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Day Trips from Como

Milan

Approximately 1 hour by direct train from Como San Giovanni station. A major global fashion and finance hub. Visit the impressive Duomo di Milano, see Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" (book well in advance), and explore extensive shopping avenues like Via Montenapoleona.

Explore Milan's vibrant city life. Find outings and tickets Here on GetYourGuide.

Milan at a Glance

  • Trains without changes from Como San Giovanni.
  • Duomo di Milano and "The Last Supper".
  • Extensive shopping districts.
  • A full day is recommended.

More Day Trip Options

Expand your travels beyond Lake Como's shores.

Lugano, Switzerland

Approximately 30-40 minutes by train or vehicle from Como. A charming Swiss city on the shores of Lake Lugano. It presents magnificent mountain views, a picturesque lakeside promenade, and a taste of Swiss culture. Enjoy Swiss chocolate or take a funicular up Monte San Salvatore for panoramic views. Passport needed for border crossing.

Lugano Details

  • Direct train services from Como San Giovanni.
  • Stunning mountain and lake views.
  • Passport required for border crossing.

Bergamo

Approximately 1.5-2 hours by train or vehicle from Como. Bergamo is known for its Città Alta (Upper Town), a medieval fortified city perched on an elevation. It includes historic architecture, charming squares, plus expansive scenic outlooks of the surrounding plains. Take the funicular to the old town.

Bergamo Highlights

  • Train connections, often with a change.
  • Città Alta medieval walled city.
  • Panoramic views from the hill.

Lake Maggiore Stresa & Borromean Islands

Attractions

  • Elegant resort town of Stresa.
  • Isola Bella with magnificent royal residence and baroque gardens.
  • Isola Madre with extensive botanical gardens.
  • Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing village.

Practicalities

  • Approximately 1.5-2 hours by car.
  • Best reached by car for flexibility.
  • Public transport can be time-consuming.
  • A full day to visit Stresa and islands.

Time Required and Suggested Itineraries

  • Milan:Full day
  • Lugano:Half-day to full day
  • Bergamo:Half-day to a complete day
  • Lake Maggiore:Full day
  • Organized Tour:Structured and planned
  • Independent Travel:Flexible and budget-friendly
  • Milan Transport:Frequent trains
  • Maggiore Transport:Car is best

Tip: Check Transport Schedules

Boat and train schedules vary by season. Review them before your trip, especially during low season.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Excursions

Explore the beauty of nature and deep cultural layers surrounding Lake Como.

Valtellina Valley

To the northeastern region of Lario, this valley is known for its terraced vineyards producing fine red wines and local specialty bresaola (cured beef). It has chances for hiking and winter sports. Accessible via train from Varenna-Esino or Colico.

Grigne Mountains

Located to the east of the body of water, these mountains present challenging hiking and mountaineering experiences for experienced trekkers, with fulfilling vistas.

Lake Lugano Italian Side

While Lugano city is in Switzerland, the lake itself extends into Italy on its eastern side, providing access to more compact Italian towns like Porlezza and Menaggio. These places feature quieter lakeside experiences.

Bernina Express from Tirano

A breathtaking a scenic rail trip journey from Tirano (reachable on the train from Varenna or Colico) through the Swiss Alps to Chur or St. Moritz. It is an UNESCO World Heritage route, celebrated for its engineering and beautiful landscapes.

Bernina Express Tips

  • This trip requires a full day.
  • Book tickets well in advance.
  • UNESCO World Heritage route.

Bellinzona, Switzerland

Bellinzona features three UNESCO-listed medieval castles (Castel Grande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro). These well-preserved fortifications present historical insights plus remarkable views.

Bellinzona Info

  • Accessible by rail from Como via Lugano.
  • Three UNESCO-listed medieval castles.
  • Insights into medieval fortifications.

Multi-Day Extensions from Lake Como

Italian Lakes Circuit:Combine with Maggiore/Garda
Swiss Alps:Continue north from Como or Tirano
Italian City Tour:Connect via Milan to Florence, Rome, Venice
Bernina Express Access:From Tirano for Swiss connections
Travel between lakes:By train or car
High-speed trains:From Milan to major cities

Plan Longer Journeys

  • The region offers numerous links for multi-day trips.
  • Consider combining scenic beauty with city exploration.
  • Use area-specific and high-speed trains for efficient travel.
  • Discover different Italian Lakes for diverse experiences.
  • Adventures in the mountains await north on Swiss soil.

More Excursion Ideas

Outside the immediate area, discover more regional diversity.

Italian City Connections

Link Lake Como with high-speed train connections from Milan to major Italian cities. Travel to Florence, Rome, and Venice from here for a wide-ranging itinerary combining natural beauty with historical cities.

Major Cities from Milan

  • Access through Milan's high-speed train network.
  • Explore Florence's art and history.
  • Discover Rome's ancient wonders.

Swiss Mountain Adventures

Continue north into Switzerland from Como or Tirano. This access to the mountains thrills, hiking, and skiing depends on the season. Use the Bernina Express from Tirano, or direct trains from Como into Switzerland.

Swiss Connections

  • Skiing and winter sports in season.
  • Direct trains from Como for easier travel.
  • Bernina Express from Tirano.

Local Transport within Italy

From Como, take a regional train to Milan, then connect to high-high-speed trains heading to other major cities. This system makes cross-country travel straightforward.

Travel Flow

  • Como to Milan regional train.
  • High-speed connections from Milan.
  • Easy routes to Florence, Rome, Venice.

Lake Maggiore Specifics

Travel between lakes by train or car. You may take a train from Milan to Stresa, an elegant a town with resorts on Lake Maggiore, for simpler access to the Borromean Islands.

Maggiore Travel

  • Journeys by automobile between lakes.
  • Train from Milan to Stresa.
  • Explore elegant Stresa.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tour

Great for destinations with complex public transport or for those preferring a structured itinerary. Tours usually include transport and guided visits, removing planning effort.

Independent Travel

More budget-friendly for multiple travelers. It allows flexibility to discover at your own pace, linger longer at favorite spots, and tailor your day to individual preferences.

Considerations

The choice depends on your travel style, budget, and comfort level with local logistics. Both approaches have unique advantages for day excursions.

Travel Flexibility

Choose the travel style that best matches your trip's objectives and group's preferences.