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8 Best Lake Como Tours From Milan (Private, Small-Group & More)

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Lake Como, in the foothills of the Italian Alps in northern Italy, is a destination that has been capturing the hearts of travelers for years.

Here we’ll highlight the 8 best Lake Como tours from Milan, all with an English-speaking guide. 

The lake’s beautiful scenery, picturesque small towns, and elegant villas make it an idyllic spot to visit.

🏆 BEST TOUR FROM MILAN TO LAKE COMO

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The most popular tour with a rating of 4.6/5 and over 3700 reviews is the: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna from Milan Tour .

Whether you’re interested in exploring the lake’s historic sites, doing a little shopping, or indulging in the famous cuisine, there is a perfect Lake Como day tour from Milan for you.

Quick Guide: Best Milan To Lake Como Tours

After a quick list of the top 3 Milan to Lake Como tours? Here are the best tours.

Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Day Tour From Milan

• See the three best towns
• Includes a private boat cruise and a walking tour of Como
• It has a 4.6/5 star rating from over 3700 travelers

Lake Como & Switzerland Day Tour From Milan

• Visit Bellagio (Lake Como) & Lugano (Switzerland)
• Includes a cruise on Lake Como
• Free time in Bellagio and Lugano
• This tour has received a badge of excellence from Viator

Private Tour of Lake Como from Milan

• Enjoy your private transfer, private boat cruise, and private walking tour.
• See views over Como from Brunate
• Watch the sunset over the lake

Best Lake Como Tours from Milan

The following Milan Lake Como tours each offers an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Lake Como region.

Whatever sort of experience you’re after, there’s something for you on this list of the most popular Lake Como from Milan tours.

1. Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Day Tour with Boat Cruise      

Tour Overview

• Tour Type: Travel by luxury bus from Milan, enjoy a guided walking tour, and a private boat tour of the lake. Free time at various stops.
• Tour Sights & Stops : Como, Villa Olmo, Bellagio, Varenna, Lake Como
• Departure Points: Milan Central Station or Milan Piazza Della Scala/ Piazza Duomo
• Length: 10 to 11 hours
• Check Price

Enjoy a full-day trip with walking tours of Como, and the Villa Olmo and its gardens with your guide.

Headphones will be provided – the best way to ensure that you’ll hear everything your guide says.

Then embark on a lake cruise by private boat, and explore Lake Como’s three branches.

Visit Bellagio and Varenna, spending your free time there shopping along cobblestoned streets and basking in the local ambiance.

Marina and Massimo were a pair sent from heaven, absolutely fantastic entertainment, facts and banter throughout the entire tour. LOADS of freedom to explore and see different things … Sights were astounding and plenty of them, highly highly recommend! Jordan (Get Your Guide reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note is that this tour does not include meals, so make sure you are happy to take food with you or to spend additional money at a restaurant.

Also, prepare yourself for a very long day, the tour is 10-11 hours which makes for a pretty big day out.

Who This Tour Is For: 

• Couples who’d love a romantic day together while someone else does the driving.
• Small groups who want a full-day outing in the Lake Como area.
• Anyone who wants to explore Lake Como and its surrounding beauty.

This is the most popular tour so it is important to pre-book your tickets or you risk the chance of missing out. The tour is rated 4.6/5 from over 3700 travelers.

If you wish to tour Lake Como from Milan, then this is our top pick for you.

2. Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip with Boat Cruise

• Tour Type: Air-conditioned coach, a guided walking tour of Como. A boat cruise on Lake Como plus a funicular ride in winter.
• Tour Sights & Stops : Como plus Bellagio and Cadenabbia in summer, Brunate in winter.
• Departure Point: Milan Visitors Centre
• Length: 9 hours

Explore Como, enjoy local cuisine, and browse shops and markets. This tour is tailored to the season in which you are traveling.

This ensures that you’ll make the most of your time in Como any time of year. 

Whether you’re gazing down at the lake from Brunate or wandering next to it in Bellagio, you’ll fall in love with Italy.

This tour promises unforgettable adventures.

We had a wonderful time! Our guide was so knowledgeable- he gave us so many facts about the history and geography of the area. We would do this again and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in exploring the area for a day… Jessica_W (Get Your Guide reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: Whilst the tour above makes use of a private boat for the cruise portion of their trip, this particular tour uses the ferry boat which can get busy.

Another comparison point is that the tour mentioned above accommodates small groups where this tour will take groups of up to around 50 people.

• Families enjoying a holiday together
• Couples staying in Milan looking to escape the busy city for a day
• Travelers who’d love to see where the rich and famous winter

This tour has received a badge of excellence on Viator. It is rated 4.5/5 from reviews from over 1700 travelers who have experienced this tour.

I love that this tour is slightly shorter than the tour before, however, I truly love Varenna so I think it is a shame that you will miss out on it on this tour.

3. Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan

• Tour Type: Travel by air-conditioned coach and by boat. Guided tour of the lake and free time at the various stops.
• Tour Sights & Stops : Cruise Lake Como, see celebrity villas from the water Bellagio, plus the Swiss town of Lugano and the church of Santa Maria Degli Angioli.
• Departure Point: Stazione Porta Garibaldi
• Length: 10.5 hours

This is a spectacular day trip combining the best of Switzerland and Italy. Explore the towns of Lugano and Como, renowned for their natural beauty.

Learn about the famous properties from your guide, who will point out villa Balbianello used to film Star Wars and James Bond movies.

Discover Bellagio, with free time to explore its charming streets and hidden corners.

Also, visit the Italian-speaking Swiss town of Lugano. Soak up the local culture and admire the beautiful architecture.

Tour guide was excellent, knowledgeable, warm and friendly. It was a great experience! … it was such a non stressful experience. It was my birthday trip and I loved it !!!” Hagar_M, November 2022 (Viator Reviews ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: If you prefer small group tours, this is not the tour for you as it is normal for them to have groups of up to around 60 people.

Also, be aware the cruise is via the ferry – it is not on a private boat (which the first tour mentioned is).

Also, ensure you are okay to cross the Swiss border (some might need a visa).

• Solo travelers who love to learn about their location from a local guide
• Groups of friends traveling in Milan, eager to explore a bit farther afield
• Couples on a second honeymoon who want to see the best of the area

If you would love to experience a bit of Switzerland, then this is the tour for you.

This tour is popular and has received a badge of excellence from Viator.

We highly recommend you pre-book this great tour to avoid disappointment.

4. Lake Como, Bellagio, and Lugano Coach Day Trip

• Tour Type: private air-conditioned coach to Lugano and Bellagio with a cruise on Lake Como.
• Tour Sights & Stops : Lugano and Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto Church, Bellagio and  Lake Como.
• Departure Point: Milan Porta Garibaldi Train Station main entrance

Experience Italy and Switzerland on this day trip from Milan. Marvel at the snow-capped mountains and spectacular scenery along Lake Como.

Visit the Swiss town of Lugano as well as Bellagio, known as “The Pearl of Lake Como”. 

You’ll have free time to spend as you’d like, souvenir shopping or sampling the local food.

On the lake cruise, learn which villa served as James Bond and Star Wars movie sets, plus view George Clooney’s Italian lakeside home.

Our guide Valentino was very insightful. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip! There was sufficient time to walk around Lugano, Bellagio and Como. She even gave us recommendations to dine at!! (The food places she recommended were all really good!!!!). She was very funny and it made this trip really enjoyable. Samantha – Singapore (Get Your Guide Reviews ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Solo travelers who want to make the most of their time in Milan with a day tour
• Family groups who’d love to learn about this stunning area from a local tour guide
• Honeymoon couples who want to put themselves in the hands of a trusted tour company for a relaxing day outside of the busy city.

The tour is popular and has received a rating of 4.7/5 from over 600 travelers.

If you want to see both Lake Como and Lugano then this would be a great option for you.

5. Small Group Tour of the Towns of Varenna, Bellagio, and Tremezzo

• Tour Type: Small Group, train travel to Varenna, with a lake cruise to the towns of Bellagio and Tremezzo.
• Tour Sights & Stops : Verena, Lake Como boat cruise to Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Villa Carlotta, with its gardens and museum.
• Departure Point: Inside Milano Centrale Train Station Length: 9 hours

Take a journey by train to the charming village of Varenna on Lake Como. From there, cruise to Bellagio, then on to Tremezzo. 

There you’ll get to explore Villa Carlotta and its breathtaking gardens and museum. This tour offers a unique perspective of the beautiful Lake Como.

Wonderful day visiting Varenna, Bellagio and Villa Carlotta. Renzo was an excellent guide and knew so much history about the area. The views alone are worth it! … Overall an excellent tour and would recommend it to anyone!! Ian_H (Viator Reviews ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Anyone who prefers touring with just a small group
• Those who love a European train ride
• Fans of walking tours through enchanting Italian towns

This is the only tour on our list that actually includes a stop at Tremezzo. So you will see three gorgeous towns in one day with plenty of time to explore each at a leisurely pace.

We love that it is for a small group which makes the tour more personal too.

6. Half-Day Lake Como Discovery Tour from Milan

• Tour Type: Small group tour, train ride to Como, with a guided walking tour, plus a return train ticket that allows you to return to Milan at your leisure.
• Tour Sights & Stops : Como and the Cathedral of Como, the Basilica di Sant’Abbondio, and Romanesque Sant’ Abbondio Church. Stops also at Como shops and boutiques.
• Departure Point: Inside Milan’s Cadorna Station
• Length: 5 hours

Experience the history and charm of Como on a walking tour led by a local guide. The tour takes you to the Cathedral of Como and the elegant Via Vittorio Emanuele. 

Explore the ancient Romanesque Sant’ Abbondio Church and walk along the lakeside promenade to Villa Olmo. Enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Como. 

This tour was absolutely amazing and a must do if you want a quick and knowledgeable trip of Lake Como. The tour guide was excellent and funny. He recommended amazing places and activities to do after the tour … Sohely_V (Viator Reviews ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: This tour takes you to the city of Como. If you wish to see some of the cute towns around Lake Como, you can see them at your own leisure after the tour of Como Town ends.

• Folks who love small group tours
• Anyone who prefers a shorter trip, and would enjoy being able to return to Milan at the time of their choosing
• All train travel enthusiasts

This is a fantastic option for those who don’t handle full-day tours as well. It is also great for those who prefer free time at destinations.

It is the perfect combination of a guided tour plus independent travel.

7. Lake Como at Sunset with Boat and Walking Tour

• Tour Type: An air-conditioned coach tour, a private boat cruise, a guided walking tour, and a ride on a funicular.
• Tour Sights & Stops : Como, with Como Cathedral, Brunate, and Lake Como cruise.
• Departure Point : Bus stop in Milan via Alessandro Manzoni or Central Railway Station in Piazza IV Novembre.
• Length: 4 – 7 hours, depending on departure point

Explore the history and architecture of Como on a guided walking tour. For spectacular views, purchase a ticket for the funicular ride to charming Brunate.

Glide across Lake Como on a private boat tour and end your day with a spectacular sunset over the water.

An excellent way to spend the evening. Tour guide was very friendly. Get Your Guide Traveller (Get Your Guide Reviews ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Couples who love a romantic sunset over the beautiful Italian Lake Como
• Anyone who prefers an afternoon tour over a morning
• Those curious to ride Brunate’s funicular railway

This tour is a great option for those who wish to experience these towns at golden sunset hour.

It is also a great way to avoid crowds as you will arrive after most travelers have completed their day trips.

8. Private Lake Como Tour, Private Car, and Private Boat

• Tour Type: A private tour from Milan to Lake Como, with just your own party and a private driver.
• Tour Sights & Stops : Como, Lake Como, and Brunate
• Departure Point: Milan Central Station or Milan Duomo
• Length: 4-7 hours

With an air-conditioned coach, you’ll gain access to this tranquil destination with ease. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of Como Cathedral as you take a guided walking tour around the town.

The waterfront promenade will provide a perfect route for a gentle stroll and the chance to take in some of its breathtaking views.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Brunate, as you board the funicular up the hillside.

You’ll be able to admire Lake Como from above and capture any number of stunning photos on your camera.

Glide over the lake’s waters on a private guided tour and marvel at the lavish beautiful villas located along its banks.

Before returning to your meeting point in Milan, make sure you witness the spectacular sunset from the lake’s edge – an experience you won’t soon forget!

Fantastic trip! This was a great way to get up to lake como from Milan. It was hitting the easy button. They took care of the driver, the boat ride, lunch reservations, it was great. The highlight of my trip. Matthew_S (Viator Reviews ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: the tour expenses do not cover the costs of the ticket for the funicular up to Brunate.

It also doesn’t include time to explore any of the other towns around the lake – although perhaps you could arrange for that at an additional cost?

• Couples who’d rather not share this romantic experience with a group
• Small groups who want to enjoy each other’s company without a crowd   
• Families with children who relish their time together

If you hate crowds and you have the cash to spend for a private experience then this is a fantastic choice.

Tours To Lake Como From Milan FAQs

Find below the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

There are several ways to get from Milan to Lake Como without a car. You can take a train from Milan Central Station to Como San Giovanni station, which is located near the southern end of Lake Como. The journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes. You can take a bus from Milan’s Lampugnano Bus Station to Como or other towns around the lake. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours. And lastly, you can make life super easy and choose to opt for a tour from Milan to Lake.

Lake Como is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Milan.

The best time to visit Lake Como is during the spring and summer months (April to September), when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

It is recommended to book a tour in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.

Summary Of The Best Tours From Milan To Lake Como

I hope this list made it easier for you to choose your perfect Lake Como day trip.

Whether you’re traveling with culture aficionados, devoted foodies, or celebrity watchers, there are a few Lake Como day tours just for you.

BEST TOUR FROM MILAN TO LAKE COMO

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The most popular tour with a rating of 4.6/5 and over 3700 reviews is this Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna from Milan Tour .

No matter what type of Lake Como tour you choose, it is sure to be a memorable experience.

From the stunning views and historic sites to delicious food and amazing boat cruises, there are so many things to enjoy in this beautiful region of Italy.

With these 8 best Lake Como tours from Milan, you can explore all that this incredible destination has to offer with an English-speaking guide who knows the area inside and out.

Whether you’re looking for a private or group tour, each one will provide unique experiences that will make your trip unforgettable!

So start planning your dream vacation today – get ready for some fun on Lake Como!

Before you go, make sure to check out whether luxury hotels in Lake Como and restaurants will be open during your tour. Here is a great post about the best time to go to Lake Como .

If you’re visiting Milan, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to stay in the city! Take advantage of the many relaxing day trips from Milan available to you.

If you are sticking around Milan and want to taste some local traditional Milanese dishes, then you might want to go on one of our recommended food tours in Milan .

And lastly, if you are unsure about whether a tour is for you, you do also have the option to rent a car. Renting a car in Como is easy and affordable and will allow you to explore destinations close to Como as well.

And for those who opt for staying for a few nights, I highly recommend you book a boat tour of Lake Como .

Find all our helpful posts on many countries, cities, and destinations in Italy on our Italy trip blog .

Jolene Ejmont

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How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan (By Train or Tour!)

Hoping to take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, but find yourself overwhelmed by all the options?

From the dozens of possible towns and villas to visit to deciding whether or not you want to book a day tour to Lake Como, planning the perfect Lake Como day trip can be a bit of a challenge!

It only takes one glance at stunning photos and videos from places like Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello, though, to remember why it’s just so tempting to visit.

Luckily, Lake Como (in Italian, Lago di Como ) is a very doable day trip from Milan!

While you won’t be able to see all (or even most) of Lake Como in a day, you’ll walk away with a great taste of what makes this stunning mountainous lake such an enduringly popular destination.

Here’s how to plan the perfect day trip to Lake Como from Milan, based on our personal travel experiences in northern Italy!

Table of Contents

Where is Lake Como in Italy?

How to travel from milan to lake como by train + ferry, pros + cons of booking a lake como tour from milan, the best things to do on a milan to lake como day trip, 2 sample one day lake como itinerary itinerary ideas, tips for visiting lake como from milan, italy, faq for visiting lake como from milan, map of lake como day trip destinations, read more about visiting northern italy.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

First things first: where exactly is Lake Como, anyway? And how do you find the most popular towns and villas along this gigantic, confusingly-laid-out lake?

Here’s the most general answer: Lake Como is located about an hour north of Milan and is part of Italy’s Lombardy region.

Parts of Lake Como are located fairly close to the border with Switzerland, but the lake is contained entirely within Italy.

Lake Como is famously shaped like an upside-down “Y”, with the northern branch generally referred to as Colico, the southwestern branch as Como, and the southeastern branch as Lecco.

The city of Como is located at the far southwestern corner of the lake, and the town of Varenna is located further north along the Lecco (southeastern) side of the lake.

Bellagio, nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Como”, is located where the 3 branches of the lake meet, and is realistically the furthest northern point that most day trips to Lake Como will reach.

If that all sounds confusing, don’t worry–we’ve included a downloadable map of Lake Como with the most popular day trip destinations marked at the bottom of this blog post.

In this Lake Como day trip guide, I’m going to focus on the two most common methods of travel between Milan and Lake Como for first-time visitors: train and organized day tour.

Technically, you can take the bus to Lake Como from Milan as well, or even drive yourself, but neither of those options is practical for the majority of travelers planning a day trip.

And, of course, when I mention train… I do in fact mean train + ferry, as the train can only get you as far as your first stop!

When it comes to your starting point, though, here are the easiest routes:

Step 1: Take a train to Lake Como from Milan.

Traveling from Milan to Lake Como via train means taking a regional route, which means there’s no real need to book your train tickets in advance.

Prices are fixed for these routes, and they have an open seating plan.

However, for checking train schedules and planning your route, Omio (our favorite train ticket aggregate) comes in handy!

Train From Milan to Varenna

Taking the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino takes about an hour and whisks you right to town!

From the train station, you’re a quick, easy, downhill walk away from the water and the ferry station (just follow the crowds).

When you’re ready to leave Varenna, you can hop a ferry to Bellagio and (if you take the fast ferry–more on that later) you can be in Bellagio in about 15 minutes.

Train From Milan to Como

For an even shorter route, take a train from Milan to either Como Nord Lago or Como S. Giovann i–both stations are within walking distance of the historic center of the city!

Traveling to Como S. Giovanni takes about 40 minutes via train while heading to Como Nord Lago takes closer to an hour.

Keep in mind that not all trains along these routes leave from Milano Centrale, so pay close attention to what train station your ticket leaves from!

Once you’re done exploring Como, a logical next stop is Bellagio, which is 45 minutes away by the fast ferry (hydrofoil) and more than 2 hours away by the slow ferry (battello).

Step 2: Hop on a ferry to your next destination(s) along Lake Como.

Most travelers visiting Lake Como on a day trip understandably want to visit more than one town–which for independent travelers often means riding the ferry!

The official Navigazione Laghi website is the perfect place to review the ferry schedule and plan your day.

However, it’s important to note that there are 2 kinds of ferries on Lake Como: hydrofoils, or fast ferries, and battellos, or slow ferries.

Only tickets for the slow ferry can be purchased online in advance–for fast ferry tickets, you’ll need to buy your tickets in person!

Add in the fact that ferries can sell out and that taking the hydrofoil makes for a much easier day trip along some routes, and it’s understandable why it’s important to plan your route and book your ferry tickets early in the day.

This is especially important if you’re visiting Lake Como in the summer !

Want to make life simple and avoid worrying about navigating trains, ferries, and attractions during your one day in Lake Como?

If so, organized day trips like this can be an excellent value!

This incredibly popular day trip to Lake Como from Milan includes round-trip transportation, a visit to a few villages (including Bellagio), a boat cruise, and a visit to a villa.

… And all of this is accomplished without you having to worry about any planning or navigation!

If you’re flexible about exactly what sightseeing you do on Lake Como but want to make sure you have a relaxing day on the lake, booking an organized day trip is a wonderful option.

Book your day trip to Lake Como today!

Hoping to enjoy several of the best things to do on Lake Como in a day?

While a full outline of the best attractions on the lake includes days (or weeks, if you include hiking) worth of exploration, the options outlined here are among the most popular with daytrippers for very good reason.

Keep in mind that no one day in Lake Como has room for all of these: plan on enjoying around 3, depending on your sightseeing style.

Take a boat tour across Lake Como.

Without a doubt, one of the top ways to enjoy Lake Como is to take a boat tour across it!

If you’re taking a day trip to Lake Como on a budget, the ferries do offer lovely views–but for a chance to get up close and personal with the shore, various villas, and stunning viewpoints, a boat cruise like this is a wonderful option for independent travelers.

(Many organized Lake Como day trips, like this popular one , include a boat cruise as part of their itinerary).

Visit a villa.

Lake Como is famous for its opulent villas–some of which you can visit!

During your day trip to Lake Como, consider paying a visit to the gardens of a lakeside villa and basking in the beautiful views.

Some, though not all, villas allow visitors inside as well, though be sure to plan ahead if you hope to step inside (some interiors require a guided tour).

Villa del Balbianello (the Star Wars/James Bond villa) and Villa Carlotta are two of the most famous villas along Lake Como, and both are stunning.

If you hope to visit a villa within a town you’re already planning to explore, Villa Monastero in Varenna, Villa Melzi d’Eril in Bellagio (gardens only), and Villa Olmo in Como are all wonderful options.

Explore the picturesque village of Bellagio.

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Como”, Bellagio just may be the most iconic village on Lake Como!

Situated at the point where the 3 legs of the lake converge, Bellagio offers plenty of sightseeing and wonderful views.

Don’t skip wandering along the waterfront or climbing the steep hills into town!

At the top of Salita Serbelloni, along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, you’ll find one of the most famous photo spots in Lake Como.

Check out Varenna.

The colorful, charming small town of Varenna is a perfect Lake Como day trip destination: not only is Varenna one of the best towns on Lake Como to visit, but it’s also one of the easiest to get to!

Direct trains from Milan deliver you right to town, where you can then start exploring immediately.

Be sure to meander along the waterfront, check out the Old Harbor, visit Villa Monastero, and, if you’re up for a bit of a climb, head up to Castello di Vezio for some incredible views!

Pay a quick visit to Menaggio.

The tiny village of Menaggio is the third point that, along with Bellagio and Varenna, makes up the “golden triangle” of villages at the heart of Lake Como.

Its gorgeous lakefront and peaceful town center don’t take long to explore, but they’re absolutely beautiful!

And, as a bonus, Menaggio’s historic center is flat–a welcome contrast to the steep hills of Varenna and Bellagio.

Explore Como, the largest city on Lake Como.

Como, the lake’s namesake city, sits at the southwest corner of the lake and is an easy addition to a Lake Como day trip!

A bit less picturesque than smaller towns like Varenna, but beautiful in its own way, Como offers gorgeous lake views (especially if you ride the funicular up to Brunate), beautiful churches (don’t miss the Duomo!) and lots of attractions to explore (including Villa Olmo).

Como also happens to be extremely well-connected to Milan by train, making it an easy starting or ending point for your day.

Hoping to take an independent day trip to Lake Como from Milan?

With so many towns and activities to choose from, there are endless ways to pull it off–but these are two of the most popular itineraries.

Both are extremely doable in a day, especially if you keep an eye on the ferry times!

Bellagio + Varenna Lake Como Day Trip Itinerary

For an easy day trip to Lake Como that’s light on transportation worries and heavy on charm, consider focusing entirely on Bellagio and Varenna.

Take the train to Varenna, explore the town, and then hop over to Bellagio via hydrofoil.

There, enjoy the best things to do in Bellagio and potentially take a boat cruise before heading back to Varenna and then to Milan.

Speedy sightseers may also squeeze Menaggio in here!

Pros + Cons of This Lake Como Day Trip

Benefits of structuring your day trip this way include spending the bulk of your time in the most popular part of the lake and cutting down on transportation time.

Meanwhile, cons include that this day trip only makes room for a small section of Lake Como.

Varenna + Bellagio + Como Day Trip Itinerary

Want to plan a Lake Como day trip that involves seeing as much of the lake as possible, without an organized group tour?

Start your day the same way as above, with a train ride to Varenna and exploring the town–but quickly.

From there, head to Bellagio for a quick visit before hopping the hydrofoil to Como.

Keep in mind that the hydrofoil to Como takes 45 minutes, while the slow ferry takes almost 2.5 hours–so it’s important to plan this part well!

Once in Como, explore the attractions and enjoy the sunset over the lake before hopping a train back to Milan.

The biggest benefit of structuring your day trip to Lake Como as a loop that starts in Varenna and ends in Como is that you get to see a lot of the lake in one day!

Cons include that you have to be much more careful timing your ferry journeys, and with so much time on the water dedicated to ferry rides, a small boat cruise is hard to fit in.

Of course, the ferries also offer lovely views, so depending on your sightseeing style, this might not be a problem!

When it comes to sightseeing, less is more.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to visit all the best attractions on Lake Como in one day–not even close!

Rather than be tempted to add on just one more town or villa, consider slowing down, instead: each of Lake Como’s villages have hours (or more) of sightseeing to offer.

And, at the end of the day, admiring views of the lake–from villas, boats, and even just the shore–is one of the absolute best things to do around Lake Como, and you are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to do so.

Get oriented with the layout of Lake Como before your day trip.

Since planning a Lake Como day trip generally involves multiple stops around the lake, your day will much less confusing if you have a vague idea of where you are in relation to Milan at any given time.

Be sure to reference a map, especially when planning your stops, in order to ensure you’re moving in a logical path.

We’ve included a map at the bottom of this blog post with the most popular Lake Como day trip destinations marked to help get you started!

Buy your ferry tickets early in the day.

When you arrive at Lake Como on the morning of your day trip, regardless of which town you start in, your next stop should be the ferry desk to buy tickets and plot your route!

This is especially important if you’re enjoying a summer trip to Italy when Lake Como is at its most crowded and some ferries do sell out.

With a limited time frame to work with on a day trip, buying your ferry tickets in the morning and planning your sightseeing stops accordingly can make your day much less stressful (and avoid a potentially lengthy ride back if the hydrofoil you want sells out).

The Navigazione Laghi website is great for planning your day but doesn’t allow you to buy hydrofoil (aka fast ferry) tickets online.

Know your battello from your hydrofoil.

When it comes to taking the ferry around Lake Como, you’ll want to keep an eye on more than just the timetable!

A battello is a standard slow ferry, and while peaceful, takes much longer than a hydrofoil.

A hydrofoil is a much faster ferry option.

Technically, you can board either boat to get from place to place, but on a day trip, you’ll need to be aware of which boat you’re boarding!

