Lyon to Como
 

We are taking the train from Lyon to Como. Does it make sense to use a car service in Milan to get to Como or is it an easy transfer to a train. That Milan station is so big and hard to get around in.

Very very simple but yes large busy station but trains to Como S Giovanni, mainline Trenitalia station, go frequently and from that station it is about a mile or so to the boat docks - buses go there for boats all over the lake. It may help to ask conductor on train from Lyon what track Como train runs from and beware that due to congestion there may be two trains on certain platforms - check where the train is going - sometimes the separate train in front will be your train. But everything well-marked and staff will help. No problem. Buy a thru ticket Lyon-Como s Giovanni if possible or go to Acquista il biglietto con le nostre offerte - Trenitalia and buy the Milan-Como ticket.

What is your final destination? If you're heading to the mid-lake area, it would probably make more sense to train Lyon-Lugano and take a taxi or car service to Menaggio.

I do not understand why you think Milano Centrale is "hard to get around in." yes, it can, and does, get mobbed but if you stay in the platform area and look at the departures board you usually have plenty of time to get from one train to another despite any crowds. That is, unless your connection is a very VERY tight one.

We are staying in Como proper. Will there be taxis at the train station?

My first time in that station...many years ago when I was a lot younger...I lost my bag claim ticket and trying to find it in that cavernous place left a bad feeling until now about the Milan train station.

No need for a tight connection as trains Milan Ctrle-Como are frequent so build in ample time and if time to dawdle have there are cafes and eateries.

Is 20 minutes in that station a tight connection...

Yes IMO only because train from Lyon could be late - why not build in 80 minutes and plan to have lunch at the many places in Milano Centrale station - I see why you want to pay huge amount for private driver but waiting in Milan with a comfy connection ain't all bad and there will be taxis at Como station to take you to your hotel.

We have been in and out of MIlano Centrale 6 times in the past 2 years and didn't find anything particularly difficult about it. Everything is well signed, and train staff and others are very helpful. If you're not comfortable with a 20-minute connection plan for a later train and enjoy the amazing cafeteria on the 2nd floor.

20-min connection is great if train is on time and then OK if you have fully changeable tickets for Como but if not there is a risk of missing connection - no one wants to be biting nails if inbound train is running late - StCirq has gone thru many times I would think and if she says cafeteria is amazing one, a reason to put in longer connecting time! And again with fairly short connecting time ask conductor on way in what platform train to Como will leave from - that info is available online but could always change.

Yup Regional trains run hourly Milano Cle to Como S Giovanni and you can buy those online with a 4-hour window of validity (experts here have said) so just do that and take the first or 2nd regional train - won't have to decide until reach Milano Cle. Regional trains have no seat reservations possible and again starting in Milan Cle should be lots of seats. Put angst to rest - cop a regional ticket online - and play it by ear - too hectic or can't find train no worry -just take next one. I get schedules off www.bahn.de/en - easiest schedule site I've seen to use and usually spot on accurate - those trains times would rarely change anyway. Not recently been at Como station but any such Italian station should have them waiting and staff can call them for you.