Best Way to Get to Lake Como from the UK | Step-by-Step Travel Guide

Lake Como sits quietly in the north of Italy, just beneath the Alpine peaks, with its glistening waters and grand villas drawing travellers from all over the world. For many across the UK, this serene destination remains high on their wish list. The journey to reach it can feel like part of the adventure, filled with rolling landscapes, charming stopovers, and moments that build up to that first glimpse of the lake. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a peaceful break from city life, knowing the best way to get to Lake Como from the UK makes all the difference. With a little planning, the trip becomes more than just a means to an end. It becomes part of the story.

London to Lake Como By Train – A Scenic Journey

If you value the journey as much as the destination, then a slow-travel London to Lake Como train trip is a route that delivers far more than just efficiency. You begin your adventure in London and board the Eurostar to Paris, which takes just over two hours. Once you arrive in the French capital, you’ll need to take two stops on RER (the Paris metro system) to Gare de Lyon, where your next train awaits—a four-hour stretch to Zurich, offering sweeping views of the French countryside before the Swiss Alps begin to rise into view.

Upon arrival in Zurich, you will catch your last train for the final leg of your journey, from Zurich to Como San Giovanni. This part of the journey lasts around two and a half hours, rolling through alpine scenery that feels lifted from a painting. Once you reach Como, a private transfer will transport you to your hotel, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on the epic route you’ve just completed.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to divide up your journey and experience a slower pace with more time for discovery, you can stop over in Paris, Milan, or Zurich. Each city has its own charm and offers a chance to soak in more of Europe before arriving at the lake. The train journey not only saves carbon footprint but also turns your travel into a chain of memorable moments. For many, this remains the best way to get to Lake Como from the UK if they want to enjoy every stretch of the way.

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London to Lake Como By Aeroplane – The Fastest Option

For those who prefer to arrive quickly and settle into the calm shores of Lake Como without delay, flying remains the quickest method. Several major UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester, offer direct flights to Milan Malpensa or Milan Linate. These airports are the two closest international hubs to Lake Como and serve as gateways to the region. If you have a Priority Pass, your journey becomes twice as rewarding. 

Once you land in Milan, reaching Como becomes quite straightforward. You can take a direct train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, which takes just under an hour. If you’d rather not navigate local transport after your flight, private transfers and hire cars are available from the airport and offer comfort and flexibility. Flying trims hours off your travel time and fits better for those with tight schedules, but it lacks the immersive quality that comes with rail travel through Europe.

Still, for business travellers or weekend visitors, this proves to be the best way to get to Lake Como from the UK when time is short and simplicity is key.

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Tips to Make Your Journey Smoother

Packing Smart for Lake Como Weather

Weather around the lake changes through the year. In spring and autumn, mornings feel fresh while afternoons stay mild. Summer days can get warm, especially under direct sun, but evenings cool off once the sun dips. Pack layers that allow you to adjust throughout the day. If you plan to walk, cycle, or take the ferry, light footwear will keep you moving with ease. For dinner outings or lakeside cocktails, a smart-casual outfit always fits the scene.

Booking in Advance

Trains, flights, and accommodation around Lake Como can fill up fast, especially from April to October. Booking early not only gives you better rates but also more choice when it comes to seat class and room type. If you choose the train route, reserve seats across all legs of the journey, including the Eurostar and Swiss rail. Early planning secures your space and saves unnecessary last-minute stress, making your entire trip run more smoothly.

Moving Around Once You’re There

Today, you have the entire day to spend at your leisure. After the long ride yesterday, you’ll likely want to stretch out and feel your legs in motion. Lake Como, often considered the ‘jewel of the Italian Alps’, offers cycling paths along the shoreline, perfect for a relaxed ride. The routes have very few inclines and suit all fitness levels. If cycling doesn’t appeal, you could walk up the San Martino hill, which offers a rewarding view across the lake.

For those who prefer a slower rhythm, the ferry offers a pleasant way to explore nearby towns like Bellagio and Varenna. There’s also a cable car to Brunate, known as the Balcony of the Alps. From the top, you can see over Como’s historic centre and far into the mountains beyond. In the evening, enjoy a quiet lakeside dinner. Our local concierge knows exactly where to send you for the best food, views, and atmosphere.

How to Get Back from Lake Como to London

Sadly, today it is time to leave Lake Como and start your slow-travel journey home. As before, the first leg begins with a transfer from your hotel to Como San Giovanni station. From there, your train moves north towards Zurich, a ride that lasts about three hours. It follows the Gotthard route, a well-known railway link through the Alps, giving you views of Lake Lugano and rolling green valleys as you go.

The stretch between Zurich and Paris takes around four hours and gives you a chance to rest or reflect on your time at the lake. Once you reach Paris, you’ll return to Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar home. The final leg, the London to Lake Como train trip in reverse, brings your journey full circle, and this part takes another two and a half hours. You arrive back in London with memories, photos, and perhaps a touch of sun on your face.

Wrapping Up…

Travelling from the UK to Lake Como comes down to what kind of experience you want. The train route invites you to savour the journey, with every change of scenery adding to the sense of arrival. Flights get you there faster, cutting straight to the point if time matters most. Some choose to drive or mix routes, balancing comfort with flexibility. Each path offers something unique.

No matter which option suits you best, understanding the best way to get to Lake Como from the UK puts you one step ahead. The journey doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a thoughtful plan, it becomes a beautiful chapter in your travel story. From the first train ride or flight to the last lakeside sunset, Lake Como welcomes you with open arms and unforgettable charm.