How to Take a Lake Como Day Trip From Milan

So, you’re planning on visiting Milano but can’t help but wonder if a Lake Como day trip from Milan is also possible. Unsurprisingly, it’s a common expedition and the short journey is not only a terrific idea, it’s also incredibly easy to accomplish.

In this guide, we’ve included the various ways to get to Lake Como, where to exactly go and what to see. These tips are perfect for anyone interested in a self guided day trip to Lake Como. If planning your own day trip from Milan sounds like too many details to juggle, consider a guided tour with transportation included.

Let’s jump into everything you need to know about getting to Lake Como from Milan for a day trip.

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The Essentials for a Lake Como Day Trip from Milan

🚊The easiest route to take for a day trip is the train ride from Milan to Como San Giovanni (view schedule and tickets).

🚆 Additionally, you can opt for the Milan to Varenna-Esino train route (view schedule and tickets).

⏰ During just a day trip, it’s feasible to visit three destinations on Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna and Como. However, you must depart Milan early in the morning around 8am.

🎒 Not a self guided traveller? Book a guided tour to Lake Como from Milan with transportation and logistics included.

👍 Top Rated: Bus & Private Boat Tour of Lake Como from Milan

Is Lake Como Near Milan?

Lake Como (or Lago di Como) is a spectacular lake in Italy, specifically in the Lombardy region. The lake sits promptly beneath the rolling hills of the Swiss Alps in an inverted “Y” shape and is a long-standing admired destination. With its close proximity to other resort towns such as St. Moritz or a metropolis like Milan, a visit to Lake Como is quite versatile.

Lake Como is situated just 50 km (31 miles) from Milan. This means reaching Lake Como from Milan for a day trip will take one hour by car or less by train. The lake’s closeness to the major city of Milan has played a big part in Lago di Como’s overall popularity. Not only is it a fan favourite for Milan residents looking to escape the city, but it’s a world renowned and sought after destination for celebrities and international visitors.

Milan is located 150 km (93 miles) from the seacoast but with a much shorter trip to Lake Como, the lake serves as an equally as beautiful summer vacation spot.

→ ✈ Find cheap flights to Milan ←

Is a Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan Realistic?

To determine whether a day trip is ever worth it, ask yourself if you’ll be spending more time at the location than actually travelling from and to it. In the case of a Lake Como day trip from Milan, the answer is an easy yes.

If you do not mind returning to Milan at night or dusk, you can enjoy a full day at Lake Como without feeling too rushed. Not only is Lago di Como geographically close to Milan, there are a few different ways to get there which makes planning a day trip easier when options are available.

→ 🚐 Book a guided day trip to Lake Como from Milan ←

How Long Is the Journey From Milan to Lake Como?

It’s easy to be misled with a day trip destination that’s “only 30 minutes away!” or “less than one hour!” but in reality, it ends up being a trek. Luckily, the distance from Milan to Lake Como is honestly less than one hour, particularly if you use the Lake Como train from Milan.

A bit more on this below, but by a direct train, you can actually get to Como in 40 minutes. It is one of the few day trip routes that is quicker to accomplish by public transportation than it is by driving.

→ 🗓 Browse train schedules to Lake Como from Milan ←

How to Get to Lake Como From Milan

Lago di Como’s perimeter is dotted with cute towns, villages and beautiful places to discover. However, there are three main destinations which should particularly be on your radar for a Lake Como day trip from Milan. If you aim to see too many places during one day trip, it will unfortunately become overwhelming and less enjoyable.

The two towns which are easiest to initially reach from Milan are Como and Varenna. Bellagio is the third town and also accessible from Como or Varenna. However, it’s most efficient to get to Bellagio from Varenna or Como.

Another thing to keep in mind when putting together a Lake Como day trip itinerary is that the route and stops are interchangeable. Meaning, if you wish to transfer from one place to another in reverse or different order, it’s uncomplicated to do so. The options are flexible and entirely up to you!

