Private transfer from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como
Lake Como is closer to Milan Malpensa than most people expect. The town of Como is under an hour away, and even Bellagio, on the famous peninsula in the middle of the lake, is about an hour and a half. The difficult part is the last stretch: the roads along the shore are narrow, winding and busy in summer, and the trains and ferries that link the lake villages don't run to the airport.
A private transfer takes care of all of it. Your driver meets you in arrivals and drives you door to door to your hotel or villa, whichever shore it's on, for one fixed price per vehicle.
| Pickup | Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) |
|---|---|
| Drop-off | Any hotel, villa or address in Lake Como |
| Distance | About 85 km by road |
| Journey time | 1h 30min – 1h 45min, depending on traffic |
| Best for | Lakes & luxury |
| Busiest season | April–October |
| Availability | 24/7, including late-night and early-morning flights |
The drive from MXP to Lake Como
From Malpensa, your driver heads east on the motorways towards Como, about 50 minutes away. From Como, the route depends on where you are staying.
For the western shore (Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Tremezzo and Menaggio), the SS340 Regina road follows the water through the lakeside villages. For Bellagio, the shore road along the eastern side of the Como arm is narrow and slow, so drivers often take the inland route over the hills via Erba and the Vallassina, reaching Bellagio from above. For Varenna and the eastern shore, the route runs via Lecco on the SS36.
Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes to Bellagio, a little less to Tremezzo and Varenna. Summer weekends are the busiest time on the shore roads.
Meeting your driver at Milan Malpensa
Most flights arrive at Terminal 1; easyJet uses Terminal 2. After baggage reclaim, go through to the arrivals hall, where your driver waits holding a sign with your name. The car is parked in the terminal car park, a short walk away.
Arriving here for somewhere else? See every Milan Malpensa transfer we run.
Where we drop off on Lake Como
Many lake hotels and villas are on narrow lanes or have steep, gated entrances. Share your address and access details and we'll send a vehicle that fits.
Como and Cernobbio
The southern end of the lake, home to Villa d'Este and the town of Como. About 50 minutes to 1 hour from Malpensa.
Tremezzo and Menaggio
The western shore opposite Bellagio, with grand hotels, Villa Carlotta and lakefront promenades. About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Bellagio
The 'pearl of the lake', at the tip of the peninsula where the lake's three arms meet. About 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
Varenna and the eastern shore
Quieter villages on the Lecco arm, reached via Lecco. About 1 hour 30 minutes.
When to book your Lake Como transfer
Lake Como's season runs from April to October, peaking from June to September, when it is also one of Europe's favourite wedding destinations. Summer weekends bring heavy traffic on the shore roads, especially the SS340 between Como and Tremezzo. Many lakeside hotels close from November to March, so check your hotel's dates.
Private transfer vs other ways to reach Lake Como
| Option | Door to door | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 1h 30min – 1h 45min | Straight to your door, fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting in arrivals. |
| Train via Saronno | 1½–2½ hours | Malpensa Express to Saronno, a Trenord train to Como, then a ferry or bus to your village. Several changes with luggage. |
| Train via Milan | 2–3 hours to Varenna or Bellagio | Train into Milan, then the Tirano line to Varenna, then a ferry to Bellagio. Scenic but slow. |
| Taxi | 50 minutes – 1¾ hours | Available at the Malpensa rank, with a long-distance fare paid on the day. |
Choose your vehicle
Standard sedan
Up to 3 passengers · 2–3 suitcases
Couples and solo travellers
Executive sedan
Up to 3 passengers · 2–3 suitcases
Mercedes E-Class or similar
Minivan
Up to 7 passengers · 6–7 suitcases
Families and golf or ski bags
Minibus
8–16 passengers · One suitcase each
Groups, weddings, events
Exact models vary by country. Tell us about oversized luggage, golf bags, skis or strollers and we will size the vehicle to fit.
Local tips for your Lake Como transfer
- Staying in Bellagio? The ferry from Varenna or Cadenabbia is a lovely way to arrive, but not with suitcases. We'll drive you to the door.
- Share gate codes and parking details for villas: many are on narrow private lanes.
- Getting married on the lake? We quote guest shuttles between hotels, the ceremony and the venue.
- Heading to the Alps afterwards? We also drive from Malpensa and Lake Como to St. Moritz and Zermatt.