If you’re planning a day trip from Milan to Lake Como but are feeling overwhelmed by the many choices available, you’re not alone. With numerous towns and villas to explore and the decision of whether to book a day tour or travel independently, organizing the perfect visit can seem daunting. However, a quick look at breathtaking images and videos from places like Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello quickly reminds you why a trip to Lake Como is so alluring.
Fortunately, Lake Como, or Lago di Como in Italian, is a manageable day trip from Milan. Although it’s impossible to experience everything the lake has to offer in just one day, you’ll still gain a wonderful glimpse into why this picturesque location remains a favorite among travelers. Below, you’ll find guidance on planning a memorable day trip to Lake Como, drawing from our own travels in northern Italy.
Where is Lake Como in Italy?
Let’s start with the basics: where exactly is Lake Como, and how can you find the popular towns and villas around this expansive lake? Lake Como is situated about an hour north of Milan and is part of Italy’s Lombardy region. The lake stretches near the border with Switzerland but remains entirely within Italy’s borders.
Lake Como is famously shaped like an inverted “Y,” with the northern branch known as Colico, the southwestern branch as Como, and the southeastern branch as Lecco. The city of Como is at the southwestern tip, while Varenna is situated further north along the Lecco side. Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” lies at the intersection of the lake’s three branches, making it a popular destination for day trips.
How to Travel From Milan to Lake Como By Train + Ferry
For a day trip to Lake Como, the most common methods of travel from Milan are by train or organized tour. Although taking a bus or driving yourself is an option, these are generally less practical for a one-day visit.
When traveling by train, you’ll need to combine your journey with a ferry ride since trains only take you part of the way. The most straightforward routes are:
Train From Milan to Varenna
A train ride from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino takes about an hour and delivers you directly to the town. From the train station, it’s a short walk to the waterfront and ferry terminal. You can then take a ferry to Bellagio, which is about 15 minutes away via the fast ferry.
Train From Milan to Como
For a shorter trip, you can catch a train from Milan to either Como Nord Lago or Como S. Giovanni. Both stations are close to the historic city center, with Como S. Giovanni taking about 40 minutes and Como Nord Lago closer to an hour. From Como, you can reach Bellagio in about 45 minutes via the fast ferry or over 2 hours with the slow ferry.
Ferry Travel
Most travelers visiting Lake Como will want to see more than one town, which means using the ferry system. The Navigazione Laghi website provides the ferry schedules, but it’s important to note the difference between slow ferries (battellos) and fast ferries (hydrofoils). Tickets for slow ferries can be purchased online in advance, but fast ferry tickets must be bought in person.
Pros + Cons of Booking a Lake Como Tour From Milan
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, an organized day tour from Milan could be a great choice. These tours typically include round-trip transportation, visits to several villages, a boat cruise, and a villa visit, all without requiring you to handle the logistics yourself.
If you’re open to a flexible itinerary but want a relaxed day on the lake, booking a tour can be a fantastic option.
The Best Things to Do on a Milan to Lake Como Day Trip
To make the most of your day in Lake Como, consider these popular activities:
- Take a Boat Tour: Enjoying a boat tour across Lake in Como is a must-do activity. Ferries offer lovely views, but a private boat tour allows for a more intimate experience with the lake’s stunning scenery.
- Visit a Villa: Lake Como is renowned for its luxurious villas. While some villas are only open for garden visits, others, like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, offer indoor tours as well.
- Explore Bellagio: Known as the “Pearl of Lake in Como,” Bellagio is a charming village where you can stroll along the waterfront and explore its steep streets for fantastic photo opportunities.
- Check Out Varenna: This picturesque village is easily accessible by train and offers a delightful waterfront, the Old Harbor, and views from Castello di Vezio.
- Visit Menaggio: As part of the “golden triangle” of Lake Como villages, Menaggio provides a flat, scenic town center that’s perfect for a quick visit.
- Explore Como: The largest city on the lake, Como features beautiful lake views, historical churches, and a well-connected train station, making it a convenient starting or ending point for your day.
Sample One-Day Lake Como Itinerary Ideas
Here are two popular one-day itineraries for Lake Como:
- Bellagio + Varenna Itinerary: Focus on Bellagio and Varenna by taking the train to Varenna, exploring the town, and then traveling to Bellagio via hydrofoil. You can enjoy Bellagio’s highlights and perhaps take a boat cruise before returning to Varenna and heading back to Milan.
- Varenna + Bellagio + Como Itinerary: Start with Varenna, then head to Bellagio and finally Como. This route allows you to see a larger portion of Lake Como in a single day but requires careful timing to fit in all the stops.
Tips For Visiting Lake Como From Milan, Italy
- Embrace a Relaxed Pace: Focus on fewer attractions and enjoy each one thoroughly rather than trying to see everything.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Layout: Understanding the layout of Lake Como and its key towns will help you navigate your day more effectively.
- Buy Ferry Tickets Early: Purchase ferry tickets as soon as you arrive to avoid long lines and ensure availability, especially during peak tourist season.
- Know Your Ferry Types: Differentiate between slow ferries and fast ferries to manage your travel times effectively.
- Plan Lunch Ahead: If dining with a lake view is on your agenda, make reservations early to secure a prime spot.
By following these tips and using the suggested itineraries, you’ll be well-prepared for an enjoyable and memorable day trip to Lake Como from Milan.