The Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan (Self-Guided!)

Are you visiting Milan, but want to flee the busy city streets for day? Are the mountains, fresh air, and glistening waters of Lake Como calling your name? I get it. Because I felt the same! So I decided to plan out the perfect self-guided day trip from Milan to Lake Como.

From Milan, to Como (the lake’s namesake city), Bellagio, Varenna, and back, I packed in as much as I could into one day: charming villages and quaint cobblestone lanes; spectacular views, boat rides, beautiful gardens and villas; and of course, fresh pasta, gelato, and local wine.

If you want to take a self-guided day trip to Lake Como from Milan, you’ve come to the right place.

This article includes everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Lake Como from Milan – including trains and ferries, and the best things to do as you explore the quaint towns of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna.

Want a printable version of this itinerary? Get it here.

Your Guide: How to Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como

While organized day trips are available to take you to Lake Como and back to Milan in a day, taking a self-guided day trip will be much more rewarding!

And it’s easy to do, too.

Which Towns to Visit

On a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, you’ll have time to explore a few of Lake Como’s villages. I recommend visiting:

• Como;
• Bellagio; and
• Varenna.

Each place is special and beautiful in its own way. Plus, they’re close enough to each other that you can comfortably see them all in one day without having to rush.

Here’s how…

Your Roundtrip Route: Milan to Lake Como

Here’s the route you should take between Milan, Como, Bellagio, and Varenna:

1. Train: Milano Centrale train station to Como San Giovanni station
2. Ferry: Como to Bellagio
3. Ferry: Bellagio to Varenna
4. Train: Varenna-Esino train station to Milano Centrale train station

P.S. You can also embark on this route in reverse; Milan to Varenna and Como to Milan.

Why This Route?

Why this route? And why these towns?

Como (the city)

Well, Como is the biggest town on the lake. This ancient city is ridiculously charming and walkable, and there’s plenty to do and see – from churches to piazzas.

I thought that Como was more authentic than some of the other villages. It’s absolutely steeped in history, since at least the Bronze Age (which occurred between 3300 BC and 1200 BC). Amazing, right?

Unlike many other villages that partially shut in the low season, Como welcomes you year-round! (Perfect if you’re visiting in the winter.)

Plus, taking the scenic ferry from Como to Bellagio means you have 45 minutes to savor the incredibly picturesque backdrop of tiny, colorful villages and soaring mountains!

Bellagio & Varenna

Bellagio and Varenna are also non-negotiable stops.

They’re both endlessly enchanting, with gardens, famous villas, stunning shores, wine bars, lakefront restaurants, souvenir shops, quaint promenades, and more.

If you leave Milan first thing in the morning, follow this route, and catch the last train back to Milan – you will have plenty of time to experience all three towns.

Alternative Day Trip Routes

Keep in mind, you can also take the train to/from Varenna-Esino train station, skipping Como completely. (I wouldn’t recommend this, but it’s an option!)

In that case, you could simply spend the day in Varenna on your own, if you’re looking for something more chill.

Another option would be to could embark on this Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour (which leaves from Varenna).

Or, you could complete the “Golden Triangle” by taking the ferry from Varenna, to the nearby villages of Bellagio and Menaggio, and back again.

You could also opt for total convenience and let someone else figure out the transportation for you! Simply book this guided Lake Como Day Trip from Milan – which has amazing reviews!

How to Purchase Train & Ferry Tickets

Train Tickets

For the route I recommend, you’ll need to purchase two sets of one-way train tickets for your day trip to Lake Como from Milan.

1. Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni; direct trip, about 40 minutes.
2. Varenna-Esino to Milano Centrale; direct trip, about 65 minutes.

You should purchase your tickets online from TrenItalia. You can simply keep your tickets on your smartphone; no need to print them out. I recommend purchasing your tickets a few days ahead of your trip, just in case!

If you can, take an early train to Como (around 7 AM), and one of the last trains back from Varenna to Milan (around 8-9 PM). If you do that, you can easily spend three or more hours in each town!

For both one-way train tickets combined, you can expect to pay as little as €12 per person (for second class).

However, if navigating the trains by yourself seems like too much stress, you can simply book this Guided Lake Como Day Trip from Milan. I didn’t personally go on this tour, but it has great reviews!

Ferry Tickets

You’ll also need to purchase two sets of one-way ferry tickets.

• Fast boat from Como to Bellagio; 45 minutes. (Make sure NOT to purchase slow boat tickets.)
• Bellagio to Varenna; 15 minutes.

You can purchase ferry tickets online, or in person at the ferry terminals.

If you book tickets online, you obviously don’t have to waste precious time standing in line! Either way, make sure to check the ferry time tables before you leave for Lake Como, so you have a plan!

Quick Ferry Tips

• You can check timetables and fares, and purchase tickets, from the official website.
• Make sure to purchase the fast boat/hydrofoil from Como to Bellagio (45 minutes). The slow boat takes hours!
• If you choose to purchase your tickets in person, buy them as soon as possible so you don’t miss out (high season is busy!) Once you arrive in Como, head straight for the waterfront and buy your ticket to Bellagio. As soon as you step off the ferry in Bellagio, purchase your ticket to Varenna.
• Sometimes, the weather, waves, and other factors, make the ferries run less, skip certain piers, or not run at all.
• If navigating the ferries seems too complicated, simply book a guided Lake Como tour, like this Lake Como Day Trip from Milan.

What to Do During a Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan

Now that we’re all set with the route and tickets, let’s talk about Como, Bellagio, and Varenna, and what to do there!

1. Explore Como’s History-Rich Streets

Como is the largest of the three towns you’ll visit during your day trip. There’s plenty to do here, and no time to waste!

