Como at a glance
Como is a town at the lower end of the lake with direct trains from Milan. It has a cathedral in the old town, a lakefront promenade and a funicular that climbs to the village of Brunate above it. Many visitors use Como as the first stop of a lake trip and continue by ferry.
This is an independent guide, not run by the municipality, the cathedral or the funicular operator. Prices are in euros, as listed for 2026, and they change. For the lake as a whole, see Como in the Lombardy guide.
Trains from Milan to Como
Three stations, three starting points.
| Route | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni | About 40 minutes | Direct, roughly once an hour |
| Milano Cadorna to Como Lago | About 60 minutes | Direct, single ticket from €5.40 |
| S11 by way of Milano Porta Garibaldi | – | Suburban line, separate from the two above |
Como San Giovanni and Como Lago are different stations, so check which one your train uses. Late S11 trains between Como and Garibaldi arrive at changed times on selected days from 2 to 28 November 2026. This does not stop daytime service. Our page on the day trip from Milan explains the options, and the Lombardy guide covers Milan itself.
Lake Como tours from Como
Boat trips, villa days and tours around the lake, with live prices and availability.
The cathedral
The cathedral of Beata Vergine Assunta has a free tourist route through the side aisles. Other parts, such as the transept, the sacristies and the upper galleries, need a ticket. The choir, the sacristies and the upper galleries can be seen only on an authorized tour, so do not count on a free viewing terrace.
Tourist hours are Monday to Friday 10:30 to 17:30 and Saturday 10:45 to 16:30. On Sundays and holidays the cathedral is open from 11:00 to 11:45 and from 13:00 to 16:30. Services can limit access, and the hours for worship are different from the hours for visitors.
Brunate by funicular
The lower station is at Piazza Alcide De Gasperi in Como, and the ride to Brunate takes 7 minutes. It runs daily from 6:00 to 24:00. From 6:00 to 7:00 a car leaves every 15 minutes, from 7:00 to 9:00 every 12 minutes, and after that every 15 minutes. The last departure is at midnight.
A single adult ticket costs €3.60 and a return costs €7.20. Children up to 12 pay a reduced fare of €2.40 one way and €4.80 return, and children under 4 ride free. New fares took effect on 1 September 2026, so expect about €3.70 one way and €7.40 return, and check at the ticket desk.
At Brunate stands the Faro Voltiano, a 29 m tower built in 1927 on the San Maurizio district. Check whether it is open before you plan around it.
Villa Olmo and the lakefront
Villa Olmo is closed to visitors while it is being restored, and there is no reopening date yet. The park around it is open. Do not plan a visit inside the building.
Swimming is banned around the Tempio Voltiano, and the local police check it. Swim only where it is allowed, as explained on the swimming page. The lakefront promenade is the place for an evening walk.
By car: ZTL and parking
Leave the car outside the center.
The center of Como is a limited traffic zone, the ZTL. Access is only for permit holders in certain categories, and there is no general entry for tourists. One example of parking is the lot at Via Colombo 30, where the 2026 tariff is €1 per day or €5 per week, applied from 8:00 to 19:00, free on holidays, with a maximum stay of 11 hours. That price is for this lot and not for all parking in the center.
City tax is charged per person and night in Como, roughly €2 to €5 depending on the type of accommodation, for up to 4 nights. Ask your accommodation for the current rate. See where to stay for the choice of base.
Como: frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Milan to Como take?
About 40 minutes from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, and about 60 minutes from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago. Both are direct.
How much is the funicular to Brunate?
€3.60 one way and €7.20 return before 1 September 2026, and about €3.70 and €7.40 after the fare change. Children up to 12 pay less, and children under 4 ride free.
Is the cathedral free?
The tourist route through the side aisles is free. Other areas need a ticket, and the choir, sacristies and upper galleries are open only on an authorized tour.
Can I visit Villa Olmo?
The building is closed for restoration. The park is open.
Can I drive into the center of Como?
Not as a tourist. The center is a limited traffic zone with access for permit holders only. Park outside and walk in.