Florence to Lake Como — via Milan, easier than you'd think

Florence → Milan (1h40) + Milan → Varenna (1h) = under 3 hours to the lake. One change at Milano Centrale. Total cost under €35 if you book smart.

🚄 Train via Milan

Best overall

2h 40–3h totalDuration

€27–65Cost

Many combos dailyFrequency

Leg 1: Firenze SMN → Milano Centrale (1h40, from €19.90). Leg 2: Milano → Varenna-Esino (1h, €7.60). Or Milano → Como San Giovanni (38 min, €4.80). Allow 15–20 min for connection. Total: €27.50 minimum.

💡 Pro tip: Varenna is the better arrival point — more central on the lake than Como town, with direct ferries to Bellagio (15 min) and Menaggio.

The verdict

Frecciarossa to Milan + regional to Varenna. Done in under 3 hours. Book Florence–Milan early; buy Milan–Varenna at the station.

🚆 Book trains 🏨 Lake Como hotels 🎫 Lake tours

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Florence to Lake Como — via Milan, easier than you'd think

🚄 Train via Milan

The verdict

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