While in Como, spend a few hours roaming the quaint streets, browsing the many souvenir and wine shops, strolling along the lakeside promenade, and possibly taking a dip if it’s warm.

Make sure to stop by the beautiful Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the Piazza Alessandro Volta (Como’s loveliest square) and the medieval city gate, Porta Torre. If you want to learn about the history, consider taking a 1-hour guided walking tour.

Then, pop into Visini or Osteria del Gallo for a classic Italian lunch and some wine; whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, book a table in advance at the one-Michelin-starred I Tigli in Theoria.

If you have time, you can also take the 7-minute funicular up to the peaceful town of Brunate, for incredible panoramic views over all of Lake Como and the chance to see another adorable town.

HOT TIP: Want a printable version of this itinerary? Get it here.

2. Stroll Around Beautiful Bellagio

Tall mountains, cypress trees, grand villas, and adorable cafés make up the lakeside town of Bellagio; and it goes without saying, but Bellagio is absolutely stunning.

While in Bellagio, roam the streets and pay attention to the details: the pretty pink flowers, the old cobblestones, beautiful iron lanterns, bright-colored shutters, and sweet little balconies. Honestly, if all you do in Bellagio is look around, it’s enough to keep you entertained for hours… This village is just so splendid.

Next, visit a wine shop to learn and taste some local wines. I really enjoyed my tastings at Enoteca La Principessa!

At 3:30 PM, you can join a guided tour of the famous Villa Serbelloni‘s amazing 50-acre park and gardens. The views are unreal!

If you feel like taking to the water, then consider this small-group kayaking tour from Bellagio to explore the Lago di Como!

Lastly, don’t forget to savor some fruity gelato, lakeside, before catching the ferry to Varenna!

3. Savor the Splendor of Varenna

Varenna absolutely stole my heart. While Bellagio seems to be everyone’s favorite town on Lake Como, I have to disagree! When your ferry approaches Varenna, you’ll know why I feel this way; in that moment, you’ll believe that you’ve never seen anything so unbelievably picturesque in your life.

In Varenna, make sure to visit the botanical gardens at the eclectic waterfront villa, Villa Monastero. (It closes around 8 PM in the summer, so you should have plenty of time!)

Savor an amazing dinner at Al Prato – or choose somewhere along the lakefront, and just enjoy the views.

Then, walk up and down the steep cobblestone alleyways and simply explore.

Before you leave, make sure to watch the sun dip behind the mountains as the sky turns pink. There’s no better way to wrap up your day trip to Lake Como – especially with a glass of wine in hand!

Should You Stay Overnight in Varenna?

Phew! Now that you know just how much there is to do on Lake Como, you might be thinking: “Should I stay overnight?” And I don’t blame you!

At the end of your day trip route, why not spend the night in Varenna? Maybe soak up a whole extra day on Lake Como?

If you have the time, then, YES! Of course, you should stay overnight.

If I were you, I’d choose one of these options in Varenna!

• Bed & Breakfast il Bolentino ($)
• Villa Varenna ($$)
• Hotel Olivedo ($$)
• Hotel Royal Victoria ($$$)

Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong. The main thing to keep in mind is that ALL decent accommodation in Lake Como sells out far in advance (particularly between April and September). So if you do want to spend a night in Lake Como, book it now!

This is my favorite website for booking affordable accommodation in Italy. Typically, free cancellation is available, so you can book now with confidence!

How to Take a Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan

So, there you have it my friends! Enchanting villages, incredible views, opulent villas, local wine, delicious food, and unforgettable memories await you in Lake Como.

If you’re considering taking a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, I promise, you won’t regret it!

Milan to Lake Como Day Trip: Travel FAQs

What to Pack

Depending on the season you visit will depend on the layers you need, summer is very warm but the winter is incredibly cold. Italy is very stylish and Italians famously dress well, so avoid white sneakers where possible and opt for a smart shoe or boot. Always have a beautiful coat in winter, it will hide anything less stylish you may be wearing as you explore in the colder months.

Here are a few top tips of what to wear:

• Wool coat: During the colder months a beautiful wool coat is essential. You will fit in with the locals with this one.
• Comfortable boots: As expected, you will do a lot of walking so opt for a comfortable but stylish boot that you’ve worn in. You can’t go wrong with a smart Chelsea boot, like these.
• Floaty dress: In the summer opt for a long floaty dress so you know you are always prepared to enter religious sites. Bring a light scarf with you to cover your shoulders.
• Sunscreen: Nothing spoils your trip (and your photos!) more than sunburn. Remember to prepare with a good, natural sunscreen and stay protected.
• Reusable water bottle: Remember to keep hydrated during your tours, it can’t all be Aperol and coffee! Bring a reusable water bottle so you can keep topped up.
• Travel insurance: As with all trips, it’s always best to purchase travel insurance so you know you are covered should anything go wrong.

Quick Tips

• HOTEL: I use this website for scoring amazing deals on accommodation worldwide.
• HOSTELWORLD: If you’re traveling on a budget, this is the best website to score cheap hostel deals.
• VACATION RENTAL: I use this site for finding the perfect vacation rental for an unforgettable getaway. 
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Never go on a trip without travel insurance! It isn’t worth the risk if something goes wrong.
• GUIDED TOURS & EXCURSIONS: Many of the tours I recommend are hosted with Viator, which also works with local tour operators. Search them all here.
• CHEAP FLIGHTS: Get great deals on flights using my favorite flight fare aggregator.
• TRAVEL GEAR: A collection of all of my must-have travel gear are all listed here. Most important to remember is comfortable shoes and a scarf to use when visiting religious sites or if it gets a little cold.
• CAR RENTAL: If you need to rent a car book car rental in advance here for the best deals.

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Have you been to Lake Como before? Which town is your favorite? Did you stay overnight, or take a day trip from Milan?