Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como is by train via Milan. Take the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale (50 min, €13), then a Trenord regional train to your Lake Como town (e.g., Como S. Giovanni, 30-50 min, €3-€5). Total journey takes ~1 hour 40 minutes to 2+ hours and costs €16-€20. For the cheapest option, choose a direct bus to Como city (€6-€12, 1h 15m).
By Train from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como
The train is the most balanced option, offering a good mix of speed, cost, and reliability. The journey requires one transfer in Milan. There are two main rail routes from Malpensa, leading to different Milan stations and onward connections.
| Route Option | First Leg (Airport to Milan) | Key Milan Station | Best For Lake Como Destinations | Approx. Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option A (Most Common) | Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale | Milano Centrale (Main Station) | Como S. Giovanni, Varenna-Esino, Lecco | 1h 40m - 2h 15m |
| Option B (Scenic & Efficient) | Malpensa Express to Milano Cadorna | Milano Cadorna (North-West) | Como S. Giovanni, Como Lago | 1h 40m - 2h |
Step-by-Step Guide (via Milano Centrale):
- Buy Tickets: Purchase your Malpensa Express ticket (€13) and your Trenord regional ticket to Lake Como (e.g., €4.70 to Como) online, via app, or at station machines.
- Board at MXP: Follow signs to the “Malpensa Express” in Terminal 1. Trains to Milano Centrale depart every 30 minutes.
- Arrive & Transfer: After ~50 minutes, arrive at Milano Centrale. Follow signs for “Trenord” regional trains. Your platform for Como/Varenna trains will be in the main hall.
- Final Leg: Board the regional train (e.g., line S11 or direct services). Validate your Trenord ticket in the green/yellow machines on the platform before boarding.
Deep Dive: Choosing Your Lake Como Train Station
- Como San Giovanni: The primary station serving Como city. Perfect if you're staying in Como or catching a ferry to other lake towns. Connected from both Milano Centrale and Cadorna.
- Varenna-Esino: A picturesque station right on the lake in Varenna. Excellent direct connection from Milano Centrale, ideal for visiting Bellagio (via short ferry) or the mid-lake area.
- Lecco: At the lake's eastern branch. Good for exploring that less-touristed area or traveling onward towards the Alps.
By Bus from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como
For budget travelers or those with accommodation in Como city, the direct bus is an excellent, no-fuss choice. It eliminates the stress of transferring in Milan.
Key Operators & Routes:
- FlixBus: Offers reliable, affordable services. Departs from Malpensa Terminal 1, arrives at Como Grandate or Como S. Giovanni station area. Frequency: 5-8 times daily. Journey: ~1h 15m. Price: €6-€15.
- TerraVision IT: Often partnered with airlines. Departs from both terminals, arrives at Como S. Giovanni. Slightly fewer daily departures. Price: €10-€12.
Pros & Cons:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Direct (no transfers) | Slower than the train in ideal conditions |
| Cheapest option (often under €10) | Traffic dependent – delays possible during rush hour |
| Drops you in Como city center | Limited service to other Lake Como towns (need local bus/ferry) |
| Comfortable coaches with WiFi & luggage space | Less frequent late-night services |
Insider Tip: While the bus is direct to Como, remember that many popular lake destinations (Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio) are not in Como city. You will need to take a ferry or local bus from Como, adding significant travel time. Factor this into your total journey if your final hotel is on the mid-lake.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
This is a premium, door-to-door service for convenience, groups, or special circumstances. It is not recommended for solo travelers or those on a standard budget due to its high cost.
Cost Analysis & Providers:
- Official Airport Taxi: Fixed fare from Malpensa to Como city is approximately €120-€150. To towns like Bellagio or Varenna, expect €160-€200+. The fare is for the car, not per person. Always use the official taxi rank outside arrivals.
- Pre-Booked Private Transfer: Companies like SunTransfers or Welcome Pickups offer pre-paid, meet-and-greet services. Prices are similar to taxis (€130-€180) but offer certainty, English-speaking drivers, and child seats if requested.
When is a Taxi/Transfer the Right Choice?
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Arrivals: When public transport is not operating.
- Group of 3-4 People: Splitting the cost can make it comparable to train tickets per person.
- Heavy Luggage or Mobility Issues: Eliminates dragging suitcases through Milan station.
- Ultimate Convenience: You want a seamless, direct journey to your hotel's doorstep without any thought.
