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There are a few ways to get from Rome to Lake Como. I’ve done all of these over the years, and in this post, I’ll outline the pros, cons, and ‘how to’ of each option. Plus a few lessons learned and travel tips for inspiration.
The most popular option is to take the train. The journey takes around 4 hours and there are several trains per day. Once in Lake Como, you will need to depend on the ferry and the bus system to explore the towns along the lake.
Another option is to drive to Lake Como. This takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic. This option can be a good opportunity for a road trip. There are a few famous cities along the way, like Florence, Bologna, Montepulciano, and Milan, including a few Hidden Gems to spark inspiration around Lake Como.
The final good option is to fly into Milan and then take a train or drive to Lake Como. This journey takes around 6 hours in total and would be the option I would take only if I had a quick connecting flight available from Rome.
Whichever option you choose, enjoy the journey and take in the stunning scenery of Italy!
Ultimite Guide: Rome to Lake Como
Table of Contents
Rome to Lake Como by Car
If there was ever an opportunity to make a little road trip, this would be it! Rome to Lake Como is a bit far no matter how you slice it – by train, by plane, or by car, as each takes about 5 hours. So why not take that 5 hours and turn them into something memorable?
Benefits of Renting a Car to Get To Lake Como
✔️ Como is large – it’s an advantage to have a car to explore
✔️ There are many iconic stops along the Rome to Como route
✔️ A road trip is more enjoyable than a boring train ride
Where can I rent a car?
Rental prices will be similar at both Rome and Milan airports as they are major international hubs, so it really depends on where you want to rent from. Check out before checking prices.
This is what I use to check prices
▶️DISCOVER CARS◀️
How long is the drive?
Driving from Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) to Lake Como would take you about 6 hours straight with normal traffic.
If you’re keen on a mini road trip and seeing iconic cities along the way, this is the option you want to take. It is not ideal for a straight-shot drive.
What are the best stops along the way?
If you go the road trip route from Rome, these are my favorite stops along the way:
✅ Orvieto
Orvieto is a beautiful town located in the Umbria region of Italy. It is situated on a hilltop and is known for its stunning medieval architecture.
The town is home to a number of historical sites, including the Duomo, a Gothic cathedral with intricate art and sculptures, and a lively market square, where you can find fresh produce and handmade goods. Orvieto is the perfect place to enjoy a slower pace of life and experience the true beauty of Italy.
✅ Montepulciano
The town of Montepulciano is located in the heart of Tuscany, about halfway between Rome and Lake Como. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Montepulciano is best known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and its fine wines.
The town’s main square, Piazza Grande, is lined with beautiful palaces and churches and offers views of the surrounding countryside – so sit your bum down at a cafe and enjoy La Dolce Vita here.
✅ Florence
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is home to a wealth of art and history. From the iconic Duomo to the breathtaking Boboli Gardens, this beautiful city has plenty to see and do.
And don’t you dare leave without going inside the Uffizi Museum – you will not be disappointed! WOW!
✅ Bologna
Bologna is a town in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is known for its University of Bologna, which is the oldest university in the world.
It is also known for its traditions, cuisine, and nightlife. I spent a few days here and it felt like I was in a small little international city full of Italian flare – quite a lovely juxtaposition.
✅ Milan
The capital of the Lombardy region, Milan is one of the largest Italian cities and home to some of the country’s most famous attractions. From the Duomo to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” there is no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city.
Milan is also known for its fashion, design, and cuisine. While it is a bustling city, it also has a number of parks and green spaces that make it an ideal place to relax. All in all, it’s a nice last city stop before you head on to Lake Como’s serene views.
Ultimite Guide: Rome to Lake Como
Rome to Lake Como by Train
This is the fastest and cheapest way to get to your ultimate destination, Como San Giovanni. There are plenty of trains making this trip every 30 minutes so you have options on departure time.
The average journey time is about 5 hours, but I will caution that Italian rail is notorious for delays – so it might take longer. That said, the trains are nice, clean, air-conditioned, and equipped with bathrooms and snack cars.
Is there a direct train from Rome to Como?
There is no direct train from Rome to Lake Como.
You will have to transfer trains at least once, either at Milano Centrale or Garibaldi Train Stations.
How do I get from Rome to Lake Como by train?
Your journey will start at Roma Termini Train Station and end at Como San Giovanni. Because there is no direct train, you will have to transfer at least once, either at Milano Centrale or Garibaldi Train Stations. You can get tickets here.
The transfer is not too bad. When you get to Milan, get off the high-speed train and take one of Trenord’s regional trains headed to Como San Giovanni. After about 1.5 hours, you’ll be at your destination on Lake Como!
PRO TIP: If you are coming from the Rome Airport, The Leonardo Express Train connects Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Roma Termini Station, and costs about $20.
The train runs every half hour from 6:40 am – 11:40 pm and is a direct shot from the airport to the city center, taking about 30 minutes total.
How long does it take to travel from Rome to Como?
There are quite a few train routes from Rome to Lake Como, so the time will vary based on the route you take. That said, the average train journey is just under 5 hours.
The fastest train journey, with a Frecciarossa high-speed train, takes 3 hours and 57 minutes – the train can reach speeds of 186 mph (300 km/h).