For example, to travel from Bellagio to Como takes more than 2 hours on the battello, and 35-40 minutes via hydrofoil.

We recommend using the Navigazione Laghi website (the company that operates the ferries) to check timetables and sketch out your day.

If you want to enjoy lunch overlooking the lake, do your research and make reservations!

If your dream Lake Como day trip includes a gorgeous lunch overlooking the lake, then you’ll definitely want to plan in advance!

First, be sure to research restaurants of your choice: while there are lovely restaurants on the water, there are also plenty of tourist traps.

And second, make reservations as soon as you can commit to dates, especially if you want a table right against the water!

Well-reviewed restaurants in ideal locations like La Terrazza Lake Como do book up in advance.

Consider whether you want to take a small boat tour.

Taking a small boat tour is easily one of the best things to do in Lake Como!

This can take many forms, either by signing up for a group tour, signing up for a private boat tour with a captain , or even (for those who know how to drive boats) renting a boat yourself .

The essential thing all these options have in common, though, is that small speedboats offer phenomenal sightseeing opportunities on Lake Como that allow you to get up close with famous spots (like George Clooney’s villa) from the water, as well as simply enjoy the sunshine and impeccable views.

With only one day in Lake Como to work with, though, there’s also no doubt that boat tours eat into your sightseeing time, and the ferries offer beautiful views as well (though not nearly as decadent of an experience).

Small boat tours can last as little as an hour or as long as a full day, but 2-3 hours is fairly common.

One of the perks of signing up for a Lake Como day trip like this is that boat cruises are often included as part of your transportation around the lake, rather than relying on ferries–a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds!

Can you take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan?

Yes, absolutely!

Lake Como is one of the best day trips from Milan and is very popular with travelers from around the world.

Is it worth going to Lake Como for one day?

Yes, it’s definitely worth taking a day trip to Lake Como!

While you can’t see all, or even most, of Lake Como in one day, the beauty of visiting Lake Como is that it’s not really a destination about checking off museums or viewpoints–simply being there is a big part of the experience.

For that reason, even with one day in Lake Como, you’re bound to walk away feeling like you enjoyed a wonderful sample of what the area has to offer.

And, since it only takes about an hour to reach Lake Como from Milan, it’s a very doable day trip!

Do you need a tour to visit Lake Como from Milan?

You definitely don’t need a tour to take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, but you might find that you’d like to take one!

Self-planning a Lake Como day trip is very doable and perfect for independent travelers, but it also involves a lot of time management: checking train schedules and comparing them to ferry schedules, knowing whether you’re boarding a fast or slow ferry, always being aware of your next move, and making sure any tours or attractions you visit fit into your schedule.

Popular organized day tours like this offer a wonderful overview of Lake Como with no stress, and for those hoping to enjoy a boat cruise as part of their day trip, also offer great value for money!

Book your day trip to Lake Como from Milan today!

How long does it take to get from Milan to Lake Como?

Generally speaking, plan to spend about an hour traveling from Milan to Lake Como.

That can vary a bit depending on the method of transportation you choose and what town you choose for your first destination, but it’s a good rule of thumb to plan around.

Is there a direct train from Milan to Lake Como?

Yes, there are many direct trains from Milan to Lake Como–with the caveat that “Lake Como” isn’t exactly a single place, and you won’t find any train stations named that!

One of the most popular train routes for travelers planning a day trip from Milan to Lake Como includes taking a train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (located in Varenna and within walking distance of the ferry).

For day trips starting in the city of Como, taking the train from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni or Como Nord Largo (both located in the city of Como and convenient for day trippers) are two other popular options.

Is Lake Como walkable?

Yes and no.

The most popular places to visit in Lake Como on a day trip, such as Bellagio, Como, Menaggio, and Varenna, are all walkable within themselves.

However, they are definitely not within walking distance of each other!

In other words, you definitely need to plan on additional transportation–ferries, a private boat tour, trains, or some combination thereof, in order to pull off the perfect Lake Como day trip from Milan.

What’s the prettiest part of Lake Como for a day trip?

Lake Como is an absurdly beautiful place–it is one of those places whose beauty can’t adequately be captured in photos–so choosing just one place is a big ask!

However, the picturesque “Golden Triangle” villages of Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio–plus the water views you can experience ferrying between them–can definitely be counted among the prettiest parts of Lake Como.

We’ve marked this map of Lake Como with the most popular places to visit on the lake for day trippers, including the towns of Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and the city of Como.

We’ve also included 3 of the most iconic villas to visit along Lake Como that aren’t in those towns, Villa del Balbianello (aka the Star Wars/James Bond villa) and Villa Carlotta.

No one day trip to Lake Como from Milan could realistically visit all of these places, of course, but choosing 2-3 of them, plus a boat ride or two along the lake, makes for a fantastic day!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

Planning a trip to Italy soon?

You can  browse our 100+ Italy blog posts here , or check out some more of our Northern Italy travel guides:

• The Ideal One Day in Milan Itinerary (+ Last Supper Details!)
• 15 Best Things to Do in Bellagio, Italy (The Pearl of Lake Como!)
• The 23 Best Things to Do in Verona (+ Day Trips)
• The Ultimate 2 Days in Venice Itinerary
• 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Bolzano, Italy

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Lake Como Day Trip from Milan: One Day Itinerary

Lake Como, or Lago di Como in Italian, has been a popular retreat for the wealthy since Roman times. Several cities, towns, and villages line the upside-down-Y-shaped lake. They each offer different combinations of unreal views, swoon-worthy villas, and picturesque streets. But luckily, the most “must-see” sights are conveniently clustered in the middle area of the lake. This makes a day trip from near-by Milan very doable. Sure, it’d be ideal to spend as much time on Lake Como as possible. But whether you’re pressed for time, or pressed for cash, a day trip to Lake Como from Milan is still a worthwhile way to experience this magical place. Keep reading for a step-by-step itinerary on how to visit Lake Como on a Day Trip from Milan.

Villa del Balbianello

Here’s a quick preview of the day trip : Milan > train to Varenna > ferry to Bellagio > ferry to Villa > ferry to Varenna > train to Milan. Suggestion : This is a super -detailed and somewhat lengthy post, with entry prices, direct links to ferry schedules, etc. I’ve provided a condensed summary at the bottom , but you’ll definitely want to bookmark or Pin this page to return to later if you’re planning a visit to Lake Como.

TAKE THE TRAIN FROM MILAN TO VARENNA

Start the day bright and early in Milan. Make your way to Milano Centrale (pronounced chen-tral-eh) train station, and purchase a round-trip ticket to Varenna-Esino for €13.40 (€6.70 one way). Do this from a TrenItalia ticket machine. You’ll select a departure time, but you can actually use the tickets for any same train journey that day. The train station at Varenna has NO ticket machines , (seriously? Yes seriously! I was very peeved…) so everyone wanting to buy a ticket needs to line up and buy it from a person with a computer and paper printer behind a desk inside the station. You definitely want to already have your ticket purchased beforehand. AND ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO VALIDATE YOUR TICKET BEFORE ENTERING YOUR TRAIN.

Recommended reading: Top Five (Super-Easy) Day Trips from Milan (by Train)

Pro tip 1 : Milano Centrale is a large station, so give yourself at least 20 minutes before your train leaves to buy your ticket, get upstairs, and find a seat. There’s nothing more stressful than getting to the station with just enough time, only to find long queues or a confusing train platform! 

Pro tip 2 : Check the train schedule the night before on the TrenItalia website . Pay attention not only to the time of the train you want, but also the time of the next train incase you miss it! Trains from Milan to Varenna leave once an hour, but every now and then, it’s a two hour gap. I missed my train by 5 minutes and was stuck sitting two hours at Milano Centrale for the next one. *face palm*

Pro tip 3 : Buy your ferry ticket once you arrive at the ferry station . Example: When you ferry over from Varenna to Bellagio, get a ferry ticket from Bellagio to the next spot before leaving and heading off to explore Bellagio. This way, you keep on schedule for the day.

TAKE THE FERRY FROM VARENNA TO BELLAGIO

An hour after your train leaves Milan, you’ll be in beautiful Varenna. But you’ll actually save Varenna for last and head straight to Bellagio first instead. Why? Three-fold.

Firstly, Bellagio is arguably the most touristy destination in the area, so the earlier you get there, the better . Secondly, if you explore Varenna first, you won’t have time to complete the rest of the itinerary before the last ferry back to Varenna. By already being in Varenna before your train ride back to Milan, things will be a lot less stressful! Thirdly, at this time in the morning, Varenna will be entirely covered in the shadow of the mountains behind it for a few hours still, while the other side of the lake will be receiving the direct sunlight. By the time you get back to Varenna, the opposite will be true. This way, you get great lighting all day. Perfect, right?

Anyways, once you get off the train, follow the crowd down from the train station down to the shore. Stop at the ferry station and catch the next one to Bellagio for €4.60. You can double-check with the ferry staff that you’re on the right ferry as you get on. The journey takes 15-20 minutes, and ferries depart two or three times an hour.

As previously mentioned, Bellagio is very touristy. Many call it the crown jewel of Lake Como . But personally, it was my least favorite. *gasp* It felt like a very pretty, very crowded, outdoor shopping mall to me. American pop songs were seriously blasting from some restaurants. Yes, seriously.

Though if I try to picture what it would be like without the tourists and souvenir shops, I must agree that Bellagio is the most beautiful town on Lake Como . From the Disney-like lanterns dotting the cobblestone alleyways, to the cute benches lining the park near the ferry station, Bellagio truly is a beautiful little place. Try to focus on little details like these, and it might just increase your tolerance level for the tourist crowds, souvenir shopping, and pricey food.

Things to Do in Bellagio

Spend two to three hours in Bellagio, making sure to see Punta di Spartivento (a scenic viewpoint at the far northern tip of the peninsula) and where Via Guiseppe Garibaldi and Salita Serbelloni streets meet (for the famous, cliche Bellagio street view in the right-most photo above).

If you’re like me and welcome a chance to escape the crowds, also consider a walk to Pescallo . It’s a small, quiet village on the other side of the same peninsula as Bellagio, but with no shops or crowds . One kind local lady even popped her head out over her balcony and struck up a conversation with me in Italian! She noticed me snapping pics of her grapes hanging underneath the balcony, and cut off some grapes for me to catch. No exaggeration: they were the single tastiest grapes I’ve ever had in my life !

TAKE THE FERRY FROM BELLAGIO TO LENNO OR TREMEZZO

Don’t dwindle too long though, as there’s still more to see! Catch a ferry heading to either Lenno for Villa del Balbianello or Tremezzo for Villa Carlotta . Both villas are equally popular, equally must-sees, and everyone has different opinions on which to see if you can only choose one. I recommend simply searching some images online beforehand and choosing what appeals to you more. Villa Carlotta is the more convenient one to visit on a day trip from Milan , but I provide details on how to see either.

Depending on which you choose, I have two different itineraries for this part of the day trip:

Visit Villa Carlotta

Option 1: Villa Carlotta – Take the ferry from Bellagio to Tremezzo for €4.60. This takes 15 – 20 minutes. Once at Tremezzo, head left/south towards the center of town and explore for a bit. This is one of the less-“must-see” towns on the lake, so appreciate the calmer vibe. If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, find a place to eat. Doing so here will be cheaper than in Bellagio. After you’re finished eating, head back north, towards the ferry, and continue walking along the promenade past the ferry stop. Five-minute’s walk north from the ferry stop will be the luxurious Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and five-minute’s walk north of that is Villa Carlotta . Entry costs €10 for both the villa and gardens . View seasonal hours at the villa website . After between one and two hours of exploring the villa and gardens, walk back ten minutes to the ferry stop at Tremezzo (or Cadenabbia further up north). Take the roughly-forty-minute ferry to Varenna for €4.60.

Visit Villa del Balbianello

Option 2: Villa del Balbianello – Take the ferry from Bellagio to Lenno for €4.60. This takes 25 – 30 minutes. Once at Lenno, head left/south towards the center of town and explore for a bit. Like Tremezzo, this is another one of the less-“must-see” towns on the lake, so appreciate the calmer vibe. If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, find a place to eat. Like Tremezzo, doing so here will be cheaper than in Bellagio. After you’re finished eating, it’s time to see the villa. Continue walking along the rim of the water, until you reach Lido di Lenno (ten minute walk from the Lenno ferry stop). From here, you can take a taxi boat right up to Villa del Balbianello . I did not do this, but others say it is something like €5 one way and around €7 roundtrip, and takes under ten minutes one way. If you’re on a budget, a free walking path to villa begins from the street behind the Lido (called Via degli Artigiani). This walk takes thirty minutes and mostly slightly uphill. Entry is €10 for the garden, and €20 for the villa plus gardens . You may only view the villa via hour-long guided tour, which cannot be booked in advance. (If you opt for the tour, make sure you have enough time to still get back before the last ferry from Lenno to Varenna!) Visit the villa website to view seasonal hours. After between one and two hours of exploring the villa and/or gardens, get back to the Lenno ferry stop. Take the roughly-hour-long ferry to Varenna for €4.60.

Personally, I’m a gardens person and not a palace/villa person, so I only explored the gardens of Villa del Balbianello. They did not disappoint. Though smaller than the gardens at Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello’s gardens have been featured in Star Wars and Casino Royal. So come prepared with a bit of patience if you’re keen on perfect photos without other people in them.

TAKE THE FERRY FROM LENNO OR TREMEZZO BACK TO VARENNA

Regardless which villa you decide to explore, be sure to get back for the last ferry to Varenna in time! This changes depending on the season (but tends to be between 4:00 – 4:30pm), so definitely purchase on arrival in town. If you can’t, carefully look up the schedule ahead and arrive with buffer time in case of a line to purchase.

Pro tip: You can look up ferry schedules online ! There are a few ways to do this:

• You can download PDFs of ferry timetables. Visit this website , change language to English, click “Timetables and Lines,” and click Bellagio-Menaggio-Varenna-Cadenabbia under the season you need.
• You can search by day and route on this wesbite .
• You can use Google Maps straight from your cell phone in real time if you have internet while traveling Lake Como.

Once you’re back to Varenna , it will be around 5pm, and you’ll be done with ferries for the day (yay!). Spend a few hours exploring as you please. Later on, grab some dinner with a sunset view over the lake. 

Things to Do in Varenna

While you explore town, be sure to stop by the square outside San Giorgio Church . Also be sure to see Villa Monastero . If you are visiting in April or October, Villa Monastero closes at 6:30pm and 6:00pm, respectively, so I recommend heading straight here from the ferry !

Adult entry into the garden is €6, while a combined villa and garden ticket is €11. Personally, having seen both, I recommend entering the garden and forgoing the villa . But if you are short on cash, time, or interest, you can just take a peak at the garden (and snap some pics!) from the beautiful entry area for free. 

TAKE THE TRAIN FROM VARENNA BACK TO MILAN

I know it will be hard to leave lovely Varenna, and Lake Como in general, but soon it will be time to head back to Milan. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before getting on the train from the Varenna-Esino station. Wouldn’t want a hefty fine to ruin an otherwise lovely day trip!

LAKE COMO ITINERARY SUMMARY

Phew! That was a lot of information – I know! It might be hard to visualize it all, so I’ve created this nifty overview schedule below . If you still have questions, definitely comment below. I spent four nights boating, busing, and walking around Lake Como, so I’ll respond with any itinerary help I can provide.

• 8:00ish – arrive Milano Centrale Station
• 8:20ish – train leaves Milano Centrale Station
• 9:25ish – arrive Varenna
• 9:40ish – ferry to Bellagio
• 10:00ish – arrive Bellagio, cafe/snack Bellagio
• 12:30ish – depart Bellagio
• 12:50ish – arrive Lenno/Tremezzo, lunch Lenno/Tremezzo
• 2:00ish – leave for villa
• 2:30ish – arrive villa
• 3:30ish – leave villa
• 4:00ish – depart Lenno
• 5:00ish – arrive Varenna, dinner Varenna
• 8:00ish – train back to Milan

This is NOT an exact schedule , but rather a rough schedule to provide an idea of what your day trip to Lake Como from Milan will be like. This rough schedule is only valid from the last days of March to first days of October .

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Have you done a Lake Como day trip from Milan before? Did you hit up the same places I recommend? I love talking travel, so let me know in the comments below!

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Further Reading...

Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence: One Day Itinerary

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83 comments.

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This itinerary looks perfect for a day trip to Lake Como! I love how you’ve included both the scenic highlights and practical tips. I can’t wait to explore Bellagio and take that ferry ride you suggested. Thanks for sharing such detailed information!

That Travelista

You’re welcome! 🙂

Robert James

Thank you for this amazing and detailed itinerary.

Just two questions: Are the ferries and attractions around lake como credit card friendly? Which restaurants or cafes would you recommend for lunch?

Many thanks

I also have a follow-up: Would it be advisable if we went straight to Lenno then ferry to Bellagio, until Varenna Esino?

Because we would be taking the 9:20 am train, which is an hour over your recommendation. We would arrive just in time to have lunch in Lenno + a 2-hour tour of the villa and gardens.

How would you go about your itinerary if you took the 920 am train instead?

I think that should be fine. Depending on the day of the week, there seem to be ferries to Bellagio from Lenno around 3:00pm – 3:30pm. And then there are ferries ’til quite late-ish from Bellagio to Varenna .

You could do what you suggest of Varenna > straight to Lenno > Bellagio > Varenna.

I unfortunately can’t remember with certainty whether I paid for the ferry tickets with cash or card… On the timetable sheet, it says you might be asked to pay in cash, so I would always just have some handy in Italy, in case a machine isn’t working or something. (If you could double-back here after your trip and let us know whether you end up paying with card or not, that’d be amazing!) I definitely paid for the attractions with card, though.

I also don’t really have restaurant recs, as I based myself in Menaggio, and the meal I had in Bellagio was way too overpriced for me to particularly recommend lol.

Hope some of that helps!

First of all thank god for your blog ! Me and my fiancee are going on our honeymoon in Italy (Milan-Venice-Florence and Rome). From Milan we are planning to visit Como of course (for just day) and that’s why I looked at this blog. Just one question: We also want to visit Villa del Balbianello Gardens, after which of the place it will be better to make a stop? What you suggest?

I’m glad you like the blog!

I’m not sure I’m understanding your question right, so let me know if not, but that villa is included as an option in this itinerary. It’s Milan > Varenna > Bellagio > Villa (I give two options, but you only have time for one on a day trip, so for you it will be Balbianello) > Varenna > Milan.

Hope that helps, but let me know if not!

Helpful information, we mixed locations up and around but got to enjoy most of the little towns around Lake Como. Thank you

Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know this post was helpful for your trip! I’m glad to know you had a nice time!

I just wanted to leave a comment stating my appreciation for this post! I followed it almost exactly to the letter this week and had the most amazing time around Lake Como.

I did the Tremezzo-Villa Carlotta option as Villa Balbianello was closed on the day I planned to go – I must say to people that if you do the same, ensure you do the full itinerary of the Villa Carlotta garden walk. I ended up in the olive grove practically on my own and it led to the most beautiful view of the lake that I saw all day, and I would have missed it had I rushed through and followed the garden’s ‘short itinerary’.

Thanks so much for putting this guide together – it made my trip to a dream destination absolutely perfect!

Thanks SO much for taking the time to let me know this! I’m so happy you had a nice time and I was able to help!

Thanks also for the tip about Villa Carlotta. I know readers of this comment section will find it helpful, and I’ll definitely be sure to follow your advice, too, during my next trip to Lake Como!

Thank you so much for taking the time to write out this amazing itinerary! My husband and I are planning our trip to Italy in mid-February. Would you still recommended squeezing in a day trip to Lake Como, or will everything be closed because it is the off season? We would love to see this area, but would rather spend more time in the larger cities if Lake Como will be mostly closed. Thanks again!

You’re welcome!

I’ve never been to Lake Como in winter, but when I went in early September, I had a conversation with a shopkeeper. She was saying how she was from another city in Italy and just moves to Lake Como for the summer to work her shop. She was going to be closing it up the next week (so mid-Sept!) until the next season. So it’s just one anecdote, and I’m sure other shops and restaurants stay open past September, but it gives you an idea of what these types of seasonal destinations are like.

You also have to consider that the ferry schedule will be different (less frequent ferries) in the off season. So it might be difficult to time everything just right to fit it all into one day (especially with less daylight time giving you a shorter “day” already).

So I personally always save these types of places for their proper seasons or shoulder seasons, but it’s up to personal preference.

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much for this detailed day tour. Very helpful! I just tried to buy tickets for the ferry online for tomorrow. However, online was sold out. Do I need to worry and can I buy the ticket upon arrival in Varenna without a problem? Also how do you validate the train tickets? Thanks so much for your help!

I’m glad to know this itinerary is helpful to you!

Based on my experience and those of some recent commenters on this guide, you should be fine to buy the ticket in person upon arrival.

To validate the train tickets, stick the paper ticket into the “mouth” of the machine on the platform of your train. You will hear a noise, which is the machine stamping the date and time onto the paper. If you have any trouble locating the little machines, ask train staff (or fellow travelers nearby if you hear them speaking your language).

Have a great day trip!

You can simply check in online if you bought the ticket online

Yes, this is true! Thanks for adding!

Hiii! Your blog was such a life saver, all the details were on point and so helpful. We followed it to the tee and had the best time! Keep up the good work. I’ll definitely follow all of your blogs from now on!

Hi Tanushree,

Thanks SO much for taking the time to let me know that! I’m glad to know you had a great time in Lake Como and that my itinerary was able to help! 🙂

Thank! That was very clear and helpful! We would have followed your advice to the letter, if not for the ferry strike in Varenna… Luckily, we had our bathing suits with us, so just swan in the lake right there on the tiny beach by the ferry dock till they reopened at 13:00. After which we got on the ferry and followed your itinerary, but sadly with very little time for each location.

Thanks SO much for taking the time to report back on how your day trip went! That’s too bad about the strike 🙁 I’m glad you still got to see everything, albeit rushed, and that you had your swimsuits along!

Debbie Borman

I am so lucky I found your blog and this trip plan!

I had an unexpected and drastic change in plans on my trip to Italy, found myself in Milan, and decided to try to get to Lake Como. Friends were recommending tours that went only to Bellagio for a couple hundred dollars. I knew there had to be a better way..

This trip was amazingly easy. I have a few updates since I see you first posted this in 2019., In no particular order: 1. Prices are higher for some things! For example, round-trip motorboat to the villa in Lenno is €9 2. If you plan to go to Termezzo instead, you have to pay close attention because the boat only stops there for a minute. I planned to go to Villa Carlotta, but missed the stop because I couldn’t get to the door of the ferry. That’s OK travel is all about spontaneously changing your plans. I loved Lenno! 3. Advice to buy a ferry ticket as soon as you get to your destination is spot on. But in Lenno, the ticket agent took a lunch break when I got there. I did not want to waste time so I went to have lunch and after lunch went to go by the ticket. Again, he was on a break. I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough time to get to the Villa. I went, but I was a little anxious because tickets to the ferry online were sold out. There are only two ferries going back at days end (this is June) one at 15:20 3:20 PM and I think one at 17:01 which is 5 PM but I was afraid to risk that. One thing people should know is not to panic like I did that online is different from in person and it seems that you can always get a ticket in person (if the agent is there). And by the way, he was not there the third time I went to the booth. 4th time was a charm. 4. Train going back from Varenna to Milan is unreliable thank goodness because I was running late and almost missed it. But it was 40 minutes late. So just be prepared to possibly be on time and then possibly wait a really long time for the train. And also not knowing which side Of the tracks, you should wait on. No one knows!

I am headed to Verona today and will use your trip plan. I’m so glad I found you. Thank you for escaping corporate life!

Thank you SO, SO much for taking the time to share all those updates!! I know so many people reading this comment section will find it super helpful for some time to come.

I’m glad to know this post helped you avoid the expensive tour to Bellagio! I hope you love Verona as well! 🙂

Correta Brown

Hello! So I’m traveling straight from the airport to Lake Como. But once I get there, I only have a very limited amount of time where I can visit only 1 area. Of the three towns you listed, which one do you think I should go to? I will get there at 1pm, but have to leave no later than 4 or 5pm. So basically I’m thinking my daughter and I can just have lunch in one of the towns, do a little bit of sight seeing, and then head to Milan because that’s where we’re staying. Thank you for any info!

Hi Correta,

I would say Varenna. It’s the one with a direct train line to Milan and also one of the two visitor favorites (the other being Bellagio).

Enjoy your time on the lake!

Hi, such an amazing itinerary. I’ll be travelling frm Zurich and thought of travelling to Milano Centralle and then to Varenna Esino . Until l found l can actually shorten the journey by going to Como San Giovani instead. Can l check how do l go to Bellagio from here. Thank you so much!

I’m glad to know you like the itinerary!

You can check ferry times using this site . There’s a fast ferry between the two spots, but a normal ferry as well in case the fast ferry times don’t work for you. For the fast ferry, it seems you can’t purchase in advance online.

I’m so glad I came across this post. It is extremely helpful and just what I needed. I’m planning a surprise birthday trip to Milan for my partner in August and Lake Como is on our bucket list. I like was unsure of the logustics, ferry timings, costs etc and this has helped immensely, Thank you 🙂

Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know that! I’m glad I’ve been helpful and hope you have a wonderful trip. 🙂

This is so so amazing thank you! Planning a trip this September, we booked a 1 night stay in a place right next to Varenna-Esino station (5min walk) so that we don’t have to worry about catching last train back. We get in at 9:30AM to Varenna, based on your recommendations I’m now thinking we go straight to Bellagio, then down to Como, and then ending in Varenna. Does that seem feasible? I know there are fast boats (45min) from Bellagio to Como, are there the same from Como back to Varenna/ do you have an idea when the last one is? Separately, we can only buy fast boa tickets in person at I assume the same local ferry location? Thanks so much for the input!!

You’ll love staying overnight in Lake Como!

I think your plan seems feasible. But from what I see on the online booking site (which I would recommend playing around with for your specific dates once they are available), the last fast ferry might depart around 2pm. So you might want to go to Como first and then work your way back up. I’m not sure, but just food for thought, off the top of my head and quickly playing around with the booking site.

When you search for fast service ferries, the site says “you can purchase these services EXCLUSIVELY at the ground ticket offices,” so it sounds like you must purchase in person.

I hope that helps!

