How to get from Malpensa to Lake Como: train, bus or private transfer.
Malpensa airport is about 52 km from Como and there is no direct train to the lake. There are four real options: the Malpensa Express with a change at Saronno to Como Lago, the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale and then a train to Como or Varenna, a metered taxi and a door-to-door private transfer. The train only reaches Como or Varenna: for the lake villages you then need a bus or a boat. Updated October 2026.
Malpensa → Lake Como: the comparison
| Option | Price | Time | Where it takes you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malpensa Express + change at Saronno | check the fare on trenord.it | about 1 h 15 - 1 h 20, 1 change | Como Lago station, in the centre of Como |
| Malpensa Express + train from Milano Centrale | 15 € + about 5 € (Como) or from about 7.40 € (Varenna) | 40 min (Como) or about 65 min (Varenna) after the change in Milan | Como S. Giovanni or Varenna-Esino |
| Taxi rank | metered, no fixed fare to the lake | about 45 min to Como | Exact address, no booking |
| Private transfer | fixed price per vehicle | about 45 min to Como, longer to the lake villages | From the arrivals hall to the door of your hotel or villa |
By train via Saronno: one change to Como Lago
There is no direct train from Malpensa to Como: you take the Malpensa Express, get off at Saronno and change for Como Lago, the station in the centre a few steps from the lakefront. On average it takes about an hour and a quarter. For fares and frequency, check the operator's timetable.
By train via Milano Centrale: Como or Varenna
The Malpensa Express reaches Milano Centrale for 15 euro. From there an hourly train runs to Como S. Giovanni (40 minutes, about 5 euro) and another to Varenna-Esino (about 65 minutes, from about 7.40 euro), the right choice for the east shore. The trip is longer because you go through Milan.
See the Malpensa → Varenna transferBy taxi: no fixed fare to the lake
The regional fixed fares only cover routes such as Malpensa to Milan (114 euro), Malpensa to Linate or Malpensa to Varese. Como, Cernobbio, Bellagio and the other lake towns are not on the list: the ride is metered and you learn the price on arrival.
By private transfer: door to door
Your SG4 Luxury Services chauffeur waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign, the flight is tracked and 45 minutes of waiting are included. The fixed per-vehicle price, tolls included, is shown in the form and locked at booking. About 45 minutes to Como, with no changes and no suitcases to drag.
See the Malpensa → Como transferHow much is a taxi from Malpensa to Lake Como?
There is no fixed fare. The predetermined fares of the Lombardy Region apply to a few routes, such as Malpensa to Milan at 114 euro, and no Lake Como town is on the list: from Malpensa to the lake the taxi runs on the meter. Our private transfer has a fixed per-vehicle price, tolls included, shown in the form before you book, with a welcome in the arrivals hall and free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
The train only reaches Como or Varenna
Cernobbio, Tremezzo, Menaggio and Bellagio have no railway station. From Como you continue on the C10 bus towards Menaggio (about 1 hour 10) or the C30 towards Bellagio, or by boat; from Varenna you cross by ferry. With suitcases that means two or three vehicles, piers to climb on and off and timetables to match: check the operator's timetable, above all for evening arrivals.
Why a private transfer
A chauffeured car from Cernobbio, on Lake Como, that starts where you actually land: the arrivals hall of your terminal.
- Fixed per-vehicle price, tolls included, locked at booking
- Name sign in the arrivals hall, 45 minutes of waiting included
- Flight tracked: if it is late, the pickup time adjusts
- Mercedes E-Class for up to 3 passengers, V-Class for up to 7 with 7 suitcases
- Pay on board, cash or card, free cancellation up to 24 hours before
The lake starts in the arrivals hall
After the flight, the last thing you need is two trains and a boat with your suitcases. Walk out, get in, arrive on the lake.
Frequently asked questions
In brief
How far is Como from Malpensa?
About 52 km, usually 45 minutes by car in normal traffic. Cernobbio is about 55 km away, with similar times.
Is there a direct train from Malpensa to Como?
No. There is always a change: at Saronno for Como Lago (about 1 hour 15 in total) or at Milano Centrale for Como S. Giovanni.
How long does it take from Malpensa to Bellagio, Tremezzo, Menaggio and Varenna?
By car, in normal traffic: Tremezzo about 79 km and an hour and a quarter, Menaggio about 83 km and 1 hour 25, Varenna about 98 km and an hour and a half, Bellagio about 83 km and an hour and three quarters. In summer the lake road is slower.
Book the door-to-door transfer
Enter pickup and destination: the fixed price appears instantly, locked at booking.
