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Funicular and cable car

Three public lines that climb in a few minutes from Como, Argegno and Lecco to upland villages and meadows.

The funicular car among the trees, Como and the lake below.Emanu37429 · CC0

Three cable-hauled lines of the public transport network climb in a few minutes to the villages and meadows above the lake.

The Como–Brunate funicular, running since 1894, leaves from Como's waterfront and climbs almost 500 metres in seven minutes. The Argegno–Pigra cable car, opened in 1971, rises 650 metres from Argegno to Pigra in six minutes. Above Lecco, the Piani d'Erna cable car starts at Versasio and climbs to the meadows beneath the Resegone. People who live in Brunate and Pigra use the funicular and the Pigra cable car every day. For visitors, the three lines are the quickest way up to a viewpoint or to the start of a path.

How it works

  1. Como–Brunate funicularThe lower station is in Piazza De Gasperi, on Como's waterfront, a few minutes' walk from Como Nord Lago station and from the boat pier. The cars leave Como and Brunate at the same time and stop on request at Como Alta and Carescione.
  2. Argegno–Pigra cable carThe lower station is at Argegno, next to the bridge, about a hundred metres from the landing stage. From Como, Argegno is about 55 minutes away by boat or about 35 on the C110 bus, which stops at “Argegno Stazione Funivia”.
  3. Piani d'Erna cable carThe lower station is at Versasio, above Lecco, and has a car park. A town bus runs there from Lecco railway station.
  4. TicketsRegional Io Viaggio tickets and passes are valid on all three lines. For the Pigra cable car, tickets are sold at the Argegno and Pigra stations, by credit card too.
  5. Bicycles, dogs and childrenBicycles and dogs need a supplementary ticket, and on the funicular and the Pigra cable car so do pushchairs. Dogs must wear a muzzle, and at the Piani d'Erna a lead as well. Children under four travel free; on the funicular and the Pigra cable car, so do guide dogs.
  6. Wheelchair usersThe funicular and the Pigra cable car are accessible to wheelchair users, and anyone accompanying a disabled passenger travels free. For passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, the Comune di Pigra runs a free shuttle between the two stations, booked through the Croce Rossa di Centro Valle.

Good for

  • Getting from Como to Brunate in seven minutes, instead of twenty-five by car on a narrow road
  • Looking down on the first basin of the lake on the way up, without walking
  • Starting an upland walk: from Brunate towards Monte Boletto, from Pigra into the Val d'Intelvi, from the Piani d'Erna towards the Resegone
  • Riding up and walking back down: two paths lead from Brunate to Como, an old mule track from Pigra to Argegno
  • Going up to Brunate for sunset and coming back to town for dinner: the funicular runs in the evening too, all year round
  • Families and anyone who walks little: you reach high ground without climbing on foot

Watch out for

  • The Pigra and Piani d'Erna cable cars keep seasonal hours, and the last run down can be as early as the afternoon: check it before you go up.
  • The lines close from time to time for maintenance, sometimes for weeks: check the operator's notices before setting out.
  • During local public transport strikes the funicular can also stop for part of the day.
  • The Pigra cabins carry twelve people each: a large group goes up in several runs.
  • The Piani d'Erna cable car starts at Versasio, above the town: from Lecco you get there by bus or by car.

Where to board

The other modes