Thanks so much, love the advice!! 🙂

Thank you so much for putting this together! I was wondering if you know if the one day pass for the ferries will cover all these ferry ports and if it’s worth it? Thanks!

You’re welcome! I’m glad it’s helpful.

According to this fare schedule , which I believe is the latest one, it would be 3 x €4.60 (so €13.80 total) for 3 single tickets, and €15 for a an unlimited one-day pass between the 3 stops.

Jaclyn Beierlein

My teenager was wondering if there is any area where it would convenient and pleasant to swim during a day trip that also includes the villa in Star Wars? Thanks for the detailed itinerary!

I think it would be a bit inconvenient since this day trip is already quite packed to the brim. But I think the least inconvenient place would be visiting this beach in Varenna after the villa, so that there are no more ferries to take and you are already in your final destination before needing to return to Milan.

Thank you so much for the detailed itinerary for a day trip! This helped me plan our upcoming trip and saved time as well! One question. Which villa is more photogenic Villa Corletta or Villa del Balbianello? Thank you!

As I say in this guide, I recommend google searching images of both and deciding which appeals you more. I did this, because I didn’t have interest in seeing both villas, and decided to visit Villa del Balbianello, which is featured in Star Wars and Casino Royal. It was very photogenic.

Thank you so much! You are incredible and really helpful!

Thank you so much. You are very helpful and I totally appreciate that

Rhea Singhvi

Thanks so much for the detailed itinerary! I know the water taxi from Lenno to Villa del Balbianello cannot be booked in advance but can the ferry from Varenna to Lenno (or Varenna to Bellagio) be booked? If not what would be the best time to go so it isn’t too crowded?

I’m glad the itinerary has been helpful to you!

You can book tickets online from the official site , where you can also find the ferry schedules. I’ve never purchased online from them. I just showed up to the port each time and bought the next ticket to the place I wanted to go. But lines to purchase/board can be long depending on the route, so buying in advance wouldn’t be a bad idea if you will be visiting in high season.

Hi, We are staying in Bellagio in September and I was wondering if we could take a roundtrip ferry for an entire day from Bellagio to Como City with stops along the way and back to Bellagio before days end? Is this possible?

Yes, you can do that! You can check the fares here in the box titled “Free-Circulation Tickets” in the center right hand side. Using the chart on the left, it seems that buying it between Bellagio and Como would be Stretch 6.

Hi is it possible to do a half day tour of como and be back in Milan by 3PM – if we skip some places? Or would you recommend a tour where we can start by 2PM and spend till late evening/night? -Having these constraints due to travel timings, would be great if someone can advice! 🙂

Yes, I guess you could do something like that by skipping the villa. So arrive at Varenna, then head straight to Bellagio. Spend 1.5–2 hours in Bellagio. Then head back to Varenna. Spend 1.5–2 hours in Varenna, then head back to Milan. It would be quite rushed, but you could see the two most famous towns of the lake.

Hope that answer helps!

Thank you so much for the prompt answer! Your guide has been really helpful 🙂

We are thinking of planning the journey this way – Milan-Varenna Varenna-Bellagio Bellagio-Como Como-Milan

You’re welcome!

If you are wanting to pass through Como city in order to also see Como city itself, then I think that will be too much to fit into a half day. If you are wanting to pass through Como city just to transfer to Milan, it would be a quicker journey to Milano Centrale if you go back through Varenna from Bellagio.

going to Milan tomorrow and going to follow your 1 day itinerary to Lake Como. thank you for being so thorough

That’s great – you’ll love Lake Como! I’m glad my itinerary was helpful. 🙂

Thank you for this detailed guide. I appreciate every detail and effort put into this. very helpful.

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment that! 🙂 I’m glad it’s helpful!

Thank you so much for this guide, its’s extremely helpful! How far in advance do you recommend booking train tickets?

Hi Jessika,

I’m glad this guide is useful!

The train tickets for this journey are regional tickets, so they don’t increase in price as you get closer to the date. So i always buy that type of ticket on the day of. Just give yourself enough time at the station to purchase the ticket and then find the platform. And check the schedule online the evening before. But if you prefer to have everything purchased in advance, you can buy them as soon as they become available online for your date.

Thank you so much! Another question I had is do you think Menaggio is doable for this day trip vs. Lenno/Tremezzo?

If you mean could you replace the villa part of the itinerary with Menaggio instead, then yes, it’s definitely doable. 🙂

Thank you for this and I’m so happy to have found this itinerary!! What’s your thought about taking the train from Milan to Bellagio> ferry to Villa> ferry to Verrana>train back to Milan ??

I’m glad you like the itinerary!

Bellagio doesn’t have a train station. So to get there on land from Milan, you’d need to take a train to Como (the city) and then an hour long bus to Bellagio from Como. The way I have it in this itinerary gets you to Bellagio about an hour quicker than what you’ve suggested. I also think it’s easier. The ferry station is easier to locate than the bus stop.

Thank you for this amazing itinerary and information. I’m so excited to visit the lake this coming summer.

You’re welcome! I’m glad you’ve found it useful. 🙂 You’re going to love Lake Como!

Thanks so much this guide helps! were planning to stay for a night do you recommend any decent affordable place to stay in lake como area?

I’m glad this guide is helpful for you! When I visited Lake Como, I stayed in a hostel in Menaggio. If you are looking for something nicer than a hostel, I would recommend using a booking site (I usually use Booking.com), filtering on price, and using the map feature to see what is available for your travel dates.

Sorry to not be of more help!

Many thanks for this super useful guide !

Hi Alexandre,

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment that it was useful!! I’m glad!

Thankyou so much for this really helpful info, we based out day stop from Milan visiting as you suggested and has The most amazing day!!

Thank you for taking the time to come back here and let me know how your day trip to Lake Como went! I’m SO glad to read that you liked it and that this itinerary helped!

Thank you so much for the detailed info. We are going to Milan and planning a day trip to Lake Como in 2 weeks. Your 1 day itinerary is spot on. We plan on visiting Varenna, Bellagio and possibly Villa de Balbaniello. This is very helpful. Thanks again!

Thanks for letting me know that this post was helpful! You’re going to have a wonderful time. Lake Como is honestly stunning.

This is sooooooo helpful thank you so much! Planning to go next year 🙂

I’m so glad it’s been helpful! 🙂

Lake Como is beautiful! My friend had her wedding there!! 😍😍

A wedding on any of the North Italian lakes sounds AH-mazing!

myperfectitinerary

This is my #1 bucket list destination at the moment, love your photos1

Thanks so much! I hope you can get there soon!!

Lake Como has been on my bucket list for so long! I’ll definitely be using your tips. 🙂

Thanks, Courtney! I know you’ll love it when you go.

Ohh I didn’t know you could see Lake Como in a day! It’s so gorgeous, I’m dying to go!

There’s a lot to see and do on the lake, but if a day is all you have, you can definitely see the most popular things! I hope you get to go soon 🙂

Wow! This is so detailed and helpful! Lake Como is a dream destination but I’d definitely search out the less crowded spots too!

I hope you get to visit! It’s seriously SO pretty 🙂

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10 Lessons Learned One Year After Quitting My Corporate Job

Bergamo day trip from milan: one day itinerary, that travelista, thattravelista.

How To Travel From Milan To Lake Como

Want to compare travel options? Find out the best way to travel from Milan to Lake Como by train, bus and car, plus info on day trips and some handy tips for your journey.

So, you’re looking at how to get from the city of Milan to the stunning Lake Como, but are wondering about the best routes, how long it takes and the all-important costs? Whether you’re travelling from the city centre, or straight from Bergamo, Linate or Malpensa Airports, I’ve got you covered.

First things first, there are several ways to reach the lake, and each of them takes you through some beautiful landscapes. You could travel by car, bus, train or fly. There are pros and cons of each option, but hopefully after reading this post you’ll have everything you need to decide how to get there..

It’s also worth noting that Lake Como is pretty big, and some towns are much easier to reach than others. This may mean you catch a bus or train to one of the main towns, then hop on a ferry or find a taxi to complete your journey.

Before deciding on your transportation from Milan to Lake Como, I’d start by checking the map and working out where exactly you want to go! The main places people tend to stay are Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna, Tremezzo and the city of Como, but there are plenty of stunning spots dotted all around the lake.

Planning your trip to Lake Como? Here are a few quick highlights:

Lake Como Map  

So, where is Lake Como located? North of Milan, close to the Swiss border. Distance from Milan to Lake Como: 83 km / 51 miles. Oh and Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy after Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda.

How To Travel To Lake Como From Milan

Trains from milan to lake como.

If you’re starting from the centre of Milan, the cheapest and simplest way to get to Lake Como is by train. The Trenitalia Trenord trains are efficient, comfortable and very reasonably priced.

There are several train stations around the lake, so check your final destination and use the info below to plan the best route. You can go to the city of Como, the town of Varenna or Como Lago Station.

TIP: When travelling in Italy, don’t forget to validate your train tickets before boarding, by inserting it into the validation box.

How long does the train from Milan to Lake Como take?

If you’re trying to reach one of the central towns on the lake (Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio) where many of the hotels are, I’d recommend the train from Milan Centrale to Varenna Esino Station, which takes just over one hour.

There are frequent trains from Milan Centrale to the city of Como throughout the day. The journey takes between 36 minutes and 1 hour, so it’s much faster than driving.

Or you can go from Milan Cadorna Station to Como Lago station on the R17, which also takes just over one hour.

How much is the train from Milan to Lake Como?

When I checked, you could book tickets on all the different routes I’ve recommended for as little as 6 EUR one way. The price didn’t go up when I tried to book on the day or to travel the next day, so I’d definitely suggest catching the train to Lake Como.

Personally, I’d recommend booking via Omio , a platform which I love to use as it’s really simple and lets you compare times and ticket prices. Most of the tickets listed are mobile friendly e-tickets too, so it takes a lot of the stress away when you’re travelling in countries where you don’t speak the language. You can search here… 

Where do the trains depart from in Milan?

Trains from Milan to Como and Varenna depart from the city’s main station, Milan Centrale. It’s a stunning station – arrive early so you can check out the beautiful architecture!

If you’re travelling to Lago Como station, then you’ll need to catch the train from Milan Cadorna.

And where do the trains arrive at Lake Como?

Trains to Varenna arrive at Varenna-Esina Station which is right in the town, and moments from the lake. From there it’s very easy to catch the lake ferry to connect to other towns.

Trains to Como Lago station also arrive right by the lake itself, where you can catch ferries to the other lake towns.

Meanwhile, trains to the city of Como arrive at Como S. Giovanni Station. This is the downside to taking this train as you’re not right on the lake. From Como station, you’ll need to walk 12 minutes to the pier, then catch a boat to one of the lake-side towns. Alternatively, there are buses from the station to many of the towns, such as Menaggio and Bellagio. I’d recommend the boats though, just for the views.

READ MORE: Planning a budget-friendly trip? Find out what to do in Lake Como on a budget

Bus From Milan To Lake Como

There are some buses from Milan, but they’re not as quick or easy, so I’d recommend taking the train.

Once you arrive at the lake, you might want to take one of the local buses to get to your final destination. There are several bus routes, which connect all the towns, and depending on where you’re going, some are more direct than the ferry.

As a rough guide, the C10 goes up the west side of the lake, the C30 goes towards Bellagio and the C40 will take you to the other southern tip of the lake.

Driving From Milan To Lake Como  

The drive from Milan to Lake Como is pretty simple, and once you get closer to the lake, you’ll pass through some lovely scenery. It’s worth noting that your route out of Milan will vary depending on whether you’re heading to Como and the west side of the lake, or to Bellagio and the east.

Once you leave the main highways and start to navigate the edges of the lake, the roads become narrower and windier. Distances may not look far on the map, but these aren’t roads to race on! With incredible views at every turn, you’ll never forget your first time driving around Lake Como.

So how far is Lake Como from Milan? Well, the distance from Milan to the city of Como is 50 km, and assuming there are no major hold ups, you should be able to get there in just under one hour.

Meanwhile, to get from Milan to Bellagio it’s around 73 km with an approximate journey time of 1 hour 25 mins. There are quite a lot of toll roads in Italy, so prepare for those with some small change or a debit/credit card you can use abroad.

READ MORE: A Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary 

Private Transfer From Milan To Lake Como  

If you want the freedom of your own private transfer, there are several options available. You could investigate taxis once you get to Milan (perhaps with the help of your hotel) and see what quotes you get.

There are also transfers like this one , which offer a set price per person from Milan city centre or its airports (including luggage).

Carpooling To Lake Como

One option you might not know much about yet, is the app BlaBlaCar , which is basically a way of car-pooling… or modern-day hitchhiking!

It’s a popular app / website used across Europe, with drivers offering pick-ups to people who want a lift to somewhere. When I had a quick look to see what was available on the day, I found someone offering a lift from Milan to Como for just 6 EUR – a bargain for a private transfer!

As a solo traveller, I’d be sure to check the reviews of the drivers and trust your gut. Obviously, if you’re travelling with friends then you’ll feel safer. A few of my female friends used BlaBlaCar to travel across Europe last summer and said it was amazing! Very cheap and they met some really fun characters. It’s actually an amazing way to meet locals and learn a bit more about the culture as you travel.

Milan To Lake Como Day Trip

One of the most popular ways to visit Lake Como is on a day trip from Milan. It’s not far away, so you can see and do a lot in one day.

This tour in particular is excellent, as not only do you have luxury transport to and from the lake, you get to explore Como on a walking tour, before hopping on a private boat to visit Bellagio and Varenna (two of my favourite lake towns!)

Tours like this are great when you’re short on time but don’t want to miss out on seeing such a stunning place. They also give you a flavour of some of the key locations around the lake so you can plan a return trip at a later date!

Click here to find out latest prices and availability for this Milan to Lake Como day trip

Travelling From Milan’s Airports To Lake Como

Lots of you visiting Lake Como won’t be planning to spend any time in Milan. You want to fly in and head straight to the beautiful lake. The nearest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa, which is 45 mins away by car (to the city of Como).

Travelling From Milan Malpensa Airport To Lake Como

If you want to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lake Como by public transport then the best option is to catch the Malpensa Express train to Saronno, then change to another train to connect to Como Nord Lago Station. From there you can catch the ferry to other towns on the lake, or catch the bus. When I checked, you could buy a single ticket from Milan Malpensa to Como Nord Lago for 10 EUR 90 via the Trenitalia website.

Travelling From Milan Bergamo Airport To Lake Como

Travelling from Bergamo to Como is a little more complicated. Your best options are either to cach the bus from the airport to Bergamo Bus Station, then change to the C46 which goes to the city of Como.

Alternatively, take a train to Milan Centrale, and then follow the options I suggested earlier.

Travelling From Milan Linate Airport To Lake Como

As Milan Linate Airport is south of Milan, it’s a longer journey to get to the lake. The least complicated option is to catch the train to Milan Centrale and then follow one of the routes I’ve suggested above.

Travelling By Helicopter From Milan To Lake Como  

Ok so this is the most extravagant option by far, but I wanted to add it in as… WOW! Yes, you can actually charter a helicopter and fly to Lake Como ! You’ll be picked up at one of Milan’s airports, and dropped off right by the lake. The journey takes just 30 minutes, and the views are as breath-taking as you can imagine!

However, luxury travel options like this one come with a serious price tag… but we can dream…!

I hope you’ve found this post helpful for helping plan your trip from Milan to Lake Como. I adored the lake, and I’m sure you will too!

If you’re looking for more guides to this region, check out these posts:

• 17 Amazing Things To Do In Lake Como
• 20 Top Things To Do In Lake Como In Winter
• What To Do If You Only Have One Day In Milan
• The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More
• 23 Best Hidden Gems In Italy: Venture Off The Beaten Path In Italy
• Riva del Garda: Restaurants, Food Experiences and Activities
• Where To Stay In Lake Garda, Italy – Hotels For Every Budget

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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5 Easy Ways to Travel from Milan to Lake Como in Italy (With Maps, Practical Tips, and Essential Travel Guide)

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 15th March 2024

Categories Day Trips in Italy , Lombardy , Travelling in Italy

Travelling from Milan to Lake Como is easy and there are five ways to do it.

Lago di como  is italy’s most famous lake. it’s also the deepest and third-largest italian lake. above all, lake como is a great destination for a day trip, a weekend break or a longer holiday in this corner of europe..

With shores dotted with  picturesque towns , it offers a long list of exciting things to do , many historic landmarks to visit, and perfect conditions for hiking and water sports.

Universally known as the Fashion Capital of Italy, Milan is the country’s second-largest city. A buzzing metropolis, people flock to it on account of its monumental sights, great shopping, and impressive collection of priceless art (crowned by Leonardo’s Last Supper ).

On account of its  three airports  and excellent road and railway connections, Milan is the most convenient large Italian city to reach Lake Como from. Several of the lakefront towns – most notably Como, Lecco, and Varenna – have railway stations. As such, travel times by train from Milan to the lake start from just under 40 minutes one way.

In addition, a fast highway, a dense network of local buses, and pedestrian and car ferries make getting from Milan to anywhere on Lake Como an easy trip to take in Italy.

So, if you have ever asked yourself ‘How to get from Milan to Lake Como?’, fear not. In this blog post today, I will give you comprehensive and first-hand tried and tested information on reaching Italy’s most famous lake from Italy’s Fashion Capital.

It’s easy, straightforward, doesn’t have to cost the earth, and will give you a chance to see two of Italy’s most famous destinations during the same Italian holiday.

This is how we are going to proceed. First, scroll down to see a map showing the exact location in Italy of both Milan and Lake Como. Next, I will cover in detail how to travel from Milan to the different towns on Lake Como by train and by  car .

Then, I will tell you about getting there by combining two different types of transport, for example, train/car and bus and train/car and ferry. I will also provide information on organised day trips to Lake Como’s most famous destinations. You can scroll up and down the page to read just the information that you need.

The second half of this blog post includes an essential travel guide for Lake Como. When to visit, how long to stay here, and what are the best things to do on its shores, everything is covered. The information is structured in a way to make your travel planning as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

For even more details about Lake Como, have a look at these blog posts, too:

• Best Things to Do in Lake Como
• Best Towns on Lake Como
• Lake Como in Winter – 10 Reasons to Visit

They will give you lots of ideas as to how to structure your time at Italy’s most famous lake and what to see and do here. And this blog post will tell you how to get to Lago di Como specifically from Milan.

Have a look!

Map of milan and lake como in italy.

First things first! Let’s see where exactly the city of Milan and Lake Como are. Both are in Northern Italy and are part of the region of Lombardy The distance from Milan to Como and Lecco – the lake’s largest towns – is respectively 40 and 50 km.

Milan is a huge urban sprawling mass with 1.4 million people living in the city proper.

Lake Como has the unusual form of an upturned letter Y. Its three thin branches meet at Punta Spartivento. This beautiful promontory is next door to the famous town of Bellagio and affords fantastic views over the lake.

The three lake branches are named after their main lakefront towns. As such, the northern branch of Lake Como is known as Colico, the eastern as Lecco, and the western one as Como.

The mountainous area locked between the Lecco and the Como branches of the lake is called the  Triangolo Lariano  – the Larian Triangle (from Lake Como’s ancient name – Lario ). Punta Spartivento is right at the tip of this natural triangle.

Lake Como is often affectionately called  Il Uomo  – or The Man – by the locals. Its outline does in fact look a bit like a man taking a large step. One of his feet rests on the town of Lecco and the other – on the town of Como.

The above map shows the exact location of the city of Milan and Lake Como in Northern Italy . Milan is pinned with a red star and the most popular/largest lakefront towns – Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Lecco – with blue stars.

You can use the map just like any other map in Google Maps. You can zoom in and out, calculate directions, and open it in a new tab for easier browsing.

5 Easy Ways to Travel from Milan to Lake Como in Italy

1. From Milan to Lake Como by Train

Travelling from Milan to Lake Como by train is very easy and straightforward. In many ways, this is the best way to get from Italy’s Fashion Capital to Italy’s most famous lake. Especially, if you are going to Lake Como just for the day during the high season.

Como is the only town on the Como branch of the lake with a railway link to Milan. Several towns on the eastern shore of the Lecco and the Colico branches of the lake have railway stations. This is how it works:

Railway Stations in Milan with Connections to Lake Como:

Milano Centrale – this is the city’s main railway station. It has 24 tracks, a monumental building, and deals with 120 million passengers per year. It is a very busy railway hub and often there are long queues in front of the ticket offices and the ticket-vending machines. Getting to your platform through the throngs of people can also be surprisingly time-consuming. As such, allow plenty of time to navigate the station. Travel times from Milano Centrale to the towns of Como and Lecco start from just under 40 minutes.

Milano Porta Garibaldi – this major railway station in Milan provides regular trains to Lake Como. However, they take about 20 mins longer than the trains from Milano Centrale and stop at several small towns along the way.

Milano Cadorna – this commuter railway station provides direct trains to the town of Como.

Malpensa Aeroporto T1 or T2 – these are the railway stations of Milan Malpensa Airport. Have a look at this blog post for more details on how to travel from them to Lake Como: 3 Best Airports for Lake Como .

Railway Stations in Como Town:

Como San Giovanni  – this is the town’s main railway station. It stands about a kilometre away from the main landmarks here – the Duomo and the lakefront promenade. If you are arriving from either Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi get off here and either walk or take a local bus to the historic centre.

The journey from Milano Centrale lasts around 40 minutes with three intermediate stops. The journey from Milano Porta Garibaldi is between 50 minutes and an hour with either a change in the city of  Monza  or 11 intermediate stops on the direct train.

Bear in mind that right before arriving at Como San Giovanni , the train is going to stop at Como Camerlata . This is a small railway station serving the southern suburbs of the town of Como. Don’t get off here. Stay on the train until you reach Como San Giovanni .

Como Nord Lago  (also known as  Como Lago ) – this is a small, end-of-the-line railway station. It stands just off the lakefront promenade and next door to the majestic Duomo. It serves the trains arriving from Milano Cadorna and Malpensa Aeroporto T1 or T2 .

The journey from Milano Cadorna lasts about an hour with 13 intermediate stops. The journey from Malpensa Aeroporto T1 or T2 is 1 hour 20 minutes with a change in the town of Saronno.

Railway Stations on the Eastern Shore of Lake Como

Getting to the eastern shore of Lake Como by train is very easy. A railway line spans its whole length from the town of Lecco in the south to the town of Colico in the north.

Starting from Milano Centrale , you can travel directly to Lecco in just under 40 minutes and then stay on the train to reach the other larger towns up the shore. Starting from Milano Porta Garibaldi , you can reach Lecco in just over an hour. If you want to travel to the other towns on the eastern shore, you will have to change trains in Monza.

As such, Milano Centrale is more convenient as a departure point. Here are some sample travel times:

• Milano Centrale to  Lecco  – 39 mins
• Milano Centrale to  Mandello del Lario  – 51 mins
• Milano Centrale to  Varenna/Esino  – 1 h 4 mins
• Milano Centrale to  Bellano/Tartavalle Terme  – 1 h 9 mins
• Milano Centrale to  Colico  – 1 h 26 mins

Departing from Lecco, there is also a slower local train which stops at many smaller towns and villages along Lake Como’s eastern shore.

To check train times and book train tickets in advance, I find the following three websites very useful:  Omio ,  ItaloTreno , and  TrenItalia .

Otherwise, see this handy map below showing the exact locations of the train stations you can use for Lago di Como .

Railway Stations in Milan: 1.  Milano Centrale   2.   Milano Porta Garibaldi   3.   Milano Cadorna  – with  red  pin

Railway Stations on Lake Como:   1.  Como San Giovanni   2.  Como (Nord) Lago   3.  Lecco  4.  Abbadia Lariana  5.  Mandello del Lario  6.  Olcio  7.  Lierna  8.  Fiumelatte  9.  Varenna/Esino  10.  Bellano/Tartavalle Terme  11.  Dervio  12.  Colico – with  green  pin

Other Nearby Railway Stations   –  1.   Malpensa Aeroporto T1 and T2   2.  Saronno  3.  Monza – with  purple  pin

Practical Travel Tips for Reaching Lake Como from Milan by Train:

Simply put, there are two types of trains you can use to reach Lake Como from Milan:

• treno regionale – this is the regional train operated by the Lombardian railway company Trenord; and
• Eurocity – this is the international cross-border train that connects Italy to its neighbouring countries.

Both the regional trains and the Eurocity trains cover the distance from Milan to Lake Como at roughly the same time, give or take a couple of minutes. At the same time, the tickets for the Eurocity trains cost on average about three times more.

As such, my suggestion is to use the regional trains for your trip to Lake Como. Their prices don’t fluctuate and you can easily buy a ticket on the day of travel thus giving you a chance to visit Italy’s most famous lake on the spur of the moment.

If you want, you can check train times in advance on  Omio . This is my favourite search engine to research and book tickets for trains in Italy. It will give you a good idea of departure and arrival times

Omio  pulls up a page with results from Italy’s railway companies and covers different types of trains. This way, you can immediately see who offers the cheapest prices and the shortest times and you can book your tickets on the spot. It really makes travel planning so much quicker and easier.

2. From Milan to Lake Como by Car

Travelling from Milan to Lago di Como by car can be both the most convenient and yet the most taxing way to explore everything that Italy’s most famous lake has to offer.

Autostrada A9 from Milan to Lake Como

Lake Como is connected to Milan by Autostrada A9 . This is the oldest motorway in Italy and the world. It’s also known as the  Autostrada dei Laghi  (Motorway of the Lakes) and it was built in 1924. It’s a toll road. This  helpful website  will give you an estimate of how much the tolls are going to cost depending on the specific itinerary you want to follow.

The drive from Milan to the nearest lakefront towns – Lecco and Como – usually should take only 40-45 minutes. Expect this time to balloon by 30 minutes or more on weekends and during the high season. The outskirts of Milan are very industrial and most of the drive is not very scenic.

Lake Como’s Lakeside Road

Once you reach the lake, there is a lakeside road which skirts the whole outline of Lago di Como providing stunning panoramic views and breathtaking viewpoints. If you are the driver, however, keep your eyes on the road at all times as it is incredibly sinuous and often very narrow. There are also sharp corners, old houses angling onto the lane, and many blind spots.

The road runs through many of the lakefront towns and villages. Several of them have limited or no pavements at all. Expect to see locals and visitors strolling down the road as cars and buses pass by them. On occasion, people also go jogging along the road, so as a driver you need to be alert at all times.

