Lake Como, a stunning jewel nestled in the Italian Alps, beckons travelers with its breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting destination, this guide, brought to you by flyermedia.net, will help you navigate the best air travel options to reach Lake Como. We will explore the most convenient airports, airlines, and transfer methods, ensuring a smooth start to your Italian adventure. This will cover everything from airlines, flight duration, and the ease of ground transportation options, offering an idyllic Lake Como itinerary.
1. Understanding Your Travel Options To Lake Como
Reaching Lake Como involves a combination of air travel and ground transportation, as the lake itself doesn’t have its own major airport.
1.1. Major Airports Near Lake Como
The primary airports serving Lake Como are all located in the Milan metropolitan area. These include:
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): The largest international airport, handling most intercontinental flights.
Milan Malpensa Airport aerial view at sunset
Alt text: Aerial view of Milan Malpensa Airport at sunset, showcasing its vast size and numerous runways.
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN): Primarily for domestic and European flights.
- Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY): Serves budget airlines and some European destinations.
- Lugano Airport (LUG): A smaller, seasonal airport in Switzerland, close to the Italian border.
1.2. Key Considerations When Choosing an Airport
Your choice of airport will depend on factors like:
- Origin of your flight: Intercontinental flights typically arrive at MXP.
- Budget: BGY often offers cheaper flights.
- Convenience: LIN is closer to Milan city center.
- Time of year: LUG has limited seasonal flights.
2. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Your Gateway to Lake Como From The USA
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the primary international gateway for travelers heading to Lake Como, especially those flying from the United States.
2.1. Airlines Flying to MXP From the USA
Several major airlines offer direct or connecting flights from various US cities to MXP. These include:
| Airline | Departure Cities | Flight Type |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL) | Direct |
| United Airlines | Newark (EWR), Washington D.C. (IAD) | Direct |
| American Airlines | New York (JFK), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) | Direct |
| Emirates | Connect through Dubai (DXB) | Connecting |
| Lufthansa | Connect through Frankfurt (FRA) | Connecting |
| Air France | Connect through Paris (CDG) | Connecting |
| KLM Royal Dutch | Connect through Amsterdam (AMS) | Connecting |
| Swiss International | Connect through Zurich (ZRH) | Connecting |
| Virgin Atlantic | Connect through London (LHR) | Connecting |
| ITA Airways | Connect through Rome (FCO) | Connecting |
2.2. Flight Durations From the USA to MXP
Direct flights from the East Coast of the USA to MXP typically range from 7 to 9 hours. Flights from the West Coast involve layovers and can take 12 hours or more.
2.3. Ground Transportation From MXP to Lake Como
After arriving at MXP, you have several options to reach Lake Como:
- Train: The Malpensa Express train connects the airport to Milan city center, where you can transfer to a train to Como.
- Bus: Several bus companies offer direct services from MXP to Como.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available but can be expensive.
- Rental Car: Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the Lake Como region.
- Private Transfer: A pre-booked private transfer offers a comfortable and convenient option.
2.4. Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Book your train or bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
- Consider a private transfer for a hassle-free experience.
- If renting a car, familiarize yourself with Italian traffic laws.
- Allow ample time for your transfer, especially if traveling during rush hour.
3. Milan Linate Airport (LIN): Convenient For European Flights
Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is the closest airport to Milan city center and primarily serves domestic and European flights.
3.1. Airlines Flying to LIN From Europe
Many European airlines operate flights to LIN, including:
| Airline | Origin Cities |
|---|---|
| Alitalia (ITA Airways) | Rome, London, Paris |
| EasyJet | Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich |
| Air France | Paris |
| KLM Royal Dutch | Amsterdam |
| British Airways | London |
| SAS Scandinavian | Copenhagen, Stockholm |
| Iberia | Madrid |
| Vueling | Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca |
| TAP Air Portugal | Lisbon |
3.2. Flight Durations From Europe to LIN
Flight durations from major European cities to LIN typically range from 1 to 3 hours.
3.3. Ground Transportation From LIN to Lake Como
From LIN, you can reach Lake Como by:
- Bus: Take a bus from LIN to Milan Central Station, then a train to Como.
- Taxi: Taxis are available but can be expensive.
- Rental Car: Renting a car offers flexibility.
- Private Transfer: Pre-book a private transfer for convenience.
4. Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY): Budget-Friendly Option
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), also known as Milan Bergamo Airport, is a popular choice for budget travelers due to its focus on low-cost airlines.
4.1. Airlines Flying to BGY From Europe
Ryanair and Wizz Air are the primary airlines operating flights to BGY from various European cities.
| Airline | Origin Cities |
|---|---|
| Ryanair | London, Dublin, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona |
| Wizz Air | Bucharest, Budapest, Warsaw, Prague, Sofia |
| Volotea | Palermo, Catania, Naples, Bari, Olbia |
| Blue Air | Bucharest, Iasi, Bacau, Cluj-Napoca |
| Ernest | Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Tbilisi |
| Pegasus | Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Adana |
| Air Arabia | Casablanca, Tangier, Nador, Fes, Agadir |
| Albawings | Tirana, Pristina, Skopje, Podgorica, Sarajevo |
| Neos | Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa Alam, Hurghada, Sal, Boa Vista |
| Jet2.com | Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh |
4.2. Flight Durations From Europe to BGY
Flight durations from European cities to BGY typically range from 1 to 3 hours.
4.3. Ground Transportation From BGY to Lake Como
From BGY, you can reach Lake Como by:
- Bus: Take a direct bus from BGY to Como.
- Train: Take a bus to Bergamo train station, then a train to Como.
- Taxi: Taxis are available but can be expensive.
- Rental Car: Renting a car offers flexibility.
