milan day trip to lake como

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.

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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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• 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. *

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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 didn’t have 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 hotel guides:

• Where to Stay in Lake Como: 6 Best Towns & Hotels
• 23 Stunning Lake Como Hotels with Lake Views
• 22 Incredible Lake Como Hotels with Pools

Lake Como travel guides:

• 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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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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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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40 comments.

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?

That Travelista

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.

I hope that helps!

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.

Hope that helps!

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

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 .

More Helpful Italy Info for You

Best of Italy:  Italian Piazzas ,  Italian Markets ,  Accommodation for Every Budget ,  Best Times to Visit Italy ,  Italy in Summer ,  Italy with Kids Italian Food:  Best Italian Food Gifts ,  Cheap Italian Food ,  Rules of Italian Breakfast ,  Italian Breakfast Foods Italian Coffee:  Italian Coffee Culture ,  Italian Coffee Drinks ,  History of Coffee in Italy Christmas in Italy:   Fun Facts ,  Things to Do ,  Italian Nativity Scenes ,  Panettone ,  Christmas Guide Northern Italy:  Best Cities to Visit ,  Major Airports ,  Reasons to Visit Lake Garda Towns and Villages:   Best Towns ,  Lazise , Desenzano del Garda ,  Riva del Garda ,  Malcesine ,  Torri del Benaco ,  Punta di San Vigilio ,  Campo di Brenzone ,  Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio Visiting Lake Garda:  Map of Lake Garda ,  Getting Around Lake Garda ,  Lake Garda with Kids ,  8 Best Airports ,  Venice to Lake Garda ,  Verona to Lake Garda ,  Milan to Lake Garda ,  Bologna to Lake Garda Verona:  Things to Do in One Day ,  Verona Opera Festival ,  Day Trips from Verona ,  Romeo and Juliet Itinerary ,  Verona to Venice ,  Verona to Milan Padua:  Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  10 Reasons to Visit Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua , How to Reach Padua Vicenza:  Things to Do ,  Day Trips from Vicenza ,  Best Museums ,  The Beauty of Vicenza Veneto:  Top Places to Visit ,  Unique Adventures ,  Most Colourful Places ,  Mysterious Places ,  Most Beautiful Lakes ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Main Cities ,  Prettiest Small Towns ,  Most Beautiful Villages Lombardy:   Best Cities and Towns ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Brescia Friuli Venezia Giulia:   Venzone ,  Most Beautiful Villages Emilia Romagna:  Bologna ,  Ravenna ,  Comacchio ,  Most Beautiful Villages Marche:   Reasons to Visit ,  Gradara ,  Frasassi Caves ,  Temple of Valadier Umbria: Reasons to Visit Perugia Campania: Naples

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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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Milan to Lake Como: Your Ultimate Day Trip Guide

Lake Como is a destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a romantic escape, Lake Como has something to offer for everyone.

As you embark on this day trip, you will discover that Lake Como is not just a destination; it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve returned to the hustle and bustle of the city.

From the picturesque villages of Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna to the historical grandeur of Como, this journey is a tapestry of scenic wonder and cultural exploration.

Read more about our experience, top recommendations and suggested itinerary for a day trip to Lake Como from Milan .

How to Get to Lake Como from Milan

Suggested 1-day itinerary of lake como from milan, organised tours to lake como from milan, final remarks.

Lake Como or “ Lago di Como ” in Italian, is one of Italy’s most breath-taking and famous lakes. Nestled in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, it’s renowned for its stunning natural beauty, charming lakeside towns, and a rich cultural heritage.

Due to it’s proximity to the city of Milan, Lake Como is a popular day trip destination from Milan.

Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe, surrounded by towering alpine mountains and lush green hills. The lake is dotted with a series of charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character and appeal.

Notable ones include Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como, all of which we managed to visit during our trip. These villages boast narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and lakeside promenades, making them perfect for leisurely walks and exploration.

Lake Como is also famous for its historic villas and their beautifully landscaped gardens with their own architectural and botanical splendour. It was unrealistic for us to visit these villas and instead we chose to wander around and explore the towns.

Lake Como is easily accessible from Milan, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway for both locals and tourists. When we planned our trip to Milan, we immediately allocated a day to visit Lake Como.

Getting to Lake Como from Milan is quite easy, as Milan serves as a major transportation hub in Northern Italy. Here are a few options on how to get to Lake Como:

• By train: The most convenient way to reach Lake Como from Milan is by taking a train. You can catch a train from Milan’s central train station, Milano Centrale, to various towns around Lake Como, including Varenna, Como, and Bellagio. The tickets are super affordable (€5-€7.50 p/p one way). We took the train from Milan to Varenna and on the way back we took the train from Como to Milan. Check for train times and prices via Trainline here . 
• By car  – If you prefer flexibility in your schedule and want to explore Lake Como at your own pace, going by car could be an option. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your destination, traffic conditions, and the specific route you take. We don’t have a car, so this wasn’t really an option for us. If you are considering renting a car,  check Rentalcars.com to find the best deal .
• By bus: There are bus services that connect Milan to Lake Como as well. Buses are slower compared to trains, and travel times may vary depending on the route and traffic. We immediately disregarded this option due to the convenience of going by train.
• Join an organised tour: If you prefer a guided experience and don’t want to worry about transportation logistics, you can book a guided tour from Milan to Lake Como . These tours often include transportation, guided sightseeing, and sometimes even lunch.

Visiting Milan and Lake Como was part of our interrail trip around Europe in 2023, so it only made sense that we travel by train to the lake. After some research, we made up our mind and decided to travel by train from Milano Centrale (our hotel Hotel Windsor was only 10 minutes away from the train station).

Read more about our review of Hotel Windsor in Milan.

We took the train from Milan to Varenna and bought a one way ticket on the day. After visiting Varenna, Menaggio and Bellagio we made our way to Como by boat. The towns are well connected by boat and if you are going by car, you can catch certain ferries and cross with your car.

We finished the day at Como and took the train back from Como S. Giovanni to Milan. The train station at Como is a bit further from the central part of the city, so do allocate some extra time to catch your train.

Places to Visit at Lake Como

This was our first stop for the day. Varenna beckons travellers with its serene beauty, picturesque promenades, and tranquil ambiance. After arriving from Milan, Varenna felt like a world apart, offering an ideal escape for a day trip from the bustling city.

The town’s picturesque waterfront, complete with pastel-coloured houses and cobblestone streets, exudes charm. What sets Varenna apart from other Lake Como towns is its peaceful and unhurried atmosphere.

It’s the perfect place to unwind, relax, and appreciate the simple joys of life – we simply sat on a bench and enjoyed the beautiful views.

Varenna’s small size is its greatest asset. You can easily explore the town on foot, allowing you to soak in its enchanting atmosphere at a leisurely pace. Meander through the narrow alleys, lined with blooming flowers, and take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

One of Varenna’s gems is Villa Monastero, a historic villa that boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and a stunning lakefront setting. We passed by the villa but didn’t visit due to time constraints. If you find yourself with some more time, feel free to check it out.

We also saw plenty of people swimming in the clear waters of Lake Como, in case you were wondering if you can go to the beach at Lake Como.

Whether you’re traveling with a loved one or seeking solitude, Varenna’s romantic ambiance is undeniable. I wish we had more time to enjoy this charming place but we had to take the ferry to Menaggio and continue with our plan.

As you approach Menaggio, the stunning views of Lake Como framed by the surrounding mountains leave a great first impression. This postcard-worthy scene welcomes you as you step off the ferry or disembark from a scenic drive along the lake’s edge.

Menaggio’s lakeside promenade is the perfect place to begin your exploration. Lined with cafes, gelaterias, and colorful buildings, it’s an ideal spot to take a leisurely stroll, bask in the sun, and watch boats gently glide across the serene waters.

Menaggio offers several charming restaurants and cafes where you can relish traditional Italian cuisine. As you dine by the lake, you can admire the postcard-perfect views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

As it was lunch time, we stopped here for a refreshing Aperol Spritz and lunch with a view. We chose Cafe Del Pess for this.

While Menaggio may be less famous than its neighbours, it boasts a unique tranquillity that allows you to savour the beauty of Lake Como without the crowds. It’s an authentic Italian experience that allows you to immerse yourself in local culture.

In all honesty, out of the four towns we visited, Menaggio was our least favourite but it’s still a charming place which we suggest you include in your travel plans. After lunch, we explored a bit more of the town before catching the ferry to Bellagio.

Nestled at the meeting point of Lake Como’s three branches, Bellagio is often affectionately referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” As you step off the ferry onto the picturesque promenade, it’s easy to understand why. The pictures just don’t do enough justice!

The journey to Bellagio itself is a delight. The ferry ride from Varenna offers breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and the charming villages that adorn the shores of the lake. As you approach Bellagio, its stunning waterfront setting becomes increasingly apparent. Needless to say that we took a lot of photos.

