Day Trip in Lake Como: What to See, Do and How to Get There from Milan
Discover how to plan the perfect day trip to Lake Como from Milan: what to see, how to get there, where to eat and the best towns to visit in just one day.
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Just an hour from Milan, Lake Como has everything you could ask for: colorful villages like Bellagio and Varenna, scenic boat rides, and elegant villas with lakefront gardens.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the perfect day trip from Milan to Lake Como, including how to get there, what to see, where to stop, and a few local tips to make the most of your time.
How to Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como?
If you only have one day, stick to the essentials and, by that, we mean the iconic “golden triangle” towns: Bellagio, Varenna, and optionally, Como.
- Bellagio is the picture-perfect town you see in every Lake Como postcard: colorful streets, hidden stairways, and boutique shops.
- Varenna is smaller, quieter, and incredibly charming. Think stone alleys, secret gardens, and a promenade that feels straight out of a romantic film.
- Como, the actual city that gives the lake its name, is a great starting or ending point for your day trip from Milan. It has beautiful architecture and a lively vibe, but if you’re short on time, you could skip it in favor of the more intimate lakeside villages.
Self-guided tour vs guided tour
So, what’s better: going on your own or booking a guided tour?
If you like flexibility and moving at your own pace, a self-guided day trip is the perfect choice. The public transportation system around the lake is easy to use and surprisingly scenic.
But if you prefer to sit back and not worry about logistics, guided tours from Milan offer a smooth experience. Most include round-trip transport, boat rides and a few curated stops.
How to Get from Milan to Lake Como?
Let’s start with the good news: getting from Milan to Lake Como is super easy.
🚆 Looking for more ideas? Here are our favorite Day Trips from Milan, all within 2 hours by train or car.
Option 1: Milan to Varenna
Trains to Varenna-Esino leave regularly from Milano Centrale and take about 1 hour and 3 minutes. The route is direct (no need to change trains) and the scenery gets better with every mile.
From Varenna-Esino station, walk 5 minutes downhill to reach the lake. There, you can take the ferry to Bellagio or start exploring the picturesque town.
📝 Tip: Try to catch an early morning train if you want to make the most of your day. And yes, you can book your tickets in advance online via Trenitalia or Trainline, which is a bit more user-friendly (but has a small booking fee).
Option 2: Milan to Como
Trains to Como San Giovanni also leave from Milano Centrale and the journey is around 40 minutes. Some trains are direct, others have one quick change. So just double-check before booking.
Como is a proper city, with plenty to see (like the Duomo, the lakefront promenade and the funicular up to Brunate), but keep in mind: it’s in the southern part of the lake. So, if you're planning to visit Bellagio or Varenna, you'll need to take a longer ferry ride.
📝 Tip: From Como, you can also catch a fast ferry (hydrofoil) to Bellagio, an option that saves you a lot of time compared to the slow boat.
Getting Around Lake Como
Once you reach the lake, the best way to get around is by boat.
The Ferry System (Navigazione Lago di Como)
Public ferries, operated by Navigazione Lago di Como, connect all the main towns.
The central area of the lake (between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo) is the most well-served, and ferries run every 30 - 60 minutes, depending on the season.
Hydrofoils vs Regular Ferries
There are two main types of ferries:
- Hydrofoils (Aliscafi) - these are the fast ferries, and they’re a great option if you're short on time or coming from Como to reach Bellagio or Varenna quickly. They make fewer stops and fly (almost literally) over the water.
- Regular Ferries (Battelli) - slower, but perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the ride.
How to Buy Ferry Tickets
You can grab your ticket directly at the pier: most ferry terminals have a ticket booth (or at least a machine). But if you're traveling during summer weekends, queues can be long.
If you want to be extra prepared, check the official ferry website: some routes can be booked online, like the longer ones.
Private Boat Tours
Looking for something a bit more special? Book a private boat tour! It’s pricier, sure, but it gives you total freedom: stop wherever you want, avoid the crowds and get those dreamy Instagram shots!
You can book through local providers once you arrive at the lake, or in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide, especially if you’re visiting during the peak season.
Most private tours last 1 to 2 hours and some even offer an aperitivo on board.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Picture yourself celebrating something special, like an anniversary, or just want to live your best Lake Como experience for a couple of hours.
One Day Lake Como Itinerary
Visiting Lake Como in one day might seem difficult, but, with a bit of planning, it’s the perfect escape from Milan.
📆Planning to stay longer? Don’t miss our guide on Where to Stay in Lake Como with tips for every type of traveler.
Morning in Bellagio
We suggest beginning your day in Bellagio. This is the town that pretty much defines what we imagine when we think about Lake Como: pastel buildings, cobbled alleys, elegant staircases and that timeless Italian charm around every corner.
Getting there is part of the experience. Whether you arrive from Varenna or Como, the ferry ride offers amazing views. As you get closer to Bellagio, the scenery opens up and it’s easy to see why it’s known as the Pearl of the Lake.