5. Lugano Airport (LUG): A Scenic Alternative
Lugano Airport (LUG) is a smaller airport located in Switzerland, near the Italian border. It offers a scenic alternative for reaching Lake Como, especially if you are already traveling in Switzerland.
5.1. Airlines Flying to LUG From Europe
Lugano Airport primarily serves regional flights within Europe, with airlines like Swiss International Air Lines operating flights from Zurich.
| Airline | Origin Cities |
|---|---|
| Swiss International Air | Zurich |
| Etihad Regional | Rome |
| Darwin Airline | Geneva |
| Silver Air | Elba Island |
| Sky Alps | Bolzano |
| Adria Airways | Ljubljana |
| Croatia Airlines | Zagreb |
| Luxair | Luxembourg |
| LOT Polish Airlines | Warsaw |
| Scandinavian Airlines | Copenhagen |
5.2. Flight Durations From Europe to LUG
Flight durations from European cities to LUG are typically short, ranging from 1 to 2 hours.
5.3. Ground Transportation From LUG to Lake Como
From LUG, you can reach Lake Como by:
- Train: Take a bus to Lugano train station, then a train to Como.
- Rental Car: Renting a car offers a scenic drive along the lake.
- Taxi: Taxis are available but can be expensive.
6. Comparing Airports: MXP, LIN, BGY, and LUG
| Airport | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan Malpensa (MXP) | Largest international airport, wide range of flights, good transportation options. | Further from Lake Como, can be crowded. | International travelers, those seeking direct flights from the US or other continents. |
| Milan Linate (LIN) | Closest to Milan city center, convenient for domestic and European flights. | Limited international flights, can be more expensive. | Domestic and European travelers, those who want quick access to Milan city center. |
| Bergamo (BGY) | Budget-friendly, served by low-cost airlines. | Further from Lake Como, limited transportation options. | Budget travelers, those willing to take a bus or train to reach Lake Como. |
| Lugano (LUG) | Scenic alternative, located in Switzerland, offers a unique travel experience. | Limited flights, smaller airport, longer transfer times. | Travelers already in Switzerland, those seeking a scenic route to Lake Como. |
7. Getting Around Lake Como: Transportation Options
Once you arrive at Lake Como, you have several options for getting around:
- Ferries: Ferries are a popular way to travel between towns on the lake.
Lake Como ferry approaching a town with colorful buildings
Alt text: A ferry boat approaching a lakeside town on Lake Como, with colorful historic buildings lining the shore.
- Buses: Buses connect the towns around the lake and offer a cost-effective option.
- Taxis: Taxis are available but can be expensive.
- Rental Car: Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the region, but parking can be challenging.
- Walking: Many towns are best explored on foot.
8. Planning Your Lake Como Itinerary: Things To Do
Lake Como offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some highlights:
- Visit Bellagio: Explore the charming town of Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como.”
- Explore Villa del Balbianello: Tour the stunning Villa del Balbianello, featured in several movies.
- Take a Boat Tour: Enjoy a boat tour of the lake, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
- Hike in the Mountains: Hike in the surrounding mountains for panoramic views of the lake.
- Relax on the Beach: Relax on one of the lake’s beaches and soak up the sun.
- Visit Como Town: Explore the historic city of Como, with its beautiful cathedral and charming streets.
- Shop in Local Markets: Discover local products and souvenirs in the region’s markets.
- Dine at Lakeside Restaurants: Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at lakeside restaurants.
9. Accommodation Options: Where to Stay on Lake Como
Lake Como offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses. Some popular choices include:
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo: A luxurious hotel with stunning lake views.
- Villa d’Este: An iconic hotel with a rich history.
- Hotel Villa Flori: A charming hotel in a quiet location.
- Airbnb: Numerous apartments and villas are available for rent on Airbnb.
- B&Bs: Bed and breakfasts offer a more intimate and affordable option.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Flying to Lake Como
1. What is the closest airport to Lake Como?
The closest airport to Lake Como is Milan Linate Airport (LIN), but it mainly serves domestic and European flights. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the primary international airport serving the region.
2. How do I get from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Lake Como?
You can take the Malpensa Express train to Milan Central Station, then transfer to a train to Como. Alternatively, you can take a bus, taxi, rental car, or pre-booked private transfer.
3. Is it better to fly into Milan Linate (LIN) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) for Lake Como?
It depends on your origin. If you are flying from within Europe, LIN is more convenient due to its proximity to Milan city center. For intercontinental flights, MXP is the primary choice.
4. How much does it cost to get from Milan Airport to Lake Como?
The cost varies depending on the transportation method. A train ticket from Milan Central Station to Como costs around €5-10. Bus tickets range from €10-20. Taxis and private transfers can cost €80-150 or more.
5. Can I fly directly to Lake Como?
No, Lake Como does not have its own major airport. You need to fly into one of the airports in the Milan metropolitan area (MXP, LIN, BGY) or Lugano Airport (LUG) in Switzerland, then transfer to Lake Como.
6. What is the best time of year to visit Lake Como?
The best time to visit Lake Como is during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
7. What are the must-see attractions on Lake Como?
Some of the must-see attractions on Lake Como include Bellagio, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and the city of Como.
8. How do I get around Lake Como without a car?
Ferries and buses are the primary modes of transportation around Lake Como. Ferries connect the towns on the lake, while buses connect the towns on land.
9. Are there any beaches on Lake Como?
Yes, there are several beaches on Lake Como where you can relax and swim. Some popular beaches include Lido di Lenno and Spiaggia di Menaggio.
10. What is the local cuisine like in Lake Como?
Lake Como is known for its delicious Italian cuisine, including fresh seafood, risotto, polenta, and local wines. Be sure to try the local specialties at lakeside restaurants.
