The Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan (Self-Guided!)
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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.
Want a printable PDF of this Lake Como Day Trip Itinerary?
9 pages of itinerary, accommodation, and activity recommendations, must-know travel tips, and more.
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:
- Train: Milano Centrale train station to Como San Giovanni station
- Ferry: Como to Bellagio
- Ferry: Bellagio to Varenna
- 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.
- Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni; direct trip, about 40 minutes.
- 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 โฌ12 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 cafรฉs 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
Yes, Lake Como is absolutely worth a day trip from Milan! This lake – and the charming, centuries-old villages that surround it – are absolutely stunning. From boat rides, strolls along quaint cobblestone alleyways, and tasting delicious local wine, to exploring luxurious villas, swimming, hiking, and kayaking, there are endless fun things to do in Lake Como! It’s easy to take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan. You’ll leave Italy’s third largest lake (after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore) with a full heart and super fond memories.
Yes, there is a direct train service from Milan to Lake Como. You can either choose to arrive in Como (the city) at Como San Giovanni station, or in the village of Varenna at Varenna-Esino train station. No matter which station you choose, the journey should not take more than 65 minutes. This guide details how to get to/from Lake Como, as well as what to do while you’re there.
Yes, the train from Milano to Lake Como is absolutely stunning! Your eyes will be glued to the window, as you watch city streets and signs fade away as you approach the magnificent Italian Alps.
Getting to beautiful Lake Como without a car is easy! You can either take the train or the bus. The quickest option is the high-speed, direct train – tickets are cheap, too! This guide details the best way to get to Lake Como via train, as well as what to do and see once you arrive!
Yes, you can do Lake Como in a day. You can choose to take a guided day trip from Milan, or you can explore on your own self-guided tour. With a full day, you will have time to explore up to 3 towns on the shores of Lake Como. You can choose to see Como, Bellagio, and Varenna (this is my recommendation!) or you can embark on the so-called “Golden Triangle” to discover the villages of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.
You need at least one day in Lake Como, so you can easily just take a day trip from Milan. You can choose to go on your own, or go on this top-rated guided tour. With one day, you’ll have time to see up to three towns (such as Como, Bellagio, and Varenna) if you take the direct train from Milan and then make use of the Lake’s extensive ferry system. If you have even more time available, you should stay longer in Lake Como. Anywhere between 2-5 days would be ideal, so that you have time to explore a few villages in depth, do some water activities, go hiking, stroll through some immaculate gardens and luxurious villas, and take in all of the incredible scenes on Lake Como.
You should plan for your day trip to Lake Como from Milan to take up an entire day. If you take this popular guided tour, you can expect it to last about 9 hours. But if you take a self-guided trip, you should plan to take one of the first trains from Milan to Lake Como (around 7 or 8 am) and take one of the last trains back (around 8 or 9 pm). It’s going to be a long day (about 12-14 hours), but I promise, it’s worth it! Of course, you can decide when you want to leave/return (trains run all day long), so your day trip can be shorter. But there’s so much to see and experience in Lake Como, you’ll want to relish every last hour that you can!
Yes, it is 100% worth going to Lake Como from Milan. Taking a day trip from Milan is super easy, and you’ll never regret spending a day on the sparkling shores of Italy’s third largest lake. This place – with its soaring mountains, picturesque towns, local wines, lovely restaurants, and opulent villas and gardens – is absolutely enchanting! Read on for details on how to take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan.
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 isnโt 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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MORE ITALY INSPIRATION:
- 7 Absolutely Magical Day Trips from Florence, Italy
- The Dreamiest Amalfi Coast Itinerary (For 3, 4, or 5 Days)
- 1 Day in Milan Itinerary: How to Spend 24 Hours in Milan
- 10 Unforgettable Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast
- 2 Days in Venice, Italy: A Perfect Venice Itinerary for First-Timers
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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?
So awesome!
Thanks, lady! :)
This post is so comprehensive and love the pics. Thank you for sharing it!
We are glad you found this post helpful! Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds fantastic! I’ll be in Italy in August and I’d love to stay in Lake Como but just don’t have enough time or budget. This sounds like a wonderful option so we don’t miss out entirely. Thank you very much for sharing :)
Really helpful post! I wasn’t sure whether to stay the night in Como or not, but looks like a day trip works great.