Bellagio’s charm is immediately evident as you wander through its narrow cobblestone streets. Colourful buildings, boutiques, and cafes beckon, inviting you to explore every corner of this idyllic town.

Amidst the enchanting beauty of Bellagio, the Basilica of St. Giacomo stands as a beacon of history and spirituality. Tucked away in the heart of this charming town, this medieval church is a testament to Bellagio’s rich heritage.

Bellagio offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and collecting souvenirs. Whether it’s a piece of locally crafted jewellery, fridge magnets or some delectable Italian delicacies, the town’s boutiques and shops have you covered.

We got a fridge magnet from there but worth noting that the little shop didn’t accept card payments, so might be a good idea to have some cash on you when visiting the lake.

One of Bellagio’s most enduring qualities is its vantage point over Lake Como. The panoramic views from the town are truly enchanting, making it an ideal place to savour the beauty of the lake from above.

We sat down for a drink to enjoy the views, although we did struggle to find a terrace with good views and available spaces. We settled on Hotel Excelsior Splendide .

Shortly after we realised we had to board the ferry to Como. This was rather unfortunate but if we were to miss the ferry, we wouldn’t have been able to explore Como and enjoy a nice dinner by the lake.

One of the highlights of Bellagio is Villa Melzi and its magnificent gardens. We didn’t visit the place but could be something for you to consider when in Bellagio.

A day trip to Lake Como wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the charms of Bellagio. It was time for us to get the ferry to our last stop – Como. We took the regular ferry from Bellagio to Como (it took 2 hours) and really soaked the picturesque views and scenery the lake has to offer.

This reminded us of our cruise on Lake Zurich when we visited Zurich ; just that this was better 🙂

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Como is not just a transit hub but an enchanting destination in its own right, with a rich history, stunning architecture, and the breath-taking backdrop of Lake Como. We initially considered starting our trip from Como but after some more research decided to change this and leave Como as the last stop before returning to Milan.

As you arrive in Como, you’ll be greeted by the splendid vista of Lake Como and the surrounding hills. The town itself is a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern elegance.

After arriving from Bellagio, we decided to sit down for a meal and enjoy some food by the lake. We chose Ristorante Pizzeria Funicolare and would definitely recommend.

There are a lot of nice restaurants by the lake and yet we were surprised to see how empty these were. Perhaps all the tourists from the ferry were rushing to the train station and only a few stopped for dinner on the way.

Como’s promenade along the lake is a wonderful place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and savour the lakeside views. You can also find cosy cafes and gelaterias here, perfect for a quick refreshment while taking in the scenery.

Tip: As the day winds down, find a peaceful spot by the lake to watch the sunset over Lake Como. The warm, golden light casting its glow on the water is an unforgettable sight that leaves a lasting impression.

One of Como’s most iconic landmarks is its magnificent cathedral. The Como Cathedral, known for its striking Gothic-Renaissance architecture, is a testament to the town’s historical and religious significance.

As we were heading to the train station, we explored a bit more of Como and were impressed of the hustle and bustle and the night life the town offers.

There are different options to organise a day at Lake Como and we considered at least three different itineraries before we agreed on the optimal route for us. It was important to visit Bellagio and Como and enjoy a cruise on Lake Como.

We weren’t interested in visiting the famous villas, instead we wanted to wander around and get a feel for this beautiful place.

Here is our proposed itinerary for a day trip to Lake Como from Milan:

• Train from Milan to Varenna (the earlier the better)
• Explore Varenna – allow at least 2 hours
• Get a ferry from Varenna to Menaggio
• Lunch and spare time in Menaggio – allow 2 hours
• Get a ferry from Menaggio to Bellagio
• Enjoy the beautiful Bellagio and sit down for a drink – allow at least 3 hours
• Get a ferry from Bellagio to Como (it takes 1.5 – 2 hours depending on the ferry you get)
• Dinner and spare time in Como – allow 2.5 – 3 hours
• Train from Como to Milan

Tip: It’s very important to check the ferry schedule and plan your trip accordingly. Check here Lake Como tickets and timetable .

It’s good to have a rough schedule in mind and if you enjoy a certain place, just spend more time there. As mentioned above, Menaggio was our least favourite but still worth a visit. We spent less time there than initially planned and in return got more time for our favourite Bellagio.

If you are still unsure how to get to Lake Como or considering different tour options, have a look these organised tours and decide which one is best for you.

From the charming streets of Varenna to the serene ambiance of Menaggio, the hidden treasures of Bellagio, and the historical allure of Como, each town along the shores of Lake Como is a unique chapter in a story waiting to be written.

As the day unfolds, you will traverse cobblestone streets, savour authentic Italian cuisine, and bask in the beauty of one of the most breath-taking lakes in the world. The feelings cant’ be explained, you just need to visa Lake Como to understand what we are talking about.

As you return to Milan, you’ll carry with you not only the memories of Lake Como’s exquisite towns but also the serene calm and magic of this place. And you will leave knowing that your day trip has merely scratched the surface of the endless wonders waiting to be explored on your next visit to this Italian paradise.

Ready to book? Below are some recommendations to get your trip started:

• Flights – we use flight aggregators such as Skyscanner and Google flights to find the best options. You can find more information about finding cheap flights here .
• Accommodation – would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Agoda to get the best rates. We also use TripAdvisor to read reviews.
• Transport – consider  Rentalcars.com for car renting or if you rely on public transport, you can use Omio for trains, coaches, ferries, airport transfers and even flights.
• Activities – a great option is GetYourGuide , Klook or Viator for tours, excursions, experiences and tickets to many tourist attractions.
• Travel money – we have Starling Bank accounts (UK residents only) with 0% fees on FX and a good Mastercard exchange rate. Revolut is another good option.
• Internet abroad – with Airalo or Nomad you can access a wide range of eSIMs (digital SIM cards) available for different countries and regions.
• Luggage storage – if you need to store your bags whilst exploring the destination, you can use Radical Storage to find your closest luggage storage and enjoy your journey until the very end.

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

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

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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DAY TRIPS FROM MILAN to Lake Como

Are you planning to visit Milan ? Take a day trip to Lake Como !

Below is a selection of the best Lake Como tours from Milan , that will show you the popular must-sees of the area.

Como  and Bellagio  are definitely among the most preferred destinations for guided tours , but if you are curious to see Switzerland too, then don’t miss the chance to head to St. Moritz and take a ride on the Bernina Red Train .

Discover the best Lake Como tours from Milan!

From Milan: Como, Bellagio & 1-hour private boat tour

Group experience

Up to 10 ppl

Take a break from Milan and experience a full-day trip to Como and Bellagio , also enjoying a private one-hour cruise on Lake Como.

• Visit the Como town center and Villa Olmo , a neoclassical building surrounded by amazing gardens
• Take a 1-hour cruise aboard a private boat and enjoy the spectacular views
• Visit Bellagio , the Pearl of Lake Como, and explore the town at your own pace

Tour provided by GetYourGuide . Click here to see cancellation policy and other information.

Lake Como with St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train day trip

€175/person

If you are planning to visit Milan and love  extraordinary landscapes , this tour is for you. Get ready to spend the day on a scenic trip to  Lake Como and St. Moritz .

• Take a 1 hour private morning cruise on the calm waters of Lake Como
• Walk in St. Moritz  town center
• Board the Bernina Red Train  and take a breathtaking 2.5 hour ride

Lake Como with Bellagio & Lugano day trip from Milan

€128/person

Lake Como or Lake Lugano… why choose? With this  full-day trip  from Milan you will have the opportunity to visit  Lugano city  (Switzerland),  Como  and the world-popular  Bellagio .

• Stroll along the promenade of Lake Lugano and take home some quality chocolate and other specialty items
• Visit Bellagio , take a lot of pictures and eat some excellent local food!
• Take a cruise on Lake Como  and visit Como city

From Milan: small group tour to Lake Como with a private driver

Private experience

From €340/p

Up to 6 ppl

A small guided group tour to Lake Como from Milan . It includes private luxury transfer and lunch with a lake view and a visit to one of the most beautiful villas, Villa Olmo .

• Visit Cernobbio on Lake Como and learn about its extensive history
• Enjoy lunch in a beautiful restaurant with a view of Lake Como
• Discover Como city and its historic center and learn interesting facts from your guide
• Take a leisure walk to Villa Olmo from Como and explore its beautiful gardens

Como, Bellagio and Lake Como cruise: full-day trip from Milan

€110/person

A guided day trip to the charming cities of Como and Bellagio . This trip also includes a ferry cruise on the lake and a visit to the sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo .

• Take a guided walking tour of Como’s scenic town centre and learn about its history and landscape
• From Como, take a ferry cruise on the lake to Bellagio and enjoy some free time at leisure
• Visit the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo , the patron saint of cyclists and enjoy the panoramic view 

From Milan: Como, Lugano and Bellagio + exclusive boat cruise

Group or private experience

From €135/p

A day trip from Milan to some of the most beautiful locations  in Switzerland and Italy . This trip also includes an exclusive boat cruise on Lake Como .