Warning: Avoid unlicensed drivers soliciting inside the terminal. They often overcharge significantly.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all options at a glance.
| Mode of Transport | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Transfers | Best For | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Milan) | 1h 40m - 2h 30m | €16 - €25 | 1 (in Milan) | Balanced travel, most destinations, scenic route | Book Malpensa Express online; buy Trenord ticket separately. |
| Bus (Direct to Como) | 1h 15m - 1h 45m | €6 - €15 | 0 | Budget travelers, staying in Como city | Book online in advance for best prices (FlixBus, TerraVision). |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1h - 1h 30m | €120 - €200+ | 0 | Groups, late arrivals, luxury/convenience | Pre-book a transfer for fixed price; or use official taxi rank. |
Key Takeaway: For best value and flexibility, choose the train. For the absolute lowest cost to Como, choose the bus. Reserve your convenience budget for a private transfer only if your circumstances specifically require it.
Traveler Tips & Experience
Beyond schedules and tickets, here’s practical wisdom from frequent travelers to Lake Como.
Luggage Strategy
- Pack Light for Trains: Regional trains have overhead racks and some space by the doors, but not dedicated luggage areas. Large suitcases can be cumbersome during the Milan transfer and on crowded trains.
- Consider Luggage Shipping: If traveling extensively in Italy before/after, services like Bagbnb can ship your luggage directly to your Lake Como hotel, allowing you to travel with just a daypack.
The Milan Station Transfer
- Milano Centrale is Vast: Allow a minimum of 15-20 minutes for your transfer. From the Malpensa Express platforms, you'll need to walk to the main concourse, find the Trenord departure board, and locate your platform.
- Validate Regional Tickets: Remember to stamp your Trenord paper ticket in the green/yellow machines before boarding. Failure to do so can result in a fine. E-tickets on your phone do not need validation.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer & Weekends (June-Sept): Trains and buses to Lake Como can be very crowded. Board early to secure a seat. Book bus tickets well in advance as they sell out.
- Off-Season (Nov-Feb): Some ferry connections on the lake are reduced. Check Navigazione Laghi timetables if you plan to continue by boat from Como or Varenna.
Final Destination Planning
Your choice of transport should be heavily influenced by your final accommodation:
- Hotel in Como City? Bus or train to Como S. Giovanni are equally good.
- Hotel in Bellagio? Train to Varenna + ferry is often faster and more scenic than train to Como + ferry.
- Hotel in a small village? Research local bus connections from Como or ferry schedules. A taxi from your arrival station may be the final necessary step.
FAQs: Malpensa Airport to Lake Como
Is there a direct train from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como?
No, there is no single direct train from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to towns on Lake Como. The most efficient route involves a two-leg journey: First, take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna station (approx. 50 mins). Then, transfer to a Trenord regional train heading north to Lake Como towns like Como S. Giovanni or Varenna-Esino.
What is the cheapest way to get from Malpensa to Lake Como?
The cheapest option is usually the bus. Companies like FlixBus or TerraVision IT offer direct coach services from Malpensa Airport to Como city for as low as €6-€12 one-way. While slower than the train (about 1h 15m - 1h 30m), it requires no transfers and is significantly more budget-friendly than taxis or private cars.
How long does the train journey from Malpensa to Lake Como take?
The total train journey time ranges from 1 hour 40 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on your final destination and connection times. This includes: 1) Malpensa Express to Milan (50 min), 2) Transfer/wait time in Milan (15-30 min), 3) Regional train to your Lake Como town (30-50 min). Planning your connection in advance can minimize total travel time.
Is a taxi or private transfer a good idea?
A taxi or private transfer is the most convenient but also the most expensive option (€120-€180+), suitable for groups of 3-4, those with heavy luggage, or arrivals after public transport has stopped. It offers a direct, door-to-door service. For solo travelers or budget-conscious visitors, the train or bus is almost always a better value.
Can I use the Malpensa Express ticket for the entire journey to Como?
No. The Malpensa Express ticket is only valid for the airport-to-Milan segment. You must purchase a separate ticket for the Trenord regional train from Milan to your Lake Como destination. You can buy both tickets online in advance or at the respective station ticket machines to save time.
Which Lake Como town is easiest to reach by train?
Como San Giovanni is the most straightforward and frequent destination. Direct regional trains run from both Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna to Como S. Giovanni. For the scenic mid-lake area, Varenna-Esino is also well-connected by train from Milano Centrale, offering breathtaking views and easy ferry connections to Bellagio and Menaggio.
What should I do if my flight arrives late at night?
If you arrive after ~10:30 PM, your public transport options become very limited. The last Malpensa Express train departs around 11:20 PM. Your safest options are: 1) Pre-book a private transfer (guaranteed), 2) Take an official taxi from the airport rank (expensive), or 3) Consider staying at an airport hotel and traveling the next morning.
Is it better to fly into Malpensa or Linate for Lake Como?
For reaching Lake Como, Malpensa (MXP) is generally better connected than Linate (LIN). Malpensa has direct train and bus links to Milan's main rail hubs. Linate requires a bus or taxi into central Milan first, adding time and complexity. Most international long-haul flights land at Malpensa, making it the primary gateway for overseas visitors heading to the lakes.