[Travel Guide] Day Trip to Lake Como, Italy

Located just an hour away from Milan, Lake Como is the perfect destination for a day trip filled with breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and serene lakeside strolls. Lake Como has something for everyone. Here's your guide to making the most of a day trip from Milan to this stunning lake.

Planning Your Travels

Getting to Lake Como from Milan

Traveling from Milan to Lake Como is easy and convenient, whether you prefer the comfort of a train or the flexibility of a car.

By Train:

• Departure: Head to Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna station. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes about 1 hour.

• Destination: Choose to stop at Como San Giovanni (perfect for exploring the town of Como) or Varenna-Esino (ideal for heading straight to the mid-lake towns).

  • I would recommend going straight to Varenna if you want to avoid the crowds at Como and also the hectic ferry lines leaving Como (more on this later).

• Tickets: Prices range from €5 to €10 one-way. You can purchase tickets online or at the station.

By Car:

• Route: Take the A9 motorway (Autostrada dei Laghi) from Milan to Como. The drive takes about 1 hour.

• Parking: Como has several parking lots, but they can fill up quickly. Try the Valduce parking garage near the town center for convenience.

Travel Tips for Your Day Trip

• Timing: Start early to make the most of your day. Catch one of the first trains out of Milan to maximize your time exploring.

• Getting Around:

  • By Car: If you have a car, you can drive around the lake to visit the different towns but be care with driving since the road is very busy and small, with many cars and buses squeeing through. Parking is also notoriously difficult along the water. If you drive to Lake Como, you can consider using the ferry or bus to get to/from different towns.

  • By Ferry: This is the most popular method of getting around Lake Como but be warned that if you are taking a ferry from the town of Como, there is a MASSIVE line to get a ticket and the one you want will probably be sold out. Also take note that there are fast and slow ferries (some could take hours).

    • I was in line for an hour, starting at 11am, for the 12pm ferry from Como to Bellagio. When I got in line, the next 3 fast ferries were sold out. I was only able to get a ticket for the 2:20pm fast ferry. When it was time to depart, the 2:20pm fast ferry was canceled and the next one wasn’t until 6:30pm. Therefore, I had to get back in line to get a refund, then take the bus.

    • Tip: If you choose to start in Como and take the ferry, go to the ferry port immediately to buy a ticket for the next available fast ferry.

  • By Bus: There is a bus that goes one direction (counter-clockwise) that can take you from Como to Bellagio. The stop is near the church. You pay for the pass on the bus and it’s cheaper than the ferry (and maybe more reliable).

    • Note that since it only goes one way, you will need to ferry back if you are leaving from Varenna or Como

• Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a light jacket (it could rain), as temperatures can vary depending on the time of year. If you tend to get motion sickness, it could be a good idea to bring some anti-drowsy pills for the ferry and bus.

  • If you plan to swim, plan to bring a bathing suit and towel.

• Crowds: Since Lake Como is such a popular destination, the towns are very busy. Be prepared to wait, whether in line for tickets or for a table, and be surrounded by people so be careful with your belongings.

---

Top Towns to Visit on Lake Como

1. Como

The largest town on the lake, is a typical starting point for a day trip. Note that it’s pretty crowded so travel out of the town can be delayed. You could consider skipping this town completely by going straight to Varenna via train/car.

• Activity

  • Explore the Historic Center: Wander through the narrow streets, visit the impressive Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), and enjoy the vibrant piazzas.

  • Funicular Ride to Brunate: For stunning panoramic views of the lake, take the funicular up to Brunate. It's a quick 7-minute ride and offers breathtaking vistas.

    • However, the line to purchase a ticket is long. I chose to not do this because of the line and how short the actual ride is.

  • Waterfront Walk: Stroll along the lakeside promenade, taking in views of the surrounding mountains and luxurious villas.

  • Grab a Delicious Sandwich from Passion Como: One of the best Italian Sandwich shops in Como with sandwiches ranging from 5-8 euros!

• Getting Here

  • From Varenna/Bellagio: Take a ferry direct from one of these towns, which will take about 45 minutes.

    • You can’t get here via bus since it goes in one direction

  • From Milan: Direct train from Milano Central

2. Bellagio

Known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio is perhaps the most famous town on the lake.

Activity

• Explore Villa Melzi Gardens: These beautifully landscaped gardens offer serene walks with views of the lake and mountains.

• Wander the Streets: Bellagio's charming cobblestone streets are filled with boutique shops, cafes, and gelaterias.

• Punta Spartivento: Walk to this scenic point at the tip of the Bellagio peninsula, where you can see where the three branches of Lake Como meet.

• Swim in the Lake: Take a quick dip in the beautiful blue water by visiting Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio.

Getting There:

• From Como: Take a ferry to Bellagio (about 45 minutes) or a bus (about 1 hour)

• From Varenna: A quick 15-minute ferry ride across the lake will bring you to Bellagio.

3. Varenna

This is is a quieter, less touristy town, offering a more relaxed vibe.

Activity

• Villa Monastero: Visit this historic villa with a botanical garden that stretches along the lakeshore.

• Castello di Vezio: For a bit of history and incredible views, hike up to this medieval castle above the town.

• Passeggiata degli Innamorati: Take a romantic lakeside walk along this scenic path, which offers picture-perfect views.

Getting There:

• From Como: Take a ferry (about 30 minutes) or bus (about 45 minutes)

• From Bellagio: Take a ferry (about 15 minutes)

• From Milan: You can take a direct train from Milano Central (about 1 hour)

Suggested Routes

1. Como —> Bellagio —> Varenna: This is the most common route to visit the most popular towns around Lake Como. It is also easy to get to and from Milan. However, note that Como is very busy and there will be lines for the ferry leaving Como.

2. Varenna —> Bellagio —> Varenna: If you would rather skip the crowds of Como and not have to deal with the ferry line, you can go straight to Varenna from Milan, then explore two those smaller, but more beautiful, towns, then leave from Varenna. This is the route I would take next time I do a day trip to Lake Como.

Final Thoughts

A day trip to Lake Como from Milan offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation. With its easy accessibility and myriad of attractions, it’s no wonder Lake Como is a top choice for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, cruising the lake, or simply soaking in the stunning scenery, Lake Como promises an unforgettable experience.