Some of the local drivers – very used to the roads – drive in a very assertive manner. As such, they may encroach into the opposite lane and even try to pressure you to drive faster than you are comfortable with. If you can, don’t be too proud to let them pass and maintain a sensible speed at all times.

Highway SS36 along the Eastern Shore of Lake Como

On the plus side, however, the eastern shore of the Lecco and the Colico branches of the lake is very easy to explore by car as it’s served by the Italian highway SS36. In Italian, this fast road is known as Strada Statale 36 del Lago di Como e dello Spluga .

The road runs through a series of tunnels. From Lecco, it takes just half an hour to reach Colico (at the upper northeastern shore of Lake Como). Travel times from Lecco to Varenna and Bellano, for example, are only about 20-22 mins depending on the time of the day.

Just make sure that you keep an eye out for the right exit. If you miss it (as it happened to us once), you will need to follow the highway for quite some time before you can turn back.

Parking at Lake Como

When you explore Lake Como by car, the biggest issue you will face is finding parking. In the larger lakefront towns like Lecco and Como, there are multistorey car parks. The smaller towns here though often have very few parking spaces the majority of which are reserved for the locals. The problem is exacerbated during the high season when thousands of people travel to Lake Como on a day trip or for a longer holiday.

Distances and Travelling Times by Car from Milan to Lake Como

Here is a handy list with the distance in km and sample travelling times from Milan to some of the most popular towns on Lake Como’s three branches. The times are calculated starting from Milano Centrale train station. Your specific travel time will depend on your point of departure in Milan, the season, and the traffic conditions.

Towns on the Como Branch of Lake Como:

Milan to Como – 45 km, 45 mins to 1 h 15 mins Milan to Bellagio – 68 km, 1 h 5 mins to 1 h 40 mins Milan to Nesso – 70 km, 1 h 15 mins to 2 h Milan to Cernobbio – 55 km, 45 mins to 1 h 10 mins Milan to Lenno (for Villa del Balbianello) – 78 km, 1 h 5 mins to 1 h 40 mins Milan to Tremezzo (for Villa Carlotta) – 80 km, 1 h 10 mins to 1h 50 mins

Towns on the Lecco Branch of Lake Como:

Milan to Lecco – 53 km, 40 mins to 1 h 15 mins Milan to Mandello del Lario – 63 km, 50 mins to 1 h 25 mins Milan to Malgrate – 51 km, 40 mins to 1 h 15 mins

Towns on the Colico Branch of Lake Como:

Milan to Varenna – 74 km, 1 h 5 mins to 1 h 50 mins Milan to Bellano – 79 km, 1 h to 1h 40 mins Milan to Menaggio – 86 km, 1 h 20 mins to 2 h Milan to Colico – 90 km, 1 h 5 mins to 1 h 50 mins Milan to Gravedona – 107 km, 1 h 25 mins to 2 h 10 mins

Practical Travel Tips for Reaching Lake Como from Milan by Car:

Here are a few tried and tested tips to make your car trip from Milan to Lake Como a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

If possible, opt for a small car. The smallest make possible. Space on the road around Lake Como is limited. A small vehicle will make things so much easier.

Be courteous to other drivers. Some portions of the lakeside road are so narrow and bendy that you may need to slow down or stop to let the oncoming traffic pass first.

Be mindful of pedestrians (including joggers, elderly people, and parents with strollers). Often, there are simply no pavements for them to use.

If you are staying at a local accommodation, ask if it provides parking spaces (ideally, for free). If not, it may be difficult to find a nearby place to leave your car.

Never park in a reserved parking space (usually held by the locals). Towing is active 24/7 and they are strict about it.

Parking can be pricey around Lake Como, so budget accordingly.

If you are visiting just for the day, consider parking in a multistorey car park in one of the main lakefront towns and then use the ferries or the local buses to get around.

If you see a sign with the letters ZTL on it, don’t drive beyond it. ZTL stands for  Zona di Traffico Limitato  in Italian or a zone with limited traffic. Such usually are the historic centres of centuries-old Italian towns and driving through one incurs a heavy fine. Bear in mind that if your accommodation is in the historic centre and provides parking spaces, it may give you a special temporary pass allowing you to drive through the ZTL. Ask in advance!

The narrow windy roads here don’t really allow high and moderate speeds. Don’t be surprised if a short journey of 15 km takes over half an hour to do. The distance from Como to Bellagio, for example, is only 30 km or so. It usually takes just under an hour and even longer during the high season.

3. From Milan to Lake Como by Train/Car and Bus

A dense network of buses connects the many towns , villages, and hamlets around Lago di Como . You may prefer to reach the lake’s major towns – Como and Lecco – by either train or car and then continue by bus onwards.

You can check the current timetables and prices for the different bus lines serving Lake Como on the website of  ASF Autolinee  (in Italian). You can buy a single or a return ticket to a particular destination as well as a one-day or multi-day ticket to travel around the lake. The current prices are published  here . This  handy map  gives you a visual idea of the bus routes you can take.

In a nutshell, the main bus lines are:

C10  – taking you from the town of Como all the way up the western shore of the lake to the town of Menaggio and then along the northern end of the lake to the town of Colico. Catch it if you want to visit such iconic places as  Villa del Balbianello  and  Villa Carlotta  and explore beautiful lakefront towns such as Cernobbio, Laglio, Menaggio, and Gravedona. The bus takes around 1 h 10 mins from Como to Menaggio and it covers the full itinerary in about 2 h 15 mins or so.

C30  – taking you from the town of Como along the eastern shore of the Como branch of the lake all the way up to Bellagio. The bus stops at all the small towns and villages that dot the shore here.  Nesso  is particularly well known on account of Orrido di Nesso – a powerful waterfall that rumbles down a steep gorge. The journey from start to end lasts around 1 h 10 mins.

D10  – taking you from Lecco to Bellagio in about 45 mins or so. Once again, the bus stops at many lakefront towns and villages along the way and opens panoramic views over the much less visited western shore of the Lecco branch of Lake Como.

Practical Travel Tips for Reaching Lake Como from Milan by Train/Car and Bus:

Exploring Lago di Como by bus is very convenient. However, during the high season, this type of transport can get very busy, especially during the weekends and rush hours. You may need to queue to get on the bus or even need to stand up during a portion of or the whole journey. Different people may react differently when the bus arrives. Some may be pushy trying to get on board first! Be polite but stand your ground.

Another thing to be aware of is that outside of Como and Lecco the bus stops are often right on the narrow and sinuous lakeside road with not much space for a shelter or even a spot to stand. Be mindful of the passing traffic. Hold children by the hand. When you get off the bus, check to see if cars are waiting behind the bus before starting to cross the road.

You need to always check the bus timetables for Lake Como carefully. These may vary according to the season and the day of the week. 

4. From Milan to Lake Como by Train/Car and Ferry

Ferries crisscross Lake Como and connect the many lakefront towns here throughout the day. Seeing the shores of Italy’s most famous lake from the water is a very scenic experience. No matter if you are spending only a day here or have multiple days to spare, make sure that you catch a ferry to fully enjoy the beauty of Lago di Como .

So, get the train or drive from Milan to either Como, Lecco, Varenna or even Colico. Then catch a ferry and cruise up or down Lake Como taking in the beautiful vistas along the way.

In a nutshell, here are the types of ferries operated by  Navigazioni Laghi  (the company which also runs the ferries on Italy’s largest lake –  Lago di Garda ):

Regular pedestrian ferries connecting the town of Como to the town of Colico  – these ferries stop at many small and large lakefront towns on both sides of the Como and Colico branches of the lake. This is a slow service (for example, the journey from Como to Bellagio lasts around 1 h 30 mins to 2 h), that takes hours from start to end but provides beautiful panoramic views. In winter, the timetable of the regular ferries is heavily reduced.

Fast pedestrian ferries connecting the town of Como to the town of Colico  – these ferries stop only at the most important lakefront towns on both sides of the Como and Colico branches of the lake. This is a speedy service (for example, the journey from Como to Bellagio takes around 45 mins to 1 h) and it costs more than the regular ferries.

Car/Pedestrian ferries in the central part of Lake Como – these ferries transport both vehicles and pedestrians between the towns of Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia. The crossing from Bellagio to Menaggio, for example, lasts only 15 mins. The crossing from Varenna to Bellagio is also only a quarter of an hour. These ferries are very convenient, open beautiful panoramic views, and most importantly, you are not stuck on them for hours. During the high season, there is also a shuttle boat for pedestrians connecting Bellagio, Tremezzina, Varena, and Bellano. This is very convenient if you want to visit some of the most famous historic sights here, for example,  Villa Carlotta  and  Villa Monastero . The waterfall of  Orrido di Bellano  is also a must-see.

Pedestrian ferries connecting the town of Lecco to the town of Bellagio – These are usually operational only during the high season.

Practical Travel Tips for Reaching Lake Como from Milan by Train/Car and Ferry:

You can buy ferry tickets for Lake Como online in advance or on the day from the ticket kiosks at the ferry terminal in each town (which usually is right next to the town’s lakefront promenade).

You can purchase a one-way or a return ticket to a specific destination. Alternatively, you can opt for a one-day or a multi-day pass which gives you a chance to hop on and off the ferry to visit the many different lakefront towns along the way.

For updated ferry times, prices, and tickets, always refer to the official website of  Navigazione Laghi . 

Alternatively, you can book a boat tour of Lake Como. This private tour comes highly recommended. This one is much more affordable though as you get to share the boat with other visitors to the lake.

5. From Milan to Lake Como by Organised Tour

In the above sections, I gave you lots of details on how to reach Lake Como from Milan by public transport. In case you prefer to have it all organised for you, in this section I have included information about day trips to Italy’s most famous lake led by professional tour operators.

Organised tours are a great way to travel if you enjoy a more structured approach and would like to see the maximum in a short amount of time. Professional guides will introduce you to the culture and history of this corner of Italy and will show you hidden gems that are not always easy to discover by yourself.

Often, the price of an organised tour may exceed what you would pay if you booked it all by yourself. Still, it is very reasonable if you want to have it all done for you and if you enjoy a knowledgeable service and a personal approach.

As such, this  guided day trip  from Milan to Lake Como comes highly recommended. It takes you to several of the prettiest corners around the lake. It also combines travel by coach and boat for the best views and the maximum range of experiences.

You can also travel to the town of Como by either car or train and then join a guided trip from there.  This one  packs a lot of activities in a day and takes you to the two most popular lakefront towns – Bellagio and Varenna.

While you can also do it all by yourself using the tips shared in this blog post and have a wonderful time, sometimes, it pays to be shown around. Especially, if it’s your first visit to Lake Como, if you have only a short amount of time or if you find it overwhelming to find your way around in a country where you don’t speak the language.

Essential Travel Guide for Lake Como, Italy

Below is an abridged version of my ultimate travel guide for Lake Como in Italy. Click here to read it in its entirety!

Is lake como worth a visit.

Yes, by all means, Lake Como is worth a visit when you are in Italy. With its pretty towns , historic landmarks, and beautiful natural settings, the lake lives up to the hype.

At the same time, this corner of Italy is rich in hidden gems – from ancient Roman roads and medieval hamlets to cute lidos, splendid botanical gardens, and viewpoints offering fantastic panoramic views.

The high season arrives with thousands of shrubs in bloom – from rose bushes to rhododendrons. In winter , expect festive markets, illuminations, and ice rinks. Worldwide famous, Italy’s Lake Como is one of those destinations that need to be experienced at least once.

How to Get to Lake Como from the Nearest Airports?

The three most convenient airports for Lago di Como are Milan Malpensa Airport, Milan Linate Airport, and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport.

For details about how to reach the lake from them, have a look at this exhaustive blog post:

• 3 Best Airports for Lake Como, Italy (With Transfer Options, Travel Times, and Maps)

How to Get to Lake Como from Any Other Town/City in Italy or Abroad?

Placed in Northern Italy , Lake Como is easy to reach from anywhere in the country and abroad.

If you travel by car, you can skirt around Milan and head straight there. Just use your GPS app for directions.

If you travel by train, most probably, you will need to change trains in Milan (or nearby Monza). The three websites mentioned above – Omio ,  ItaloTreno , and  TrenItalia – will help you get an idea about the trains to take and any changes you will need to make.

And if you travel by plane, just refer to the above point in this essential travel guide for directions from the three most convenient for Lake Como airports to the lakefront towns.

In addition, this blog post will come in very useful, no matter where you are planning to arrive from and the type of transportation you are going to use:

• How to Get to Lake Como and 9 Best Ways to Travel Around Italy’s Most Famous Lake (With Maps and Practical Tips)

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Como in Italy?

Lake Como has a lot to offer in all seasons. Summer is the busiest time of the year here. This is when hundreds of thousands of people flock to the lake to enjoy day trips and longer holidays on its shores. On summer weekends, half of Milan decamps to Lake Como, too as many of the  Milanesi  have villas here or simply come to hike, relax, and enjoy the stunning natural setting.

If you are planning to visit Lake Como in the summer expect large crowds of both Italians and people from all over the world. On the plus side, however, all sights – from historic villas to quirky museums – are open, lots of fun events take place, and there’s nothing like taking a cooling plunge in the water, ideally in an outdoor swimming pool floating on the lake.

In winter, the lake is very peaceful and offers great opportunities to experience its heritage and nature more authentically. While some of the historic villas and several hotels either close for the low season or operate with greatly reduced facilities, there is still plenty to do around Lake Como during the cold months. Christmas is a particular highlight with festive illuminations, markets, and events. Find out more in this blog post:

• Lake Como in Winter – 10 Reasons to Visit Italy’s Most Famous Lake in the Off-Season

To best experience what Lake Como has to offer, try to come here during the shoulder seasons. Late March to May and then late September to October are the best periods of the year to visit. Crowds are just starting to form in spring and already dispersing in autumn. The lakefront towns are full of life. From April onwards, gorgeous rhododendrons, camellias, and roses bloom in their thousands in exquisite botanical gardens and private courtyards.

The temperatures are decidedly pleasant and vary between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. So, you can comfortably sightsee and hike around without being scorched to a crisp by the sun. The only downside to the shoulder seasons, however, is the bigger chance of rain! April and May can have respectively up to 10 and 12 rainy days while September and October usually have around eight rainy days each. Click to find out what to do in Italy on a rainy day .

Where to Stay at Lake Como, Italy?

There is a huge selection of places to stay at Lake Como in any season.

You can choose from lavish historic villas that nowadays function as exclusive hotels. You can opt for a cosy B&B in the centre of a lakefront town. Or you may prefer a self-catering accommodation to enjoy a home-from-home experience.

If you are arriving by car, then make sure that your accommodation also offers parking spaces or can recommend a nearby car park. Especially, if you are planning to stay outside of the larger lakefront towns like Como and Lecco. Parking spaces in the smaller lake towns may be difficult to come across and are usually taken by the locals.

If you are relying on public transport and your accommodation doesn’t provide transfers, then make sure that you have easy access to the nearest bus stop or ferry port. You don’t want to have to walk for miles luggage in hand or depend on taxis every time you want to go to the town centre.

Here are some suggestions for places to stay at Lake Como. All come highly recommended:

Luxury:   Grand Hotel Victoria concept & spa by R Collection Hotels ,  Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Mid-Range:   Casa sull’Albero ,  Hotel Lenno

Budget:  Locanda Alberti ,  Valle dei Mulini – Lake Como

Alternatively, use this map to get a quick visual idea of the available accommodation options around Lake Como, Italy. You can zoom in and out, type in your specific travel dates, and then click on the different price points for detailed information about the hotel you want to know more about:

In addition, have a look at this blog post which explains the different types of accommodation you can book in Italy. It will give you plenty of ideas to look into for the best and quirkiest places to experience here:

• Where to Stay in Italy – 19 Types of Accommodation to Suit Any Budget

How Long to Spend at Lake Como?

Lake Como has a lot to offer no matter your style of travel. You may be after a peaceful and relaxing holiday with stunning lake views, a pampering experience with spa procedures and some pool lounging, an active nature break with lots of hiking, or an unforgettable day trip. Or you may just want to be able to say that you’ve been to Lake Como and understand what all the fuss is about. Any reason to visit is valid!

So, how long to spend here depends entirely on you and on the amount of time you have at your disposal.

Let’s say that this will be your first visit to the lake and you just want to test the waters. Then you can easily take a self-organised or  guided day trip  from Milan to Lake Como and see one or a few of the most popular lakefront towns like Como, Varenna, and Bellagio. You can also book a guided day trip around the lake taking you to some of its best sights ( this one  comes highly recommended).

Alternatively, you can pencil in a weekend break or an even longer stay at Lake Como. It’s a big place that easily caters to all types of travellers.

What to Pack for a Visit to Lake Como?

Lake Como has its own microclimate with moderate temperatures which vacillate around 26 degrees Celsius in summer and drop to around 4 to 8 degrees Celsius in winter. May and June are the wettest months in terms of rainfall and snow days in winter are very rare. Nights can get chilly in any season.

As such, no matter when you choose to visit, make sure that you pack plenty of layers. A light jacket or a cosy jersey may come in very handy during the high season. I am speaking as someone who got caught in a cold downpour in Varenna in July without a jacket because I had wanted to pack light. At the same time, don’t forget your sun cream, a hat/sunglasses, and a swimming costume.

In winter, you will want to be able to peel off a layer or two on one of those not-rare days when the sun shines bright at lunchtime and it feels like it’s spring already. At the same time, don’t forget your hat, scarf, and gloves as wrapping up warm in the evenings feels so nice.

Bringing my padded hat with ear flaps (similar to  this one ) was my best packing decision during my last visit to Lake Como over ten days this past Christmas. It kept me cosy during festive market explorations and hiking around.

Always pack a pair of good walking shoes for Lake Como. Plus, hiking shoes/boots are a must when you go exploring in nature. With many of the towns and villages around the lake having steep cobbled alleys and often flights of steps instead of streets altogether, your ankles need to be well supported at all times.

Unless you are planning to visit just towns like Como, Lecco, Cernobbio, and Menaggio (the central parts of which are flat), make sure that you bring an appropriate pair of shoes to allow you to safely navigate uneven surfaces and steep slopes.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Lake Como?

There are many amazing and exciting things to do in Lake Como. I have described them in some detail in this blog post:

• 25 Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy (With Maps, Travel Info, and Practical Tips)

Have a look at it for a useful overview of the different activities to enjoy around the lake. Otherwise, here is a handy shortlist:

Sightseeing  – the shores of the lake are studded with historic villas, centuries-old churches, and excellent museums. The most well-known are the Duomo, the Volta Temple, the Civic Art Gallery, and the Silk Museum in Como, Villa del Balbianello near Lenno, Villa Monastero next door to Varenna, Villa Melzi in Bellagio, the Moto Guzzi Motorcycle Museum in Mandello del Lario, and so many others.

Hiking and Nature Exploring  – it is so very easy to get close to nature around Lake Como. Hiking paths (some of which follow ancient Roman roads) crisscross the steep slopes and link the small towns and villages here. Powerful waterfalls rumble through vertiginous gorges and flow into the lake. Don’t miss Orrido di Nesso and Orrido di Bellano. You don’t even need to break a sweat to get out and about in nature here. Several funiculars and cable cars offer the chance to enjoy sprawling lake views from the comfort of a smoothly ascending cabin.

Shopping  – Lake Como is a great place to indulge in some shopping no matter if you are after the latest fashions of the best Italian brands or artisan items by local craftsmen. The area is also famous for its locally designed silk accessories. Silk has been produced around the lake for centuries and nowadays you can get beautiful silk bags, scarves, and ties for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t miss the local brand  Acqua del Lario  which makes perfumes, candles, and home scents inspired by the towns and vistas of Lake Como.

How to Choose Which Town(s) to Visit on Lake Como in Italy?

This depends entirely on you and your travel style. Ask yourself what you want to focus on – the most popular destinations around Lake Como or places off the beaten track.

The towns that attract the largest crowds (especially, during the high season) are Bellagio, Como, and Varenna. Plus, Lenno in a way on account of the nearby Villa del Balbianello. The towns of Cernobbio,  Nesso , Bellano, and Menaggio are gaining popularity and have lots of hidden corners to explore.

So, make your choice based on your interests, travel style, and available time. This blog post describes the best towns on Lake Como and provides sample itineraries. They will help you narrow down the available options.

Bear in mind that many of the towns around Lake Como are built on steep slopes. They have steep alleys and stairways many of which are covered with irregular cobbles and stones. If you are looking for lakefront towns with flatter historic centres, then Como, Cernobbio, Lecco, Menaggio (and up to a point Bellagio and Bellano) can be good options.

Where to Find More Information About Lake Como and the Region of Lombardy?

If you are considering a trip to Lake Como in particular and the Northern Italian region of Lombardy in general, you may want to also have a look at the following categories and posts on my blog:

• Lake Como  – a full list of all my blog posts about Italy’s most famous lake
• Lombardy  – a full list of all my blog posts about this must-see region in Italy
• Ultimate Travel Guide for Lake Como, Italy
• 25 Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy
• 18 Best Towns to Visit on Lago di Como – Italy’s Most Famous Lake
• 10 Reasons to Visit the Region of Lombardy in Italy
• 15 Must-See Cities and Towns in Lombardy, Italy

They are based on my first-hand experience of visiting these destinations in Italy and provide lots of practical information to help you plan your travels.

In addition, for the most up-to-date information about events and local sights, keep an eye on the official websites of  Milan , the  Region of Lombardy , and the major towns on Lake Como, for example,  Como ,  Bellagio ,  Varenna ,  Lecco , and so on.

Finally, if you want to invest in a good guidebook,  this one  covers Lombardy, Milan, and the Italian lakes. This makes it very handy to carry around with you during your travels.

Where to Find More Information About Visiting Italy?

I have been blogging about travelling to and within Italy for nine years now providing detailed and first-hand tried and tested information about the best things to do in this beautiful country. It’s all based on my close to twenty years of visiting Italy solo and with my family. Six of these years, we spent living in  Vicenza  in the  north of the country .

If you are after personally lived, meticulously researched and illustrated with dozens of original photos articles about Italy, have a look at the following categories and blog posts:

• Italy  – a full list of all my blog posts about Italy
• 10 Reasons to Visit Northern Italy
• Veneto ,  Trentino ,  Emilia Romagna ,  Umbria  – full lists of all my blog posts about these Italian regions
• Venice ,  Padua ,  Lake Garda ,  Milan  – full lists of all my blog posts about these must-see destinations in Italy.
• Venice , Naples , Lake Garda , Lake Como – my ultimate one-page travel guides to these beautiful cities and lakes in Italy.

In addition, right at the end of this blog post, you will find a list with links to some of my most popular blog posts about many beautiful and exciting cities, towns, and regions to visit in Italy. So, just scroll down and then click on the ones you want to know more about.

Finally, Italy’s  official tourism website  is a great source of the latest news about travel in Italy. Otherwise,  this is one  of the best guidebooks about Italy.

In Conclusion

Travelling from Milan to Lake Como in Italy for a day trip, a weekend break or a longer holiday is a great idea. In general, there are five ways to do it: by train, by car, by train/car and bus, by train/car and ferry, and by organised tour.

In the above blog post, I gave you detailed and first-hand tried and tested information about how to reach Italy’s most famous lake from Italy’s Fashion Capital.

Packed with useful tips, I hope that my blog post will come in handy during the planning stages of your Italian holiday.

Enjoy your trip from milan to lake como, travel tools, get ready for your trip to lake como in italy.

Get a guidebook from Amazon. Buy plane tickets , train tickets , and bus tickets through Omio. Research accommodation on Booking.com. Select local tours and activities on GetYourGuide , Viator , and Tiqets .

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Plan A Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan: Itinerary & Tips

On this day trip to Lake Como from Milan by train, you’ll visit charming towns, picturesque villas, and take in beautiful vistas, making for a wonderful day. All details of how to get there, buy tickets, and get around are mentioned so you can enjoy your Lake Como day trip without worrying about how its all going to work out.

Lake Como is a serene destination with clear water, lush greenery, and beautiful towns with a backdrop of the stunning Italian Alps. Imagine taking a leisurely boat ride, admiring elegant villas, enjoying a drink while taking in the breathtaking views, or simply wandering along the lakefront promenades. You’ll soon understand why Lake Como is popular with celebrities and artists!

With this one-day Lake Como itinerary, forget about the city rush and let the lake’s beauty captivate you.

Why take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan?

The best way to visit Lake Como is to spend a few days there, visiting different villages at a slow pace. It’s true. But its not always practical. Here are a few reasons why a day trip to Lake Como is a good option:

• The accommodations on Lake Como can be really expensive and sell out fast, depending on the season . Trust me, I tried to find an accommodation for two nights in July (one of the busiest months) 5–6 months prior, and I could not find a single Airbnb or hotel that fit my budget. I decided to spend two nights in Milan instead, and everything worked out perfectly.
• You might not have more than a day to spend at Lake Como on your vacation in Italy .
• The highlights of Lake Como can be easily seen in one day , so it is a very practical option that helps you make the most of your time in Italy.
• Lake Como is just a one-hour train ride from Milan , making for an easy, self-guided day trip . If you’d like to take a day tour and let someone else handle all the logistics, then there are several options listed below that start in Milan, with this tour being the most popular .

How to reach Lake Como from Milan?

You can reach Lake Como from Milan by train quite easily.

You have to take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino . Varenna is a village located in the mid-lake area. It makes for the perfect spot to start and end your Lake Como trip , as it is very close and very well-connected by public transport to the other two villages you’ll be seeing on this itinerary. But the best bit is that it is in itself a beautiful gem waiting to be explored ! A lot of people wonder if Como would be a better idea, as I did myself, but Como is actually very far from famous spots worth seeing if you only have one day in Lake Como , like Bellagio and Villa Balbianello.

The first train departs every day at 6:20 a.m. from Milan and takes about an hour to reach Varenna-Esino. The last train back to Milan departs Varenna-Esino at 9:20 p.m. However, do note that these times keep changing, so refer to the Trenitalia website for updated times. On our date, the last train was at 8:20 p.m.!

The way I’d recommend planning is to first see the ferry timetable and accordingly book your train because the first train in the morning might make you reach Varenna much before the first ferry. Just ensure that you take the earliest possible transport to Lake Como and the last train back to Milan, so you have plenty of time to explore Lake Como at a leisurely pace.

However, it may happen that you aren’t able to do that; after all, you’re on vacation, which is okay. We ourselves only started exploring Bellagio at 11:45 AM and yet were able to see all three villages, though we did have to rush to get to the train station in Varenna.