Wow! sounds like an awesome day trip…we will be in Milan in April, I am definitely adding this to our itinerary .Hopefully, it’ll go as smoothly for us. I will be printing this article out and referencing back to it. Thank you bunches!!
Hi thank you for the article!
We are planning on doing a day trip, what would be the total cost for a day trip for transportation like?
Thank you!
Warning – if you do this day trip during peak season, you can expect massive queues and crowds everywhere. I went to Como on Easter Sunday, and ended up queueing for over an hour to buy my ferry ticket. Once I got to Bellagio, I joined the throngs of tourists trudging round the town, and ended up getting a slice of pizza from a takeaway shop for my lunch because I couldn’t find a restaurant that didn’t have a minimum 20 minute wait for a table. Go off-peak, or be prepared for a hellish experience that doesn’t show what is actually a very beautiful part of the world in its best light.
Hmmm, we’re wondering if that’s because it was Easter… We did this day trip during peak season (in late June), and we had no long queues, no issues with crowds, and no problems finding great restaurants to eat at.
This is a lovely guide, thank you for sharing.
My husband and I are planning to visit Lake Como in November and I just discovered that a lot of the accommodation closes during this period. I was wondering, do you think it’s worth visiting at that time of year or is it better to save it for when the weather is warmer?
We haven’t visited Como in November. However, our assumption would be that, providing you can find accommodation, you will have an incredible time. Lake Como is absolutely beautiful, and personally, we’d jump at the chance to visit in the off season to enjoy less crowds!
Hi! Thanks for this post. We are currently on a trip to Venice and Milan and have been using your blog posts for ideas! We are going to Como tomorrow, hopefully it goes as seemlessly as Venice went!
I found your site by Googling searches for day trips to Como. I didn’t quite know about Bellagio and Varenna. I mean, wow! I was about to book an organized day trip tour to Como, but after reading your blog – your self-guided tour is easily understood. I’ll use your guide when I visit Milan in September 2017. Thank you!
Hi there, my mum and i are going to Milan in August and this seems like a great way to visit Como and the surrounding villages in a day so thank you! Do you feel you see enough on the ferry as we were thinking of doing a boat tour but if the ferry covers it then this is great.
I’m not sure about a boat tour. Does that allow you to actually get off the boat and check out the towns? The ferry option, in my opinion, was perfect and if I had to do a day tour again, I wouldn’t do it any differently. I would say it’s not feasible to try to see more than Como, Bellagio, and Varenna in a day because you won’t have enough time to enjoy each place.
Great advice~! I am so exciting to follow this plan.
Can you tell me what would be the time-table able for your ferry time? I would like to follow similar timing too as I have no idea how long should I spend to each cities
It will depend on the train tickets you purchase, and what times are available on your dates. So here’s what we can tell you. We recommend getting on one of the earliest trains to Como, hopefully arriving by 10 or 11 am. Then we would recommend spending two or three hours in each town, and taking one of the last trains back to Milan.
this is an amazing and detailed way to for a day trip to lake como. thank you for sharing the information. i wanted to know that do we need to prebook the kayak in bellagio or is it possible to rent one on the spot and what are the approximate rates for the kayak.
Hi Preet. We are glad you found our post useful. Please book your Bellagio kayaking tour by clicking here. If you have any other questions, please let us know.
I see a lot of people that say you should just take the train from Milan directly to Varenna instead of Como. Thoughts?
Hi Jennifer,
If you can find that route available on your travel date, and if you’re not interested in visiting Como, then I don’t see why not!
But Como itself is definitely worth visiting it sounds. Some have said Como might be a bit too busy? We are going the 2nd week of Septmber.
You’re right, Como is a lot bigger and busier than Varenna and Bellagio. However, we thought it was beautiful and very much enjoyed it. It just depends on what you’re looking for on your day trip. Good luck!
Hi Maddy,
Me and my boyfriend are going do Lake Como in late June and we’re going to do the same thing that you did! We are going to catch one of the first trains in Milan to Como and be back in Milan in one of the last ones from Varenna.
So we wanted to know how many hours we should spend in each place and if it’s better to catch de ferry or the speed service?
Thank you!
Hi Carolina!
Sounds like a great plan. If you can spend about three hours in each town, that would be perfect. When it comes to transportation, choose whatever available ferries fit into your schedule, while also getting you to the next place as quickly as possible. If that means taking the speed service, then do that.
