From Malpensa Airport to Como: Travel Time and Transport Options

How long does the journey by car take?

A direct journey from Malpensa Airport to central Como usually takes about 45–60 minutes. During weekday rush hours, on busy weekends or after an accident, the trip can take 75–90 minutes. The main advantage of travelling by car is that there are no changes: the passenger leaves the terminal and continues directly to the required address.

We provide transfers from both Malpensa terminals to Como and other destinations around Lake Como. This option is practical for families, small groups and travellers with several suitcases, because luggage does not have to be moved between platforms or loaded onto another bus or train.

Train from Malpensa Airport to Como

There is no direct train from Malpensa Airport to Como Lago station. The usual route is the Malpensa Express to Saronno, followed by a Trenord regional train from Saronno to Como Lago. The first section normally takes about 20–25 minutes from Terminal 1 and slightly longer from Terminal 2. The second train usually takes about 35–45 minutes.

With a convenient connection, the station-to-station journey can take around 1 hour 20 minutes. In practice, a traveller must also walk from the arrivals area to the airport railway station, buy or validate the correct ticket, find the platform and wait for the connection in Saronno. The realistic total from the terminal to central Como is therefore often 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, and a missed connection makes it longer.

Why the connection can be difficult

The change in Saronno is manageable with light luggage, but it becomes less comfortable with large suitcases, a pushchair, children or reduced mobility. The departure platform may change, and reaching another platform can require an underpass, stairs or a lift. Late-evening and holiday timetables may also leave a longer gap between trains.

Como Lago and Como San Giovanni are different stations. Como Lago is close to the historic centre and the lakefront, while Como San Giovanni is on another railway line and may be more convenient for some addresses. Choosing the wrong station can add a walk, a local bus ride or a taxi journey at the end.

Continuing beyond Como

For Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Laglio, Argegno, Menaggio or Bellagio, reaching Como is not always the end of the journey. Another bus, taxi or ferry may be required. Depending on the destination, timetable and traffic on the lakeside roads, this final section can add from about 20 minutes to more than an hour.

Public transport is a reasonable choice for passengers travelling lightly and arriving at a convenient time. A direct transfer is usually simpler when the arrival is late, several people are travelling together, there is a lot of luggage or the final address is outside central Como. We take passengers directly from Malpensa Airport to their destination, avoiding the Saronno connection and the additional change in Como.