You can book your train ticket costing €7.4 one way (2nd class) at the kiosk on Milan Station or do it beforehand at the Trenitalia website to save time. We were about to miss our train because we were running late and had not booked the ticket beforehand . Sometimes, the Trenitalia website doesn’t work very well, in which case you can use the following two websites to book tickets – Trainline and Omio .

Tips: 1. If you’re buying a ticket at the train station, don’t forget to validate it through the green machine at the station; otherwise, you may be heavily fined. If you have an e-ticket, then validating it is not mandatory at the moment. 2. Get to the train station on time and be ready to board the train first so that you get a seat. There are no seat reservations on these trains, so you will have to stand on the journey to Como or back to Milan if you don’t arrive on time. 3. Don’t end up on the 1st class coach by mistake if you don’t have 1st class tickets. We made this mistake, but thankfully, our tickets were not checked, even though the conductor checked everyone’s tickets around us. We just got lucky!

How to get around Lake Como?

To get from one town to another on Lake Como, you will have to take a ferry . The ferry cost depends on the route, but typically starts at 4.6 euros one way . Two-way tickets do not have a discount , so it doesn’t really matter.

You can book your ticket at the ticket counter after arrival (but so will everyone on your train), so it is best to book the ferry ticket online at the official Navigazione Laghi ferry website a few minutes before you have to board the ferry. The website is also a great way to check the ferry timings for all the stops on your itinerary, as these change according to season!

Alternately, you can buy the one-day Middle Lake pass, which costs €15 per person . The online passes aren’t always available, so you may have to buy them in person. This pass will give you flexibility, but it will not save you any money if you follow this itinerary.

Lake Como Itinerary for a 1 day trip

On this day trip to Lake Como, you’re going to visit three picturesque villages in central Lake Como . They are very close to each other and therefore make for the perfect combination of villages to visit in one day.

Village 1: Bellagio

Why bellagio.

Nestled at the intersection of Lake Como’s three arms, Bellagio is a small town that boasts excellent views of the surrounding mountains. The town is renowned for its vibrant cafe culture, boutique shops, and narrow cobblestone streets that wind through historic neighbourhoods. And that is exactly what you’re here to enjoy.

How to get to Bellagio from Varenna?

As you reach the train station in Varenna, walk 400 metres (5 minutes) to the Varenna Ferry Terminal. Buy your ticket or pass if it has not already been purchased, and take the ferry to the most popular town in all of Lake Como, Bellagio!

What to do in Bellagio?

Walk around and enjoy the beautiful streets, shop, eat, and sit down at a lakeside cafe for a cup of coffee. That’s the perfect way to enjoy Bellagio!

Start by walking down the corniche and up the stairs called Salita Serbelloni until you reach Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. Or simply look for ‘ Famous Street of Bellagio ‘ on Google Maps (marked in the map above). Go to the top of the staircase, and now look down for that view of Bellagio that you’ve seen all over Instagram. Do this first because it’ll get crowded soon—everyone wants a photo here.

You can also choose to head to the Basilica of San Giacomo for a quick look since it is close by. Grab a bite around the area and then head back to the lake to sit under a tree and sip some wine or coffee.

Other things to do:

I haven’t mentioned too many activities to do in Bellagio because I think it is best to take it slow and enjoy the vibe of Lake Como. However, if you’re not the type to simply sit around and would like to see more, then here are a few options:

• Visit Villa Melzi : The gardens are stunning, and it costs only €10 to enter.
• Take a Boat Ride : Everyone who does a boat ride on Lake Como always highly recommends it. However, these start at around €120 per person. The one-hour tour takes you to all the same spots you can see from the ferry, which is why we didn’t do it and have no regrets. But you can consider it for yourself if it interests you.
• Rent a Kayak : Instead, I would recommend renting a kayak in Bellagio and checking out the beautiful villas around Bellagio that you wouldn’t be able to see from the ferry anyway. This is a much cheaper option than going for a boat ride, but obviously you won’t be able to cover as much ground as a boat tour would.

Where do I eat in Bellagio?

We had some pasta at Dai Viga Pasta Fresca because someone recommended it to us. It is a fast-food restaurant with decent pasta. Nothing extraordinary, though, but not expensive, so we were happy with it. Other well rated eateries are Trattoria San Giacomo and La Grotta . Later, we went to a lakeside bar, Bar Sanremo . It is very close to the ferry terminal and has seats under the trees, so it makes for the perfect place to relax and have some drinks/coffee on a hot, sunny day, while enjoying a view of the lake.

After a few hours, when you’ve had your fill of Bellagio’s beauty, head to your next stop! I expect you would spend about 3 hours in Bellagio if you didn’t do the extra activities and about 4–5 hours if you did.

Village 2: Lenno

How do i get to lenno from bellagio.

Take a ferry from Bellagio to Lenno , which takes about 30 minutes . Ferry rides on Lake Como are always a pleasure because of the views of the villages along the way.

Why visit Lenno?

Lenno is a gem of a village, very close to Bellagio. It offers a tranquil escape if you’re seeking a quieter experience on Lake Como . The charming village has an absolutely delightful lakefront promenade , which is a pleasure to walk on. That being said, Lenno is best known for the captivating Villa del Balbianello , which is why it’s on this itinerary.

What to do in Lenno?

After reaching Lenno, walk along the promenade towards Villa Balbianello. Now you have two options: to walk 1 km up a hill to the villa or to take a paid boa t. The boat runs every 20 minutes and costs 12 euros per person return (credit cards are accepted onboard). I will suggest either taking the boat both ways or taking the boat to the villa and walking back from the villa to the village. The reason is that the walk to Villa Balbianello has very steep sections that will leave you huffing and puffing.

Villa del Balbianello

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM from mid-March to October, and 10 AM to 5 PM from November to early January. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays

Cost: You have two options for your visit: a ticket for just the gardens, costing Euro 13 per person , or a ticket for a 45-minute guided tour of the house, costing Euro 24 per person , which also includes access to the gardens. Tours are available in English and Italian. If you’re only visiting the garden, then you can buy the ticket after reaching it, but if you’re doing the tour, I recommend buying the ticket beforehand on this website .

Villa del Balbianello will be the highlight of your day trip to Lake Como from Milan. It is an elegant 18th-century mansion with romantic terraced gardens and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The villa’s appeal has been further amplified by its appearance in popular films like Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale !

We chose to take the boat to the villa and walk around the gardens, which were an absolute delight. Wear your best clothes, as you’ll feel out of place if you’re not well dressed, but wear comfortable shoes, as there is plenty of walking around.

Did you know? Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh got married here in Villa Balbianello

Lenno village

After visiting Villa Balbianello, spend some time in the charming village. You can go for a swim, hire a kayak or paddle board, sit by the promenade, or go to the Lido di Lenno beachfront. It’s up to you. Before heading back to the ferry terminal, quickly see the church and baptistery, Chiesa di Santo Stefano e Battistero . It has interesting frescoes from the 14th and 16th centuries. Don’t forget to grab a gelato at La Fabbrica Del Gelato !

Again, expect to spend about 3 to 4 hours in Lenno.

Village 3: Varenna

How do i get to varenna from lenno.

Take the ferry from Varenna to Lenno, which will take about 45 minutes . Ensure you inquire about the ferry timings from Lenno to Varenna beforehand so you don’t miss the last ferry out!

Why visit Varenna?

Varenna is an enchanting village that effortlessly combines old-world charm with breathtaking natural beauty . With its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and inviting lakeside promenade, Varenna captivates. It offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, which makes it the best place to see the sunset before heading back to Milan .

What to do in Varenna?

After you get to the Varenna ferry terminal, go right and keep walking. You’ll notice a red railing separates the village from the lake. That’s when you know you’re walking on the “ passeggiata degli inamorata ,” which loosely translates to Lover’s Lane .

We chanced upon this walk while looking for a place to grab dinner and were absolutely delighted. The lane is actually a walkway that skirts along the shore a few metres above the water. It takes you from the ferry terminal, along the lakefront, to the old town. The views are spectacular.

If you have enough time (since you’ve got to catch the last train out and even grab dinner), head up and away from the lake to the town centre, ending at the church of San Georgio.

Where to eat at Varenna?

We were getting late for the last train out, so we ate at the first decent place we could find that was closest to the train station, Alma . It was right by the shore, and the food was nice. However, if you have enough time and are looking for better food, go to one of the following restaurants: Il Cavatappi or Al Prato . Both are very well rated!

Just remember that you do have to walk all the way back towards the ferry terminal to reach the train station on time!

And that brings us to the end of this beautiful day trip to Lake Como from Milan. It was a very long day, but we loved our time on Lake Como. If you follow this itinerary, do tell us which of the three villages is your favourite. We especially enjoyed Lenno and Varenna, even though Bellagio is the most famous!

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• Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan: The Best Lake Como One Day Itinerary

Planning a day trip to Lake Como from Milan can feel a bit daunting, can’t it? There’s so much to see and so little time.

Since Lake Como is located only a one-hour train ride from Milan, the good news is that it’s absolutely possible to visit Lake Como in one day. However, a day trip to Lake Como requires careful planning and an efficient itinerary.

Lucky for you, I’m here to help you out! I’ve done all the hard work for you and put together a super detailed, foolproof itinerary that will guarantee you the perfect one day in Lake Como. Read on for all the logistics, the best things to do, and must-see places during your Lake Como day trip from Milan.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Best Organized Day Trips to Lake Como from Milan

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this stunning Italian lake is a playground for the rich and famous and a dream come true for travelers like us. But here’s the thing – exploring Lake Como doesn’t need to be a logistical nightmare, far from it!

Now, I’ve written a detailed, self-guided day trip itinerary for those of us who love to plan every step of our journey. However, I get it – not all of us enjoy diving into the nitty-gritty of planning, and that’s perfectly fine!

Maybe you’re someone who loves the hustle and bustle of group tours, or perhaps you just want to relax and let someone else take care of all the details.

That’s why, before we dive into the self-guided one day in Lake Como itinerary, I want to share with you some fantastic organized day trips to Lake Como from Milan.

These tours are perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back approach, offering expert guides, pre-planned itineraries, and the chance to meet fellow travelers.

• Day Tour to Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna or Menaggio – If you’re looking for an organized day trip to Lake Como from Milan, take a look at this top-rated tour. The tour includes bus transportation to Lake Como and a ferry ride on the lake while stopping at charming towns like Como, Bellagio, and Varenna or Menaggio.
• Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip – If the previous tour is fully booked, this day trip serves as a fantastic plan B. Similar to the top-rated tour, you’ll discover the beauty of Lake Como by visiting Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. The tour includes bus and ferry transportation and a walking tour, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charm of Lake Como.
• Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Train Day Trip – Looking for more than just a day trip to Lake Como from Milan? This tour is the perfect choice for you as, besides exploring Lake Como, you can also get to visit St. Moritz in Switzerland and ride the legendary Bernina Red Train. This way, you can get the best of both worlds: enjoying the stunning scenery at Lake Como and the Swiss Alps.
• Lake Como, Bellagio, Lugano Day Trip with Cruise – This is not just a day trip, it’s an adventure across borders! This tour lets you explore Lake Como and Bellagio, then whisk you off to Lugano in Switzerland, all in one day. Shop, dine, and immerse yourself in stunning panoramas. And as a cherry on top, you’ll get to take a scenic cruise along Lake Como spotting celebrities’ villas. It’s a Lake Como day trip with a Swiss twist!

Overview of Your One Day in Lake Como from Milan

If you’re up for the challenge of organizing your own day trip to Lake Como from Milan, you are in the right place! Keep reading for all the details.

Lake Como covers approximately 145 square kilometers, so trying to tackle this beautiful area in one day is definitely a challenge. It has many beautiful towns dotting the lake’s shoreline, each with its unique charm.

For this day trip to Lake Como from Milan, I recommend exploring two of the most scenic towns, Varenna and Bellagio. Luckily Varenna has a direct train connection from Milan, which makes it super convenient to get there.

You’ll want to leave early in the morning and take a train from Milan Central Station to Varenna-Esino station. Once you arrive in Varenna, you can spend the morning exploring the top things to do in Varenna , along with some of the best villas in Lake Como .

In the afternoon, take a ferry to Bellagio, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake, stroll around the cobbled streets, and visit another stunning villa. After having a delicious dinner in Bellagio, you can take a ferry back to Varenna and then the train back to Milan.

For your convenience, I’ve broken down the day trip to Lake Como from Milan itinerary by the hour, so you can easily plan your perfect one day in Lake Como.

Here’s your ultimate one day in Lake Como itinerary:

• 7 am-8.30 am: Train from Milan to Varenna
• 8.30 am-9.30 am: Varenna Old Town
• 9.30 am-11 am: Villa Monastero
• 11 am-12 pm: Villa Cipressi
• 12 pm-1.30 pm: Lunch in Varenna
• 1.30 pm-2.15 pm: Ferry to Bellagio
• 2.15 pm-4 pm: Bellagio Old Town
• 4 pm-5.30 pm: Villa Melzi
• 5.30 pm-7 pm: Dinner
• 7 pm-8 pm: Ferry to Varenna
• 8 pm-10 pm: Train from Varenna to Milan

As there is one train leaving every hour to and from Varenna, you can also customize this itinerary by starting one hour earlier or one hour later.

However, I wouldn’t recommend going to Lake Como any later than 9 am, as the last train returns at 9.30 pm, so you won’t have that much time to explore the area.

Now that you know what to do in Lake Como for a day, let’s take a closer look at each of the attractions and activities during your day trip to Lake Como from Milan. Read on for all the details!

Morning of Your Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan

Train from milan to varenna.

Recommended time: 7 am-8.30 am

Rise and shine friend, it’s time to take a day trip to Lake Como and get a glimpse of the glamorous life of the rich and famous! Make sure to go to bed early the night before so you can get up bright and early to catch the train from Milan to Lake Como.

There are actually two direct trains that connect Milan with Lake Como, one going to Varenna and the other going to Como. Como is located at the southwest end of the lake on one of the tips of the Y-shaped lake. In contrast, Varenna is situated in the middle of the lake on the eastern shore.

For this Lake Como one day itinerary, I recommend taking the train to Varenna because of its central location and easy access to the other towns on the lake. Not to mention that it’s one of the cutest towns in Lake Como !

The trains depart from Milano Centrale Railway Station, which is conveniently connected to Milan’s city center by the M2 and M3 metro lines. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate the bustling station and locate your platform.

The first train leaves at 6.20 am, and there is one train every hour after then. The trains run directly to Varenna Esino station and take 1 hour and 5 minutes. Tickets typically start from €7.10 for a one-way ticket. I recommend booking tickets in advance to guarantee your spot and get the best price!

To maximize your time during your day trip to Lake Como from Milan, I recommend taking the 7.20 am train, which arrives in Varenna at 8.24 am.

Of course, if you want more time to stroll around the town without the crowds, you can also opt for the 6.20 am train. But since attractions in Varenna don’t open before 9 am, it’s probably best to save your energy and sleep in a bit.

You can also opt for the later train leaving at 8.20 am, but then you’ll have less time to explore during your one day in Lake Como.

Varenna Old Town

Recommended time: 8.30 am-9.30 am

Stepping out of Varenna Esino station, you’ll find yourself in one of the most charming lakeside towns in all of Italy – Varenna. Its colorful, picturesque houses set against the backdrop of Lake Como are a sight to behold.

To get to the center of Varenna, walk down from the train station toward the ferry port, and you’ll soon get a glimpse of The Walk of Lovers (Passerella innamorati sul lago). This red pedestrian path takes you to the center of the old town while providing breathtaking lake views.

Once in the old town, you’ll be surrounded by colorful buildings, romantic cobbled streets, and lovely little cafes and shops. Walking around Varenna is truly like stepping into a fairy tale!

While exploring, make sure to find your way to Piazza San Giorgio, the town’s main square. Here you’ll find the beautiful Church of Saint George (Chiesa San Giorgio), dating back to the 14th century, a perfect start to your tour of Varenna’s historic sites.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, this is also a good time to grab a cappuccino and a croissant at one of the cafes around the square.

If you would rather sit by the lake, head to Bar Il Molo for the ultimate breakfast experience. This local establishment is famous for its stunning waterfront views and delicious Italian breakfasts.

Villa Monastero

Recommended time: 9.30 am-11 am

A day trip to Lake Como from Milan wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of the famous villas that line the lake’s shore.

Thankfully, Varenna is home to two of the most beautiful villas in Lake Como – Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero.

I recommend starting with Villa Monastero as this is the bigger and more interesting of the two. It’s typically open every day starting from 9.30 am, but it’s best to double-check their current opening times on  their website  before your one day in Lake Como.

The entrance fee for adults is €10 for the Botanical Garden only and €13 for the Botanical Garden and the House Museum. Most of the time, you can’t visit the interior of the villas at Lake Como, so I recommend taking advantage of this rare opportunity and buying the combo ticket.

Built in the 12th century, Villa Monastero has a fascinating history and plenty of architectural and artistic treasures to admire. The House Museum has 14 rooms with breathtaking frescoes, period furniture, and other artifacts.

The villa also has a beautiful botanical garden with an array of exotic plants and panoramic views of Lake Como.

The park is actually huge, stretching almost 2 km along the lake’s shoreline, so you can easily spend a couple of hours here admiring the plants and taking in the idyllic atmosphere.

Villa Cipressi

Recommended time: 11 am-12 pm

A stone’s throw away from Villa Monastero, you’ll find the equally charming Villa Cipressi, the second must-visit villa in Varenna.

Despite being a little smaller, it’s just as enchanting, with centuries-old gardens cascading down to the lake, making it a delightful next stop on your day trip to Lake Como from Milan.

The villa has different opening times depending on the season, so be sure to  check the website  before your visit. It’s usually open from 9 am to 8 pm during the summer months, and the entrance fee is €10 per person.

The building now functions as a hotel, so unfortunately, it’s not possible to see the interior unless you book a stay. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the villa’s tranquil gardens and beautiful views of Lake Como!

This historic villa, dating back to the 1400s, is surrounded by tiered gardens filled with exotic plants, ancient trees, and, of course, the villa’s namesake cypress trees.

As you wander through the garden, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of Lake Como at every turn, each more breathtaking than the last.

Despite its smaller size, Villa Cipressi packs a lot of charm, making it a worthy addition to your Lake Como one day itinerary.

Afternoon of Your Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan

Lunch in varenna.

Recommended time: 12 pm-1.30 pm

After exploring the stunning villas of Varenna, it’s time to take a break and refuel with a delicious lunch. You’re in Italy after all, a country famous for its mouth-watering cuisine!

In Varenna, you’re spoilt for choice, but I have two personal favorites to recommend.

First up is Bar Il Molo – if you didn’t have breakfast here, this is your other chance to enjoy their stunning waterfront views. This gem of a place offers panoramic views of the lake and the charming, colorful houses of Varenna.

They have two terraces, and while the lower terrace is open from 8 am, the upper terrace with the best views opens at noon. Keep in mind, Bar Il Molo is quite popular, so it’s worth arriving at the opening time to secure a prime table. Otherwise, you most probably have to wait in line for a while.

While the view from the restaurant is absolutely stunning, the food can be a hit or miss. We had tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce which was quite good, but the Bufalina pizza was a bit of a letdown, and somehow the basil leaves were missing from the pizza.

On the other hand, if you’re up for a more upscale dining experience, Bar Giardino at Hotel Royal Victoria is the place to be. Conveniently located adjacent to the gardens of Villa Cipressi, you can walk right in after your garden tour.

The bar opens at 11 am, but the kitchen starts serving food at noon. You might find the prices a bit higher here, but the top-notch service and outstanding cuisine make it worth every cent. Keep an eye out for their iconic table right by the lake – it provides a dining experience you won’t forget!

Remember, whichever place you choose, don’t rush. Part of the Italian lifestyle is taking the time to savor your food and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and it’s no exception on this day trip to Lake Como, either.

Ferry to Bellagio

Recommended time: 1.30 pm-2.15 pm

Once you’ve enjoyed a leisurely lunch, it’s time to set sail for the next leg of your Lake Como one day itinerary – Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como.”

Traveling between Lake Como’s towns is easy and convenient as the lake has a well-connected ferry system.

Make sure to check the ferry timetable carefully and book your tickets in advance. The ferry tickets are valid for the selected day between the chosen destinations, so you can board any ferry during the day. Therefore I recommend booking a return ticket between Varenna and Bellagio on the day of your Lake Como day trip.

When booking your ferry ticket, it’s essential to select the correct ports – “Varenna (Traghetto)” for your departure and “Bellagio (Traghetto)” for your arrival. This is a different line from the regular town-to-town service, so make sure you’ve chosen the correct ones to avoid any mix-ups.

For this journey, I recommend hopping on the 1.50 pm ferry. Not only does it allow you enough time to savor your lunch, but it also ensures you arrive in Bellagio with plenty of daylight left to explore this delightful town.

The ferry ride is an experience in itself, offering unparalleled views of Lake Como and the surrounding towns nestled against the hills. The journey from Varenna to Bellagio is quite short, lasting about 15 minutes. Still, it’s packed with beautiful sights that will leave you reaching for your camera.

A little insider tip: try to sit on the left side of the boat to get an up-close view of both Varenna and Bellagio!

Stroll around Bellagio

Recommended time: 2.15 pm-4 pm

As your ferry docks in Bellagio, you’ll immediately see why it’s known as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” This picturesque town is famed for its cobblestone lanes, elegant buildings, and stunning lake views.

Start your exploration by strolling through the winding, narrow streets, where you’ll encounter delightful boutiques, art galleries, and gelaterias. Each corner you turn reveals another picture-perfect scene, making Bellagio feel like an open-air museum.

One street you shouldn’t miss is the iconic Salita Serbelloni. The street is lined with colorful, terraced houses nestled against the hillside and a breathtaking view of the lake below. It’s also home to many local artisan shops where you can pick up some unique souvenirs.

If you want to try an ice cream, head to Gelateria del Borgo for some of the best gelato in Bellagio. Not only is their gelato delicious, but the shop also sells a bunch of other treats that are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack.

Shortly after Salita Serbelloni, you’ll find yourself in Piazza della Chiesa, the town’s main square. This is a great spot to take a break and soak up the atmosphere of Bellagio. You can also visit the Basilica of St. Giacomo, a beautiful church in the middle of the square.

Once you’ve explored the narrow streets of Bellagio, head to the waterfront promenade for some beautiful views of the lake.

The promenade starts at the ferry port and extends all the way to Villa Melzi, the next stop on your day trip to Lake Como from Milan. It’s an incredibly romantic spot, especially in the early summer months when the flowers on the promenade are in full bloom.

Villa Melzi

Recommended time: 4 pm-5.30 pm

No visit to Bellagio would be complete without a leisurely stroll through the enchanting gardens of Villa Melzi .

Located at the edge of Bellagio, just a 15-minute scenic walk along the lake from the town center, Villa Melzi is a 19th-century Neoclassical villa surrounded by lush gardens.

The villa was built for Duke Francesco Melzi d’Eril, a close friend to Napoleon, and the gardens are designed in an English style, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Unfortunately, the villa itself isn’t open to the public, as it’s still privately owned. But the gardens are available to explore, and you can even take a guided tour.

The gardens of Villa Melzi are home to a wealth of sculptures, rare and exotic plant species, and a small Japanese-style pond. You can even find a hidden cave tucked away in the gardens!

Also, don’t miss the orangery, which is now a museum housing a collection of Napoleon memorabilia.

The gardens are typically open from March to October, starting at 10 am, with the last entry at 6.30 pm. An adult ticket costs €8, and it’s valid for one full day, so you can leave and reenter the gardens as you wish.

Evening of Your Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan

Dinner in bellagio.

Recommended time: 5.30 pm-7 pm

Now, you’ve got a choice to make. You can either catch an early ferry back to Varenna for dinner or seize the opportunity to enjoy an early evening meal in Bellagio.

Since you’ve already spent a lot of time in Varenna, I recommend having dinner in Bellagio – it’s the perfect way to end your day trip to Lake Como from Milan.

The town is home to several excellent restaurants and bars offering an array of Italian dishes and local specialties. However, keep in mind that most restaurants in Bellagio close after 2.30 pm and only reopen at 7 pm, leaving you with more limited dinner options.

But don’t worry, there are still a few excellent spots to grab an early dinner. Here are my top recommendations:

• La Lanterna Bellagio : Conveniently located on Salita Serbelloni, this restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance and a diverse menu of Italian dishes. Try the Caprese salad with pesto, it’s absolutely delicious! If you’re lucky, you might get a table on the street that offers the best people-watching in Bellagio.
• Bistrot Antichi Sapori : Located near the main square of Bellagio, this restaurant is known for its traditional Italian dishes. You can’t go wrong with one of the pasta dishes or a pizza here! The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace to enjoy the warm evening breeze.
• Dai Viga pasta fresca : Craving some homemade pasta? Look no further than Dai Viga pasta fresca. This small, family-run place is famed for its fresh pasta and inviting atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a casual yet delightful dinner before returning to Milan.

Ferry to Varenna

Recommended time: 7 pm-8 pm

As the day begins to wind down, it’s time to say goodbye to the enchanting town of Bellagio and head back to Varenna.

Unfortunately, Bellagio doesn’t have a train connection to Milan, so first, you’ll need to get back to Varenna to hop on the train from there. However, this also means that you get to admire the stunning Lake Como scenery from the water one more time, which is not a bad thing at all!

You can catch the ferry in Bellagio from the same port where you arrived in the afternoon. The ferries don’t leave as frequently as you might think, so checking the timetable before you set off is crucial.

If you follow this Lake Como day trip itinerary, I recommend boarding the 7.30 pm ferry after you finish dinner in Bellagio, which will arrive at 7.45 pm in Varenna.

The ferry ride back to Varenna is every bit as scenic as the journey to Bellagio. As you glide across the lake, take the time to reflect on your day, basking in the afterglow of a well-spent one day in Lake Como.

Train from Varenna to Milan

Recommended time: 8 pm-10 pm

Once you reach Varenna, it’s a short stroll back to the Varenna-Esino station for your train ride back to Milan.

There is one train back to Milan every hour, and I recommend catching the 8.35 pm one. This gives you just enough time to make it from the ferry to the station without having to rush.

If you happen to miss this train, don’t worry. There’s another train at 9.35 pm, but it’s the last one of the day, so make sure to catch this. Missing this train could result in an unplanned night in Varenna (which isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it could potentially throw a wrench in your travel plans).