Once you arrive, take your time to explore Bellagio’s historic center. Walk through its narrow streets, enjoy a cappuccino in the sun and soak up the atmosphere. Just a short walk away, you’ll find also the Villa Melzi Gardens, a peaceful spot with neat paths, exotic plants and beautiful views of the lake.
If you want to explore a quieter spot, walk over the hill and reach the small town of Pescallo, a peaceful fishing village where everything moves slower. It’s not included in most of the guidebooks and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Midday Lake Cruise
After a relaxing morning, it’s time to get on the water. A one-hour private boat tour is one of the best ways to see Lake Como from another point of view: you’ll see elegant villas like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, spot quiet beaches and enjoy views you just can’t get from the land.
If you’re looking for something simpler or more budget-friendly, the regular ferry is a great choice too.
Afternoon in Varenna
Next stop: Varenna, a small, romantic village just across the lake. The ferry from Bellagio takes only 15 minutes, but once you arrive, it feels like a different world.
Start with a walk along the lakefront promenade, then wander through the narrow stone streets that climb up the hill. Sooner or later, you’ll reach Piazza San Giorgio, the village’s main square.
If you’re up for a little exercise, hike to Castello di Vezio, perched above the town. It’s a bit steep, but the views over the lake are worth it, even more so on a clear day!
Before heading back, take a stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, the “Lovers’ Walk”, a peaceful lakeside path with views that are the perfect ending for your time in Varenna.
Optional: Quick Stop in Como
If you still have some energy left, you could end your day in Como. It’s bigger than Bellagio and Varenna, but it has its own charm: with elegant buildings, a buzzing city center and a lakeside promenade that’s perfect for a walk at sunset time.
You can get there by fast ferry from Varenna or Bellagio, or skip it and head straight back to Milan. It all depends on your timing.
Just make sure to check the ferry and train schedules in advance, especially if you're traveling in the evening.
Tips for Your Day Trip
Planning a day trip to Lake Como is pretty simple, but a few smart tips can help you make the most of it.
When to go?
Lake Como is beautiful in every season, but for the best mix of good weather and fewer crowds, late spring (May - June) and early autumn (September - October) is the ideal time to plan a visit.
In summer, particularly in July and August, everything’s open and lively, but also much busier. Expect queues and packed restaurants, so reach the lake early in the morning and book ahead when you can.
Winter is the quietest time. It’s peaceful and cheaper, but many villas are closed, and ferry times are limited. If you don’t mind the cold and want to avoid the crowds, it can still be a lovely option.
Where to eat?
Lake Como is full of great places to eat, but timing really matters, especially in summer. Lunch is usually served between 12:00 and 14:30, and restaurants in Bellagio and Varenna can fill up very fast.
In Bellagio, head to La Terrazza at Hotel Belvedere for a relaxed lunch with a panoramic view, or try Ristorante Alle Darsene di Loppia, just a short walk from Villa Melzi, perfect for fresh fish and peaceful vibes. For something more casual, Enoteca Cava Turacciolo is great for local wines and small bites in a cozy setting.
Over in Varenna, La Vista at Albergo Milano offers stunning lake panoramas. And for a truly local experience, try Vecchia Varenna, a charming spot right by the water with traditional dishes and a romantic atmosphere.
Lakeside cafés are perfect for an aperitivo with a wonderful view, but for the best food (and better prices), it’s often worth wandering a bit away from the main promenade. When in doubt? Just follow the locals.
What to bring?
You’ll be walking a lot, hopping on and off ferries, and possibly climbing a few steep streets, so comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
Also bring:
- A reusable water bottle (there are fountains in many towns)
- A light jacket or sweater, mostly in spring and autumn
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A power bank if you’re relying on your phone for tickets, maps and endless photos
- And just in case: a bit of cash, should you be grabbing coffee or gelato in smaller cafés. They might not accept credit or debit cards
Bookings & reservations
If you're taking public transport, train tickets can be purchased on the day, but it’s a good idea to book ahead if you're traveling on weekends or holidays. Use Trenitalia or Trainline for easy booking.
For ferries, short routes like Varenna-Bellagio usually don’t need reservations, but for longer rides (especially the fast boats from Como), it’s smart to check timetables and buy tickets in advance on navigazionelaghi.it.
If you’re dreaming of a private boat tour, definitely book ahead, particularly in summer. Same goes for popular restaurants with lake views: better to reserve than end up in a queue when you’re hungry.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Lake Como is easy, memorable, and absolutelly worth it! In just one day, you can explore charming villages, enjoy stunning lake views, and soak up that relaxed, Italian vibe.
If you have more time, even just a night or two, we’d recommend staying longer. In just three or four days, you can slow down your pace, explore other beautiful places like Menaggio or Tremezzo, visit more villas, or even hike above the lake for some unforgettable views.
But even if it’s just for a day, Lake Como is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Milan.
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