• Discover Lugano and its city center and sample some amazing Swiss chocolate
• Cruise on an exclusive private boat to Bellagio and see Lake Como from a different perspective
• Explore Bellagio with a guided tour and also enjoy some free time for some shopping
• Take a guided walking tour of Como city and discover its history

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

GET IN TOUCH

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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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!

jou jou travels

hidden gems & solo travel

Milan to Lake Como Day Trip: How to Get There & What to Do

Wondering how to make the most out of a Milan to Lake Como day trip ? Then, you’re in the right place! It’s so easy to get to Lake Como from Milan and the train only costs €5 which is mind-blowing. This post will plan all the details for you so you can sit back and relax. We will cover how to get to Lake Como from Milan and what to do to make the most out of one day in Lake Como. Whether you want to take it easy and go to one town or visit multiple towns, we’ll cover it here. Visiting Bellagio, Varenna, and Como is possible to do in one day believe it or not!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure  here .

Before you go: 🎫 Best Tour Option is From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio with Private Boat Cruise 🧷  Travel Insurance with SafetyWing  in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry! 📱 Mobile E-sim card  to stay connected while traveling without the hassle of changing out your sim card! 💜 Best time to visit Lake Como:  Wisteria season is the most amazing time to visit Lake Como ! You will find most of the villas blooming with gorgeous Wisteria. The time varies each year but it is typically around the  end of March and into April.  You can ask the hotel staff at Villa Cipressi or one of the other villas when they expect it to come as you plan your trip.

Best Milan to Lake Como Tours

If you don’t want the hassle of planning a day trip to Lake Como or thinking about how to get there, then you can book one of the many tours from Milan to Lake Como.

Here are the best ones based on reviews and activities planned!

• From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio with Private Boat Cruise
• From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip
• Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan

Read my full post on the Best Lake Como Towns

One Town in One Day: Milan to Lake Como Day Trip

If you only want to visit one town in one day from Milan, then I’d go for Varenna or Como. The reason is that there are direct trains from Milan to both of these towns. If it was me, I’d opt for Varenna because you have many things to do here including visiting 2 beautiful Lake Como Villas!

One Day Varenna Itinerary from Milan

Read my full guide on The Best Things to Do in Varenna, Lake Como Italy

Train from Milan to Varenna

Note: The first train to Varenna is around 5:20 am and the last train is around 9:35 pm. Be sure to check Omio to book trains and check timelines in case it changes.

Buy Train Tickets via Omio here : Milan Centrale to Varenna-esino (1 hour 4 min journey, trains every hour)

Recommended departure: 7:20 am arriving at 8:24 am

9 am: Villa Monastero 

Time needed: 1.5 hours

Villa Monastero is one of the most beautiful villas in Lake Como so this should be a must for your one-day trip to Varenna. Starting the day here to beat any crowds is a good idea.

The villa’s architecture includes medieval, Renaissance, and neo-classical elements. The property is full of greenery and flowers including wisteria during April. The views of Lake Como from the villa are stunning.

I’d recommend going inside the house museum too for an extra €3. I would also buy the combo ticket for €22 so you can also visit Villa Cipressi too and save money.

📍 Location: Villa Monastero in Varenna ( Google Maps ) Opening Times: Beginning of April to November. Hours are 930-8 pm Daily (Winter hours are different so check  online here  for exact timings). 🎟️ Entry: Entry is €13 for the garden and house museum. €10 for gardens only. No need to pre-book tickets but if you do,  you can here. 💡Pro-Tip: Visit the Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi Botanical Gardens together and pay only €19 (€22 with House Museum too). To book the combination ticket, you must do so at the villa’s office.

10:45 Villa Cipressi

Time needed: 1 hour

Villa Cipressi is much smaller than Villa Monastero but still worth seeing especially if you’re here during wisteria season . You will be able to see the stunning gate that opens up to the lake covered in gorgeous purple flowers. A magical experience to see. You can check out my Instagram video to see what it looks like.

Today, Villa Cipressi functions as a charming hotel and wedding venue. If you can stay at Villa Cipressi, I’d highly recommend it as it looks like the dream hotel!

📍 Location: Villa Cipressi ( Google Maps ) Opening Times: 8-5 pm Daily 🎟️ Entry: Entry is €10. No need to pre-book tickets for this one! 💡Pro-Tip: Visit the Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi Botanical Gardens together and pay only €19 (€22 with House Museum too). To book the combination ticket, you must do so at the villa’s office.

12:00 pm Lunch at Ristorante Giardino or Victoria Grill

Now it’s time for a lunch break after all the exploring so far. I would try Ristorante Giardino or Victoria Grill. These restaurants are part of the beautiful Hotel Villa Cipressi . You can easily visit after the garden villa tour.

1:45 pm Coffee Break at the Hotel Royal Victoria Varenna

Time Needed: 45 minutes

Another stunning Lake Como Hotel is the Hotel Royal Victoria . If you head to the outdoor terrace, you’ll get to see a small table overlooking the lake. During wisteria season, there will be that lovely purple hue hanging from the tree above. This is such a photogenic spot. If you aren’t staying at the hotel, I’d recommend popping in for a drink or a snack.

2:30 Explore Varenna Town Center

Time Needed: 2.5 hours

You’d likely have passed through the town center on the way to the villas from your morning walk. Now is the time to explore it more deeply. Soaking in the atmosphere and wandering through all the pretty alleyways. No real agenda is needed here!

5 pm Aperitivo at Bar il Molo

Time Needed: 1 hour

Bar il Molo is one of the most picturesque cafes in Lake Como. The cute white tables in front of a flowered archway and the colored houses of Varenna make for a postcard-worthy photo. It would be lovely to visit here during sunset for a drink but since you’re only here for a day, there may not be time. Nevertheless, you can go earlier at 5 pm, and relax with a drink. The food I hear is hit or miss, so I would get a drink and possibly a light snack/ aperitivo when visiting. It is also possible to walk by and take a photo if you’re short on time.

6 pm Dinner at Caffe Varenna

Time Needed: 1.5 -2 hours

Many Lake Como restaurants don’t open until 7 pm so keep that in mind when planning a place for dinner. You’ll want to opt for an earlier dinner since the last train back to Milan is around 9:30 pm.

Caffe Varenna is an excellent choice as it’s located on the waterfront, the food is good, and it will be open before 7 pm.

8:35 pm Train back to Milan

Buy Train Tickets via Omio here : Varenna-esino to Milan Centrale (1 hour 4 min journey, trains every hour – the last one is around 9:30 pm)

Recommended departure: 8:35 pm arriving at 9:40 pm

One Day Como Itinerary from Milan

Train from milan to como.

Note: The first train to Como S. Giovanni is around 5:20 am and the last train is around 10:49 pm. Be sure to check Omio to book trains and check timelines in case it changes.

Buy Train Tickets via Omio here : Milan Centrale to Como S. Giovann or Lago Nord (1 hour journey, trains every 30 minutes)

Recommended departure: 7:09 am arriving at 8:11 am

9 am Boat Ride in Como

Time Needed: 1-2 hours depending on the tour selected

Exploring Como by boat is a must! It is the quintessential experience. You can do this either by private boat tour or for a more affordable option, you can get a shared boat . I opted for the private classic boat tour and it was so amazing! If you can share the cost with a group of friends , it’s totally worth it. Otherwise, it can be a bit pricey and you might try the shared boat option.

11 am Ride the Funicolare Como-Brunate

Time Needed: 2 hours

For the best views in Como , ride the Funicolare Como-Brunate from Como to the charming village of Brunate. It is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Como. The funicular is a fun way to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. After the 7-minute ride, you can explore the small village of Brunate.

12:45 Lunch

Time Needed: 1.5 hours

After much exploring already, you’ll want to break for lunch. Try La Vita è Bella Ristorante  or Riva Café. Or, just walk along the waterfront and find something tasty as there will be plenty to choose from.

2 pm: Villa Olmo

Villa Olmo is the only public villa that is free to visit! It is located about an 18 minute walk from the town center. The villa was built by Ticino architect Simone Cantoni in the 18th century. The villa is surrounded by extensive gardens adding to the allure of the stunning place. Before you reach the palace, you’ll find neatly arranged flowerbeds leading to the lake.

3:30 Explore Como Town & Enjoy Dinner

Time Needed: 5 hours

Now it’s time to explore Como town, full of charming streets, historical landmarks, and picturesque views of Lake Como. Stroll through the lakefront promenade, enjoying the scenic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Next, wander through the narrow alleys lined with quaint shops, cafes, and gelaterias. Don’t miss the Como Cathedral, a Gothic-Renaissance church. To end your day, head to one of the many restaurants for dinner before taking the train back to Milan.

Recommended departure: 9:16 pm arriving at 10:18 pm

Buy Train Tickets via Omio here : Como S. Giovanni to Milan Centrale (1 hour journey, trains every 30 minutes – the last one is around 9:30 pm)

📍 Location: Villa Olmo Como ( Google Maps ) Opening Times: The villa is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 to 6 pm. The public park is open daily. 🎟️ Entry: Entry is FREE.