If everything goes well and you catch the 8.35 pm train as recommended, you will arrive in Milan around 10 pm. And with that, your day trip to Lake Como from Milan is complete – I hope you had a wonderful time!

Planning a trip to Lake Como?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Lake Como. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Lake Como travel guides:

• Where to Stay in Lake Como: 6 Best Towns & Hotels
• 7 Gorgeous Lake Como Villas & Gardens You Have to Visit
• Top 10 Best Towns in Lake Como You Can’t Miss
• 18 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy
• 17 Best Things to Do in Bellagio, Italy (+ Practical Tips for Visiting)
• 15 Best Things to Do in Varenna (+ Practical Tips for Visiting)
• 18 Best Things to Do in Como, Italy (+ Practical Tips for Visiting)

Lake Como itineraries:

• How to Spend 2 Days in Lake Como, Italy
• 3 Days in Lake Como: The Perfect Lake Como Itinerary
• The Ultimate 4 Days in Lake Como Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal

Other Amazing Destinations in Italy: Cinque Terre | Dolomites | Florence | Lake Garda | Rome | Venice

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2 thoughts on “Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan: The Best Lake Como One Day Itinerary”

I so enjoyed your travel plans and my family and I loved Lake Como area. Do you have any travel recommendations to Portugal ? Losban and southward ? Thank you Denise Raio

Hi Denise, thank you for your comment, I’m really glad you enjoyed the guides! Unfortunately I haven’t been to Portugal yet but hoping to go soon.

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The Perfect Lake Como Day Trip from Milan

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a Lake Como day trip from Milan is one of the best ways to see this iconic Italian lake if you’re short on time. Located only about 80 kilometres north of the Lombardy capital, Lake Como is known for being the playground of the rich and famous.

Boasting beautiful scenery, plush villas and charming lakeside villages, Lake Como is a fantastic place to visit and you can see quite a bit of the lake and its towns in a short period of time. However, there is a lot to see and do in the area (so much that you could easily spend 2 or 3 days in Lake Como! ) and it can be hard to properly prioritise and plan your time there.

So if you’re want to take a day trip to Lake Como and are wondering how to spend your day there, how to get to Lake Como and how to get from one village to another while you’re there, you’ve come to the right place.

Table of Contents

How to Get From Milan to Lake Como

This gorgeous lake is located about 60 kilometres north of Milan , which makes it a much better option when comparing visiting Lake Como to Lake Garda .

There are several options to get to Lake Como from Milan, both if you wish to go independently or if you’d rather have a guide.

If you want to take the guesswork out of planning your day in Lake Como and have the whole thing taken care of for you, then an organised tour is going to be your best option. There are plenty of tours from Milan to choose from to suit all travel budgets and tastes.

For instance, this full-day tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Milan. It will take you on a guided tour of Como City and Villa Omo before shuttling you (via boat!) to the towns of Bellagio and Varenna.

Alternatively, this group tour includes a tour of Como City with a tour guide before taking you on a 2-hour cruise to Bellagio in the summer. If you book in the cooler months, you will be able to ride the funicular up to Brunate along with a 1-hour lake cruise.

And if you’re after something a little bit different, this small-group tour includes a trip to Como from Milan along with a tour of the surrounding wine region! You will get to explore Varenna before heading for lunch and a tour of the Valtellina Valley. You can also book a similar private tour.

Another great option is this full-day tour , which will pick you up in Milan before busing you to Como city, up to Bellagio and also take you on a lovely boat ride! You will have free time to be able to explore both Como and Bellagio on your own, as well.

Finally, if you want to add another country to your day tour, this full-day tour or this full-day tour will take you on a boat tour of Lake Como, make a stop in beautiful Bellagio before taking you across the border to explore Lake Lugano in Switzerland !

If you would like to go to Lake Como independently but don’t want to deal with the bother (or expense) of hiring a car, then your best bet is to take the train from Milan.

Utilising a combination of the train and, while you’re at the lake, passenger ferries is an excellent way to see quite a bit of Lake Como relatively easily.

From Milan, the easiest town to get the train to on Lake Como is the village of Varenna on the east coast. Varenna makes for an excellent jumping-off point for your day in Como as plenty of ferries to various towns leave from the port.

There are plenty of frequent direct trains connecting Milan and Varenna daily so you shouldn’t have any problem catching one. Depending on the train, the journey will take roughly one hour. You can check schedules and book train tickets here.

Once in Varenna, the easiest way to do this Lake Como day trip route is on foot and via ferry (you can view schedules here ).

Alternatively, there are also plenty of trains to Como San Giovanni which is the main train station in the town of Como. You can then connect to ferries to get to other towns around Lake Como.

If you’re looking to save a bit of cash by going to Lake Como by bus, you are a bit out of luck.

There are no regular buses connecting the towns along Lake Como to Milan so this is not a viable option if only spending a day in Como. Fortunately, the regional trains are quite affordable and incredibly frequent, so you aren’t going to be missing out on much.

If you want the utmost flexibility on your day out to this beautiful lake, then hiring a car is your best bet. If you have your own vehicle, you will be able to visit more places and see more things without being beholden to train timetables and connections. You also can utilise the car ferries and easily and quickly get yourself between towns and a few further-flung places.

If you’re travelling in the high season, you may struggle to find parking in some Lake Como towns so if you do rent a car, be prepared that this is a risk.

There are normally parking spots located a bit outside of the town that don’t fill up quite as quickly, so you may need to walk a bit to reach the city centre. If you’re travelling in the low or shoulder seasons or plan to get an early start, then you shouldn’t have much of an issue finding parking.

Keep in mind that parking spots are colour coded. A yellow spot is reserved for residents of the town (so don’t park there!), a blue spot is paid parking (there are generally meters that are easy to find) and a white spot is free. Make sure to check out the signage to see if there are time constraints or other restrictions for wherever it is you’re parking.

Renting a car for the day will also allow you to venture beyond the Varenna-Bellagio-Menaggio route that is outlined below and allow you to add on a city like Como or Lecco should you decide. You also could opt to drive to some more northern areas of the lake that are far less developed, less touristy and a bit more peaceful.

The drive from Milan to Varenna takes roughly 1.5 hours depending on the traffic and the drive back to Milan from Como will take about an hour, again, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

If you’ve determined that hiring a car is the best option for you when visiting Lake Como, then we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices across major car hire companies.

The Perfect Lake Como Day Trip

Beginning in Varenna is the easiest and there are frequent train connections to the town from Milan and you can also catch ferries (that accommodate both passengers and cars) to Menaggio, Bellagio and Cadenabbia.

Though Varenna is the smallest of the towns on this route, it could be argued that it’s the most charming. Filled with steep, winding side streets and a lovely (albeit small) lakeside promenade, Varenna makes for the perfect introduction and first stop on Lake Como.

There are a few things to see and do in Varenna, including visiting the 14th Century Church of San Giorgio, wandering along the Riva Grande (the lakefront pathway), indulging in a delicious gelato from one of the many parlours, or even taking a bit of a hike up to the Castello di Vezio.

You also could opt to visit the Villa Monastero which is located in the centre of Varenna. There are countless villas located on the banks of Lake Como that generally boast beautifully landscaped gardens and opulent interiors full of art and other historic pieces. If you’re interested in visiting a villa but don’t want to go too far out of your way, the Villa Monastero can be a good option.

In general, plan to spend an hour or two wandering around Varenna depending on what you want to get up to before heading to your next destination, Bellagio!

The next stop on your trip to Lake Como is the lovely town of Bellagio, which is a top destination for most heading to this iconic Italian lake.

Bellagio is very easy to reach from Varenna via ferry, which you can board either as a passenger or in a car. You can purchase the tickets from the office at the ferry terminal and simply walk (or drive) on when the ferry arrives.

If you’re driving onto the ferry, you will notice some yellow lanes next to the dock that have the destinations printed on them. Simply drive and park in one of the Bellagio lanes, purchase your ticket, and then drive onto the ferry once you’re permitted to do so.

Once in Belaggio, make sure you take your time to explore. This town is a little bit bigger than Varenna and definitely a bit busier, but still absolutely beautiful.

Take the time to wander around the town centre and maybe pop into a few of the many shops that line the quaint cobbled streets. Like Varenna, there is also a delightful lakefront promenade to wander along.

Of course, Bellagio is also home to a lovely villa boasting interesting museums and beautiful gardens. If you opt to visit one here, Villa Melzi is a bit smaller than others but the gardens are noteworthy. Keep in mind that it is only open from March through October – like many villas in the region.

If you’re travelling to Lake Como via public transit, the town of Menaggio will be your final stop on this itinerary. This is another of the most famous towns to visit on Lake Como and boasts many of the same sites and views as the other two.

You can easily reach Menaggio via ferry from Bellagio – the journey takes about fifteen minutes and it is open to both passengers and cars. The process of purchasing tickets and boarding is the same as the other ferries, so it is very straightforward.

Menaggio boasts a lovely town centre with a larger piazza than the other two towns. It also has a wonderful lakeside promenade that is longer a maybe a bit grander than either Bellagio or Varenna.

The lakefront is lined with inviting cafes and gelaterias – in fact, if you feel like getting a caffeine fix, consider getting an espresso from Caffe del Pes, which has plenty of outdoor seating.

This particular town is also a great jumping-off point to exploring some of Como’s most famous and grand villas.

These are going to be easiest to reach if you have a car, however, you can walk if you don’t mind a long one. Villa Carlotta is a popular option, located a bit south of Menaggio itself. This villa boasts a massive botanical garden along with an opulent museum.

If you’re a fan of Hollywood history, then consider heading to Villa Balbianello, which was used as a filming location in the James Bond film Casino Royale . And if you’re looking to visit a villa in Menaggio itself, then there is always Villa Vigoni which, of course, boasts a museum and beautifully landscaped gardens.

If you’re travelling by public transport, to get back to Milan you will need to board another ferry to Varenna and then catch the train back to the city.

If you’ve decided to hire a car, then you have the option of adding Como City to your route.

Located at the southwest point of Lake Como, this is a proper city and is much larger than any of the three towns you will have visited before. However, you can get a good feel for the city in just a couple of hours and enjoy yourself before heading back to Milan.

Como does boat a lovely lakeside promenade and also plenty of grand piazzas. However, the main attraction of this beautiful city is the grand Duomo di Como, or Como Cathedral. This cathedral is truly impressive and worth visiting.

If you want spectacular views over the lake and the city and surrounding area, then make sure to ride the funicular to Brunate, where you can visit the Volta Lighthouse and truly take in the beauty of Lake Como.

And, of course, you could also tap on a villa visit in Como with a stop at Villa Olmo, which is a beautiful neoclassical building late dates back to the late 18th century.

Where to Stay in Milan

Lancaster Hotel  – Located in Milan’s city centre, this beautiful hotel is a perfect base for exploring the city. They have a range of comfortable rooms available suitable for all types of travellers and there is even an excellent buffet breakfast included in the nightly rate. 

Castello Guest House Milano    – If you’re after a luxury option in the Lombardy capital, this hotel is a fantastic place located in the centre of the city and within walking distance of many attractions.

Queen Hostel  – This centrally-located hostel is one of the highest-rated in Milan. Perfect for budget or solo travellers who want to meet fellow travellers and keep their Milan trip cost down, they offer both private and dorm rooms with social common areas. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other options in Milan!

Planning the perfect day trip to Lake Como can seem a bit overwhelming, but with enough advance planning and knowing how to get from point A to B, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful place!

Are you planning to visit Como? Have any questions about how to spend the day? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Looking to stay in Lake Cuomo for a few days. What is the best town to stay in. Also looking for boat tours during our stay.

Hi Lori, we have a whole guide on where to stay in Lake Como that you may find helpful here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/best-town-to-stay-in-lake-como/

Looking for a day trip to lake Como getting there with personal driver option , an all day trip , lunch at a great example of lake Como , visit some other nice coffee place in the morning & a 2nd wine stop after lunch also then back to Milan Please let me know our options

Hi Rod, this tour could be a good option.

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8 Best Day Tours from Milan to Lake Como in 2024 and Beyond from an Expert

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: December 3, 2023

Categories Europe

If you’re visiting Milan then after sampling some of the best gelatos in Milan , be sure to book one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como .

Not only is Lake Como next-level stunning, but it’s well-located near Milan. Therefore, any of these day tours from Milan to Lake Como will be easy to do and well worth your time.

Trust me, I have done these tours/this trip many times. And while you can easily take the train from Milan to Lake Como (tickets are also super cheap), a guided tour is a great option.

It will allow you to enjoy all the area’s highlights in a single day and to learn a bit about the area’s unique history.

So, if you want a stress-free trip or are just short on time then give this epic post a read.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Day Tours From Milan to Lake Como

My #1 pick 🏆 for the best Lake Como day trip is this Lake Como and Bellagio Boat Cruise . It’s a well-reviewed 10-hour tour where you can see Como, Villa Olmo, Bellagio, and do a cruise on the lake. 🏖️

1. From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio Private Boat Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (6971 Reviews) Price: $108.05 per person Duration: 10 hours 📍 Meeting Point : Central Railway Station Operator: AUTOSTRADALE VIAGGI SRL Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

If you’re searching for one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como then you can’t beat this tour right here .

Not only is this Lake Como tour well-reviewed and well-priced for a TEN-hour tour, but you’ll get to see all of Lake Como’s major highlights in a single day.

So, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you embark on an hour bus ride to Como.

Once there, you’ll go on a guided tour of Como where you’ll see incredible villas before heading to Villa Olmo.

“A memorable day! Breathtaking sites, the walk along Lake Como in Bellagio is a real dream! Simone fulfilled her role very well, friendly, pleasant, attentive to all the passengers, she recommended a restaurant to us in Bellagio where we had a great time…. Thanks again for everything!! I highly recommend this activity! Well done👏👏” Roula ( read more reviews now )

You’ll then go on another guided tour and admire the gardens and neoclassical architecture of Villa Olmo before enjoying a private, hour-long cruise on Lake Como.

Afterward, enjoy a bit of free time in Bellagio before driving for two hours back to Milan.

2. From Milan: Como, Lugano and Bellagio Exclusive Boat Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5.0 (531 Reviews) Price: $136.42 per person Duration: 11 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza Quattro Novembre Operator: VEDITALIA Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Another easy pick for one of the best tours to Lake Como from Milan is this day trip to Como, Lugano, and Bellagio with an Exclusive Boat Cruise .

After all, this is one of the ONLY best day tours from Milan to Lake Como that actually brings you to Switzerland!

So, grab your passport and get ready for a 90-minute drive to Lugano, Switzerland. You’ll hear tons of cool info along the way and admire sweeping views before reaching the town of Lugano.

You’ll spend a little over 90 minutes here and enjoy a guided tour before having some free time to shop, sample Swiss chocolate, and check out the city center.

Afterward, continue to the village of Cadenabbia (beloved by Zsar Nicholas and Queen Victoria) and get off the bus at Tremezzo since this is where your exclusive boat tour begins.

“The guide was brilliant he kept the group together and made it clear where the meeting points was so no one felt lost and was very friendly and gave great recommendations on places to eat and go when we had free time to explore the trip overall was really good to lots of things to see and many opportunities to take photos was a long day with a lot of travelling but totally worth the price.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Your private vessel will then cruise past exquisite villas and stunning gardens as you glide along Lake Como for around an hour.

Eventually, you’ll arrive at Bellagio which is commonly referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como”.

In total, you’ll spend around two hours here so that you can have lunch, shop, go on a guided tour, and take some free time to sightsee.

Afterward, head to Como where you’ll have 45 minutes to enjoy the city and to take a lovely walking tour to the Gothic cathedral.

Learn all about this amazing structure from your expert guide before an hour-long bus ride that will take you back to where you started after one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como.

Pro Tip: Just be aware of the fact that if water levels change and get too high, the private boat tour will be replaced with public transportation. You also need your passport for this excursion.

3. From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip

⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (1601 Reviews) Price: $108.05 per person Duration: 12 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies by tour Operator: Z V SRL Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

This is one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como that will take you on a guided day trip to Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna .

So, begin your trip with a stop in Como. Go on a guided walking tour to Como Cathedral and explore other local gems before taking a private boat tour across the lake.

“It was an amazing day tour. We were able to visit the towns of Como, Varenna and Bellagio as scheduled. Obviously, if you book this tour you understand that it’s going to involve a lot of travelling (bus and boat) and you also accept that you will not be able to see everything that Lake Como has to offer. The private boat cruise on Lake Como was the highlight of the trip. The weather was lovely the entire day. Monica did an excellent job managing the tour and making sure everyone was at the meeting points on time.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Enjoy live narration and see gorgeous villas and gardens before getting off at Varenna. Walk along the cobblestone streets of this quaint village before boarding another ferry Bellagio.

You’ll have two hours to explore this vibrant town on your own so that you can have lunch, relax, and take in the views before returning to Milan .

4. Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (981 Reviews) Price: $126.48 per person Duration: 10.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Stazione Porta Garibaldi Operator: City Wonders Ltd Details: Read more on Viator Now!

If you don’t mind a long (but fun) day of sightseeing then this is one of the best day trips near Milan for you .

See, after meeting at the city center, you and your tour group will drive through the magnificent Italian Alps before stopping in Lake Como for a magical boat tour.

Stand in awe of celebrity homes (like one owned by George Clooney) as you cruise along the water for 90 minutes.

Learn all about the area’s fascinating history from your expert guide and see where films like Star Wars and James Bond were filmed before disembarking in Bellagio.

“Our tour guide Allesio was excellent. He was friendly, professional, full of information, funny and all around a great guide. We saw some beautiful things. I’ve got a great feel for Lake Como and Lake Lugano. And the weather held up so we were happy. It’s a long day, but I highly recommend it.” Mary ( read more reviews now )

You’ll then have an enchanting hour to visit this magical town on your own before continuing to Lugano.

This idyllic spot sits beneath the Swiss Alps and is often referred to as the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland”.

During your 2-hour visit, explore the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli and see the ‘Passion and Crucifixion’ Renaissance fresco.

Afterward, walk downtown and go shopping for luxury items as well as delish Swiss chocolate.

All in all, this is one of the best day tours from Milan that will give you a beautiful taste of both Switzerland and Italy.

5. Lake Como Day Trip from Milan with a Local: Private & Personalized

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (8 Reviews) Price: $431.06 Duration: 8 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Starbucks Centrale Operator: City Unscripted Details: Read more on Viator Now!

If you’re not into group tours and are searching for a top-notch private experience then check out this Lake Como day trip from Milan with a local .

During this incredible experience, you’ll meet your expert guide and hop on the train to Lake Como.

After about an hour, you’ll arrive in Como where you can explore the historic center.

You’ll admire medieval porticoes. walk past stunning neoclassical villas, and visit the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio from the 11th century.

“Illy our your guide was exceptional. It felt like we visitors Lake Como with a friend. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. We saw places that a normal tourist would not have even thought to explore. She even helped us navigate the transportation strike that was pending for our trip to Venice. Highly recommend this trip.” Jospeh ( read more reviews now )

You’ll then catch the train to Varenna, where you can board a local ferry to Varenna, Menaggio, and Bellagio in the summer. Enjoy walking the cobblestone streets and take in sweeping views of the lake.

In the winter, you’ll skip the ferry and take a funicular to Brunate. It’s an awesome town in the mountains that offers epic views of the lake.

Afterward, embark on a beautiful cruise around Lake Como and grab lunch with your host at a local trattoria or osteria. This way you can sample some of the area’s finest cuisine.

6. Half-Day Lake Como Discovery Tour from Milan – Small Group Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5,0/5.0 (20 Reviews) Price: $164.20 per person Duration: 5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Milano Cadorna Operator: Your Travel Diary Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Short on time? Yeah, who isn’t when there are so many AMAZING places to go in Italy ?

So, if you’re on a tight schedule but want to enjoy one of the best day tours from Milan then consider booking this Half-Day Lake Como Discovery Tour from Milan .

It’s only around 5 hours long but is still one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como that includes round trip train tickets from Milan to Como.

Plus, during your 4-hour guided tour you can visit:

• Duomo in Como
• Stroll along Via Vittorio Emanuele to the 600-year-old Basilica di Sant’Abbondio.
• Walk along a lakeside promenade to Villa Olmo before exploring this iconic landmark

But, the best part? After your tour, you can stay as long as you like and explore all that Lake Como has to offer.

“The best element was Renzo Durini, our tour guide. From the minuye we met him thru the end of our tour in Como, he endowed us with an unimaginable amount of history, background and facts related to Como, the multiple cultures and countries that influenced architecture and governance of the city and region. He was helpful advising places to visit beyond the tour and places to eat. He truly was the tour. I highly recommend the tour and securing Renzo if you can.” James ( read more reviews now )

Yeah, this just concludes the guide portion of your tour. And since you have round-trip train tickets, you can stay in Lake Como as long as you like.

Therefore, if you want to learn about the region and see all the major highlights but also love a lot of free time, then book this Lake Como tour now .

7. Best of Lake Como Experience from Milan, Cruise and Landscapes

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (114 Reviews) Price: $99.85 per person Duration: 10 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza IV Novembre Operator: Veditalia Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Want to experience the best of Lake Como? Then give this Cruise and Landscapes Experience a try.

See, after getting a quick pick-up in Milan, you’ll stop at the Santuario Madonna del Ghisallo in Magreglio for half an hour.

You’ll explore the church and learn all about its history before heading to the Duomo in Como. You’ll have 30 minutes here before heading to Bellagio for two hours.

“The scenic boat trip from Como to Bellagio was undoubtedly the highlight of the day, culminating in a fantastic lunch in Bellagio. But we did enjoy our brief stop in Como, with its magnificent cathedral, as well as shopping in Bellagio, where there were some quite exclusive shops with leather and silk goods. Very tempting! On the drive back to Milan, we took the scenic route, including spectacular views of Lake Como from the heights above. All in all, a wonderful day out.” Thelma ( read more reviews now )

Plus, you’ll do a fab lake cruise so that you can admire the stunning mountains and enjoy the crystal clear waters that have made this place famous among solo travelers in Italy and families who need a break from the best walking tours in Milan .

It’s also worth noting that you get a tour LEADER and not a tour GUIDE. So, be aware of this before you book since info shared with participants can be limited.

Pro Tip: If you want to visit any churches then you’ll need to have your knees and shoulders covered. So, be sure to dress appropriately before doing one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como.

FYI, that dress code applies to both men and women and you could be refused admission.

8. Lake Como: Private Bus from Milan to Visit Como and Bellagio

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (69 Reviews) Price: $99.85 per person Duration: 9-11 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza IV Novembre Operator: FRIGERIO VIAGGI SRL Details: Read more on Viator Now!

If you’re looking for a slightly more luxurious experience from one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como then sign up for this Private Bus Tour to Como and Bellagio .

Enjoy pick-up from central Milan before driving for an hour inside a luxury bus to Como. It’s a stunner of a medieval town with giant squares and exquisite Gothic Cathedrals.

“Great guide. Great bus driver. Organized. Beautiful destination. Highly recommended. On time departure.” Paul ( read more reviews now )

Visit for an hour and take in the view before hopping aboard a local boat and doing a 2.5-hour cruise around Lake Como to Bellagio.

Spend time in this refined town by the lake before going to the upper section of the lake and visiting the Santuario Della Madonna del Ghisallo.

You can check out the Museo Del Ciclismo and the Church of the Virgin Mary before it’s time to make the journey back to Milan.

Best Day Tours from Milan to Lake Como FAQs

1. can you do a day trip to lake como from milan.

Yes! You absolutely can do a day trip to Lake Como from Milan. The best way to do it on your own is to take the train from Milan to Lake Como.

After all, direct trains will take you from Milan to Veranna (an hour trip) and Como (40 minutes) if you only have time to see Lake Como in a day.

2. How Long from Milan to Lake Como?

If you want to drive from Milan to Lake Como then the trip will take around two hours since the journey covers 84 km.

However, if take a train from Milan to Lake Como (as outlined above) then the journey should take between 40 minutes and an hour.

3. Is It Easy to Drive from Milan to Lake Como?

Honestly, the road from Milan to Lake Como is very easy to drive. So, if you have a car and want to visit Lake Como from the south and from Milan then you could definitely drive there.

Just be aware that parking can be tricky. You also don’t need a rental car once in Lake Como if you stay at a centrally located hotel.

4. Lake Como to Milan Train Time

Generally, the train journey from Milan to Como takes around 40 minutes. Train departures start as early as 5:19 am on weekdays while the last train departs at around 10:49 pm.

Therefore, around 45 trains per day depart from Milan and take you to Lake Como. Tickets also cost around $5.73 per ticket.

There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como.

Did your pick for the best day trip from milan to lake como bellagio make the list if not then hit me up., and if you found this post useful, be sure to join our email list and our facebook group for even more great travel info..

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Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan – Plan the Perfect Lake Como Day Tour from Milan!

Posted on Last updated: May 16, 2023

Are you planning a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know to plan the perfect Milan to Lake Como day trip.

Including how to get there, how to get around, the most beautiful places to visit on a Lake Como day trip, and much more.

Nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and it’s easy to see why. With its spectacular views, beautiful gardens, imposing villas and picturesque villages, there’s no other place like it.

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit, that despite living in Milan for 18 years, I only properly visited Lake Como this year. It took me a while, but I made up for it by thoroughly exploring the lake this summer, and now want to share my top tips with you.

So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and start planning your glamorous day trip to Lake Como!

• 1 About Lake Como
• 2.1 By train
• 2.3 With a tour
• 3 How to get around Lake Como 
• 4.2 Bellagio
• 4.3 Boat tour around Lake Como
• 4.4 Varenna
• 4.5 Castello di Vezio
• 4.6 Back to Milan
• 5 The best Lake Como day tours from Milan
• 6.1 In Milan
• 6.2 In Lake Como
• 7 What to pack for your Lake Como trip from Milan

The picturesque streets and views of Bellagio in Lake Como, Italy

About Lake Como

Surrounded by the steep slopes of the Alps, in Northern Italy, Lake Como is a must-see on any Italy itinerary .

The Y shaped lake is a famously upscale destination where elegant resort towns, charming villages, and Renaissance villas edge the water.

While many holiday makers spend their entire trip sunning themselves by the lake, visiting Lake Como from Milan on a day trip is also really popular.

To help you make the most of your time in this famous part of Italy, here’s a helpful guide about what to do in Lake Como for a day.  

Check out some of the most popular Lake Como day tours below!