There are two efficient ways to get to Lago di Como from Milan – by train or car. Like the majority of Europe, train travel in Italy is efficient, inexpensive and versatile. Hopping on the train from Milan to Lake Como is the superior method for a day trip.

Driving to Lake Como from Milan is also sensible for those making a stop along a road trip route. It is also a feasible option for anyone interested in renting a car in Milan for a quick road trip to Lake Como.

→ 🚗 Rent a cheap car from Milan Airport ←

Milano to Como

If you’re asking yourself “What is the easiest route to travel to Lake Como from Milan?” then this is your answer. This route includes departing Milano Centrale train station and arriving at Como S. Giovanni station in the city of Como within 40 minutes. It is a direct route which means there are no other stops. This ideal journey leaves little room for error if you’re a first time train traveller in Europe.

Como is Lago di Como’s largest city and a small world within the already theatrical Province of Como. Como city is known for its shopping, Renaissance architecture, waterfront promenade and art.

Milan to Como by train: 40 – 50 minutes with one-way tickets as low as €5 per adult.

Milan to Como by car: One hour by tolled motorway and 1 hr and 15 minutes by a toll-free route.

→ 🎟 Book your cheap train tickets to Como from Milan ←

Milano to Varenna

Out of the three, Varenna is the most charming and traditional of towns. Historically an old fishing commune, Varenna sits directly on the lake’s coastline with wondrous views of Lago di Como and other small villages in the distance.

From Milano Centrale train station, a train departs to Varenna Esino station, just a tad north of Varenna’s city center. The journey from Milan to Varenna takes about one hour. It is also a direct ride without any additional stops along the way.

Milan to Varenna by train: One hour ride with one-way tickets as low as €7 per adult.

Milan to Varenna by car: 1.5 hours by a partially tolled route. Be careful to stay on the SP72 route which runs along the edge of Lake Como. Do not remain on the SS36 which is essentially a tunnel only route around the lake and difficult to exit. Parking in Varenna can also be extremely challenging with its one parking garage here and limited street parking. Park north and above Varenna town or down south in the town of Fiumelatte (for free!) and walk.

→ 🚉 Find your cheap train tickets to Varenna from Milan ←

Milano to Bellagio

No, not the Vegas hotel but the romantic town on Lake Como instead. Bellagio is a satisfying blend of a quintessential Italian village and a lively ambience found in a bigger city. There is no shortage of villas, shops, world famous spas and restaurants that occupy Bellagio. As a renowned destination, it’s undoubtedly worth visiting during a Lake Como day trip.

Reaching the iconic Bellagio from Milan takes a bit more time than getting to Como or Varenna but is still reasonable. By the use of public transportation, you can arrive in Bellagio after one train ride and one bus ride. For a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, this is not a recommended route as it’ll eat up too much of your day.

Milan to Bellagio by car: If you wish to start your Lake Como day trip specifically in Bellagio, it’s best to arrive by car. Getting to Bellagio by car takes about 1.5 hours. If you split the taxi cost among a group, it can be an affordable way to reach Bellagio.

→ ⛵️ Day trip and boat tour of Bellagio from Milan ←

Can You Fly to Lake Como from Milan?

If you’re set out to experience Lake Como on a luxury level, it’s not completely uncommon to reach Lake Como from Milan by helicopter. Taking a 20 minute helicopter ride from Milan to Como isn’t out of the ordinary for the rich and famous. However it’s likely not a frequent method for regular travellers like ourselves. But hey, it’s nice to know it’s an option, right?

Getting Around Lake Como

Lake Como Passenger Ferries

Utilizing the Lake Como ferries makes travelling throughout various Lago di Como towns an absolute breeze. Specifically for a one day trip, taking the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio and then Como (or in reverse) is the quickest way to see all three towns in a day. In terms of ferry usage during a Lake Como day trip, you should plan on the route below.

Como to Bellagio: 45 minute ferry ride served by the fast service ferry. If you do not book the expedited ferry, it can take 2 hours instead.
Bellagio to Varenna: 15 minute ferry ride.