Visiting Como, Varenna, and Bellagio in One Day

If you get FOMO then you will probably want to see more of what Lake Como has to offer. I mean, you could easily spend a week here as there’s so much to do. It’s definitely possible to visit 3 Lake Como towns on a day trip from Milan, and here’s how!

Firstly, you could do a tour like this one which takes you to Como, Varenna, and Bellagio. It even takes you on a cruise along the lake too.

Alternatively, you can travel around on your own in case you don’t want to do a tour.

Here’s what an itinerary would look like:

6:30 AM: Depart from Milan

• Catch an early train from Milan Central Station to Varenna-Esino Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

8 AM – 11:00 AM: Explore Varenna

• Arrive in Varenna and spend the morning exploring this charming lakeside village. Visit Villa Monastero, walk through its beautiful gardens, and enjoy breakfast at a local cafe.

11:30 AM: Ferry to Bellagio

• Take a ferry from Varenna to Bellagio. The ferry ride offers beautiful views of Lake Como and takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Ferry tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminals or online on the  Navigazione Laghi website .

11:50 AM – 3:00 PM: Discover Bellagio

🏞️ Read my full blog post on  The Best Things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como Italy

• Arrive in Bellagio and explore the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Spend the afternoon wandering through its cobbled streets, visiting the gardens of Villa Melzi, and enjoying lunch at a lakeside restaurant such as the wisteria-covered restaurant at Hotel Florence.

3:30 PM: Ferry to Como

• Take a ferry from Bellagio to Como. The ferry ride takes about 50 minutes.

4:20 PM – 7:30 PM: Explore Como

• Arrive in Como and spend the evening exploring the town. Visit the Como Cathedral, stroll along the lakefront promenade, and shop for local souvenirs. You can also enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in Como.

7:50 PM: Return to Milan

• Catch a train from Como back to Milan. You should plan to arrive in Milan around 9:00 PM.

It will be a packed day, but doable for sure! Alternatively, you can pick 2 towns like Varenna and Bellagio. Or stick to one town as described earlier if you prefer a slower pace.

This was my full guide on visiting Lake Como on a day trip from Milan. Hope you enjoyed reading and I would love to continue the conversation in the comments below!

You may also like these posts! 📝 Lake Como 4 Day Itinerary 🏠 Best Lake Como Towns 🌸 The Best Things to Do in Varenna, Lake Como Italy 🏞️  The Best Things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como Italy 🌳 Most Beautiful Lake Como Villas & Gardens 🚤 Best Lake Como Boat Tours 💡 Northern Italy Itinerary Ideas 🤍  Hidden Gems in Italy 👩  Solo Female Travel Guide to Italy 🇮🇹 For more travel inspo  visit my Italy section

Meet Jackie Rezk, the London-based explorer behind Jou Jou Travels. With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Jackie's travel blog captures the charm of undiscovered places through pretty architecture and bursts of color. Featured in Yahoo News, Tripadvisor, Niche Pursuits, and GetYourGuide, Jackie has been blogging for four years and solo-traveled to over 20 countries. In 2023, she made the leap to full-time blogging, sharing her passion for travel and unique finds with readers worldwide.

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Travel Savvy Gal

Making the most of your time away.

Milan to Lake Como Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in Lake Como, Italy

May 30, 2017 lana @travelsavvygal comments 0 comment.

When I say the word “lake,” what do you imagine? A small, oval-shaped body of water where you could easily row to the other side in a boat? A modest-sized swimming hole for a quick dip as you hike in the woods?

Your imagination has probably conjured up something relatively tiny, but the lakes of northern Italy – including Lake Como – are anything but.

Instead of your typical circular or oval body of water, Lake Como, Italy is like an upside-down letter Y or wishbone shape, and extends north to south nearly 30 miles/50 kilometers!

This was one of the first of many things that made a deep impression on me when I visited, as one of my first Milan day trips.

Even if you can’t find Lake Como on a map of Italy, you’re likely to know a few things about it.

Like the fact that George Clooney lives there. Or that it is a posh weekend and summer destination for residents of Milan, since getting from Milan to Lake Como is so easy.

This means that in addition to being curious and making several trips on my own, Lake Como was also a popular destination for guests visiting me when I lived in Milan, and I’ve been there many times across several years. It’s one of the easiest and best day trips from Milan. And one day in Como is plenty of time to take in the highlights.

One of the easiest spots to land, and with plenty to see, is the town of Como, Italy at one of the southern tips of this wishbone-shaped lake. With great options for what to do in Lake Como for a day.

The lake itself is huge, which you’ll discover standing on its shores and staring out toward the horizon where the lake continues even past where you can see.

You could easily spend a week exploring its shores, but for most visitors, you’ll probably explore Lake Como in one day.’

Getting from Milan to Lake Como

There are a lot of transportation options for a Milan to Lake Como day trip.

I most often drove to get there, but that was only because I was already living in Milan with a car!

To experience Lake Como in a day, I’ve listed a few driving options, although for most visitors the easiest way to visit will be by train, which is also included below.

From Malpensa Airport (MXP) by Car

Most of my visitors when I lived in Milan, Italy were from the US.

Como is a convenient spot to visit straight from the main international airport, known as Malpensa or code MXP, since it is already partway from the city to Lake Como.

So to fight off jet lag and see something spectacular, one day in Lake Como is a great way to start a trip, especially for flights that land early in the morning.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! On your first day in a new location, spend a lot of time outside and walking, to help adjust to the new time zone.

However, taxi fares from Malpensa are set prices and quite expensive (around € 100!) so unless you are already planning to rent a car at the airport or have a friend picking you up by car, I recommend taking the Malpensa Express train for a much more affordable price into the city.

Then you can either drive or take the train from the city another day for a Lake Como day trip.

From Milan by Car

If you’re planning to rent a car in the city to head somewhere else – like the overnight I did once to go hiking in Lugano, Switzerland – then driving to Lake Como for one day is a great idea.

It is a pretty straightforward path on the highway, and then there are plenty of parking garages when you enter town.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Once you are getting close to the town of Como, follow the signs that say Como with a picture of a bulls-eye. The bulls-eye indicates that you are headed to the centro , or center of town. TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Signage is equally good for locating a parking garage. Look for signs with a blue square with a white letter P inside for parcheggio , or parking. Usually each lot will indicate how many free spaces are available.

Also check out these tips for taking a road trip in Europe for some other helpful information for your journey by car.

If you do not already have plans for a car rental, it is so easy to arrive by train that even owning a car, that is how I traveled to Como for a day during many trips.

Milan to Lake Como Day Trip by Train

There are 3 main train stations in Milan – Cadorna, Centrale, and Garibaldi.

If you plan to do any day trips from Milan, I recommend staying close to one of them, and I find the neighborhoods by Cadorna and Centrale stations to be the nicest.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you are arriving on an international flight to Malpensa Airport, Cadorna and Centrale are also the main stations where you can arrive by the Malpensa Express train. TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Before boarding any train in Italy, be sure to VALIDATE YOUR TICKET before you board, otherwise you could be subject to a fine. Usually on the train platform will be a brightly colored box with a slot in the top for you to insert your ticket. You can find more Italy travel tips HERE .

For a Milan to Lake Como day trip, Milano Centrale , Milan’s Central Station, is the easiest itinerary. Usually there are several direct trains an hour that will get you to the Como San Giovanni train station at Lake Como in 35-45 minutes. You can check the schedule and prices on the TrenItalia website .

A one-way train ticket from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni station will typically cost around €5 for the regional train and €12 for the Eurocity train.

Looking for a hotel close to Milan’s Central Station? Within a 10-minute walk is the exceptional Milano Dreams Hotel . Even closer is highly-rated 43 Station Hotel . For a pricier and very comfortable stay also very close by, I’ve enjoyed the Hilton Milan . Click to check out reviews and compare prices for hotels close to the Milan Central Station .

For a Milan to Lake Como day trip, if you’re staying on the other side of the city closer to the Milano Cadorna Station , it will likely be easier to get a direct train there (and just as fast as a longer transit to Centrale and then the shorter train ride from there) .

Usually there is one direct train an hour that will get you to the Como Nord Lago train station right at Lake Como in around 1 hour, so check your train options in advance. You can check the schedule and prices on the Trenord website .

A one-way train ticket from Milano Cadorna to Como Nord Lago station will typically cost around €5.

Looking for a hotel close to Milan’s Cadorna Train Station? Within a 7-minute walk are the outstanding Atellani Apartments . Slightly further is the La Cordata Accommodation . For a very centrally located and more upscale hotel, check out UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano . Click to check out reviews and compare prices for hotels close to the Milan Cadorna Station .

Given the locations of the train stations in both Milan and Como, either train option above is a great, cheap, and quick way to spend the day in Lake Como.