Views over Lake Como from Castello di Vezio near Varenna

Views over Lake Como from Essentia Guest House

How to get to Lake Como from Milan 

Before we dive into the best things to do on a Lake Como day trip, I want to go over the logistics of how you can actually get to Lake Como. Here we go over the different transport modes, and the pros and cons of each.  

A Milan to Como day trip is made super easy by the direct trains that run to both Varenna and Como.

The Milan to Lake Como route is served by the Regionale (a 49 minute direct train) and the faster EuroCity (just a 36 minutes train ride).

Throughout the day there are loads of trains to Como San Giovanni from Milano Centrale train station, and they’re also pretty affordable. The prices for train tickets range from 5 to 15 EUR one way. 

Exploring the streets of Varenna in Lake Como, Italy

It can be tempting to drive to Lake Como, but it’s honestly not the best way to get around. The roads are really narrow, the traffic can be awful and it’s almost impossible to find free parking spots.

Driving is a good idea only if you are planning on doing a hike in the area and need to get to the trail head in a small, remote town.

If you only plan on visiting the main sights of Lake Como (Bellagio, Varenna, Como etc), you don’t need a car.

If you still really want to drive, I recommended heading to the town of Como and leaving the car there, as it’s a much bigger town, easier to navigate by car and to find parking.

From there, you can then travel around the Lake Como area with the ferries.

Cruising around Lake Como with the ferries

Exploring Varenna in Lake Como, Italy

With a tour

If you really want to make your day trip to Como from Milan as easy as possible, then you might want to consider a tour.

There’s a range of different tours to choose from, each of them offering slightly different itineraries. One option is this tour , which takes you all the way from Milan to Lake Como in a luxury coach.

The day includes visits to the most famous sites around the lake, a Como walking tour, a relaxing private lake cruise, and a visit to the villages of Bellagio and Varenna.  

If you’re visiting Lake Como and Italy in summer , I highly recommend joining a Lake Como day tour .

View over Lake Como from Castello di Vezio, near Varenna

As I already mentioned, cars aren’t ideal for travelling around Lake Como, but in high season also the ferries and public transport become complicated. 

Lake Como is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, which features on everyone Italy bucket list , and in high season that means it’s almost impossible to find parking or space on public transport.

Save yourself the hassle of having to wait under the sun for the next bus, and join a Lake Como day tour , where you’ll be pampered by a local tour guide, and your transfers will be on a comfortable luxury coach.

Click here to book your Milan to Lake Como day tour!  

Or check out prices & availability below!

Exploring the picturesque streets of Varenna in Lake Como, Italy

How to get around Lake Como 

No matter what time of year you do a Milan to Lake Como day trip, the easiest way to get between the main towns is by taking a ferry.

Most of the towns and villages around the lake are connected by a ferry service or Navigazione Laghi.

There’s various tickets and boat types to opt for, which means you can travel around the lake and explore at your own pace.

The three different types of boats to choose from include: the slow local boat (battello), the rapid hydrofoil (aliscafo), and the car ferry (traghetto) which also takes foot passengers.

Thankfully, ferry tickets are very affordable, with fares starting at $2.50 . You can take a look at the official fares here and plan your route around the lake on the Navigazione Laghi website.  

There is also a public transport system, but due to the Y shape of the lake, it’s not really the most efficient way to get around.

Bellagio as seen from the ferry

Best places to visit on a Lake Como day trip

There is so much to see and do in Lake Como that you won’t be able to fit absolutely everything in on a day trip to Como from Milan (that’s why I actually suggest extending to a 3-day Lake Como itinerary )!

However, you will have enough time to see the area’s best bits. Here are the most popular spots and must-see places that I recommended fitting into your itinerary.  

First off, start your day early by taking the train to the city of Como and arrive in the morning. This is the busiest town on the lake, and the jumping off point for exploring the rest of the lake and surrounding area.

Don’t waste too much of your time in Como, there’s lots more beautiful sights to be seen elsewhere. You can see the main sights while walking from the station to the ferry port.  

Exploring Piazza del Duomo in Como, Italy

The rooftop of Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral in Como

The Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral is an impressive example of Gothic architecture that took almost 400 years to build.

Located in the main square, the church is free to enter and is open most days from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.

You could also pay a visit to Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical temple built in 1927. The museum was opened 100 years after the death of Alessandro Volta, pioneer of electricity who was from Como.  

Make sure to pass through the bustling Piazza Cavour and soak up the sight and sounds of the city.

If you have time to spare, there’s the option to take a ride on the Como-Brunate funicular and catch a glimpse of the view from above.  

Exploring the streets of Como in Italy

No trip to Lake Como from Milan would be complete without hopping on a ferry, so next up it’s time to take the boat to Bellagio.

It’s best to opt for the hydrofoil (the fast boat) to Bellagio, the journey takes around an hour, compared to the regular boat which takes 2-3 hours.

Sit back and relax on the ferry, taking the chance to glimpse views of the lake from the water. Once you arrive in Bellagio you can spend some time simply wandering around the picturesque streets of this cute town.

Bellagio is often considered the most beautiful town in Lake Como. Personally, I preferred Varenna, but there’s no denying the charm of Bellagio, and that it’s definitely a very popular spot.

Exploring the picturesque streets of Bellagio in Lake Como, Italy

There’s lots of charming things to see, including a picturesque pathway along the lake. One of the must-see sights here includes Punta Spartivento, which is the exact spot where the three branches of the lake meet.

Also here is the 11th century Basilica di San Giacomo, open weekdays 8AM to 12PM and 3:30PM to 6PM on weekends. Entrance is free.

Don’t miss the pretty 19th century Villa Melzi and Gardens, which also offers up captivating lakeside views. Open every day from 10AM to 7PM, tickets cost 8EUR.  

After you’ve spent time seeing the main sights, you may want to take a break or have a bite to eat. Enjoy lunch in one of the many local restaurants and then it’s back onto the lake again.  

Lakeside views in Bellagio, Italy

The views over Lake Como from Punta Spartivento in Bellagio, Italy

Boat tour around Lake Como

Next up on your day trip to Como from Milan is a boat ride around the lake. There’s a long list of tours to opt for, one like this follows a well-rounded itinerary.

You will get the best views of the lake, towns, and villas from the water, so it’s something that you really shouldn’t miss out on.

Since you’re only visiting Lake Como on a day trip, you won’t have much time to go inside many of the main attractions, which is why I like the option of a boat tour around Lake Como .

This tour takes around 1.5 – 2 hours and explores lots of the most attractive spots in the area. You’ll be able to see all of the famous villas and beautiful landscaped gardens that edge the shores of the lake.

You will enjoy the view over iconic villas, like Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello or the villa of the famous actor George Clooney, as well as the cute towns, lush green hills and snow capped Swiss Alps in the distance.

A boat cruising past in Lake Como, Italy

This Lake Como boat tour is private and there’s enough room for five people so it’s a good option if you’re traveling as a couple, group of friends, or a family.

You also get to have the bonus of a local guide who will not only pilot the boat, but will also offer some fascinating insight and history about the sights.  

In the summer months you can also request to stop off and swim in the lake’s clear waters – a really magical way to spend an afternoon on your day trip to Lake Como.

This also means that you get the chance to steer away from the busy tourist sights and simply enjoy the beauty of the lake for a while.  

Click here to book your boat tour in Lake Como!

A sailing boat in Varenna, Lake Como

Once you’re back on dry ground, it’s once again time to hop aboard another boat, and after a short ferry ride, reach the next stop of your Lake Como day trip; the beautiful Varenna.  

Varenna is yet another beautiful town located along the shores of Lake Como. Ferries leave Como regularly and take around an hour. It’s well worth taking the time to visit Varenna during your day trip.  

The picturesque town was originally only a small fishing village. The town actually has an interesting history and has had a long-standing rivalry with Como.

Thankfully, that’s all water under the bridge now, and this lakeside settlement is a peaceful spot to enjoy on the final leg of your Lake Como tour from Milan.  

Walking along the famous Lovers Walk in Varenna

Some must-see sights here include the Walk of Lovers along the lake. Don’t worry if you’re not in a relationship, this lakeside pathway is simply a nice place for a stroll along the water.

It starts right by Varenna Pier and offers some great views of the lake and the town.

The Piazza San Giorgio (main square) is where you should head to see some of the everyday life of the town, if you have time you could stop for a coffee and a spot of people watching.  

Next up is the attractive Villa Monastero. Famous for its lush botanical gardens, the house itself was first built as a convent in the 12th century. Tickets start at 8 EUR, open everyday 9:30AM to 8PM.  

Some of the beautiful lake views along the Lovers Walk in Varenna

Varenna at sunset as seen from the lake

Castello di Vezio

Finally, if you have a little time to spare then I really recommend taking the time to visit the ruins of Castello di Vezio.

It’s a bit of a hike to get there, taking around 30-45 minutes, but the views are so beautiful that I think it’s totally worth visiting.

Dating back to the 11th Century, the castle was opened to the public in 1999. There is a permanent exhibition inside the castle, but the selling point is without a doubt the stunning view.

Views over Varenna and Lake Como from Castello di Vezio

Back to Milan

Now that you’ve successfully ticked off everything to do in Lake Como on a day trip from Milan, you can hop aboard the train from Varenna all the way back to Milan.

The journey time varies but can take between an hour and an hour and a half.  Depending on what time of the day you wrap up your day trip, you might even have time to explore Milan at night .

Exploring the rooftop of the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy

The best Lake Como day tours from Milan

If you really want to visit Lake Como from Milan but don’t want to deal with public transport, timings, schedules or parking, then I recommend taking a tour.

Day tours to Lake Como from Milan really make the day run smoothly.

You can just spend the day enjoying the sights rather than worrying about what time the ferry is or opening hours. Everything will be taken care of for you, so that all you need to decide on is the best place to eat lunch!

Here’s a few of the best tours from Milan to Como to give you a bit more of an insight into what is included.  

View over Lake Como and the gardens of Villa Carlotta from the higher floors of the villa

From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Day Tour  

This full day trip starts with you getting picked up in a luxury bus from your accommodation in Milan.

From there you will be whisked away to Lake Como while your helpful guide talks you through the different sights and history of the area.

The tour includes visits to the famous villas and gardens around Lake Como and the chance to see the three branches of the lake.

You will stop in Como for a guided walking tour of the city and pay a visit to the neoclassical Villa Olmo and Italian garden. Then you’ll take a private cruise on the lake and visit the villages of Bellagio and Varenna.

Click here to book your day tour to Lake Como, Bellagio & Varenna from Milan!

Or click below to see prices & availability for your chosen dates!

The clear turquoise water of the beach in Varenna

From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip

Another great option for a day tour to Lake Como from Milan , this itinerary also picks you up from your accommodation in an airconditioned coach.

The tour takes you through the mountainous scenery before arriving in Como. Here your guide will take you on a tour of Como Cathedral and other historic attractions in the city.

Then you take a boat trip on the lake itself and listen to commentary highlighting the various famous sights along the lake.  

Once at Bellagio, you will get two hours to spend exploring the beautiful town at your own pace, stopping off for a bite to eat in a restaurant before taking another ferry to the vibrant Varenna.

The village’s pretty streets are yours to wander for a while and you have the opportunity to visit the popular sights in the village. Your coach will then be ready and waiting to drive you all the way back to Milan.

Check out prices and availability for your day trip to Lake Como from Milan here, or in the widget below!

Enjoying the view over Lake Como from Castello di Vezio, near Varenna

Lake Como, Bellagio & Varenna Private Guided Tour

For those who want to treat themselves, this private tour is the way to do so. A private tour will give you ultimate flexibility, as well as the whole attention of your tour guide.

This tour doesn’t include transfer to Lake Como from Milan, which is the best option for those who want to then stick around Lake Como at the end of the tour.

You can make your own way there, have a knowledgeable local guide show you around, and then stick around Lake Como for a lakefront aperitivo, sunset and maybe even dinner.

Click here to book your private tour of Bellagio, Varenna & Lake Como!

View over Como from the Como-Brunate funicular

From Milan: Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernini Train Full-Day Trip

This tour is a bit different from the others, in that it goes beyond Lake Como, and adventures to St. Moritz and Bernini.

You won’t spend as much time in Lake Como, but considering you’ll also be visiting another country (Switzerland), I think it’s still worth exploring.

This tour includes some free time in St. Moritz, as well as the gorgeous train ride on the panoramic train from Bernini to St. Moritz.

Click here to book your day trip from Milan to Lake Como, St Moritz and Bernini, or check prices & availability below!

From Milan: Lake Como, Lugano & Bellagio Bus Day Trip

This tour is also a bit different, in that it also goes beyond Lake Como. This tour will take you also to the Swiss city of Lugano.

It gives you a bit more time in Lake Como and Bellagio, since Lugano is closer than St Moritz, and it allows you to see the highlights of Italy and Switzerland in one tour.

It’s not the classic Milan to Lake Como day trip, but it’s definitely an interesting tour that includes more sights than just the usual ones.

Click here to book your day trip to Lake Como & Lugano, or check the widget below for prices & availability!

View of Bellagio and the mountains behind it from the lake

Tempio Voltiano in Como, Italy

Where to stay for a Lake Como day trip

If you’re visiting Lake Como on a day trip from Milan, you’re probably looking for advice on where to stay in Milan .

I personally suggest staying close to the train station, so that you don’t have to waste time travelling within Milan before your day trip even starts.

That said, I included some also suggestions for where to stay in Lake Como , in case you choose to extend your day trip and spend some time in Lake Como.

Beautiful summer views in Lake Como, Italy

Budget:   Ostello Bello – There are two hostels of this chain around Milan and both are good budget options, with a lively atmosphere, spacious dorms and convenient central locations.

Click here to book your stay at Ostello Bello in Milano!

Mid-range:   Ibis Milano Centro – Part of the Ibis chain, this is a good mid-range hotel, with a guaranteed standard of room set up and a great central location.

Check out prices and availability for Ibis Milano Centro here!

Luxury:   Galleria Vik Milano – If you’re looking to treat yourself, and your Italy trip budget permits it, this is the place to do so. Located in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, it couldn’t get any more central than this, with stunning views over the galleria just outside your window.

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Galleria Vik Milano here!

Admiring the perfect symmetry of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy

In Lake Como

Budget: Spazio 77 – By House Of Travellers –  This budget-friendly option in Como provides a choice of self-catering apartments. It’s located in the town center of Como with bars, restaurants, and public transport nearby.  

Click here to see prices and availability at Spazio 77 in Como!

Mid-range:   Essentia Guest House  – I stayed here and loved it. Featuring simply amazing views over Lake Como, this guest house has a stunning outdoors area and hot tub!

Click here to see prices and availability at Essentia Guest House!

Luxury:  Hotel Royal Victoria  –  Providing a high-end place to stay in Varenna, this luxury hotel is situated in a charming 19th century building, with manicured gardens, a swimming pool, and awesome lake views.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna!

The outdoors area and view at Essentia Guest House in Lake Como

What to pack for your Lake Como trip from Milan

You don’t really need anything specific for a day trip to Lake Como. Just remember to pack your usual travel essentials and follow my Italy packing list , and you’ll be fine.

That said, here are a couple of items that you’ll be glad to have once you arrive in Lake Como.

Camera – Given how beautiful Lake Como is, you want to make sure you capture it in all its beauty!

Reusable water bottle – There are water fountains in all the main towns in Lake Como, so you can easily refill your water bottle throughout the day. Even if you’re visiting Italy in winter , it’s important to stay hydrated!

Walking shoes – You will end up walking a lot, so make sure you have comfortable shoes!

Also, don’t forget to buy Italy travel insurance ! You don’t want travel mishaps to ruin your dream Lake Como day trip!

The famous Villa Carlotta in Lake Como, near Menaggio

Check out the web story of this post here!

Final thoughts on doing a Milan to Lake Como day trip

There you have it, the ultimate guide to planning the perfect day trip to Lake Como from Milan! Have you been to Lake Como before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Like I mentioned before, I only got round to visiting Lake Como this year, despite living in Milan for 18 years. I can’t believe just how much beauty I was missing out on.

Lake Como is such a popular destination for a reason. The beautiful scenery, picturesque towns, beautiful architecture and lush nature are all elements that make it a must on any Italy itinerary , even if you’re visiting Italy at Christmas !.

While I’m not a big tour person, I have to admit that joining an organised tour to Lake Como from Milan is an excellent idea. In high season, the huge tourist crowds and lack of easy transport or parking will make an independent trip very hard to enjoy.

Instead, with an organised tour , you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Como, while someone else deals with the hassle of organising.

I hope you found this Lake Como day tour guide useful, and that it will help you plan your trip! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

Enjoyed reading about my Lake Como tour from Milan? Pin it!

How To Take The Perfect Day Trip To Lake Como From Milan

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Planning a city break to Milan but want to fit in a day trip to Lake Como? Great idea! Below, I’ll show you the best ways to get to Lake Como from Milan for a relaxing day at one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations.

Lake Como, Italy’s third-largest and arguably most beautiful lake, is only a short trip away from Milan. And with so many budget airlines flying to Milan for unbeatable prices, taking a trip there is more tempting than ever. 

Milan makes for a lovely city break – stunning architecture, more shopping opportunities than one has time for and, of course, one of the best food in the world.

But taking one day to visit Lake Como is definitely something to consider when you’re in Milan. It’s affordable, only about an hour away from Milan by train, and will give you some of the most incredible views in the whole of Europe.

So, how do you get from Milan to Lake Como? Let’s take a look.

Day Trip Tours to Lake Como

How to get to Lake Como from Milan

Before we get into how exactly to get to Lake Como from Milan, it’s important to note that Lake Como is a large lake. Some of the touristy towns are easier to reach than others, so it’s worth deciding where you want to go before planning your trip (especially if you only have one day).

The so-called “ Golden Triangle ” (the towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio ) are arguably the best places to visit on a day trip to Lake Como as they’re pretty easy to reach from the city and give you the best of what Lake Como has got to offer: turquoise waters, beautiful scenery, stunning villas and picturesque villages.

My recommendation is to take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esina Station , which will get you to Varenna in just over an hour. From there, you can take the boat to Bellagio and Menaggio (more in-depth info on this below!).

Some blogs recommend going to the city of Como first and taking a bus from there, but it takes a lot longer and it’s more hassle than simply getting a train to Varenna-Esina Station. Como is a lovely place to visit, but if you don’t have much time, it’s better to go straight to Varenna.

Also, if you’re wondering how to travel from Milan Airport to Lake Como, it’s best to make your way into the city first and travel from there.

With that out of the way, here are the best ways to get to Lake Como from Milan:

Milan to Lake Como by Train

Taking the train from Milan is probably the easiest and fastest (yet still pretty affordable) way to get to Lake Como. Since there are no trains from Milan to Bellagio, it’s best to take a train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esina Station .

This 80-km journey takes just over an hour and costs around €6 – €7 each way. Half of the journey will be next to Lake Como, so you can enjoy some stunning scenery from the train.

It’s possible to buy tickets at the station, but you can also book them using Trainline (I got them a little cheaper using the app, plus, I didn’t have to hassle with ticket machines).

From Varenna-Esina Station, you can walk to Lake Como and the town of Varenna in a few minutes. Varenna itself is a stunning little town, so definitely take some time to wander around and enjoy the views.

If you want to continue your trip to visit the rest of the “Golden Triangle” of Lake Como (Bellagio and/or Menaggio), you can take a ferry ride from Varenna .

Tickets for the boat can be bought at the docks and cost around €4 – €5 for a single trip. The boat from Varenna to Bellagio takes around 15 minutes, it’s around the same to travel from any of the three towns to one another.

Milan to Lake Como by Car

If you’re renting a car for your trip through Italy, you may want to drive to Lake Como from Milan. Driving there is pretty straightforward and, like the train ride, gives you some beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way. 

From Milan to Bellagio takes around an hour and a half (71 kilometers) and it’s similar if you want to go to Varenna (76 kilometers). Menaggio is a little further (83 kilometers), so it’s better to drive to Bellagio or Varenna and take a ferry boat from there if you want to explore the other towns. Keep in mind that there aren’t many options for parking in these towns.

As mentioned before, the ferries between the three towns in Lake Como’s “Golden Triangle” are very frequent and cost a few euros each way. It is even possible to take your car on the ferry too (however, this costs a little more!).

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Milan to Lake Como by Bus

While it is possible to take a bus to Lake Como from Milan, it’s by far the slowest way to get there (more than two hours, plus you may have to change buses halfway through your journey).

Yes, it’s a little cheaper, but since the train tickets aren’t that expensive, I highly recommend taking the train instead .

If DIYing your day trip to Lake Como isn’t quite your thing, you can also book a day trip tour to Lake Como. This way, you don’t have to worry about public transport or planning your own itinerary.

This specific tour from Milan to Lake Como takes a full day (around 11 hours) and includes:

• Pick up from Duomo Square or Milano Centrale in the city
• Visit to Como (with guided tour)
• Visit to Villa Olma (with guided tour)
• Bellagio (with free time to explore) (check out the best things to do in Bellagio )
• Varenna (with free time to explore) (check out the best things to do in Varenna )
• Private lake cruise on Lake Como.

How to Get Around Lake Como

Once you arrive at one of the towns near Lake Como, the best way to make your way around is by ferry. The “Golden Triangle” (Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio) can easily be visited by boat . The boats are quite frequent and tickets are just a few euros each way. 

Is Lake Como Worth Visiting?

If you can make time in your Milan itinerary to visit Lake Como, it’s absolutely worth visiting. While Milan has a lot of great things to offer, I personally preferred my day trip to Lake Como.

The stunning scenery, the picturesque towns and the colourful houses are engraved in my mind and I’m so glad I took some time to visit it.

Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

3 thoughts on “How To Take The Perfect Day Trip To Lake Como From Milan”

Nele, your travel insights here are certainly invaluable to our forthcoming trip to Italy but if you had to choose between Como or Garda with a limited amount of time, what would be your perfect day trip?

Super glad to hear that, thanks! I haven’t been to Garda so I can’t advice on that sadly, but Como truly became one of my favourite spots in Europe so if you have time, I’d definitely go!

thank you for the great explanation cant wait to get there soon

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Idyllic Lake Como Day Trip from Milan with Boat Tour

Escape the city for a day of epic scenery and quaint towns along italy's most famous lake.

Short on time and looking for the easiest way to experience the magic of Lake Como? It’s super easy to do when you book a day trip from Milan with all transportation included and a helpful trip leader to guide the way. Best of all, this tour even includes a breathtaking lake cruise to the little village of Torno! Your free time exploring Como and Torno, combined with your boat cruise, will make this the highlight of your trip to Milan.

• Discover the historic town of Como
• Explore the lake by boat
• Historic towns
• Time in Torno
• Forever Memories
• Return back to Milan

After meeting your local trip leader at the Cadorna Station in Milan, you’ll take a scenic train ride to the Como, which sits at the bottom of the serene Lake Como. Enjoy a walking tour before boarding the boat that will transport you to picturesque Torno for the afternoon before returning to Como in time for your train back to Milan.

Lake Como Day Trip Description

Your 8-hour day trip from Milan includes:

Round-trip train tickets to/from Milan

Walking tour of Como

Free time for lunch (not included)

Boat ride to Torno with views of Moltrasio

Free time in Torno

A local trip leader for the day

Maximum group size of 12

Round-Trip Transportation from Milan

You don’t have to worry or be confused about how to successfully get to Lake Como from Milan when you’re led by our local trip leader who knows exactly which train, stop, and tickets you need. It’s all included so you can just enjoy the ride through the Italian countryside.

Yes, there’s an actual town named Como, and it’s your first stop. Follow your trip leader through the parks and streets to get to know the area and discover the incredible museums and culture that exists in this little town. You’ll have free time to explore more on your own and eat your lunch at one of several recommendations your guide is sure to have.

Lake Como Boat Ride to Torno

The moment you’re probably most excited for is next. It’s almost sacrilegious to come to Lake Como without going on a boat ride, which is why it’s definitely included on this tour. There’s a magical feeling as the boat gets underway, the breeze caresses your face, and the sun shines down on you and the stunning villas that you pass by.

In all, your boat ride will take about an hour, and you’ll be taken to the little village of Torno with its colorful homes. From here, you’ll have a view of Moltrasio across the lake, and you can wander the streets to find the Church of San Giovanni or just enjoy some time at the lakeside.

Enjoy your time exploring the quiet streets of this town compared to the busier noise of Milan. You'll be glad you decided to escape the city for the day! After your time in Torno, return to Como by boat as you cruise through the lake soaking in those last panoramic views. Your trip leader will get you to the train station with your tickets for the return trip back to Milan in time for your aperitivo before dinner.

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What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

2 total reviews

Lake Como tour was awesome.

Well we’ll done.

Absolutely Beautiful Place!

Why can't I live in Lake Como????? We had a wonderful time on this experience. Our driver was lovely leading us out of Milan. I really enjoyed Bellagio. It was a bit cold that day so I recommend bringing a jacket with you. Thanks!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Wear some comfortable shoes and clothes to suit the weather.

How do we get to Lake Como from Milan?

Your trip leader will arrange your train tickets to Lake Como and back to Milan, and you can enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside.

Are boat tickets included?

Yes. Tickets for the boat ride between the towns is included.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes, kids are welcome on this tour!

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, but it's run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Milan.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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HOW TO GET TO LAKE COMO from Milan and its airports

You can get to Lake Como from Milan in many ways.

It all depends on your travel needs, such as the town that you wish to visit, your departure point (the city of Milan or its airports) and your means of transport .

Here I will give you an insight on how to get from Milan to Como , Bellagio and Varenna , three of the most popular Lake Como’s towns (from which you can easily reach all others, via ferry or bus ).

Want to get to other towns? Read carefully the travel tips found on this page!

How to get to Como from Milan

The city of Como is very easy to reach from both the city of Milan and its airports.

*Note: Due to road works, the C30 bus route will have modified service in the city of Como. Read here to find out more .

Here is how to get to Como :

There are  three railway lines that connect Milan and the city of Como. Choose the route that is most convenient for you based on your starting point:

Milano Centrale - Como S. Giovanni

Milano porta garibaldi - como s. giovanni, milano cadorna - como nord lago.

▼ Click or tap here to find out how to reach Como from Milan-Malpensa airport

▼ Click or tap here to find out how to reach Como from Bergamo (Orio al Serio) airport

▼ Click or tap here to find out how to reach Como from Milan-Linate airport

Once you are in Como, you can easily get to the western towns of the southwestern branch of the lake (such as Cernobbio , Argegno , Tremezzina , or Menaggio ) by C10 bus .

