Como at a glance
Como is the town most visitors reach first. Trains from Milano Cadorna arrive at Como Lago station, and from there the lakefront, the cathedral and the funicular are close. Public ships start here and run up the lake to Colico. Many travellers use Como as a base for the whole lake, others see it in a day.
This guide is independent. It is not run by the city, the cathedral or the funicular operator. Prices are for adults in 2026 and can change, and hours can shift with the season and with church services.
The cathedral of Como
A free route and a paid one.
What you can see without a ticket
Without a ticket there is a set route through the side aisles. It is a partial visit, not the whole church. Do not expect free entry to everything, and do not expect that everyone needs a ticket.
What the integrated ticket adds
The integrated ticket opens areas such as the transept, the wooden choir, the sacristies and the upper passages. Check the price board at the entrance, because the cathedral lists prices for 2026 on a board and by age group.
Tourist hours
Tourist visits run from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 10.45 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Saturday. A second block lists Sundays and holidays at 11 to 11.45 a.m. and 1 to 4.30 p.m.. Church services can limit routes and times, so treat Sunday as a day to confirm on site.
Como tours and Lake Como trips
Boat rides from Como, villa visits and day trips from Milan, with live prices and availability.
The Como to Brunate funicular
A short ride up the hill above the town.
The funicular (Standseilbahn) takes 7 minutes. A stop at Carescione is served on request. The published ATM timetable runs daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Between 6 and 7 a.m. cars run every 15 minutes, between 7 and 9 a.m. every 12 minutes, and after that every 15 minutes again. The last departure is at midnight. A published timetable is no promise that the line runs on a given day, so check for notices.
Fares changed on 1 September 2026. The older table lists €3.60 single and €7.20 return, with €2.40 and €4.80 for children. A secondary source gives €3.70 and €7.40 for adults and €2.50 and €5 for children on the new table. Check the price board at the station.
Getting to Como and moving around
Trains from Milan, ships on the lake and one station mix-up to avoid.
Train from Milan
Trenord trains from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago take about 60 minutes and run roughly every half hour. Do not confuse Como Lago with Como San Giovanni. The operator's page gives two different times for the last departure, 8.16 p.m. in the text and 10.16 p.m. in the table, so check the timetable before an evening return. Trenord introduced a new fare table on 1 September 2026.
Day trips from Milan →Ships and the lakefront
Public ships run from Como to Colico. For the middle lake, the crossings between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio are a separate network. The autumn timetable is listed until 1 November 2026. Fare steps run from €3 to €14.50 for a single adult ticket since 1 April 2026.
Lake Como ferry guide →A day in Como
A simple order works well: cathedral in the morning, a walk along the lakefront at midday, and the funicular late in the afternoon. The lakefront with the cathedral dome is worth seeing after dark.
Staying in Como and the tourist tax
What to expect on the bill.
Como charges a tourist tax. The city page says it applies to a maximum of 4 consecutive nights, and children under 14 are exempt. You pay at your accommodation, which issues a receipt. A tariff decision from 2023, valid from 1 January 2024, lists €5 per person and night for 4 and 5 star hotels, €4 for 3 star hotels, €3 for 1 and 2 star hotels and for B&Bs and apartments, and €2 for campsites and hostels. The city still links this table, so ask your host for the current amount.
Como suits arrivals by train from Milan and day visits to the cathedral and Brunate. For the central triangle of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, plan an extra ship or road leg. More on bases is on the where to stay page, and the seasons are on the best time to visit page.
Como: frequently asked questions
Is the cathedral of Como free to enter?
Partly. There is a free tourist route through the side aisles, and a paid ticket opens further areas such as the transept, the choir stalls and the sacristies. Services can limit visits.
How long is the Como to Brunate funicular ride?
The ride takes 7 minutes, with a stop at Carescione on request. It runs daily from 6 a.m. to midnight according to the published timetable.
How much is the Brunate funicular?
The older table lists €3.60 single and €7.20 return. A secondary source gives €3.70 and €7.40 for the table valid from 1 September 2026. Check the board at the station.
How do I get from Milan to Como?
Take a Trenord train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago. It takes about 60 minutes and runs roughly every half hour. Do not board for Como San Giovanni by mistake.
Do I pay a tourist tax in Como?
Yes. It applies for a maximum of 4 consecutive nights, children under 14 are exempt, and you pay at your accommodation. Ask for the amount when you book.