Milan Centrale to Lake Como

Posted by ABham (NY) on 09/19/16 02:52 AM

I am heading to Italy the first week of November. On our last day we want to head to Lake Como. We get to Milane Centrale at 8:55 am and want to go directly to Lake Como. What's the fastest and least expensive way to do this? We want to back in Milan by 6:30/7. Any tips or advice is appreciated.

Posted by Priscilla

California 🦋

09/19/16 04:07 AM

5226 posts

Where on Lake Como? Varenna is a popular village & you can visit other lakeside villages such as Bellagio & Menaggio via ferry from there.

The fastest & least expensive way is to go by train.
You can take the Regionale train from Milano Centrale to Varenna- Esino & the train ride takes about one hour. The cost is €6,70 pp each way.Make sure you buy your return tickets at the same time in Milano Centrale or online as there is no ticket counter at the tiny station in Varenna.

You may check train schedules here:http://www.trenitalia.com

Enjoy!

EDIT: I don't know if the weather will be cooperating in November. If it's a rainy day, you won't enjoy the views as much as if it were a nice sunny day. Keep in mind that many establishments start closing down for the winter at the beginning of November.
You may consider going to Varenna, at the beginning of your trip, instead of waiting till the end of your trip... Just a thought.

Posted by Joe

Boston, MA, USA

09/21/16 02:28 PM

262 posts

I agree with Priscilla 100%, we just got back from Varenna last week and the train from Milan is by far the easiest way to go. If I recall correctly there are only 3 stops between Milan and Varenna so the trip is quick and once you pull out of Lecco you can see the Lake all the way to Varenna. Sit on the left side of the train of the best views

Posted by Barbara

Idyllwild, CA, USA

10/09/16 11:17 PM

32 posts

I agree with taking the train from Milan to Varenna. But, by all means, DON'T MISS Bellagio!! It's only 15 min. by ferry from Varenna, and is extremely beautiful and romantic! Varenna doesn't offer nearly as much. Then take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna, and the train back to Milan. You might find that you prefer the lake villages to the big city. I know I did!