Regardless of which train station you use for your day trip to Como, be sure to keep some key tips in mind:

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Be sure to book a direct train. In the “Duration” column, it will have a single number showing the time and no changes indicated. TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! The train station has plenty of machines for you to buy tickets, if you don’t want to commit to a specific train time in advance. There are several languages available, including English. TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you purchase using a machine, not every machine will accept credit cards if yours does not have a pin. Have a debit card with a pin available as well for your train ticket purchase, if your credit card does not have a pin number.

Doing a Como Tour

If you’d rather avoid dealing with transportation logistics on your own, there are plenty of Como Day Trip tours you can arrange.

There are a few great Lake Como Day Trip options: Day Trip to Lake Como and Bellagio , or Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip with Boat Cruise , or Day Trip to Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna For a very different view of the lake, check out this Helicopter Ride for an Aerial View of Lake Como . There is also this Central Lake Como tour cruises to 3 towns including Bellagio and includes a visit to the gardens at Villa Carlotta .

What to Do in Lake Como for a Day

Here are the main Lake Como 1-day itinerary for your Milan to Lake Como day trip:

Whether you’re arriving by car or train, your drop-off point or parking spot will likely be quite close to the shore of Lake Como. And walking up to the edge of the lake is always the first thing I want to do when I get there!

There are beautiful views along the shore in both directions, and a lovely pathway for a stroll.

During warm weather months, from about April to October, there are leisure boats lined up along the dock close to the Como Nord (northern) train station in Como.

With a high number of tourists, boats leave quite frequently and very affordable at around 5 Euros per person.

When you arrive at the dock, just ask how soon the next boat is leaving. It is about a 30-minute trip up and back along the adjacent section of lake, and the better boats will point out sites of interest along the way, including spots where famous movies were filmed.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Doing a basic boat tour is different from taking the fast or slow ferry to other towns on the lake, so if you want to just do a boat tour, this is just along the shore, not at the official ticket counter (see ‘ Off the Beaten Path ‘ below for more details on ferries to other towns).

READ MORE: Top Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Italy

The main Cathedral of Como, or Duomo , is located right in the center of town and is a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

It is free to enter and a must-visit spot while you’re visiting. Spend as little or as much time as you like.

Porta Torre and Old City Walls

Arriving at Porta Torre , the medieval town entrance dating back nearly 1,000 years, involves walking through winding cobblestone streets away from the lake front.

Not only will you get a glimpse of the oldest parts of Como along the way, you’ll also get a great sense of this town’s lengthy history and long-standing structures.

Oldest House in Como

Speaking of old structures, be sure to stroll by what is supposedly the oldest house in Como, located above a shop at Via Natta, 1. You’ll definitely know it when you see it.

Como Silk Museum

Did you know that an overwhelming percentage of Europe’s silk production comes from Lake Como?

Ever since a Duke around the year 1400 decided to start growing mulberry trees and importing silkworms from Asia, Como has been a hub of silk production, which continues today.

This museum, located a bit beyond the Porta Torre (see above), chronicles silk’s history in the area and the various stages of production.

I’m not always a huge shopper, but there are lots of wonderful things to get in town. There are your typical clothing chains, but also cute kitchen stores, shops with local food products, and jewelry makers. And of course, plenty of Como silk!

Off the Beaten Path on a Milan to Lake Como Day Trip

Como-brunate funicular.

Lake Como is surrounded by hills and mountains, and while it’s definitely possible to hike up the steep incline on foot, most people opt for the funicular, which is like a steep tram.

There are some shops, sights, and restaurants up top, but most people make the trip for the lovely view of Lake Como.

There is a great viewing spot about a 20-minute relatively flat walk to the left when you exit at the Brunate station.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! The funicular runs quite frequently, but it’s always a good idea to look at (or even take a picture) or the return schedule to time your return trip to Como. TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! The front of the lower section of the funicular is a giant window, and that’s where you’ll get the best views as you ascend and descend. Arrive early to be first in line to snag this spot!

There are many villas along Lake Como, one more beautiful than the next, and many with extensive landscaped gardens to behold.

The closest one to the town of Como is Villa Olmo, about a 20-minute walk from the center along the west side of the lakeshore (if you’re facing the lake, to the left). The outdoor areas are impressive with beautiful lake views, and the interior is a free museum open daily except Monday.

There are many other towns along the lake, and it’s definitely doable to visit and explore one or more others during a single day, depending on how you want to spend your time.

The link above shows the schedule and fares for various destinations along the lake, or you can find it HERE . To purchase a ticket, arrive at the ticket booth on Lake Como around 20 minutes in advance of your departure.

The town of Bellagio is one of the most popular other towns for visiting, although be aware that it is approximately a 2-hour boat ride with the slow ferry and around 45-minutes one-way if you pay the surcharge for the fast ferry. And it will cost around € 10-15 each direction.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you just want to get out on the water a bit and not necessarily see another town, the faster and more economical way is a tourist boat tour, see ‘ Around Town ‘ section above. TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If Bellagio is the main town you’d like to visit on Lake Como, it is faster and cheaper to take a train from Milan to the town of Varenna, and then take a ferry across from there, skipping the town of Como entirely.

Looking to stay overnight in Como? Check out centrally located, affordable B&B La Rondine or B&B Volta . Or for a posh hotel stay with views of Lake Como, Hotel Quarcino . Click to check out reviews and compare prices for hotels in Como .

Where to Eat with One Day in Lake Como

Ristorante la cucina di elsa.

This family-run restaurant is close to the waterfront, but just far enough away that it is mostly locals who you’ll find as your dining companions. Apparently there is another branch just across the border in Lugano, Switzerland, but I’ve only been to the Como one.

‘Elsa’s Kitchen’ has typical Italian dishes with a lot of fresh seafood, with dishes that are a bit elevated from down-home cooking, so worth lingering over every perfect bite.

Locanda Barbarossa

Set inside a vast stone building, the ambiance is wonderful along with the food.

Pizza is the most popular, and comes in dozens of varieties including several white pizzas, although the northern Italian risotto and meat specialties are equally delicious if you’re not in the mood for pizza.

Either way, it’s a great spot for a lingering lunch.

Gelateria Lariana

No Italian outing would be complete without gelato .

This gelateria is along the waterfront, but somehow seems to be frequented mostly by locals – it was actually a tip from a local that led me here in the first place. 

There are a few spots to sit outside with your gelato , so grab your favorite flavors, and enjoy it along with the view.

READ MORE: Best Spots for Gelato in Italy

It won’t even take a single day here to begin to understand why Lake Como is an ideal location for a summer getaway, and how it has become the ‘it’ destination for so many.

I’ve visited lots of lakes across northern Italy, and with the dramatic cliffs and mountains right up to the water’s edge, Lake Como is still my favorite.

READ MORE: Top Aperitivo Spots in Milan READ MORE: 10 Ways to Experience Italy Like a Local

Looking for other Day Trips from Milan? Check out some of my favorites!

Dramatic views from the elevated city of Bergamo Enjoying adorable Cremona , home of the Stradivarius violin And while it would be a long day (and I recommend more time in each) it’s also possible to do a Day Trip from Milan to Florence , Venice , and Verona .

Have you been to Como? Any recommended spots that didn’t make my list? And do you have any other questions about how to spend your time on Lake Como? Let me know in the ‘Comments’!

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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 .
• At our second stop, 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
• 50 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.

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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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A guide to Lake Como's highlights — villas, promenades and aperitivo spots not to miss

The western branch of this northern Italian lake is its highlight, home to romantic villas and revamped waterfront promenades in pretty Como city.

Lake Como conveys notions of easy elegance and the Italian art of slow living, and has come to stand for something bigger than it is. Officially called Lario, Italy ’s third-biggest lake has been drawing visitors since the 18th century, when it was a popular stop for European nobles on their grand tours. More recently, it stepped into the spotlight as the backdrop for films including Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale . But the lake’s prestige dates to Roman times, when Julius Ceasar drained a swamp at its southwestern end, strategically located near Alpine passes, and funded the creation of a city known as Novum Comum.

It laid the foundation for Como, the main hub to this day and the reason why the lake is commonly known as Como. This spring is the best time to visit the city in over a decade, as sections of its waterfront sidewalks, which had been cordoned off for expansion since 2008, are once again open to walkers. The centre is dominated by the azure dome of the Duomo di Como , one of the last gothic cathedrals built in the country. Behind it is Teatro Sociale , and to one side is the shopping street of Via Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s a good place to pick up a souvenir: mulberry trees were planted on Lake Como’s hills in the 15th century, and boutiques like A Picci sell handkerchiefs and scarves using their silk.

Next to the shop, Via Lambertenghi leads to Via Alessandro Volta , named after the physicist credited as the inventor of the electric battery. The townhouse where he was born in 1745 is marked with a plaque, and around it are some of the most coveted addresses of the time. This is not least thanks to their giardini pensili — gardens built on the Roman walls that once guarded the city centre.