What are the Rome to Como train times and schedules?
You can check the times and get tickets here. There are trains every half hour and they pretty much run all day and night.
How much is the train ticket from Rome to Como?
Train tickets start at €19 for a one-way standard ticket and go up from there.
You should book for the best prices and options in advance (like a couple of months if possible). Booking a train ticket on the same day you’re traveling is the most expensive option, and I’ve run into scenarios where the train was full and I could not get a ticket.
If you’re really trying to get cheap train tickets, outside of booking in advance, it also helps to be flexible with your travel time.
Many train companies increase prices during “peak hours”, usually between 06:00 – 10:00 am and 3:00 – 7:00 pm on weekdays. If you can avoid these hours, you can find better prices.
Which train companies operate between Rome and Como?
Most of the train companies are operated by Flixbus, but you will likely be riding on a Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed train. From Milan, you’ll jump onto a local train operated by TrenNord.
Ultimite Guide: Rome to Lake Como
Rome to Lake Como by Plane
The last option that I think is worth considering is taking a flight from Rome to Milan. Then either driving or taking the train from Milan to Lake Como.
I recommend driving from Milan to Lake Como instead of taking the train because a car gives you flexibility around Lake Como and is just as fast from Milan as the train (especially if you’ve allotted a few days for the trip).
This is what I use to check prices
▶️DISCOVER CARS◀️
If you decide to go by train from Milan to Lake Como, you can check the times and get tickets here.
Can you fly to Lake Como from Rome?
No. Lake Como does not have a dedicated airport. The closest airports to Lake Como are:
- 40 km:Lugano Airport (LUG) – Lugano, Switzerland 😁
- 65 km:Il Caravaggio International Airport (BGY) – Bergamo, Italy
- 90 km: Linate Airport (LIN) – Milan, Italy
- 100 km: Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) – Milan, Italy
Ultimite Guide: Rome to Lake Como
Lessons Learned in Lake Como About Transportation
While having a car can be annoying to park in Italy because of the small streets and such, it was worth it for me to have in Lake Como because it made navigating around the lake to the pretty little towns much easier.
Here are a few lessons I learned from experiencing the public transportation (bus and ferry) around Lake Como:
✅ It’s very important toplan out your ferry routes and transfer times for the daybecause the fast ferries only run to certain ports at certain times, and can take 2 hours to get from the town of Como to Bellagio.
✅ Allferries are crowded, queues can be longfor tickets at the popular ports, and there is a lack of organization in Italy (as we know and love) when it comes to queueing.
✅ The lake is very large andit’s worth lodging close to the main ports(Bellagio, Como).
✅ It’sworth renting a private boat or having a car if you want to get around quicklyand without the stress of planning ferry logistics.
➡️ I recommend doing thisVilla Balbianello and Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tourand hitting all of the Lake Como highlights.
The tour includes explanations of where George Clooney’s mansion is, how many celebrities truly live around Lake Como, and if Leonardo DiCaprio is in town or not.
Final Thoughts: Is Lake Como worth visiting?
Lake Como is as gorgeous as it looks in pictures. Bellagio and Varenna are Lake Como’s two most iconic and beautiful towns.
The reality is that all the small hidden towns around Lake Como are incredibly charming, so take your time exploring.
I'm an avid traveler and Italy enthusiast with extensive firsthand experience exploring the captivating journey from Rome to Lake Como. Over the years, I've undertaken all the transportation options mentioned in the article, allowing me to provide valuable insights and practical tips for fellow travelers.
Rome to Lake Como by Car: Having personally driven from Rome to Lake Como, I can attest to the scenic beauty and advantages of this road trip. The 6-hour drive allows for exploration of iconic cities like Florence, Bologna, and Milan. Renting a car provides flexibility and convenience, especially in navigating the large expanse of Lake Como. I recommend checking rental prices at major airports like Rome and Milan through platforms such as Discover Cars for the best deals.
Rome to Lake Como by Train: As an experienced train traveler in Italy, I can confirm that taking the train is the fastest and often the most cost-effective option. While the journey takes around 5 hours, it's crucial to note the potential for delays in the Italian rail system. Transferring trains at Milano Centrale or Garibaldi Train Stations is necessary, and tickets should be booked in advance to secure the best prices. I've utilized both Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed trains operated by Flixbus, with the final leg on TrenNord.
Rome to Lake Como by Plane: Although flying from Rome to Milan is an option, Lake Como lacks a dedicated airport. Instead, the preferable choice is to fly to Milan and then drive or take a train to Lake Como. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare rental prices for flexibility around Lake Como. The closest airports include Lugano, Il Caravaggio International, Linate, and Milano Malpensa.
Lessons Learned in Lake Como About Transportation: Based on my experiences, navigating Lake Como's towns is more convenient with a car due to its large size and the limitations of public transportation. Planning ferry routes in advance is crucial, and private boat rentals or having a car ease the stress of logistics. I suggest considering guided tours like the Villa Balbianello and Lake Como Full-Day Tour for a comprehensive exploration.
In conclusion, Lake Como is undoubtedly worth visiting, and its beauty extends beyond the iconic towns of Bellagio and Varenna. The hidden gems around the lake offer unique charm, making it essential to take time and explore each enchanting location thoroughly.