Remember, these ferry rides can be completed in various orders as well. This could mean you start in Varenna, take a ferry to Bellagio, then a second ferry to Como which is where you’ll depart to return to Milan.

Lake Como Car Ferries

If you are travelling by car, you still have the option of parking your car in Como or Varenna and then taking the ferry as a foot passenger. This is the cheaper and less complicated solution. Certain Lake Como ferries do accommodate vehicles as well but you’ll need to be mindful of when and where the car ferries are available. Compared to pedestrian only boats, car ferries aren’t abundantly available.

More on buying ferry tickets below, but when you’re searching for ferry tickets online, be sure to look out for the word “traghetto.” This specifies which ferries transport passengers along with vehicles.

→ 🚢 Browse ferries from Como to Bellagio ←

Walkable Towns of Lake Como

Como, Bellagio and Varenna are all very walkable and best explored on foot. For a Lake Como day trip, visiting each of these towns and getting a chance to wander through them is manageable in just a day. Once you’ve landed in each of these locations, try to take your time to walk around as much as possible. You never know what amazing cone of gelato you’ll stumble upon while strolling down a petite cobblestone alleyway.

Unless you’re already travelling with your own car, there really isn’t a need for a vehicle. Classic Italian lakeside villages are often tough to drive through with their narrow streets, steep hills and limited parking.

Lake Como Ferry and Train Tickets

Lake Como Ferries – Tickets & Schedules

Navigazione Laghi is the official service provider for ferries on Lago di Como, Lago Marggiore and Lago di Garda. Their website displays accurate timetables, pricing and allows you to book tickets online.

If you do not purchase ferry tickets online and beforehand, you can buy them at the docks in each town. To make sure they do not sell out, it’s recommended you buy your ferry ticket at the kiosk as soon as you arrive in the town and before you start exploring. This recommendation mainly applies if you are visiting during peak season when Lake Como is thriving with visitors.

Lake Como Train From Milan – Tickets & Schedules

TrenItalia serves all of Italy but their website is easy to navigate in terms of booking a train to Lake Como from Milan. It’s recommended to always confirm the time table with TrenItalia directly, but we often use the Trainline app and have never had any issues. As tempting as it may be, do not rely solely on Google Maps for the train schedule. When it comes to transportation abroad, we’ve learned the hard way that it’s best to go straight to the source.

→ 🚊 Book train tickets to Lake Como from Milan ←

Lake Como Day Trip Itinerary Map

How to Spend a Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan

However you frame your one day Lake Como itinerary, there is one thing you should prioritise. Get up early and catch the 7am train. Taking an earlier train from Milan to Lake Como will allow you to not rush your day trip experience. By arriving in Como (or Varenna) by morning, you’ll likely be able to see a majority of each town’s highlights, enjoy meals without rushing and get back to Milan before 9pm. It will also give you the edge on beating the rush as a majority of tourists will likely leave Milan later.

These are the best places to visit and things to see in Como, Bellagio and Varenna for a Lake Como day trip.

Como Highlights

Porta Torre

The city of Como has distinct characteristics of the medieval and Romanesque era. You’ll easily be able to tell because the city is walled in, like a fortress. At one of the entrances to the old centre of Como is Porta Terre, a staggering tower dating back to 1192. Porta Terre used to serve as the main entrance into the fortress of Como but is now simply a grand starting point for a walking route through Como.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Como)

Como Cathedral (or Duomo di Como which is much more fun to say) is Como’s prominent Catholic church. Construction of the monumental church supposedly began sometime in the 14th century and now in present day, proudly welcomes worldwide visitors. If you happen to venture inside the church, you’ll see some beautiful frescoes, stained glass and intricate ceiling details. Just out front, you’ll find the meeting point of Piazza del Duomo. The piazza is lined with cafes and is an ideal place to admire the cathedral from outside.

Basilica di San Fedele

A much smaller church in comparison, but still lovely to visit during a stroll throughout the historic town centre of Como. The cathedral is located in somewhat of a quieter corner and the preserved frescoes from the 17th century inside are unquestionably impressive. The medieval town square out front is filled with local shops, gelaterias and no shortage of places to pick up a cafe.