On the other hand, if you want to reach the eastern towns of the same branch (such as Nesso or Bellagio ), you will have to take the C30 bus .

In both cases, you can also make use of the lake transportation service .

How to get to Bellagio from Milan

If you want to travel from Milan to Bellagio , the Pearl of Lake Como, you have several options.

Here is how to get to Bellagio :

The easiest option is to take the train from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni station (40 minutes). From there, you can take the C30 bus* (about 1h 10 min ride) or the boat to Bellagio (1h 30 min - 2h).

Alternatively, you can take the train to Lecco (40 minutes - check timetables on trenord.it ) then, when you are in Lecco, you can choose between the D10 bus to Bellagio (50 minutes) or, only in summer , the public boat service.

Get from Malpensa to Como city by train , then take the C30 bus to Bellagio or use the public boat service (all year).

From the airport, take the ATB bus to the Bergamo train station (16 minutes).

Then, take the train to Lecco (check schedules on trenord.it ) and, once in Lecco, you can choose to take the D10 bus to Bellagio or, only in summer , the public boat service .

First of all, you have to get to Milano Centrale train station (you will find several shuttles, such as Autostradale , outside the airport). Then, you have two options:

• take the train from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni station (40 minutes) and, from there, take the C30 bus (about 1h 10 min ride) or the boat to Bellagio (1h 30 min - 2h)
• alternatively, you can take the train to Lecco (40 minutes - check timetables on trenord.it ) then, when you are in Lecco, you can choose between the D10 bus to Bellagio (50 minutes) or, only in summer , the public boat service.

Once in Bellagio, you can easily get to the towns of the central part of the lake (such as Varenna , Tremezzina or Menaggio ) by boat .

How to get to Varenna from Milan

Getting to Varenna , one of the most loved Lake Como’s towns, is very simple.

Here is how to get to Varenna :

There are several trains that can lead you to Varenna from Milano Centrale - check timetables on trenord.it  - thanks to the efficient railway service on the eastern branch of Lake Como . Your journey will last approx. 1 hour.

Malpensa -> Varenna is quite a long ride.

First of all, you have to take the Malpensa Express from the airport to Milano Centrale train station.

Then, from Milano Centrale you can take another train that will take you to Varenna (see above).

Take the ATB bus just outside the airport and get to Bergamo train station (16 minutes). Then, take the train to Lecco (check schedules on trenord.it ) and, once in Lecco, you can take the train to Varenna.

If you land at Linate airport, first of all you have to get to Milano Centrale train station (you will find several shuttles, such as Autostradale , outside the airport).

Then, from Milano Centrale you can take another train that will take you to Varenna.

Once in Varenna, you can easily get to the towns in the central and northern part of the lake (such as Bellagio , Menaggio and Gravedona ) by  boat .

Places to stay in Lake Como

Top reviewed on Booking.com from travelers

Villa Cipressi, Varenna ★★★★

Hotel Filario, Lezzeno ★★★★

Grand Hotel, Menaggio ★★★★

Want to see more hotels, apartments or villas? Check out my entire selection of the best places to stay in Lake Como!

In detail: How to get to Como from Milan train stations

There are  three railway lines that connect Milan and the city of Como:

Whatever route you choose, I highly recommend you to download the Trenord app  (for  Android  and  iOS ) that will allow you  plan your journey  and  purchase tickets in advance.

Discover where to take the train from Milan to Como and other useful tips!

Milan central station , Milan’s main train station, is where most travelers begin their journey to Como. Two different services operate on this route (travel times, in each case, are about 40 minutes ):

• the Regional train is the cheaper option and makes 3 stops (Monza, Seregno and Como Camerlata) before arriving in Como S. Giovanni
• the EuroCity train does not make intermediate stops but has a higher price.

Price: €5.20 Regional train, €16 EuroCity

Duration: 39’ Regional train, '37 EuroCity

Tip : if you cannot find your train on the boards, get help from the staff: the arrival could be the Swiss city of Chiasso (in the case of Regional trains) or another foreign destination (especially in the case of EuroCity trains). Also, remember that outside the station you can take buses C10 (to Argegno , Tremezzina or Menaggio , for example) and C30 (to Bellagio , Nesso ).

Buy your ticket in less than 2 minutes No registration needed

⇒ Directions to   Milano Centrale ⇒ Directions to   Como S. Giovanni

The  Suburban line S11 operated by Trenord starts from  Porta Garibaldi , one of the most dynamic areas of Milan, and gets to Como in  one hour .

Como S. Giovanni , your arrival point, is 12 stops from the start of the line.

Once out of the station, you will be just a  five minute walk  from the most beautiful lake in the world!

Price: €5.20

Duration:  1 h

Tip : outside the Como S. Giovanni station you can take buses C10 (to Argegno , Tremezzina or Menaggio , for example) and C30 (to Bellagio , Nesso ).

⇒ Directions to   Milano Porta Garibaldi ⇒ Directions to   Como S. Giovanni

Milano Cadorna  is another of the major train stations in Milan.

If you want to  get to Como from Milano Cadorna , simply take the train that goes to  Como Nord Lago (end of the line) and you’ll be there in one hour.

Once out of the station, Lake Como will be the first thing that you’ll see… and  it’s gonna be amazing !

Tip :  Como Nord Lago is a few steps from the  C30 bus  stop to Bellagio and from Piazza Matteotti, the main  Como bus station where you can take the C10 bus .

⇒ Directions to   Milano Cadorna ⇒ Directions to   Como Nord Lago

In detail: How to get to Como from Milan airports

Here is how you can reach the city of Como from major airports in the Milan area using public transportation.

From Malpensa airport to Como city

Malpensa Express is the fastest way to get to Como. To reach Como from Milan-Malpensa Airport , proceed as follows:

• take the Malpensa Express (departing from both terminals) to Milan and get off at Saronno (after about 20 minutes)
• at Saronno train station, take the train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago (40 minutes).

The price of the trip including both routes is €11.10 (€8 for Malpensa Express and €3.10 for the Saronno–Como route, operated by Trenord).

From Bergamo (Orio al Serio) airport to Como city

One of the easiest ways to get to Como from Orio al Serio Airport is to first take one of the shuttle services just outside the airport to Milan Central Station (1 hour ride).

Then, from there, take the train to Como S. Giovanni station (40 minutes).

The price of the trip including both routes is €15 (€10 for the shuttle and €5 for the Milan–Como route).

Buy your tickets in less than 2 minutes No registration needed

From Milan-Linate airport to Como city

The easiest way to get to Como from Milan-Linate Airport is to first take one of the shuttle services just outside the airport to Milan Central Station (30-minute ride). 

The price of the trip including both routes is €10 (€5 for the shuttle and €5 for the Milan–Como route).

This Post Has 40 Comments

Can you please let me know its easy to drive in lake Garda & and Lake Como also is there you can find parking easy and cheap. I really appreciate your help. Your information was very helpful

Hi Donna! If I were in you, I would avoid moving by car on Lake Como, at least in high season. Roads usually have only one lane and this often causes traffic jams (this is due to the nature of the territory, rich in hills very close to the lakes). But don’t worry, public transportation (bus and boats) will easily take you anywhere you want 🙂 I can tell the same about Lake Garda.

Hi! We are only spending 2 days in Lake Como. Is it possible to store your suitcase at the train station? If so, what time do they close. We want to be able to drop the bags early and not have to wait for the check in.

Hello Lisa, you can leave your luggage in storages like this . Hope this helps!

Hello! We will be traveling from Milan to Bellagio and are interested in understanding the best way to do this with luggage in tow. Our intention was to take the train to either Como or Varenna and then transfer to Bellagio via every or bus. We will be traveling the first week of October.

We are curious to know: – what are the chances of there being a long wait to get on a ferry or bus when we arrive to either location? – is there easy accommodation for luggage on the bus and ferry? Is one easier than the other?

One idea we had was to go through Como and store our luggage and explore the town while we wait for a ferry—are we able to buy same day tickets for a later ferry or bus If we did this? It seems easier than getting stuck waiting on a ferry for several hours in Varenna with luggage in tow.

Appreciate any insight!

Hi David, buses and ferries on Lake Como are usually on time so your wait will not be long. If you carry luggages with you, I would recommend you to take a ferry (in Como or in Varenna, whatever you prefer for your trip) but I invite you to read Navigazione Laghi’s transport and fares condition in the second page of this document . Hope this helps!

Hi, I am visiting Milan with my partner. We were considering renting a car as this seems one of the cheapest ways to get to and from the airport as we are flying into bergamo airport and our air bnb has parking. We want to spend a day visiting lake como but are unsure on a few things. We have seen several full day trips where they pick us up from milan and give us a full tour and bring us back to Milan. We also considered simply driving their or getting their via train and exploring ourselves without a guided tour but we wanted some advice on which would be a better experience. Any advice is appreciated!

Hello George! In general, I do not recommend using a car, from Bergamo you can easily take one of the many shuttles at the terminal. If you want to visit Lake Como from Milan in one day, I recommend following this nice itinerary that I have detailed on my Instagram channel . I hope it is to your liking!

Hi Alessandro great site! We will be staying in menaggio at the beginning of the season ( March). I had planned to drive from Milan Malpensa airport but as we will be arriving late afternoon on a Friday I’m concerned about it getting dark and haven’t driven in Italy before. I see above we could get two trains to Como city but how would we then get to Menaggio ( brand hotel Victoria). Thanks !

Hello Glenn, thank you! I suggest you reach one of the two Como stations (S. Giovanni or Lago) and, from there, take the C10 bus , which will take you to Menaggio in a little over an hour!

Hi Alessandro, I am planning a road trip with my family and kids and we are traveling from Zürich directly to Lake Como. I read the other comments and see that you don’t recommend getting by car to the lake. What would you recommend in this case? Should we rather use public transport to come to the lake?

Hello Aleksandra, I do not recommend driving around the lake because the roads can be very crowded during the peak season. But a good compromise might be to reach the town of Como by car and then travel from there by public transportation, how about that? 🙂

Hi Alessandro! I followed the tips above to look at a train from Milan airport (Malpensa) to Como- but it didn’t show any. We don’t come until July though- so wondering if it is too far out yet? Thank you!

Hello Crystal, I think maybe Omio has still to update its calendar. But if you check on trenord.it I’m sure you will get results.

Alessandro, We will be traveling to Como from Milan in mid-October. Will the ferries and boats still be running then? I am planning to do the tour you outlined on the opening page. Unfortunately, we will only have one day to spend, but would like to make the best of it.

Hi Anne, yes the ferries will be operating in October 🙂

Great site ! how would you recommend getting from Lake Como (Moltrasio) to Lake Garda?

Hi! 1. Take the C10 bus from Moltrasio to Como S.Giovanni train station, 2. Take the train to Milano Centrale, 3. From Milano Centrale, take the train to Peschiera del Garda – Sirmione

Hi! We’ll be travelling from Malpensa airport to Como in a couple of weeks – how easy is it to buy train tickets at a kiosk at the airport? We are a bit worried about buying tickets online just in case our flight is delayed and we miss the train booked. Thanks in advance!

Hi Emma, tickets that you purchase via app are valid for several hours after purchase so I recommend, in any case, that you purchase them in advance.

HI! Were planning to travel to Lake Como this summer! We hope to stay in Tremezzo. Which route would you recommend taking from Malpensa Airport… Stop in Como Lago St or Como S. Giovanni? Any help is appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Hi! 1. MXP > Saronno, 2. Saronno > Como Lago, 3. Como Lago > Tremezzo (with C10 bus).

Hi Alessandro

Thank you for all the great tips. For traveling from MXP to Lake Como, you say to take the Malpensa Express to Saronno. Then you say something that I need clarification on – you say to take the train “From Milano Cardona to Como Lago”.

From Saronno, is the train to Como Lago passing through Milano Cardona? I know that Milano Cardona is a station, and I know that the Express takes you to Cardona. So am wondering why I need to get off at Saronno.,

Hi Charbel, you are right, I could have been clearer 🙂 I meant to say that with the Malpensa Express you get as far as Saronno, which is an important railway junction where you can take the connection from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago. Let me know if everything is clear now!

Hi, I just want to make sure. So, I can take the Malpensa Express all the way to Milano Cardorna then transfer to a train for Como Lago, or do I take the Malpensa Express only to Saronno then transfer to a train heading for Milano Cardorna? Do I have to transfer again at Milano Cadona to go to Como Lago? Thanks!

1. At Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express to Saronno, where you have to get off 2. In Saronno, take the train to Como Lago (train departed from Milano Cadorna)

Hi Alessandro , Great Site, thank you for the efforts.

Which airport wound be easiest to reach Lake Como & Maggiore (MXP or LIN) ? And for first time visiters , any advices / tips to share ? Is there a place to store Luggage in Milan for couple of hours to move around the city ?

Thank you so much

Hi Amira, I am not an expert on Lake Maggiore, but as far as Lake Como is concerned I think MXP is the best option (especially if you want to reach the western area). Take a look at this article I wrote about the closest airports to Lake Como . You can find lots of tips on this site, I suggest you start from this page that collects links to pages about towns, villas, beaches, etc. I also made a guide on where to find the best luggage storages in Lake Como and Milan , I hope it helps you!

Hi Alessandro. We are traveling from Milan Malpensa airport to Como Lago with transfer at Saronno. Can we.buy train tickets from Saronno to Como Lago at the Malpensa train station or we must buy them at Saronno? We are traveling in September. Thank you!

Hi, you can buy them everywhere: Trenord app, Omio app, Malpensa train station, Saronno train station, etc.

Hi Alessandro We will be arriving by train from Malpensa Airport into San Giovanni or Lago train station and planning to take a taxi to Bellagio where we are staying. We can’t pre-book as we don’t know exact time of arrival but probably around 4pm. Do you think there will be any problem getting a taxi and any idea of the cost. Many thanks for your help.

Hi Julia, I wouldn’t count on finding a cab at the last minute, the best thing you can do is to book a cab via Uber (I just looked and the current cost ranges between €75 and €120) or a private chauffeur (whose cost for this route is about €160). Alternatively, you can take the C30 bus from Como Lago station, which takes you to Bellagio in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Hi Allessandro We will be travelling from Malpensa Airport to Lenno in July. How far is it from Como Lago train station to the ferry port? How would you recommend we travel from Como Lago to Lenno? Can we pre-book ferry tickets? Many thanks for your help

Hi Catherine, Como Lago Station is about a 5-minute walk from the Como ferry port. You can reach Lenno either by boat or by the C10 bus (faster but certainly less scenic option). You can buy some types of ferry tickets online; you can find all the information on this page dedicated to the Lake Como ferry .

Hello, we are visiting Tremezzina next month. We will need transportation from Malpensa airport to Tremezzina, round trip, a few days apart. Money aside, what is the best way to travel – train or private car service?

Hello John, the best way to reach Tremezzina from Malpensa by public transport is to arrive in Como by Malpensa Express train , and from there take the C10 bus that goes through all the main hamlets of Tremezzina. Obviously cab service is more convenient, but much more expensive.

Thanks Alessandro! If we opt to go with a private car service (other than Uber), is there a reputable company that you’d recommend? I’m most concerned about getting back to the airport on our departure day, since we’ll have to leave early morning. I want to make sure that we have a reliable transportation option at that hour on a Sunday morning. TIA!

Hi John, I recommend that you book a public cab through the InTaxi app .

Hi Alessandro,

in one of your tips you said to buy tickets ahead of time online. Can’t we just buy the ticket to lake como from the central station in Milan? And can we buy the ferry tickets to Bellagio and Varenna on the spot?

Hi Dana, it all depends on the day you would like to make your trip, unfortunately I can’t tell you in advance if the tickets will sell out. You certainly have a better chance of being able to buy train tickets at the last rather than boat tickets.

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LAKE COMO Beaches Weather and climate Accommodations Experiences

LAKE COMO’S TOWNS Como Bellagio Varenna Tremezzina

LAKE COMO’ VILLAS Villa Balbianello Villa Melzi Villa Monastero Villa Carlotta

GETTING AROUND Boat trips Bus service Train stations Get to Lake Como

Lake Como Travel | A personal blog by Alessandro Manzi

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Italy & Switzerland in 1 day: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano Day Trip from Milan

Explore the wonders of Switzerland and Italy on a day excursion to Lugano and Lake Como from Milan. Follow a knowledgeable local guide as you cruise Lake Como on a private sightseeing boat, capturing glimpses of celebrity villas along the shoreline. Pause in Bellagio, for a stroll through its charming streets.

Crossing into Switzerland to discover Lugano, a picturesque town where free time awaits to marvel at lakeside views or indulge in some Swiss chocolate shopping. Immerse yourself in the unique charm of the town before heading back to Milan on our comfortable air-conditioned coach.

• Start the day with a  boat trip on Lake Como . Let your expert English-speaking guide points out the famous villas where Star Wars and James Bond movies have been filmed as well as the private villa of George Clooney .
• Visit the beautiful town of  Bellagio , known as “the pearl of Lake Como”.
• Ending with a trip over the border into Switzerland where you will discover the incredible  lake town of Lugano.

Tour Description

What's included.

• Expert, English-speaking guide for the whole day
• 45 min. Como Lake cruise on a private boat
• Audio headsets so you can always hear your guide
• All transfers in an air-conditioned coach
• Free time in Bellagio and Lugano
• Food & Beverages
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Sites Visited

• Lake Lugano

Picture Perfect Lake Como

Embark on an extraordinary day trip from Milan to explore the beauty of both Switzerland and Italy, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Lugano and Lake Como. Guided by a local expert, your journey begins with a scenic cruise on Lake Como aboard a private sightseeing boat. Keep your eyes peeled for the opulent villas that line the shores, once graced by celebrities.

Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como

Your adventure starts with a stop in the charming town of Bellagio, often referred to as the 'pearl of Lake Como.' Here, you have the opportunity to wander through the winding streets, discovering the medieval alleys and authentic shops that give Bellagio its unique character. Enjoy leisure time at your own pace, perhaps savoring a delightful lunch with the stunning lake as your backdrop.

Lakeside Lugano

As you cross the border into Switzerland, your next destination is Lugano. Delight in some free time to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this picturesque town. Whether you choose to appreciate the lakeside views or indulge in a bit of retail therapy by shopping for Swiss chocolate, Lugano offers a delightful blend of experiences.

Capture the essence of Lugano and Lake Como, creating lasting memories against the backdrop of these two European gems. As the day unfolds, absorb the beauty of Lugano, enjoy the allure of Bellagio, and cruise the pristine waters of Lake Como. Your return journey to Milan concludes this unforgettable day trip, leaving you with a treasure trove of experiences from the heart of Switzerland and Italy.

Thousands of 5-Star Reviews

Tripadvisor, know before you go, meeting point.

Porta Garibaldi Train Station - Open in Google Maps

Important Notes

• Most guests will not be required to have a Visa to enter Switzerland; a passport will be enough to enter the Country. Please check this website for more information, and to determine if you may need a Visa (choose your country by selecting the first letter i.e “U” for United States.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

All customers are required to carry their passport/travel document with them on this tour. In addition, it is customer’s responsibility to ensure they have the correct Visa to enter Switzerland.

Customers holding passports from a non EU country will need a Schengen Visa which they can obtain on entry to an EU country. Without the correct Visa customers will not be allowed to enter Switzerland and City Wonders will accept no responsibility for any customer who is refused entry at the border due to having an incorrect or no Visa.

Please refer to the following website for up to date information about Visa requirements for Switzerland; https://www.ch.ch/en/foreign-nationals-in-switzerland/entry-and-stay-in-switzerland/visas-for-foreign-nationals/  

Our City Wonders guides will be holding a sign or a flag with the name City Wonders written on it at the meeting point.

You should expect to receive an email within minutes of booking with your confirmation voucher.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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Milan tours, get to know city wonders.

A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

• All of our guides are experts in their field
• We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
• We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special

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Day Trip From Milan: Lake Como Boat Tour, Bellagio & Lugano

Embarking on a day trip from Milan to the enchanting Lake Como region is an opportunity to take in the captivating beauty of Northern Italy. This excursion promises a blend of scenic boat tours , charming town explorations , and cultural insights that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re admiring the stunning lakeside villas, strolling through the quaint streets of Bellagio, or indulging in the culinary delights of Lugano, this guided adventure offers a chance to discover the hidden gems that make this area a true jewel of Italy. With an informative English-speaking host to lead the way, the stage is set for an unforgettable day of exploration and wonder.

• A day trip from Milan to the Lake Como region, including stops in Como, Bellagio, and Lugano, with a scenic boat cruise on Lake Como.
• Opportunity to explore historic sites, such as Villa Olmo and Como Cathedral, and enjoy scenic views, shopping, and dining in the lakeside towns.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and suitable for all ages, with a total duration of 11 hours and round-trip transportation from Milan.
• Valid passport or ID card is required, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Overall positive customer ratings, with high satisfaction in transportation and value for money, as well as suggestions for more detailed guidance and extended activity time.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Escape Room Across Como
• From Como: Lugano and Bellagio With Enchanting Boat Cruise
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• From Como: Lugano & Bellagio Day Trip & Private Boat Cruise

Tour Overview

This day trip from Milan offers a comprehensive exploration of the stunning Lake Como region , including visits to the charming towns of Como, Bellagio, and Lugano.

The 11-hour excursion departs from Piazza IV Novembre and includes round-trip transportation , a boat cruise on Lake Como, and free time to explore the highlights of each destination.

Guests can expect to spend 1.5 hours in Como, 50 minutes on the Lake Como boat tour, 1.5 hours in Bellagio, and 1.5 hours in Lugano, with the opportunity to shop, dine, and take in the scenic views.

The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and is suitable for adults and children alike.

Itinerary Highlights

The day trip from Milan to Lake Como takes visitors on an enchanting journey through the region’s picturesque landscapes .

The itinerary highlights include:

A 1.5-hour stop in the town of Como, where travelers can explore the Villa Olmo and the impressive Como Cathedral.

A 50-minute scenic boat cruise on the stunning Lake Como, providing photo opportunities of the lakeside villas and villages.

A 1.5-hour visit to the charming town of Bellagio, offering time for lunch, shopping, and admiring the views from the promontory.

The tour also includes a 1.5-hour exploration of Lugano, Switzerland, where visitors can stroll through the old town and Parco Ciani, as well as enjoy shopping opportunities .

Meeting Point and Requirements

As the meeting point, travelers are instructed to gather at Piazza IV Novembre , which can be easily located via Google Maps.

To participate in this day trip, guests should bring their passport or ID card , as well as wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users .

The tour welcomes both adults aged 13 to 99 as well as children 12 and younger.

With the necessary documentation and preparation, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable experience exploring the stunning landscapes of Lake Como, Bellagio, and Lugano.

Participant Information

Travelers of all ages can join this day trip , with participants ranging from adults aged 13 to 99 and children 12 and younger. The tour caters to a diverse audience , ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Some key points about participant information:

Age Ranges: The tour welcomes adults aged 13 to 99 as well as children 12 and younger, making it suitable for families and solo travelers alike.

Accessibility : Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities.

Documentation: Participants will need to bring a valid passport or ID card , especially for the visit to Lugano, Switzerland.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this day trip from Milan to Lake Como, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 139 reviews.

Participants were particularly satisfied with the transportation, rating it 4.7 out of 5, and the value for money, which also scored 4.7.

Common feedback highlighted the ease of booking and the stunning scenery , though some suggested the guide could provide more information and that more time for activities would be appreciated.

Transportation and Booking

For this day trip from Milan , transportation is provided as a key part of the package. The tour includes round-trip transportation , with pick-up and drop-off in Milan.

Participants can conveniently meet the group at Piazza IV Novembre, which is easily accessible via Google Maps. The booking process is straightforward, with a "reserve now & pay later" option available.

Plus, this tour offers:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Live tour guide in English to provide information and commentary throughout the journey.
• Official documents required for crossing into Switzerland, ensuring a seamless experience.

Scenic Boat Cruise

After departing Como, the tour takes participants on a 50-minute scenic boat cruise across the picturesque Lake Como.

During this relaxing voyage, travelers will witness the stunning natural beauty of the region, with photo opportunities at key viewpoints. The boat glides past elegant villas , lush gardens, and quaint villages that dot the shoreline, providing a unique perspective of this iconic Italian lake.

Guests can sit back, unwind, and capture breathtaking panoramas of the imposing mountains that frame the crystal-clear waters.

This serene cruise offers a chance to take in the tranquil ambiance of Lake Como before continuing the day’s adventure in Bellagio.

Exploring Lake Como Towns

Following the scenic boat cruise , the tour ventures into the charming towns that dot the shores of Lake Como.

Visitors are first granted 1.5 hours of free time in the town of Como, where they can explore highlights like the grand Villa Olmo and the imposing Como Cathedral.

Next, the tour travels to the picturesque town of Bellagio, where guests have 1.5 hours to savor local cuisine, browse quaint shops, and soak in the stunning views from the town’s promontory.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Private Day Trip to Lake Como & Lugano From Lucerne by Car
• From Lake Como: Bernina Red Train Tour to St. Moritz
• From Como: St. Moritz and Tirano Trip With Bernina Express
• VIP Experience to Lake Como and Lugano
• Enchanting Switzerland: Verzasca Valley and Ascona From Como
• Private Day Trip to Lake Como & Lugano From Zürich by Car

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunch Included in the Tour?

The tour does not include a pre-paid or provided lunch. Participants have 1.5 hours of free time in Bellagio where they can explore the town and choose their own dining options.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. It’s stated that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, indicating it’s also not designed for pets. Travelers are advised to bring only what’s necessary, like comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not specified, but it is likely a small group experience. The listing does not mention a maximum group size, so the group size may vary depending on demand and availability.

Is Wifi Available on the Boat and in the Towns?

The tour doesn’t mention if Wi-Fi is available on the boat or in the towns. Travelers should check with the tour operator or plan to use their own mobile data while exploring the destinations during the excursion.

Can I Customize the Itinerary for This Tour?

The tour’s itinerary is fixed, so customers can’t customize it. However, they can request additional stops or time extensions for an extra fee, subject to availability and guide permission. The tour company give you a well-planned experience.

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• From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa Airport

This unforgettable day trip from Milan lets you experience the enchanting Lake Como region . You’ll enjoy a scenic boat cruise , explore charming towns like Bellagio and Lugano, and see sights such as Villa Olmo and the Cathedral. With an informative English-speaking host to guide you, it’s a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the natural beauty and cultural highlights of this stunning Italian destination.

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