PalenQ and neckervd are correct. Milano Centrale is not in the city centre as understood by the Milanesi (Milan residents). There are a number of stations in Milan but the three important ones as far as getting to Como are Milano Centrale, Milano Cadorna and Milano Porta Garibaldi. Both Frecciarossa and Italo serve both Milano Centrale and Porta Garibaldi - I prefer Milano Centrale as Porta Garibaldi is a badly designed station. Also the trains from Porta Garibaldi are those of TreNord which are far inferior to those of Tilo on the route from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni. Milano Cadorna also uses the TreNord trains. The Tilo trains are almost twice as quick as they stop in far fewer stations en-route.

Thanks for all that history about Milan stations! and yes Central don't always mean in center of town though in most cases it does.

Thank you everyone for this advice. We just got back from our trip to Bellagio Lake Como. The train to Como S. Giovanni was great advice. Very easy walk with luggage to catch the ferry to Bellagio. Absolutely beautiful ferry ride along the lake and comfortable. This is definitely the easiest and cheapest way to commute. Again thank you!

thanks for report but I think that is not cheapest way - taking bus from S. Giovanni to Bellagio would be cheaper I would think but boat is much more scenic.

PalenQ I’m sure you are correct thank you for all of your help! Great trip.

I hope you can write a trip report - sounds like a great time!