You've seen the photos. Those glittering deep-blue waters, the dramatic Grigna mountains reflected in the surface, and George Clooney’s villa (somewhere over there, behind the cypress trees). It looks like a dream. But then you start looking for flights to Lake Como and reality hits: there isn't actually an airport on the lake.
Unless you have a private seaplane—which, honestly, most of us don't—you’re going to be landing somewhere else and making a break for the border.
I’ve seen people book flights to "Milan" thinking it’s a quick hop to the water. Then they land at Orio al Serio (Bergamo) and realize they’re basically in a different world with a two-hour transit ahead of them. Getting your flight choice right is the difference between sipping an Aperol Spritz in Menaggio by 4:00 PM or sitting on a sweaty regional train platform in Monza wondering where it all went wrong.
The Milanese Triple Threat: Which Runway Should You Choose?
Basically, you have three choices when booking your trip to Northern Italy. Each one has its own vibe and its own "hidden" costs in terms of time.
1. Milan Malpensa (MXP) – The Heavy Hitter
Malpensa is the big one. If you’re flying from New York, Tokyo, or London, this is likely where you’ll land. It’s actually located northwest of Milan, which is great because it puts you closer to the southern tip of Lake Como.
The Reality: From Terminal 1, you can grab the Malpensa Express. But don't just stay on it until Milan. Pro tip: change at Saronno. From Saronno, you can catch a direct train to Como Lago. It’s faster. It’s cheaper. It saves you the headache of going all the way into the chaotic Milano Centrale station just to come back out again.
2. Milan Linate (LIN) – The "City" Airport
Linate is the favorite of European business travelers. It’s tiny, efficient, and sits right on the edge of Milan's city center.
If you find a deal here, take it, but know the catch. You have to get into the city first. You’ll take the new M4 Metro line or a shuttle bus to Milano Centrale. From there, you’re at the mercy of the Trenitalia schedule. It’s a bit of a slog with luggage, but the airport itself is much less of a "mall" than Malpensa.
3. Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) – The Budget Gateway
Ryanair and Wizz Air love this place. It’s technically in Bergamo, which is a stunning city in its own right (seriously, visit the Upper Town if you have a few hours).
Wait, is it good for Lake Como? Kinda. If you’re heading to the eastern branch of the lake—places like Lecco or Varenna—Bergamo is actually a solid choice. You can grab a bus to the Bergamo train station and then a direct train to Lecco. It’s often cheaper than the other two options, but the transit is definitely more "low-cost carrier" style.
Why Flights to Lake Como Aren't Just About the Price
We all love a $50 fare. But in 2026, the cost of the flight is only half the story. You have to factor in the "lake tax."
I’m talking about the private transfers. If you land at Malpensa and want a private car to take you to Bellagio, expect to pay upwards of €150 to €200. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, that "cheap flight" just got a lot more expensive.
The smart move? Look for flights that land before noon. The ferries on Lake Como—especially the fast ones—don't run late into the night. If your flight lands at 8:00 PM, you’re going to be stuck taking a very expensive taxi or staying a night in a mediocre airport hotel. Nobody wants that.
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Navigating the Seasonal Flight Surge
Lake Como isn't a year-round destination for everyone. Sure, the locals are there, but the "tourist" lake basically goes to sleep from November to March.
- April to June: This is the sweet spot. The Wisteria is blooming, the air is crisp, and the flight prices haven't hit the "August ceiling" yet.
- July and August: Absolute madness. You’ll be fighting for space on the ferries, and the flight prices reflect it. If you have to go now, book your flights at least six months out.
- September and October: Personally, my favorite time. The light is golden, the water is still warm enough for a brave dip, and the crowds are thinning.
Logistics: The "Last Mile" Problem
You’ve landed. You’ve got your bags. Now what?
Most people head for the town of Como because it shares the name. It’s a lovely city, but it’s at the very bottom of the lake. If your heart is set on the "Golden Triangle" (Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio), you still have a ferry ride ahead of you.
Varenna is actually the most accessible by train. If you fly into Malpensa, take the train to Milano Centrale and then the direct line to Varenna-Esino. It takes about an hour from Centrale. You step off the train, walk down the hill, and boom—you’re in one of the most beautiful villages on Earth. No car needed.
Common Misconceptions About Italian Air Travel
I hear this all the time: "I'll just rent a car at the airport and drive."
Please, think twice.
Driving around Lake Como is... an experience. The roads are narrow. Like, "folded-in-mirrors-and-holding-your-breath" narrow. Parking in Bellagio is basically a competitive sport. Unless you are staying in a remote villa in the hills above Menaggio, you don't need a car. The ferries are the "highways" here. They’re more fun, you can drink wine on them, and you don’t have to worry about Italian ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) fines which, trust me, are a nightmare to deal with six months after you get home.
Actionable Steps for Your 2026 Trip
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on those flights to Lake Como, here is exactly how I would handle the booking process to keep my sanity intact:
- Check Multi-City Options: Sometimes flying into Milan (MXP) and out of Zurich (ZRH) or Venice (VCE) can be surprisingly affordable and lets you see more of the region.
- The "10:00 AM Rule": Aim for a flight that lands in Italy before 10:00 AM. This gives you plenty of buffer time for the inevitable "Trenitalia delay" and ensures you reach your lakeside hotel in time for a sunset dinner.
- Validate Your Tickets: If you take the train from the airport, validate your paper ticket in the yellow or green machines before you board. If you don't, the conductors will fine you on the spot. They don't care if you're a tourist.
- Download the Apps: Get the Trenord app for train schedules and the Navigazione Laghi app for ferry times. Having these on your phone before you land makes the transition from the runway to the water much smoother.
- Look at Lugano (LUG): Most people forget Switzerland is right there. Lugano is a tiny airport just across the border. It’s often more expensive, but the train ride from Lugano to Como is only 35 minutes. It’s the ultimate "stealth" move for a stress-free arrival.
Lake Como is worth the logistics. Just don't let a bad flight choice ruin the vibe before you even see the water.