train from Venice to Como
 

Has anyone ever taken train from Venice to Como? I'd LOVE to see Lake Como, but the train seems to leave Venice at 1030 and arrives at approx 1400. If we want to get back to Venice that evening, does this give us enough time to enjoy Lake Como?

I found many possible trains Venice to Como. Basically one departure per hour. You will train Venice to Milan-Central and connect with either a regional or commuter rail. I found deartures starting at 6:45am. It seems to be about 4 hours one way. Are you up for a marathon day trip?

The town of Como is just one of your destination choices. You could also also train to Varenna (the Varenna Esino station), Lecco or even Bellano.
I wouldn't get off at Lecco without a planned, timed connection to one of the scheduled passenger boats.

If you get up at the crack of dawn, then you could have five or six hours on Lake Como.

I really don't recommend attempting this unless you just love train rides. (And you're taking an entire day away from Venice!) But if you must, then please, please don't go to the town of Como which will not give you even a hint of a Lake Como experience. Change trains at Milano Centrale and go to Varenna-Esino. (Buy round-trip tickets in Milan for the Milan-Varenna-Milan portion.)

Have lunch in Varenna or Bellagio (15 mins. by ferry). Wander both towns for a couple of hours, then board the train in Varenna and reverse the ride back to Milan and Venice.

You won't be able to have dinner on the lake and will have to eat something on the train between Milan and Venice. (Or you could buy some food in Varenna to take with you.)

If your trip is between the second weekend in October and mid-April or rain is predicted, do not do this day trip. It will be a waste of time and money.