Como San Giovanni

How to Get to Como San Giovanni

Como San Giovanni is the city’s primary international gateway, located near the Swiss border. Here is how to reach it efficiently.

From Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) There is no direct train to Como San Giovanni. You will need to make one transfer.

• Route: Take the Malpensa Express train to Saronno, then transfer to a regional train headed to Como San Giovanni.
• Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on connection times.
• Price: Typically €10–€15 per person.
• Tickets: Purchase at airport machines or via the Trenord/Trenitalia app. Machines have an English option and accept major credit cards.
• Important: If you purchase a paper ticket at a machine, you must validate it in the green/yellow machines on the platform before boarding, unless it specifies a fixed time/date.

From Como City Center The station is located about 1 km from the historic center.

• Bus: Use the local ASF Autolinee bus network (e.g., Line 8). The journey takes about 3–5 minutes. Tickets cost approximately €1.50 and should be purchased at newsstands or tobacco shops (Tabaccherie) before boarding.
• Taxi: A quick 2-minute ride from the center; expect to pay between €7 and €9.
• Walking: It is a pleasant 10–15 minute walk from the Piazza Duomo area to the station.

By Taxi

• Time/Cost: A taxi from the airport to Como takes about 45–60 minutes, with fares typically ranging from €100 to €150 depending on traffic and your specific drop-off point. Always confirm the price with the driver before departing.

Como San Giovanni is a straightforward, through-style station that serves as a vital gateway between Italy and Switzerland. Unlike larger metropolitan hubs, this station features a compact, single-level layout that is very easy for first-time visitors to navigate. Think of it as a simple, linear arrangement where all passenger activity, including ticket services and platform access, occurs on the ground floor.

The station is equipped with four primary through-platforms used for both regional and international travel. Platform 1 is located directly adjacent to the main station building. Beyond that, platforms 2 and 3 are situated on an island platform, which you can reach via a covered walkway. A fourth track exists, but it is rarely used for regular passenger services; if you are directed there, please note that it is accessible via a small, secondary platform located between tracks 3 and 4, requiring you to cross the tracks cautiously.

Because this is a through station on the main Milan-Chiasso line, you will find trains heading toward the Swiss border (Chiasso/Zurich) and south toward Milan arriving on these same tracks. If you are traveling to the Lake Como area, this is your primary rail arrival point, though keep in mind that the station itself is about a 10-15 minute walk from the historic city center and the lakefront.

Navigation here is uncomplicated, and you do not need to worry about complex level changes or long underground tunnels. While the station is small, it remains a busy transit point, so allow a few extra minutes if you have heavy luggage, as the covered walkway is the primary way to move between platforms. Elevators are available for those with mobility needs or heavy bags.

A common point of confusion for new visitors is the station’s small size compared to its importance. Do not be surprised by the modest, brick-built architecture; it is the correct place for your international and regional connections. If you arrive by train and need to reach the lake, follow the signs for the bus terminal located directly in the square outside the station entrance. With only four tracks to manage, you will find the layout intuitive and far less daunting than larger Italian terminals.

Navigating a new station can be daunting, but Como San Giovanni is manageable once you know the ropes. I wish someone had told me these specifics before my first trip!

Before You Arrive

• Download the Trenitalia app: Don’t rely on third-party apps for everything. The official Trenitalia app is the most reliable way to check real-time schedules, platform changes, and buy tickets on the go, which saves you from standing in queues at the station.
• Buy online when possible: If you are taking a high-speed train, book your ticket online in advance to secure your seat and price. For regional trains, you can buy these via the app as you head to the station. If you must use the machines, ensure your credit card has a 4-digit PIN, as many machines still require this for card payments.

At the Station

• Toilets & Cash: Toilets at the station are not free; they cost €1. Keep a supply of coins handy, as the machines often do not accept cards and you may find cafes closed or unable to provide change.
• Food & Supplies: The station has a small cafe and newsstand, but options are limited. There is no large supermarket inside the station itself. If you need snacks or drinks for your journey, grab them in the city center before walking to the station.
• Luggage & Accessibility: The station has elevators to help with luggage, but they can be small and occasionally busy. Pack as light as possible, as you will likely be navigating cobblestones outside the station and potentially stairs elsewhere in Como.

Common Mistakes

• The Validation Trap: If you buy a paper ticket at a machine for a regional train, you must validate it in the small green or yellow machines before boarding. Forgetting this is a common rookie mistake that leads to hefty on-the-spot fines. If you bought your ticket on the app, it is already validated.
• Platform Timing: Don't assume your platform is fixed hours in advance. Platforms are often posted only 15–30 minutes before departure. Keep an eye on the main departure boards, but don't panic if your platform isn't listed until shortly before your train arrives.

Through station serving Como, Italy. Originally opened in 1875 and rebuilt in 1949, Como San Giovanni functions as the primary rail hub for the city. It serves as a vital link on the Milan–Chiasso line and is the final stop on the Italian side before trains cross the border into Switzerland. With approximately 1.5 million passengers annually, the station facilitates international EuroCity services, regional trains, and local suburban lines.

You may wonder if this station is large or difficult to navigate. You can rest assured that it is a straightforward, manageable facility. The station features four passenger platforms, all located on a single accessible ground level, which eliminates the need to navigate complex multi-level terminals. The layout is well-signposted, and departures are clearly displayed on electronic boards.

For first-time travelers, keep in mind that platform assignments for regional and international trains can sometimes change 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Always check the main departure screens upon arrival to confirm your specific track. While the station is not a massive complex, it is recommended to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to locate your platform comfortably. Despite its role as an international border crossing, the environment remains calm and easy to navigate for those unfamiliar with European rail systems.