Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

BLOG

Back to Blog

milan to lake como day trip train boat tour

Scenic lake view with mountains, village, and cloudy sky

Milan to Lake Como: The Perfect Day Trip by Train

If you’re staying in Milan and looking for the perfect escape, a Lake Como day trip from Milan is one of the best experiences you can have in Italy.

In just about one hour by train, you can leave the busy city behind and arrive directly in the heart of Como — ready to explore elegant streets, enjoy lake views, and experience an unforgettable boat tour.

🚆 How to Get from Milan to Lake Como by Train

The easiest and most comfortable way to reach Como from Milan is by train.

You have two main options:

  • Milano Cadorna → Como Lago (direct, about 1 hour)

  • Milano Centrale → Como San Giovanni (about 40 minutes)

If you arrive at Como Lago station, you’ll be just a few steps from the waterfront and the historic center.

No car needed. No traffic. No parking stress.

🏙 Explore Como’s Historic Center & Shopping Streets

Before heading out on the lake, take time to explore Como’s charming city center.

Walk through:

  • Elegant boutiques and Italian fashion stores

  • Local artisan shops

  • Cafés with lake views

  • The beautiful cathedral square

The area around Piazza Cavour and the lake promenade is perfect for a relaxed morning stroll before your lake experience begins.

 Link to your blog post about Things to Do in Como

Aerial view of a coastal city with a marina, surrounded by hills.

Exploring Como’s historic center and shopping streets

🚤 Experience the Lake: 1-Hour Shared Tour or 3-Hour Bellagio Tour

After exploring the city, it’s time for the highlight of your day: a Lake Como boat tour.

Option 1: 1-Hour Shared Boat Tour (Perfect for a Short Visit)

If you’re on a tight schedule, a 1-hour shared boat tour from Como is the ideal choice.

You’ll cruise past:

  • Elegant historic villas

  • Cernobbio

  • Luxury waterfront properties

  • Iconic filming locations

It’s affordable, social, and gives you a true lake experience in a short time.

 Link to your Lake Como Shared Boat Tour – 1 Hour

Five people on a boat holding champagne glasses, with water and buildings in the background.

1-hour shared boat tour from Como

Option 2: 3-Hour Boat Tour to Bellagio (The Full Experience)

If you want a more complete adventure, choose a 3-hour boat tour to Bellagio.

You’ll navigate deeper into the lake, discovering:

  • Stunning landscapes

  • Iconic villas like Balbianello

  • The famous village of Bellagio

  • Romantic lakefront views

This option allows more time for photos, relaxation and truly immersing yourself in Lake Como’s beauty.

Link to your Private or Extended Boat Tour to Bellagio

Elegant lakeside villa with tall cypress trees and surrounding cliffs.

3-hour boat tour to Bellagio

⛰ Ride the Brunate Funicular for a Panoramic View

After your boat tour, complete your day with a ride on the Brunate Funicular.

Located just a few minutes from the lake, the funicular takes you up the hill in about 7 minutes.

At the top, you’ll enjoy:

  • Spectacular panoramic views over Lake Como

  • Views stretching toward the Alps

  • Peaceful walking paths

  • A romantic sunset spot

It’s the perfect way to end your day before heading back to Milan.

Link to your

Brunate funicular railway connecting Como and Brunate

The funicular to Brunate offers some of the best panoramic views over Como and Lake Como.

Why This Is the Best Day Trip from Milan

In one single day, you can experience:

✔ Italian train journey
✔ Historic lakeside city
✔ Boutique shopping
✔ Boat tour on Lake Como
✔ Visit to Bellagio (optional)
✔ Panoramic mountain views

All without renting a car.

Lake Como is elegant, scenic and surprisingly easy to reach — making it one of the most popular and rewarding day trips from Milan.

Previous Post Next Post