experience the true spirit of Italy without the crowds of tourists, Varenna is the place for you! Unlike the glamorous Bellagio, this cozy town has retained its authentic atmosphere: colorful houses, vineyards on the slopes, and welcoming trattorias serving homemade cuisine.
Why you should visit Varenna:
Authentic vibe — there are no pretentious hotels here, just genuine Italian dolce vita. The town is built on terraces, so every street offers a new perspective of the lake. It’s the perfect place for romantics and those tired of the hustle and bustle.
What to see in Varenna
Villa Monastero is the main attraction in Varenna. Here, you’ll find luxurious gardens with palm trees, fountains, and a mesmerizing view of the lake. The Baroque-style chapel preserves unique frescoes. The stone bridge, Ponte di Varenna, is a symbol of the town. In short, visit Varenna! Its narrow stairway streets — getting lost here is a delight!
How to get to Varenna from Como:
From Como:
• Ferry (~1 hour)—enjoy the views!
• Speedboat (~40 minutes)—faster but more expensive.
By train:
• Trenord line (Como–Varenna), then a 10-minute walk downhill to the lake.
By car:
• Via the SS36 highway (~1 hour), but parking in the center is paid.