The Piazzas

At the head of Como’s old center is the town square (or piazza) of Piazza Alessandro Volta and Piazza Cavour. Piazza Alessandro Volta is tucked away and sandwiched between a couple of buildings. During warmer months, this square is filled with al fresco lunch or dinner options and even possible live music. The energy is simply divine. Piazza Cavour on the other hand, will make you feel like you’re quite literally standing in the center of Como. Piazza Cavour also boasts a lovely view of the bay, with boats and green hills in the backdrop.

Lungolago di Como

One of Como’s primary attractions is the gorgeous promenade that runs along the lake’s shoreline. It’s an ideal place for a walk with a couple of notable stops. The Life Electric landmark includes a modern sculpture and allows you to walk into the middle of the bay on a narrow bridge. Tempio Voltiano and Monumento ai Caduti are additional sights to check out while strolling down Lungolago di Como.

Funicolare Como-Brunate

It is possible to take a vertical funicular ride up the hill from Como town. If you’re looking for a panoramic view to wrap up your time in Como, this is the spot! Catching the funicular can be a spontaneous event and doesn’t require purchasing tickets upfront. The journey only takes seven minutes to reach the top and costs under €7 for a roundtrip. Since it departs every 15 minutes, it’s the perfect “no plan” activity for a Lake Como day trip. Find out more about the funicular’s hours and history here.

Sites to See During the Ferry Ride

During the ferry journey from Como to Bellagio (or vice versa), there are a couple of sights to look out for. First, Ponte della Civera is a small yet ancient bridge still standing in the village of Nesso and just off the lake’s shore. It’s a great photo opportunity during a ferry ride since the best view of the bridge is from a boat.

On the opposite side of the lake is Villa del Balbianello, an elegant and distinguished villa in the commune of Lenno. It has famously been featured in films such as Star Wars and Casino Royale.

Bellagio Highlights

The Town Center

The heart of Bellagio truly lies in its endearing town centre at the very top of the peninsula. As you wander through the narrow and curvy streets, you’ll suddenly look up and see an idyllic slim view of the lake and quintessential Italian charm. Although it’s not a large town, it seems like every inch of it is developed with some sort of boutique shop, pasticceria or trattoria.

Parco di Villa Serbelloni

At the top of the hill and above Bellagio town is this gorgeous natural park which covers nearly 50 acres of the Bellagio commune. The guided park tour takes about 90 minutes and is exceptionally worth it. If there’s ever a valuable opportunity to learn about Bellagio and Lake Como’s history, it’s with this guided tour which costs €10. Aside from the park’s beautiful gardens, you’ll also be met with phenomenal sweeping views over Lake Como from above.

Punta Spartivento

For a free view, head to Punta Spartivento which is located on the very north end of Bellagio’s point. It is possible to drive down to the marina and access the observation deck but it can just as easily be walked to in under 10 minutes. To experience a stunning sunset or unforgettable view on Lake Como, don’t miss this location.

The Lake

If you’re visiting in the summer and don’t want to leave Lake Como without experiencing the actual lake, take a brief walk down the steps of Scalotta per Pescallo. The big set of stairs is located on the opposing side of Bellagio town. It is a bit of a steep decline so be prepared for the walk back up. At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll be able to access the water at the spiaggetta here.

Dining

There are so many great restaurants, cafes and bakeries in Bellagio. What makes Bellagio a particularly fantastic place to eat are the number of waterfront eateries with jaw dropping views. Can’t we all agree that pasta tastes even better with a magnificent lake, charming villages and mountains in the background? For a hidden gem, try lunch or dinner at Bistrot Antichi Sapori.

As you head to or from Varenna by boat, make sure you get a photo of Varenna from the ferry ride. It’s guaranteed the best view of the town itself!

