Traveling from Milan to Lake Como can be done in under an hour if you choose the right connections. Below is a usable walk-through that takes you from the city station to the hills above the lake and lands you at Villino Rubini, a private Art Nouveau estate in Brunate.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Board a Train from Milan to Como
- Step 2: Stay at Villino Rubini for a Private Estate Experience
- Step 3: Take the Funicular from Como to Brunate
- Step 4: Explore Nearby Villages and Ferries
- Step 5: Usable Tips for Luggage, Discounts and Timing
Step 1: Board a Train from Milan to Como
Both the regional train and faster intercity trains run between Milano Centrale and Como San Giovanni. The intercity option can cover the distance in as little as 36 minutes, while the regional train takes about 49 minutes. Tickets cost around sixteen dollars and can be bought at the station or online. Weekends and holidays may see fewer departures, so checking the timetable in advance saves time.
Milano Centrale is a grand building with a metro hub underneath, making it easy to reach from any part of the city. Once on the platform, the train glides through the Lombardy plain before turning north toward the lake. By the time you step off at Como San Giovanni, you are already at the edge of the historic town centre.
For a broader view of the region, the Lake Como entry on Wikipedia describes the geography that frames the rail journey. The train eliminates the hassle of traffic and parking in the popular lakeside towns.
Step 2: Stay at Villino Rubini for a Private Estate Experience
Our estate, Villino Rubini, sits in the hilltop village of Brunate, above Lake Como. Built in 1892, the Art Nouveau house retains original ceiling mouldings, wooden floors and period details. Ten rooms are spread across three buildings , the Villa, the Dependance and the Orangerie , providing space for up to nineteen guests.
A heated pool, spa, sauna, gym and a studio give guests the chance to relax after a day of exploring. Daily continental breakfast is served in the dining room, and a private shuttle brings guests up the historic Como-Brunate funicular that has run since 1894.
We welcome affluent couples, families, small corporate groups and wedding parties who prefer a home rather than a hotel. The gardens, set among beech forest, can host up to one hundred guests for an outdoor dinner under a tent.
For more information about the estate, visit our official website. To see the rooms in detail, explore the rooms page. Booking is handled through our reservation portal.
Step 3: Take the Funicular from Como to Brunate
The Como-Brunate funicular climbs from the lakefront to the village in seven minutes. It runs from six in the morning until ten-thirty at night, with midnight service in the summer on Saturdays. The ride offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake basin.
At the Brunate station you can walk to the Faro Voltiano lighthouse, a short climb of 143 steps that rewards you with sweeping vistas of the Alps. The funicular is a historic link that replaced an old mule track, and it still feels like a gentle ascent above the town.
According to Wikipedia’s entry on the Como-Brunate funicular, the line has operated continuously since the 19th century and remains a popular way for visitors to reach the hilltop without a car.
Step 4: Explore Nearby Villages and Ferries
From Como’s waterfront you can catch a ferry to Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and other charming lakeside towns. Ferries run frequently in the high season and less often in winter, so checking the timetable early helps you plan a smooth day trip.
Ticket prices are modest , an adult fare starts at eighteen euros , and you can buy tickets at the dock or online. The staff at each pier will direct you to the correct boat, and they often announce any service changes due to weather.
For cyclists, the lake offers quiet roads that wind through villages. Our guests often pair a ride with a stop at a local café before heading back to Brunate. A comfortable option for long rides on the hill-climb is often recommended.
Step 5: Usable Tips for Luggage, Discounts and Timing
Travel light when you board the train; a small suitcase or a sturdy backpack fits easily on the overhead racks. If you carry larger luggage, the station staff can assist with the porter service for a modest fee.
Discounts are available for children, seniors and groups. The regional train offers a family ticket that reduces the per-person price when three or more travelers travel together. Buying tickets online in advance can also save a few euros.
Plan to arrive at Milano Centrale at least fifteen minutes before departure to allow time for ticket validation and platform navigation. The funicular runs every twenty minutes, so a short wait is normal after you disembark in Como.
Corporate groups that book the whole estate often coordinate their schedules with our staff to align shuttle times, meeting rooms and meal service. For an integrated employee experience, some organizers use an employee experience platform for corporate retreats to manage agendas alongside the venue’s hospitality.
Pro Tip: Travel on a weekday and avoid public holidays to enjoy the quietest trains and the least crowded ferries.
FAQ
How long does the train from Milan to Como take?
The fastest intercity train service covers the route in about thirty-six minutes, while the slower regional train takes roughly forty-nine minutes.
Do I need to reserve a seat on the train?
Reservations are not required on the regional trains; you may sit wherever a seat is free. Intercity train seats can be reserved for a small fee if you prefer a guaranteed place.
Is the funicular wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the funicular cars are equipped with ramps and space for wheelchairs, making the ascent to Brunate accessible for most guests.
Can I bring a bike on the ferry?
Bicycles are allowed on most local ferries for an additional charge; you should purchase a bike ticket at the dock.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Late spring to early autumn offers pleasant weather and the most frequent ferry services, while winter provides a quieter atmosphere but reduced boat schedules.
Are there discounts for groups staying at Villino Rubini?
Yes, the estate offers reduced rates for groups of ten or more, and our staff can tailor a package that includes meals, shuttle service and meeting space.
We hope this guide helps you move smoothly from the fashion capital of Milan to the tranquil hills above Lake Como and enjoy a stay at Villino Rubini. For further reading about the region, see the Wikipedia page on Lake Como.
Occasional stories from the estate, sent a few times a year at most.