If you are planning your stay on Lake Como East Side, here is everything you need to know to organize your journey.
Reaching Lake Como from Milan
Milan is the main gateway for those arriving in Lombardy.
By car
From Milan, you can reach Lecco and the eastern shore of Lake Como in about one hour by taking the SS36 Milan-Lecco road.
The route is fast and well connected, making it easy to reach Malgrate, Lecco, Mandello del Lario, Varenna and Bellano.
Travel time: about 50-60 minutes.
By train
The most convenient option is the frequent train connection between Milano Centrale and Lecco.
Once in Lecco, regional trains continue along the eastern shore as far as Colico, stopping in the main tourist towns.
Travel time:
- Milano Centrale – Lecco: about 40 minutes
- Milano Centrale – Varenna: about 1 hour
- Milano Centrale – Bellano: about 1 hour and 15 minutes
Reaching Lake Como from Milan Airports
Milan Linate Airport
Linate is the closest airport to Lecco and Lake Como East Side.
By car, Malgrate and Lecco can be reached in about one hour.
Milan Malpensa Airport
Malpensa is the main international airport for visitors arriving from abroad.
By car, Lecco can be reached in about one hour and fifteen minutes.
Train connections are also available via Milan.
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport
Widely used by low-cost airlines, Orio al Serio is located about 45 minutes from Lecco.
It is often the most convenient choice for European travellers.
Reaching Lake Como from Venice
By car
If you are travelling from Venice, take the A4 motorway towards Milan and then continue on the SS36 towards Lecco.
The route is straightforward and well signposted.
Travel time: about 3 hours.
By train
High-speed trains connect Venice to Milan in just over 2 hours.
From Milan, you can easily continue to Lecco and Lake Como.
Total travel time: about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Reaching Lake Como from Switzerland and the Gotthard
For visitors travelling from Switzerland, Lake Como is one of the closest and most accessible Italian destinations.
By car
Crossing the Gotthard Tunnel and continuing towards Lugano and Chiasso, you can quickly reach the Lecco area.
Approximate travel times:
- Lugano – Lecco: about 1 hour
- Bellinzona – Lecco: about 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Zurich – Lecco: about 3 hours
By train
Swiss rail connections make it easy to reach Milan and then continue to Lecco.
Many travellers choose the train to avoid traffic during peak travel periods.
Reaching Lake Como from Austria and the Brenner Pass
By car
If you are travelling from Austria, you can take the Brenner motorway (A22) to Verona, then continue towards Milan and Lecco.
Approximate travel times:
- Innsbruck – Lecco: about 4 hours
- Salzburg – Lecco: about 5 hours and 30 minutes
By train
International railway lines regularly connect Austria and Italy via the Brenner Pass, allowing travellers to reach Milan and then continue to Lecco.
Getting Around Lake Como East Side
Once you arrive in the area, getting around is simple.
By train
The Lecco-Colico railway line connects all the main towns along the eastern shore:
- Lecco
- Abbadia Lariana
- Mandello del Lario
- Lierna
- Varenna
- Bellano
- Dervio
It is a practical, fast and sustainable way to visit the lake without using a car.
By boat
Ferries and boats allow you to explore the lake from a unique perspective and easily reach some of the most famous destinations, including Bellagio and Menaggio.
By car
For those who prefer more freedom, travelling by car remains a convenient option, especially for visiting hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints and places less easily reached by public transport.
Malgrate: the ideal base for exploring Lake Como East Side
Thanks to its strategic location, Malgrate is one of the best starting points for discovering the area.
Located directly opposite Lecco and just a few minutes from the SS36, it offers easy access to Varenna, Bellano, Mandello del Lario, the Piani Resinelli, Monte Barro and the main attractions of Lake Como East Side.
Its elegant lakeside promenade, proximity to services and many opportunities for relaxation make it an ideal choice for those who want to explore the area without giving up comfort.
Easy to reach, hard to forget
Whether you are arriving from Milan, Venice, Switzerland or Austria, Lake Como is an easily accessible destination thanks to its excellent road and rail connections.
Once you arrive, you will find yourself surrounded by a landscape that combines nature, culture, gastronomy and breathtaking views, where every journey becomes an experience to remember.