Varenna Highlights

Villa Monastero

The Villa Monastero is owned by the Province of Lecco and welcomes the public for visits to the extraordinary complex. The site is comprised of the luxurious villa, exquisite gardens, heavenly views and historic architecture. It is absolutely a must see item in Varenna and possibly in all of Lake Como. Villa Monastero is open year round and ranges from €10 – €13 to enter depending on how much of the estate you want to access.

A Beach with a View

For a slice of the seaside but without the salt, head to Varenna’s lovely little beach here. No swimming is required as you’ll still be able to take in the delightful view of the fishing boats, hazy lake in the distance and hills towering above. If you’re lucky enough to experience this spot without a crowd, it can really be something special.

Vecchio Porto (or Ancient Port of Varenna) is another pleasant location for a village view and small stretch of beach. A couple of bars and restaurants are positioned just right for the perfect photo opportunity while sipping on an aperitif. Dinner on the terrace of La Vista just may be the perfect way to end your Lake Como day trip. Or instead, head to Il Cavatappi, an unpretentious yet delicious restaurant set in a back alleyway.

Churches and Town Squares

Although Varenna is small, the churches and town squares it does have are picturesque. Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista and Chiesa di San Giorgio are two churches sitting on opposite ends of the same piazza, Piazza S. Giorgio. It’s a quaint corner of Varenna that’s tree lined and the perfect place to enjoy a gelato from Bon Bon Ice Cream.

Shopping

Varenna is home to a handful of boutique shops, some which are perfect to stop in for a souvenir before heading back to Milan. Pick up a handmade gift, piece of pottery or trinket from Il Tornio to remember your Lake Como day trip.

When to Visit Lake Como

It’s quite remarkable but Lake Como doesn’t necessarily have a bad time or even season to visit. A Lake Como day trip from Milan can frankly be accomplished year round. If you do not mind the cold, visiting in winter will deliver less crowds and cheaper tour or activity prices.

Winter in Lake Como is usually at its harshest during the months of January and February. Technically, these are the months with the lowest temperatures of around 40°F / 4.4°C but comparatively, these aren’t freezing temperatures and a trip can still be pleasant. We’ve also visited Lake Como in January and spent the whole day in long sleeve t-shirts. So, you never really know what to expect.

Encountering a swarm of tourists is really the only aspect you should put into consideration when deciding on when to take a Lake Como day trip. Summer months are peak travel season which means families are out vacationing and international travellers are in town. Lake Como is a massive tourist destination which can unfortunately easily be spoiled when there are just too many people around.

The best time to visit Lake Como and avoid the potential downpour of other visitors is to schedule a trip in the spring or fall (if you do mind the cold). September is absolutely ideal since children are back in school and warm temperatures of up to 70°F / 21°C are still lingering.

🍁 Book train tickets to Como from Milan for shoulder season

What to Pack for a Lake Como Day Trip

Lightweight cardigan – Particularly for summer months, it can get windy on the ferry rides. Without the need to lug around a coat or jacket, bring a versatile cardigan instead.

Mini portable phone charger – You’re going to be out and about all day, likely taking a lot of photos with your phone. Don’t risk running out of battery and stay prepared with a small portable charger.

Travel sized hand sanitiser – After multiple train rides, ferry rides and visiting some high traffic attractions, stay safe and cleanse often.

Sunglasses – Walking throughout three towns will get tiring on your eyes if you’re visiting Lake Como on a sunny day. The glare from the lake also doesn’t help if you’re not wearing sunglasses.

Pocket binoculars – If you’re not afraid to be “that person” then you’ll be super thankful to have binoculars with you, especially during ferry rides. There is so much to see on the shorelines of the lake but it’s often far away from the boat.

Travel insurance – Perhaps it’s due to excessive crowds, but it always seems like accidents are prone to happen in popular areas. Whatever your reason may be to want to stay prepared, make sure you’re covered during a Lake Como day trip.

Travel Resources for a Lake Como Day Trip

TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

FLIGHTS: CheapOair or Agoda

CAR RENTALS: Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Hostelworld or Trivago

ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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