Lake Como has long been one of Italy’s most sought-after holiday destinations. With elegant lakeside towns, mountain views and easy access from the UK, it’s easy to see why travellers return year after year.
One of the first questions people ask when planning a trip is simple: what is the closest airport to Lake Como?
The answer depends slightly on where you’re staying around the lake. Some airports offer faster transfers, while others provide cheaper flights or better connections from UK cities. Choosing the right airport can save both time and money, especially during the busy summer months.
This guide covers the closest airports to Lake Como, how far they are from the lake, transfer options, and which airport makes the most sense for your holiday plans.
What Is the Closest Airport to Lake Como?
The closest major airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), located around 50 kilometres from Como town. Most UK travellers choose Malpensa because it offers frequent direct flights from major UK airports and convenient train, coach and private transfer connections to Lake Como. Depending on your final destination around the lake, transfer times typically range from 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
While Milan Malpensa is the nearest major international airport, it is not the only option. Milan Linate Airport and Bergamo Airport also serve the region and may offer better flight prices or schedules depending on where you’re travelling from.
Nearest Airports to Lake Como
| Airport | Distance to Como Town | Approximate Transfer Time | Best For |
| Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) | 50 km | 45 to 60 minutes | Most travellers |
| Milan Linate Airport (LIN) | 67 km | 1 to 1.5 hours | Milan and Lake Como trips |
| Bergamo Airport (BGY) | 90 km | 1.5 to 2 hours | Budget airlines |
| Zurich Airport (ZRH) | 220 km | 3 hours | Multi-centre holidays |
Where Is Lake Como?
Lake Como sits in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, close to Milan and the Swiss border. The lake has a distinctive upside-down Y shape, with picturesque towns spread across its shoreline.
Popular destinations include:
- Como
- Bellagio
- Varenna
- Menaggio
- Tremezzo
Here’s the thing. The airport that’s closest to Como town isn’t always the most convenient option for every visitor. If you’re staying in Bellagio or Menaggio, transfer times can vary significantly depending on your route.
That’s why it’s worth looking beyond simple distance when choosing where to fly.
Milan Malpensa Airport: The Closest Major Airport to Lake Como
For most visitors, Milan Malpensa Airport is the clear winner.
Located northwest of Milan, Malpensa is the nearest major international airport serving Lake Como. It handles flights from across Europe and offers some of the strongest connections from the UK.
How Far Is Milan Malpensa from Lake Como?
The journey from Malpensa to Como town is approximately 50 kilometres.
Typical travel times include:
- Como: 45 to 60 minutes
- Bellagio: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Varenna: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Menaggio: 1 hour 20 minutes
Travel times can increase during summer weekends when traffic around the lake is heavier.
Getting from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como
By Train
Many travellers choose the train because it is affordable and reliable.
You can take the Malpensa Express into Milan and connect to services heading towards Como. Depending on the route, the journey usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
By Private Transfer
If convenience matters more than cost, a private transfer is often the easiest option.
Drivers meet you at arrivals and take you directly to your accommodation, which is especially useful if you’re travelling with luggage or young children.
By Car Hire
Hiring a car gives you flexibility, particularly if you plan to explore smaller villages around the lake.
However, parking can be limited in some towns, and roads become busy during peak season.
Why Most UK Travellers Choose Malpensa
Let’s break it down.
Malpensa offers the best combination of flight availability, transfer convenience and journey times. Direct flights operate from several UK airports throughout the year, making it the simplest option for most holidaymakers.
Pros
- Closest major international airport
- Frequent direct flights from the UK
- Excellent transfer options
- Suitable for short breaks and longer holidays
Cons
- Can be busy during summer
- Private transfers are more expensive than public transport
Milan Linate Airport: A Convenient Alternative
Milan Linate Airport sits closer to Milan city centre and can work well if you’re combining a city break with time at Lake Como.
The airport is around 67 kilometres from Como town, with transfer times generally ranging between one and one and a half hours.
While Linate offers fewer international routes than Malpensa, some travellers find flight schedules more convenient depending on their departure airport.
When Linate Makes Sense
Choose Linate if you plan to spend time in Milan before heading to the lake, or if flight times work better for your itinerary.
Bergamo Airport: Popular with Budget Airlines
If you’re looking for lower-cost flights, Bergamo Airport is worth considering.
Many budget carriers operate routes between the UK and Bergamo, often offering competitive fares throughout the year.
The trade-off is a longer transfer.
Expect travel times of around 90 minutes to two hours depending on your destination around the lake.
Why Travellers Choose Bergamo
- Competitive flight prices
- Good choice of UK routes
- Suitable for flexible travellers
Things to Consider
The airport is further from Lake Como than both Malpensa and Linate. What this really means is you’ll spend more time travelling after landing.
For a long weekend, that extra journey time may be worth considering.
Which Airport Is Best for Lake Como?
The answer depends on your priorities.
Choose Milan Malpensa If:
- You want the shortest transfer
- You’re visiting Lake Como only
- You want the widest choice of flights
Choose Milan Linate If:
- You’re combining Milan and Lake Como
- Flight schedules suit your plans
Choose Bergamo If:
- Finding the lowest airfare matters most
- You don’t mind a longer transfer
For most UK visitors, Milan Malpensa remains the best overall airport for Lake Como thanks to its location, transport links and flight availability.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right airport can make your Lake Como holiday smoother from the moment you land.
While several airports serve the region, Milan Malpensa stands out as the closest major airport to Lake Como and the most convenient option for most travellers. With direct UK flights, efficient transport connections and relatively short transfer times, it’s often the easiest way to begin your Italian lakes adventure.
Before booking, compare flight prices, transfer options and the location of your accommodation around the lake. A little planning upfront can save valuable holiday time once you arrive.
At Caledonian Travel, we believe travel should be as enjoyable as the destination itself. With the right airport and transfer options, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time on Lake Como.
Frequently Asked Questions
Milan Malpensa Airport is the closest major international airport to Lake Como. It is approximately 50 kilometres from Como town and offers excellent transport connections.
For most travellers, Milan Malpensa is the better choice because it is closer to Lake Como and offers more direct flight options from the UK.
Transfer times vary by destination. Como town can be reached in around 45 to 60 minutes, while Bellagio and Varenna typically take between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.
Yes. Train services connect Malpensa Airport with Milan, where passengers can continue to Como and other destinations around the lake.
Milan Malpensa is generally the most convenient airport for Bellagio due to its shorter overall transfer time and strong transport links.
Yes, especially for budget-conscious travellers. Bergamo often offers cheaper flights, although transfer times to Lake Como are longer than from Milan Malpensa.