Travel
Getting to Lake Como
Which airport should I fly into?
To get to Lake Como, you can fly into Milano Malpensa (MXP) or Milano Linate (LIN). Malpensa is more directly connected to the lake region and offers smoother access to the west side of Lake Como where our venue is. However, if you're flying from a destination with better connections to Linate, it is still a good choice.
Ok, I’m at the airport. How do I get to Lake Como?
There are a number of ways to get to Lake Como from both airports including taxi, private transfer or train. We highly encourage you to take a taxi or private transfer.
Taxi: You can find official taxis at the designated taxi ranks just outside the airport's arrivals area. The official taxis are usually white and have a taxi sign on top. A taxi from MXP to Lake Como is typically €90-130. A taxi from LIN to Lake Como is typically €70 - 100. It's always a good idea to confirm the estimated fare with the driver before starting the trip. If you prefer a more predictable cost, a private transfer or shuttle is the way to go. While Uber is available in Milan and parts of Lake Como, you should be cautious as availability can be limited.
Private Transfer: Please email help@komo2025.com to book a private transfer. The estimated cost for a private transfer is €150 and €200, depending on the type of vehicle (e.g., standard car, luxury vehicle, or van).
Train:
From MXP: The Malpensa Express is the fastest way to get to Lake Como from MXP. You’ll take the Malpensa Express headed towards Milano Cardona and get off at Saronno (~20 minutes). At Saronno train station, take the train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago (~40 minutes). The price of the train including both routes is €5-17. Once you arrive, you will need to take a taxi from Como Lago station to your accommodation (approx. €70-100, 30 minutes).
From LIN: You'll first need to take a bus or taxi from Linate Airport to Milan Central Station (Centrale), which takes about 30 minutes. Once at Milano Centrale, take a regional train (Trenord) to Como San Giovanni station. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Once you arrive, you will need to take a taxi from Como San Giovanni station to your accommodation (approx. €60-90, 30 minutes).
Shared Shuttle:
While there aren't direct shuttles to all areas of Lake Como, shared shuttle services do operate between the airports and some popular towns around the lake. You might need to take a taxi for the final leg of the journey to your destination. We’ll be real—this could be a struggle.
Malpensa Shuttle (MXP): This bus service connects Malpensa Airport to Como and Lecco, which are key towns around Lake Como. From Como or Lecco, you can take a short taxi ride to other lakeside towns. The shuttle fare is typically around €10-15 per person.
Terravision Shuttle: This shuttle service also operates between Malpensa and Como, providing a low-cost way to travel. A one-way ticket generally costs €10-15. After arriving in Como, you'll need a short taxi ride to your final destination along the lake.
Autostradale: Another shuttle service that runs from Malpensa to Como and the surrounding areas. Fares are around €10-15.
Linate Shuttle Services: While Linate doesn't have as many direct shuttle options as Malpensa, there are still bus services from Linate to Milano Centrale, where you can transfer to a train or other buses that go to Como or Lecco. From there, you can take a taxi or public transport to the lakeside area.
If you have any questions, please email help@komo2025.com.
Passport & Visa Requirements
For international travel, it is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months, with a minimum of three months beyond your planned date of departure. For more detailed information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website: State.gov - Italy Travel Information.
Currently, U.S. travelers do not require a visa to enter the E.U. However, starting in mid-2025, U.S. passengers will need to complete an ETIAS application prior to travel. While the exact date this requirement will take effect is not yet confirmed, we will keep you updated should the application become necessary. Here is a brief overview of the ETIAS application process:
“Travelers heading to the Europe Union after the start in mid-2025 should submit their ETIAS application before departure. The ETIAS application requires some basic information such as personal biometric data (name, date of birth, etc.), valid passport data, destination within the EU, general background information from the applicant, and history of immigration to the EU (if applicable). The fee for the ETIAS application is €7. Anyone traveling to the EU, regardless of age, must submit an ETIAS application, if travel is for business, leisure, or transit purposes, and if it is less than 90 days in duration. The application fee is waived for travelers under age 18, or over age 70.”
Staying in Lake Como
There are a variety of lodging options near our wedding venue on Lake Como, including hotels, private villas, Airbnbs, and more. If you’re traveling with a group of 3 or more, private villas and Airbnbs are a great cost-effective choice that also offer privacy and amenities like pool access and food packages. Below is a list of a few options for your stay. If you'd like assistance coordinating a villa for a larger group, please email help@komo2025.com.
For guests searching for accommodations close to Villa Balbiano, the best region to recommend would be Ossuccio or nearby towns along the western shore of Lake Como. Here are a few areas that are close, picturesque, and convenient:
Ossuccio: This is the closest town to Villa Balbiano. It offers a more serene and authentic Lake Como experience.
Lenno: A charming village just a few minutes from Ossuccio, Lenno is known for its beautiful lakeside setting and proximity to Villa Balbiano.
Tremezzo: Located just north of Ossuccio, Tremezzo offers a range of accommodations and stunning lake views. It’s a great option for guests looking for both comfort and scenic beauty.