– Maddy
My best friend and I followed this to a T during our visit to Lake Como last month. This guide was perfect! Elsa’s was one of the best meals we had while in Italy. Being recent grads, it helped to know all the expenses we could expect beforehand as well. Thanks so much for writing this, it was SUPER helpful!
Hi Maddy,
Thank you for the great advice.
Am i correct in saying that that it takes 2 hours to get from Como to Bellagio by Ferry? If that is the case, is there a quicker way?
Thanks,
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
When you’re searching for your ferry times on this website https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/c_orari.asp make sure that you check the box that says “include fast service” before clicking “search.” You should find ferry trips that are 42 minutes instead of 2 hours.
Good luck!
Maddy
Thanks a lot for the quick response!
Do you need to book tickets to Como/ Varenna prior to travel or can you book them when arriving at the station in Milan?
Thanks once again,
Daniel
You can do either one. I prefer to do it online before and have the tickets on my phone, just in case.
-Maddy
Hi! This was such a good guide…we plan to visit como in a day or two (currently in Milan) for a day. Do you think this (como, bellagio, varenna) is possible in a day with a three year old?
Hi Ayesha! Well, we won’t pretend we know what it’s like to travel with a three year old… But we can’t see why it wouldn’t be possible! But if you think it’s too much hassle to go to all three places, you could cut out Bellagio and go straight to Varenna. (However, we highly recommend sticking to this guide if possible. You would regret missing Bellagio.)
Hi Maddy,
First of all ,thank you for such a wonderful article. I am interested in following your guide but i only have 9 hours to do COMO , bellgaio and Varenna trip.
I am travelling with 6 year old and we are strictly vegans. Any suggestion to veg restaurant will be bonus.
Could you suggest how many hours we should spend in these 3 villages.
Also what’s the difference between speed cruise (40 mins) and slow ferry ( two hours). Is there any significance ?
WIll be travelling to Italy end of this month.
Hi Maddy,
I love your guide to the lake como day trip. I was wondering how far is the ferry station from the como train station and how you got from one to the other. Also, what are the queues like for getting tickets on the day. Thanks
Love your guide, its exactly what we are looking for. Im looking at the time tables for the ferry, did it take you about 2 hours to get from Como to Bellagio?
Thanks
Thanks! No, we took the fast ferry, which is about 40 minutes. There are other comments in this thread regarding this matter. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Maddy
What are your thoughts doing the three places the other way round eg Milan to Varenna, Varenna to Bellagio by ferry. Bellagio to Como by ferry. Como to Milan by train. Do you see any disadvantages this way round?
I just came back from Italy and I did that exactly. I went to Varenna first then Bellagio to Como. Great view either way!
What about 1 day to como in winter i am planning in December before New year u think still possible?
We visited during summer, so we can’t be sure, however it’s our understanding that many places shut down for the winter months. Check the ferry and train schedules to see if it’s possible, then see if the places you want to visit (restaurants, etc.) are open in winter.
Maddy,
Read your post and immediately was interested in following your guide to Lake Como. Then, I read the posts and made up my mind to do it. I’m traveling this coming July. I’m traveling with a special needs kids who only eats hamburgers and fries. Did you happen to see any burger joints? Hate to carry his food around, but obviously do if I have to. Thank you so much.
Wouldn’t it be too cold to roam Lake Como on Feb 2018? I’m thinking that the wind will be too cold to enjoy the lake? Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing this! This post is brilliant and I will follow the exact itinerary :)
Just one question: what’s the ferry port name from Como? When I perform the search on that website you linked , from “Como” to “Bellagio” it finds no routes.
From Bellagio to Varenna I got to see the time table, but nothing comes up from Como.
Thank you so much for your help!
Love your comprehensive day trip! I think I will be following your itinerary later this month for my day trip from Milan. I’m curious, what day of the week did you visit? I have read that a lot of shops close rather early (or are closed completely) on sundays, and that many shops don’t open until midday on Mondays. Did you find this to be true? My two options for a day trip are a Sunday and Monday, so I want to choose the best day for shops and restaurants to be open. Thanks!
Hello,
Thank you for this detailed idea of Lake Como. I am planning on visiting Lake Como in January. Will the same trip be applicable then? or is this ideal only for the summers?
Thanks you. This was supremely helpful.