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

Visiting Milan, but want to flee the busy city streets for a day? If the mountains, fresh air, and glistening waters of Lake Como are calling your name, I get it. Because I felt the same.

So I decided to plan 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 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.

In 2026, I’d lean toward booking this small-group Lake Como day trips departing from Milan to ensure a fun, easy, stress-free day trip. These days, Lake Como is crowded, and going self-guided means waiting in ferry ticketing lines that are way too long (fast ferry tickets are not sold online… don’t ask me why!).

That said, taking a self-guided day trip to Lake Como is totally doable, as long as you have a solid plan! I’ve done it, so you can, too. That’s where this guide comes in!

Read on for everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Lake Como from Milan – including trains and ferries, how to dodge the queues and crowds, and the best things to do in Como, Bellagio, and Varenna.

Milan to Lake Como Day Trip: Quick Tips

Planning a day trip from Milan to Lake Como? Here’s a short summary of how to best experience the best of the Como region.

Best Lake Como Guided Day Trips:

• Go on this small-group tour of Lake Como from Milan to see Como, Bellagio, and Varenna in one day, stress-free. This experience even includes a boat cruise! My top recommendation!
• Train to Como, then join this small-group Lake Como highlights tour which includes a full day of exploring Como, Villa Balbianello, and Bellagio.
• Train to Como, take in the views from Brunate, then enjoy a private boat tour of Lake Como in a beautiful wooden Italian boat.

Lake Como Self-Guided Tips:

• Classic day trip route: Milan → train to Como → fast ferry to Bellagio → ferry to Varenna → train back to Milan. This is what I did!
• Unfortunately, you cannot book fast ferry tickets online; they’re sold exclusively at the ground offices along Lake Como’s shores. In 2026 high season, travelers have reported queues up to 2 hours long to purchase fast ferry tickets.
• “Golden Triangle” route: Milan → train to Varenna → ferry to Bellagio → ferry to Menaggio → ferry to Varenna → train back to Milan. No fast ferries necessary.
• You can buy slow ferry service tickets online from Navigazione Laghi. Depending on your chosen route, this option can work, BUT you should book your ferry weeks in advance for high season visits.
• If you want to avoid the stress, book this guided Lake Como day trip from Milan. Some tours even combine Lake Como with the nearby (and less-visited!) Swiss-Italian Lake Lugano.

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.

• Como: The largest town on the lake, Como blends historic charm with a lively, more authentic atmosphere. It feels like people actually live here – it’s not just a tourist village. Wander through its elegant piazzas, visit centuries-old churches, stroll along the scenic waterfront, or ride the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views. Unlike the other villages that close in the off-season, Como is open year-round.
• Bellagio: Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is famous for its picturesque setting where the lake’s three branches meet. Its narrow cobblestone lanes are lined with boutique shops, cafés, and colorful buildings. It’s expensive and touristy, but beautiful.
• Varenna: Varenna is my favorite Lake Como village – and probably the most romantic one, too. Varenna is known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. You can’t miss it!

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. Fast ferry: Como to Bellagio
3. Slow or fast ferry: Bellagio to Varenna
4. Train: Varenna-Esino train station to Milano Centrale train station

You can also embark on this route in reverse: Milan to Varenna and Como to Milan.

Alternative Day Trip Routes

Another classic Lake Como day trip route is the “Golden Triangle”. From Milan, you can book a round-trip train journey to Varenna, then ferry to the nearby villages of Bellagio and Menaggio, and back again.

For a stress-free day trip, take the train to Varenna, and simply stay there all day. Relax at the Lido di Varenna, swim in the beautiful water, eat pasta and gelato, and stroll the village. Easy!

Another option is to take a round-trip train to Como, hop on the funicular up to Brunate for beautiful views, then either book a private Lake Como boat tour or join this Lake Como highlights small-group tour (including Villa Balbianello and Bellagio).

MADDY’S NOTE: Lake Como is getting more crowded every year. In 2026, if you’re visiting self-guided in the busy season (May through September), it’s smarter to only visit two towns in one day. Keep it stress free! Also, maximize your day by leaving Milan first thing in the morning and catching the last train back. Otherwise, book a guided Lake Como day trip from Milan so you don’t have to compromise or deal with any logistics.

Ferry Tickets

You’ll also need to purchase two sets of one-way ferry tickets when you arrive in Lake Como.

• Fast/express service from Como to Bellagio; 40 minutes. (Make sure NOT to purchase the slow service. It takes 2-2.5 hours!)
• Bellagio to Varenna; 15 minutes for fast service or 30 minutes for slow service.

Annoyingly, you can only purchase fast/express service tickets in person.

In 2026, travelers have been reporting 2-hour lines to purchase these tickets. In the heat. Book a small-group Lake Como day trip from Milan so you don’t have to deal with anything like that.

Quick Ferry Tips

• Plan ahead! Check the ferry timetables before you leave for Lake Como. Make sure to “include fast service” when searching.
• It’s busy in the high season! As soon as you arrive in Como, head straight for the waterfront and buy your fast/express service ticket to Bellagio. And 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.

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 in each town!

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 of Como.

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 Kitchen.

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.

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 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 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 see why.

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, 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!

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

MADDY’S TIP: 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 May and September).

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

Milan to Lake Como Day Trip: Travel FAQs

MORE ITALY INSPIRATION:

• Magical Day Trips from Florence, Italy
• The Dreamiest Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• 1 Day in Milan Itinerary: How to Spend 24 Hours in Milan
• Unforgettable Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast
• 2 Days in Venice, Italy: A Perfect Venice Itinerary for First-Timers
• Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Puglia