Equally evocative is Passeggiata Lino Gelpi , between the lake and shorefront private gardens. The path’s name pays tribute to the 19th-century mayor who reclaimed a strip of land from villa owners to pave Como’s most scenic public footpaths. It’s a front-row spot from which to watch the lake’s seaplanes land, and it’s especially lovely in spring, when wisteria blooms along the banks.

Continue walking along the waterside road for half an hour to Cernobbio , one of the lake’s most popular resorts. Local Comaschi come to eat at Harry’s Bar , in a piazza by the shore; it serves whitefish from the lake, but the pick is the sole meuniere, floured and pan fried to crispy perfection. Alternatively, taxis wind up the hillside to Il Gatto Nero . It serves specialities from the surrounding region, such as ravioli with ossobuco and saffron, and has become popular among visiting celebrities thanks to its view of the lake.

For a different perspective, take to the water. Ferries link Como to the Alto Lago (‘High Lake’), its northernmost shore. But, if budget allows, the transport mode of choice are Riva runabouts . High-end hotels offer private rides on these mahogany speedboats as part of their activity programmes. Otherwise, companies like Como Classic Boats pick visitors up from almost any hamlet with a dock.

Among the most prettiest is Torno , on the western shore, with red-tiled roofs and a waterfront bell tower. It’s opposite Passalaqua ; built in the 18th century for a scion of local nobility, this villa was crowned the world’s top hotel by The World’s 50 Best in 2023, a year after opening. A glimpse is all you’ll get, as only guests are allowed in, but as an alternative visit Villa d’Este , the lake’s historic grand dame hotel. Further down the shores, highlights include Villa Carlotta and neoclassical Villa del Balbianello , which juts out on a promontory in Ossuccio.

A former fishing community, Ossuccio is also a gateway to Isola Comacina and UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Ossuccio , 14 chapels leading to a hillside sanctuary. From its waterfront, the view is a snapshot of what makes Lake Como so alluring: the unassuming hamlets next to larger-than-life villas, and the green, wooded hills sloping down to the deep-blue water. In the distance, always in view, are the Alps. From the Roman Empire to modern-day Hollywood, it’s a scene that’s charmed through the ages.

3 highlights not to miss in Lake Como

1. Teatro Sociale Como’s 19th-century theatre has always had a special affinity with the opera. This summer, it’ll join other venues across the country in marking 100 years since the death of Giacomo Puccini with an open-air production of Turandot, the composer’s final masterpiece.

2. Villa Carlotta The 20-acre botanical garden of Villa Carlotta is a much-loved retreat on the lake. There are monumental trees, a citrus tunnel and a path among the ferns, but it’s most famous for its azaleas, which bloom into full cushions of red, white and pink for a few weeks each May.

3. Isola Comacina The lake’s only island is mostly uninhabited, but its trails lead past olives, lindens and laurels, as well as houses for short-term artists in residence. Every June, the popular San Giovanni Festival reenacts a fire that devastated the island in the 12th century with a red-tinted firework display.

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3 replies to this topic

I agree with Jan. Your itinerary is much to much.

With such a short time I would choose only one destination. Maybe:

1 night Milan

2 nights Lake Como (best area is Varenna )

1 night Ravenna

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I’ll plan accordingly.

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Lake Como Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where should I stay in the Lake Como area? Which town would be the best place for me?
• How do I get from Malpensa airport to [any Lake Como town] via public transit?
• Is it worth visiting Lake Como in the off-season/winter? Is anything open?

I Vacationed At Lake Como Like Taylor Swift For A Week On A Budget — Here’s How You Can Too

Posted: May 28, 2024 | Last updated: May 28, 2024

How To Get Cheap Flights To Lake Como

Lake Como is about an hour North of Milan, so it can be bit tricky to plan out how to get there. You're going to want to fly into Milan, BUT I wouldn't recommend flying directly into Milan from the states. In my experience, it was far too expensive to fly into either Milan airports from the US, and it was MUCH cheaper to fly into Paris (either CDG or ORY) and take an Easyjet into Milan.

For my first flight, I took Norse airlines to the City of Light, and while you do have to pay for bags and food, it's MUCH cheaper than any other airline. I only paid $500 roundtrip for my ticket from LAX to CDG, so I would highly recommend it. Frenchbee is also a great airline that I've used and loved. It's a bit more cost-wise, but it also has meals included which is nice!

Next, you can either decided to linger in Paris for a couple days, or go directly onto an Easyjet flight into Milan — which literally costs around $50. It's incredibly cheap (especially if you book in advance), and the flight is only a little over an hour from Paris. I've flown Easy jet probably over 10 times in the last couple years, and it's super reliable and easy. It's faster than the trains, and sometimes it's honestly even cheaper, so that's why I use it anytime I've trying to get around Europe. The only thing to be aware of? Delays ! Their flights often have delays, so just prepare for that in advance, and don't book flights too closely after them.

Booking Rental Cars To Lake Como

Now that you've made it into Milan, you need to work your way up to Como. You can do this via train or Uber (I prefer the EU company Bolt if you're doing this, because it's much cheaper) or rental car. I did a rental car because in Italy insurance is included in your rental car so it's *incredibly* cheap.

I rented a car (literally the most basic and cheap one available) for eight days, and it was a whopping $7 a day with insurance included...I'm not joking. So my rental car total for over a week with all the fees was $120. To me, it was worth it to be able to get all around the lake freely and not have to rely solely on ferries! I rented with Hertz , but I'd also recommend Sixt if you're looking for another option!

Don't rent from smaller, local places like Europecar or anything with bad reviews — nine times out of 10, they're totally tourist scams. Reputable places like Hertz or Sixt are reliable, with international ties and a proven track record, so they're definitely the better move. Also make sure to look on their sites for deals because they often do summer deals with discounts! When I check the Hertz website, I ended up using for 30% off my trip! Yay!

Budget Lodging In Lake Como

I almost always like to break up my international stays into two: one half in Airbnbs and the other half at nicer hotels . I do this because I save so much money on cheap flights so that I can spoil myself a bit with lodging. If you're looking to skip out on the hotel splurge, I'd still recommend splitting your trip into two, but doing it between different Airbnbs. A lot of places in and around Lake Como won't have all the cleaning fees we're used to in the states, so it's really affordable. For the first half of the trip, I would recommend staying more North of the Lake, so then you can cover more cities around the water. For the second half, you should stay more south, closer to Como City itself.

Once your lodging is settled and you've landed in Italy, you'll want to drive straight from Milan to your Airbnb. I would recommend staying in Lenno. This city is the prime location for anything and everything you could need. If you don't have a car, make sure you're walking distance to a ferry stop because that's how you're going to get around. TBH, even with a car, I still ended up taking the ferry most days to get across the lake. This is also the perfect location for any Star Wars fans because it's right next to the famous prequel villa: Villa Balbianello. This attraction is honestly a MUST, but make sure to buy your tickets in advance.

From the Lenno ferry stop, you can easily access all the major cities in the area. I recommend going to Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna, and Tremezzo via ferry. Tremezzo, full of many fabulous tourist sites — including THE Grand Hotel Tremezzo (which is also a must) — is extremely expensive to stay in. Taylor Swift stayed near here, and I just happened to drive by her villa while she was on her own Italian holiday! Luckily, by staying in Lenno, I had plenty of proximity to the luxe destination without the pop star-level price tag!

Stay here (Lenno) for a couple days (by the lake, if you can) and just wander around to the local spots. Most of the restaurants here have incredibly affordable food and drinks. I found my daily coffee for two euros at most places, and lots of meals were under 10! It was one of my favorite cities I've ever stayed in! The above picture is an Airbnb I stayed at in Lenno for around $180/night, and it was right on the water!

After a couple days here, you're going to want to head more south! I stayed at a nice hotel in Cernobbio — an absolutely charming city — but you can stay in an Airbnb anywhere near here! I would recommend either Cernobbio, Laglio, Moltrasio, or even Como City if you're wanting more city-level action! I loved Cernobbio because it was a much quieter town which can be so nice after a lot of the busy tourism on the north side of the lake.

Lake Como Hotels On A Budget

I'm a big hotel-lover, so I'll always want to splurge and check out the hotels in the area! But if you don't want to the per-night price tag, then a hot tip I have is to check out the hotel bars for drinks! The hotels here are literally like castles, so I would definitely check them out. That way, if you're a hotel obsessor like me, then you can still get to experience the luxury of the lakeside hotels without the massive price point.

Some ones that I loved on the lake are:

• Villa d'Este, Passalacqua (you need a reservation here)
• Hotel Grand Serbelloni
• Hotel Grand Tremezzo
• The Mandarin Oriental

These are all stunning with incredible views! Another hotel I visited that had great food and views (but was under $400 a night) was Hotel Villa Relais Vittoria , so I would definitely check that out if you want the five star experience without the five star price!

