Best option from Milan to Como: Bus — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 0h 35min – 1h 5min, from €4. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): Trenitalia, FlixBus, Marino; main departure point: Milan Porta Garibaldi.
There are 2 ways to get from Milan to Como
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on October 27, 2026 for a departure on November 17, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenitalia | Train | Milan Porta Garibaldi | €5 | 9 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Lampugnano Bus Terminal | €4 | 7 |
| Itabus | Bus | Milan | €5 | 1 |
| Marino | Bus | Milan Via Giuseppe Impastato | €6 | 4 |
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Practical tips
This is a short regional hop, so you don't need a pricey high-speed ticket. Choose a regional train or the coach, and book online ahead on busy weekends to secure your seat at the lowest fare.
Milan has several stations and bus stops. Confirm the exact departure point printed on your ticket before leaving your hotel, so you don't end up on the wrong side of the city.
Como has more than one station. Check which one your train uses and how close it is to the lakefront and your hotel, since the walk differs from one station to another.
If you buy a paper regional train ticket, validate it at the machine on the platform before boarding. Unvalidated tickets can lead to a fine, even if you paid for the journey.
Lake Como is popular for day trips, so evening services fill up on sunny weekends. Decide your return time in advance, and keep a coach or train alternative in mind in case of delays.
The journey experience
Milan to Como is one of the easiest day trips in northern Italy, and you don't need to overthink it. Both the train and the coach get you to the lake without a car, so the real question is which one suits your plans, your budget and the spot where you want to arrive. Check the comparison table on this page to see durations and price ranges side by side.
The train is the classic choice. Regional services run from Milan to Como and arrive close to the lakefront, so you can be strolling by the water within minutes of stepping off. Trenitalia is the operator you will most often see on this line, and there is no need for a high-speed ticket for such a short hop. The coach is a solid alternative: it is simple, usually the cheapest option, and handy if its stop is closer to where you are staying in Milan. Seats are comfortable, with luggage space underneath.
Our advice: pick the departure point nearest to your hotel first, then compare the two modes. Milan has several stations and stops, so always check the exact name on your ticket before you leave. In high season and on weekends, book ahead online to lock in your seat and the lowest fare. You will get instant confirmation, and you can relax knowing there is a simple, well-served connection both ways.
Frequently asked questions — Milan → Como
The two are very close. The train takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour, while the coach takes about 35 minutes to 1 hour 05 depending on traffic. The train is less affected by road congestion, so it is the more predictable choice at rush hour.
Both options are inexpensive. The train starts from €5 and typically goes up to €6, while the coach starts from €4 and typically goes up to €5. The coach is slightly cheaper, but the difference is small, so convenience of the departure point can matter more.
For most travellers the train is the best all-round choice: it is reliable, avoids road traffic and arrives close to the lake. The coach is a good alternative if it leaves nearer your hotel or if you find a convenient time. Both are easy to book online.
Milan has several stations and bus stops, and the departure point depends on the service you choose. Always check the exact station or stop name on your booking confirmation before heading out, so you reach the right place with time to spare.
No. The train and the coach both connect Milan with Como, so you can easily visit without a car. Trips take about 35 minutes to 1 hour 05 depending on the mode, which makes a comfortable day trip with time to explore the lakefront.
Why visit Como?
- ✓ Ride the Como–Brunate funicular for sweeping views over the lake and the Alps
- ✓ Stroll the medieval centre and admire the marble façade of the Duomo di Como
- ✓ Take a ferry to Bellagio, Varenna or Tremezzo and explore the lakeside villages
- ✓ Visit Villa Olmo and its lakeside gardens, or the nearby Villa del Balbianello
- ✓ Discover the city's silk heritage at the Museo della Seta and shop for Como silk
When to visit Como?
HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds than in peak summer
What to do in Como?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Como?
Two to three days is ideal. In one day you can stroll the old town, see the Duomo, ride the funicular to Brunate and take a short boat trip. With two or three days, add a ferry to Bellagio, Varenna or Tremezzo, plus Villa Olmo or Villa del Balbianello. Buy a day ticket for the ferries and book lakeside villa visits in advance in high season.
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