Funicular from Como to Brunate and Walk to San Maurizio

The funicular leaves from Piazza De Gasperi, next to the lake, and climbs to Brunate in 7 minutes. At the top you continue on foot through the village streets to San Maurizio, the high viewpoint over the first arm of the lake and, on clear days, towards the Alps and the Milan plain.

What it is and why it matters

Construction of the line began in January 1893 and it was inaugurated on 11 November 1894, after about 22 months of work. It ran on steam until 1911, when it was electrified, and the Brunate station was rebuilt in 1934–35. Today it is operated by ATM on behalf of the Lombardy Region. It climbs a steep slope, between villa gardens and woodland, and the view opens up as you gain height: Como, the head of the lake and the surrounding hills.

Brunate is a village of early 20th-century summer villas, hanging above the city. From the upper station there are several balconies with views, a step away.

The walk to San Maurizio

From Brunate station follow the signs to San Maurizio through the village streets, gently uphill and then more steeply. It is asphalt, suitable for anyone who walks normally. At San Maurizio is the Faro Voltiano, the tower built in memory of Alessandro Volta, the physicist from Como who invented the electric battery; although the tower is closed, the esplanade around it already gives a wide view of the lake. Allow about two hours for the way up, the walk and the return by funicular.

Times and frequency

The funicular runs every day from 6:00 to midnight, with simultaneous departures from Como and Brunate. Check the detailed timetable on the ATM website, which publishes it as a PDF.

Prices

According to the ATM fares in force since 1 July 2025:

• Single: €3.60.
• Return: €7.20.
• Under 12s: €2.40 each way.
• Under 4s: free.

The ticket is bought at the ticket office at Como station.

Getting there

The lower station is at Piazza Alcide De Gasperi, at the end of the lakeside promenade, about ten minutes' walk from the cathedral and from Como Nord Lago station. If you arrive by train from Milan, Trenord sells a combined train and funicular ticket. By car, leave the car in one of the paid car parks in the centre: next to the funicular station there is hardly any room.

With children and accessibility

For children the funicular itself is the attraction. The funicular admits wheelchairs, and the walk through Brunate is paved, although with slopes. With a pushchair it can be done.

If you have the day free, the boat between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio leaves from the centre of the lake, and the seaplane flight takes off in front of Como.