Affordable Food In Lake Como

My biggest tip when it comes to cheap, yummy food in Lake Como? Find quiet towns because that is where the more affordable food is! Places like Bellagio and Tremezzo are heavy on tourism, so the food will be much more expensive than other areas. However, quieter towns like Lenno or Cernobbio will have more affordable food without skimping on the flavor! Be sure to fill up at cafes there and head into the bigger towns for a lighter meal! The above picture is a truffle pasta I had in Cernobbio at a quaint little spot. It was only $14, but it was easily one of the best pastas I had on the entire trip!

Final Tips For Visiting Lake Como On A Budget:

Being on a lake is incredibly stunning, but one of the downsides is that weather can be very unpredictable! Rain is always an option so bring an umbrella because it could be sunny one moment and completely storming the next! Just be prepared because the weather app is normally never right!

The ferry is the cheapest and easiest way to get across the lake, but make sure to buy your tickets in advance as best as you can. Often times, the lines are very very long, and sometimes you can't even get them! So, just be mindful, and try to prepare ahead when you can.

Seasonality

The highest (and most expensive) times of year to visit Como are June-September, so if you can go anytime before or after that, I would definitely try. I went at the end of May, which was just as the summer season began. It was still pretty crowded, so I can't even imagine what it's like in the warmer months of June and July. Plus, the rates for stay and lodging almost double so if you want to do it more affordably, I would go either May or September/October!

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Women Who Travel Podcast: An Italian Hotelier Living La Dolce Vita on Lake Como

By CNT Editors

You can listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify each week. Follow this link if you're listening on Apple News .

What is it like growing up in one of the most storied and iconic hotels in Italy ? Ask Valentina de Santis, who was raised in the kitchens and ballrooms of Lake Como's Grand Hotel Tremezzo and now runs the charismatic Passalacqua along with her parents nearby. Lale chats with the hotelier to hear stories of life on Lake Como , get tips on traveling in both summer and the off-season , and what it really means to live La Dolce Vita.

Lale Arikoglu: Hi there, I'm Lale Arikoglu and this is an unashamedly escapist episode. Our picture book setting is Lake Como in Italy, and my guest is a third generation hotelier Valentina De Santis. She operates two glamorous historic properties, each with spectacular views of the lake.

Valentina De Santis: You have the lake in front of you, maybe it's morning, and you have the sun that is sparkling on the surface of the lake. Because you really see the surface of the lake with two million diamonds on it because the sun is reflecting its light. And this creates this incredibly magical atmosphere.

LA: Valentina's grandfather bought the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in the 1970s and restored it to its former glory. It was built in 1910 and hosted popes and Italian aristocrats. In the Arnufo style, the hotel had soaring ceilings and two elevators.

VDS: The story behind the hotel is very beautiful because it was built by a couple that was from Bellagio. So just in front of Tremezzo. They were super big travelers. They loved to travel, so once they got married... The husband was coming from a family of hoteliers while the wife was coming from a family of artists. And they started to travel all over Europe and they did what is now the iconic grand tour of Europe. So they visited all the European capitals. So they did this very, very long trip.

And when they came back on their beloved lake, they just had this dream that was to build a grand hotel that was similar in terms of elegance, charm, character and personality to the ones that they were so lucky to experience during their grand tour. And here comes the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. So they chose that piece of land which belonged to the botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta next door. So very lush, very verdant, very rich.

LA: It sort of feels like a book or another time. I don't know, romantic place.

VDS: Yeah, it's really romantic. You really found the perfect adjective that sums it all. The hotel... Many times it has been compared from the outside only to the Grand Budapest Hotel.

LA: Valentina's parents tracked down a diary from the early days of the hotel.

VDS: So incredible to see the kind of life that was happening at the hotel at the time. And to read the names of the guests that were living the hotel, staying at the hotel. There were stars, actors, aristocrats, noble families. And Greta Garbo, of course, is one of the names that sticks. So incredible, especially to our heart because she was a big, big lover of Tremezzo.

LA: Grand Hotel Tremezzo actually stayed open during both World Wars, and it's featured in the 1932 film, The Grand Hotel starring Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford.

VDS: The movie, the movie is very... It's very intriguing. So it all takes place in a grand hotel. And there is of course, someone that dies and a lot of very, very shocking moments. And at the very end, she leaves the hotel and she jumps on a car and she says, "I want to leave. I want to go to Tremezzo. Only in Tremezzo I will be happy and I'm sure it'll be sunny, so let's go to Tremezzo." And so this really became the most iconic movie moment ever for us. And it's really becoming what I think every guest should feel like coming to stay with us. It'll always be sunny in Tremezzo always.

LA: I mean, it's just the celebrity and the glamour. And there's this sense of past and present, all mashed up in this hotel. What do you think it is that has given it its longevity and its grandness?

VDS: It has such an important past. You can really breathe the past. You can really envision all these very glamorous guests, very elegant, very chic coming down the main staircase. Because once every couple of days there was a big party, there was a ball in the ballroom, there was the orchestra playing the music. They were doing tennis classes, skating classes, boat tours all together around the lake with many, many boats all together. So you enter those doors and you feel it. You still feel that vibrant life glittering and full of elegance, which I think is not so common to find nowadays.

LA: As a child. Valentina pretty much had the place as her fairy tale playground.

VDS: When I tell my story, I compare myself to Eloise at The Plaza . I don't think it was exactly the same. But yeah, I was a very, very lucky girl. My grandfather bought the Grand Hotel Tremezzo back in the seventies. So I mean, since I was born it was part of my life and I was spending the whole summers of my childhood in Tremezzo, not living in the hotel. We always had a house on property. And Italian school holidays are quite long. And what I really loved about Grand Hotel Tremezzo was not spending time with the guests. So many people envision themselves chatting with the guest. I didn't know how to speak English well.

By Steph Koyfman

By Kaila Yu

By Jahnavi Bhatt

By Matt Ortile

But my big passion was spending a lot of time in the back office. So my favorite places were the kitchens where the chef was treating me with something to try every day and the wine cellar. So I love to put the wines in the right place and-

LA: Very Italian as a child surfing through the wine cellar.

VDS: Of course. I loved it. And then of course, I love to spend time in the back office of the reception area. So of course, there were not so many computers, there were writing machines. So I was writing all the time on a piece of paper and I really felt that I was very useful, that I was giving my contribution to the hotel even when I was six or seven years old. I was the only one to think so. But that was my point of view.

LA: It sounds like you're in the back office, in the kitchen, most of the time, but what was your favorite room to run around in or hide in? I imagine hide and seek must have been fantastic.

VDS: I mean, yes, there was once a year there was a dinner that my family was hosting that was part of a gastronomic event on Lake Como and I had the possibility to invite one of my friends for dinner. And once I had the opportunity to sleep in Suite Greta. So the biggest suite of the hotel, which is the one only room that has always been the suite with a huge terrace. And that was really-

LA: It's like the ultimate sleepover.

VDS: Yeah, the ultimate pajama party. Something that I will never forget. The emotion, I mean the feeling of saying, "Oh my God, I'm sleeping in this huge suite and I'm the little princess of the castle."

LA: After the break, Valentina on her family's 18th century property, Villa Passalacqua, which opened in June 2022. You might have caught it on Conde Nast Travelers Hot list. And since then it's established itself as one of the most coveted hotel stays in a very short time. Passalacqua only opened in June 2022. What was your vision for that hotel?

VDS: The same thing that I... And, I think what happened to the founders of Grand Hotel Tremezzo happened to me and my parents when we first crossed the gates of what was called at the time, Villa Lucini Passalacqua. We really had a dream, we had a vision, and we are a small family of three people, but our souls started to vibrate with excitement.

LA: The Grand Hotel is purpose-built, but Passalacqua was the private home of an Italian count.

VDS: Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua was a very, very wealthy businessman, very much into literature, arts, and with a huge culture. And the queen gave him the title of count. And so when he received such an important title, he really felt the responsibility. So he decided to create something special. So he sold the villa that he had, which was much more family size. And there he built Passalacqua that already in his mind was not only a place for what we call Villa Altura. So for the holidays, for spending the summer time enjoying life, but it was also a place for hosting.

Passalacqua has a very long list of illustrious guests, among which you have Napoleon, Churchill, Bellini, who is the opera composer, who lived there for three years. So the idea of the count was to make them meet each other, to spend time with this family in a very special place where you could really enjoy the little pleasures of life. As I said, it was the home of Bellini. So in what is now our suite, Bellini, which is the music room, which is a two-story room with this six-meter tall chandelier. That was really where he was composing his operas. And there is a beautiful piano and we always... When we have special guests arriving, we always play the piano when they check in.

LA: I had to know, what does it actually take to furnish so many spacious 18th century rooms?

VDS: We desperately wanted to buy it. We managed to buy it thinking, "Okay, let's build the hotel." And then after one month, I think we forgot that it was going to be a hotel and we really treated it as if it was our own home.

So every choice... And also something very specifically about the design is that during the whole process, we didn't have any clue of how the final result was going to be because the whole design process was a layering of choices. So we were starting from what we had in every room. I don't know. We had a floor and a beautiful ceiling with frescoes with very, very beautiful and antique frescoes. And so from there... Which is the colors of the walls. And then my parents were going to antique auctions and antique exhibitions, they were collecting huge collections of antiques.

And so we were starting to place one piece of furniture and then okay, from there we choose the sofa and we choose the fabric of the sofa. And then we should choose the pillows and then we choose all the objects around. And so it was really a layering of choices without having really any clue of how each room was looking at the end of this process.

LA: Kind of letting one discovery or purchase or antique kind of lead you onto the next thing that you were going to bring into the space.

VDS: Yes. So it was really like sometimes we really felt, "Oh, here we need something." And then we were looking for something. But many other times, I mean we found something that we loved, we bought it, and then we decided where to put it.

LA: Describe for me walking into the lobby, like the first impression.

VDS: I mean, we don't have a lobby first of all.

LA: Well great. Then walking through the door.

VDS: You walk into the main door and the first thing that you have to envision is this huge door like four meters tall that is made of brass, but it's all handmade with little angels and plants and flowers. And probably it weighs like 2 million kilos and it's been there for 250 plus years and it's really incredible.

So first envision these doors that open to you. And you enter into a beautiful staircase and in front of you, there are incredible chandeliers that we have custom made for the villa in a very beautiful purple color that is in strong contrast with the yellow of the walls. So you have all these lights in front of you and the story, the history, and the colors, and this is the sense of arrival.

LA: I feel like villa means so many different things depending where you are. But in Como it's a very specific type of building. Does it have grounds?

VDS: Yeah. So when you think about a villa, you think about something historical. So a beautiful and very impressive facade. So with a very elegant presence, first of all. Second, super important to me are the grounds.

LA: I know those grounds often have fountains. Could you describe what it's like to walk through there and hear them?

VDS: Yeah, the sound of the fountains was one of the ingredients that I think really catched our hearts that day when we first crossed the gates of Passalacqua. Can you imagine being there surrounded by nature, beautiful century old trees. And then on top of that, you hear constantly, every moment of the day, the sound of so many fountains are all around you in every corner of the gardens. This is something that gives in your heart a sense of peace. So relaxing, so calming, it gives you a sense of nature. It gives you a sense of history as well, because fountains are historical. They're not something that you can really find everywhere now. And so this is a very, very special feeling, let me say. I don't know if I managed to describe it well.

LA: No, you actually really transported me there. Unfortunately, I'm on the 25th floor of the World Trade Center right now, but in my mind I'm walking through those fountains.

VDS: Passalacqua was not only a beautiful villa, but also had the possibility to have everything that a hotel that... I mean the kind of hotel that we have in mind can have. So huge grounds, a lot of spaces, huge suites, huge rooms, the space to have a pool, this incredible underground tunnels where now we're building our spa, which are totally unique.

LA: Coming up, we zoom out and take a wider look at Lake Como about an hour from Milan and close to the Swiss border and ask Valentina how to enjoy it. Is it for everyone? And does it get mobbed in the summer? And we get to the bottom of what it really means to live la dolce vita.

I want to zoom out a little bit from the hotels and talk about Lake Como more generally. It is such a popular destination. I've been there before. I think about it often. It is, I think for Europeans and Americans and people from other places in the world, it is one of the top kind of places to summer. What's the attraction of it and who is going there? What is Como in the summer other than George Clooney on his boat?

VDS: Como in the summer is... I mean, Como, anytime of the year is a combination of factors that make it unique. It's a lake of course, but as a lake is a very specific and special one because it has glacier origins. So it was created basically by ice eroding the mountains. It's a lake that looks almost like a fjord with a very, very tall and steep mountains falling straight into the water, but then greeneries. So it's very green. So when you envision a fjord is not so hospitable, no? While the lake is surrounded by mountains that are full of trees, full of flowers as well. The shores where Tremezzo is located are called Azaleas Riviera. So it's full of Azaleas everywhere. So this is the time of the year, April where the blooming of these pink flowers everywhere.

LA: What's it like, one of the best ways to see Comos from the water, really? What's it like to go out on the boats?

VDS: Absolutely. You must. I mean, being on the boat is something that is always my first suggestion. So you say, "Okay, I want a very big insider suggestion." And then I say, "Take a boat."

LA: People are like, "Really? That's what you got?"

VDS: It doesn't sound so original, but honestly, it's the best suggestion I can give to anyone. There are many different ways to enjoy a boat tour on the lake. It can be with your private captain on a vintage wooden boat, very cool with a glass of champagne in your hand. Or it can be on a public boat, which I think it's not less extraordinary surrounded by locals that sails very, very slowly. I mean, any kind of way you choose to explore. You can even take your little boat and drive it yourself, but it'll give you a completely different perspective. You put yourself in the center of everything, so on the water... So this is the reason why being on a boat is so special. You can see things that you will never, never see from the shore.

LA: As summer becomes hotter across much of Europe. The milder climate on the shores of Lake Como is ever more attractive.

VDS: I mean, there are maybe some places the main towns, especially during the weekend, yes, if you find yourself in one of the main touristic towns in the middle of July on a Sunday afternoon, the crowds of tourists that are maybe the daily visitors. So they really don't get into the heart of Como because it's not so easy to access. Under one point of view, yes, it's very easy to get to Lake Como. I mean, you take a train, you take a car from Milan and then you're there. But then getting into the heart of it and into the real place to be, it's not that easy. So it's not inaccessible, but it's not so immediate.

LA: It's not kind of how... When we talk about Venice, people in Venice don't want the tourists there, or at least that's the kind of narratives I read. But it seems like in Como it's a little bit different.

VDS: It's totally different first because as a local, for example, I don't feel the tourists. I don't. Also, because things that maybe the tourists do more often are not what-

LA: You're not doing it.

VDS: Or not. So it's different than Venice where really tourists are everywhere. There are actually a lot of visitors, the numbers that are speaking very openly about that, but also the geography of the lake is very special. It's like a y upside down and it's very spread. So there are 200 kilometers of shores. So the tour is quite spread out and you cannot really feel in an overcrowded place.

LA: At Condé Nast Traveler, we recently did a really fun collection of stories, which is all about Italy in the off season. What's Como like in the off season? How can you make the most of it?

VDS: I think it's beautiful. I mean, living there for me, the off season is maybe one of the most fascinating moments of the year. So let's speak about winter because the season of Lake Como is much longer than the season of many other destinations like seaside destinations. It takes spring, summer and autumn. So three seasons out of four are part of the season, let me say, of the good season. Low season is mostly winter, and winter is really when the lake expresses the most in terms of fascination and charm.

And so you start to have those days with a little bit of mist just on the water and the light with the sun that is not so high in the sky creates a very, very specific atmosphere. So if you're looking for this kind of very romantic, maybe a little bit nostalgic as well. So it's a little bit more on a nostalgia side during the winter. So it doesn't give you the boost of energy that gives you in the summer. It's a little bit melancholic, but in a very beautiful way.

LA: I mean, I love a bit of melancholy. I love to wallow. So it sounds like it's my time of year.

VDS: It's really... To me, it's so magical. I don't do it so often, but when you take a boat in winter, that is the time of the year where the boat, it's all yours. And there is a little bit of mist. I think that is the quintessential expression of melancholy and beauty and romance.

LA: I have to ask, going into the summer, I'm hopefully going to Italy in September to a wedding. What is the meaning of la dolce vita?

VDS: La dolce vita is a lot, and it's something that I think makes Italy what it is, and it's something that still attracts people from all over the world. It's the way that as Italians really have to enjoy life. So we are speaking about places that were dedicated to what we call now. Now, it's a very vintage world, but we call villeggiatura. So villeggiatura was spending your holidays without having... Now we are used to intend holidays like days off, where you have a super packed plan of million of activities and million things to see.

The villeggiatura was something completely different. So was spending your time without having any plan, just enjoy every single moment and just unplug. But it's really the way us Italians have a very special way to enjoy life. So what describe Italy is the food, the wine, the happiness of the people, the hospitality that we kind of have naturally in our heart. So you put together all the ingredients, and we try, I think, to show to the world that life is beautiful. And it's full of beautiful things, and you have to catch the moment and enjoy it all.

LA: I mean, it's rules to live by, or at least I would like to live by. Valentina, thank you so much for taking me to Lake Como for this episode. Hopefully, I'll be out there on the boat with you sometime soon.

VDS: Yeah, thank you for sharing this virtual journey with me, and I hope to be on the boat with you soon, really.

LA: Next week we'll be on a short break and we'll be rerunning a wonderful episode with Freya Bromley. She spends a year swimming across the UK's tidal pools.

I'm LA and you can find me on Instagram at LaleHanna. Our engineers are Jake Lummus, Nick Pitman and James Yost. The show's mixed by Amar Lal. Jude Kampfner from Corporation for Independent Media is our producer. Chris Bannon is Conde Nast's Head of Global Audio. See you next week.

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