Lake Como is one of northern Italy’s most breathtaking day trips. In just one well-planned day, you can ferry between Bellagio and Varenna, cruise past famous villas, and experience the most scenic stretch of the lake without changing hotels.
We visited Lake Como as a day trip from Lugano in late June, navigating the ferry connections during peak season. This guide is based on exactly how we structured that day, with added train logistics for travelers coming from Milan, so you can maximize your time and avoid common planning mistakes.
Lake Como is shaped like an inverted Y and the most beautiful section sits in the middle. Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio are often called the “golden triangle.” Spend your time wandering narrow cobblestone streets, visiting lakeside gardens, enjoying long lunches with a view, and cruising across turquoise water framed by mountain peaks.
If you’re still organizing your trip, you may also want to read our guide to the Best Things to Do in Bellagio, our One Day in Milan itinerary, our favorite Things to Do in Lugano, and browse our Italy Travel Guide for more northern Italy inspiration.
February 2026 Update: Added tables and new information about transportation options from Milan and Lugano, verified all links and pricing, added new photos.
How to Plan a Lake Como Day Trip (Overview)
A day trip to Lake Como is easy to do from Milan or Lugano, just as long as you focus on the right part of the lake and plan your transportation in advance.
BEST AREA TO VISIT | The “golden triangle” of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio
MILAN → LAKE COMO | Train to Varenna, then ferry to Bellagio
LUGANO → LAKE COMO | Bus (or drive) to Menaggio, then ferry across the lake
HOW TO GET AROUND | Use the ferry: it’s scenic, efficient, and connects the main towns
TIME NEEDED | One full day (8 to 10 hours including travel)
With one well-planned day, you can explore the highlights without feeling rushed, and without changing hotels.
Below is a map of Lake Como, showing the location of Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, plus the famous villas on Lake Como.
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Best Way to Get to Lake Como from Milan
The easiest and most scenic way to visit Lake Como from Milan is by train to Varenna, followed by a short ferry ride to Bellagio.
This route takes you directly to the heart of Lake Como’s most beautiful area, the “golden triangle” of Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, and avoids the traffic and parking headaches common in summer.
| Option | Travel Time One-Way | Best For | Our Take |
| Train to Varenna | ~1 hour | Visiting Bellagio + Varenna | ⭐ Best overall option |
| Train to Como, ferry or hydrofoil to Bellagio | 1 hour 40 minutes to 4 hours | Exploring Como town | Adds extra ferry time |
| Driving | 1–1.5 hours | Flexibility but limited parking | Parking & traffic challenges |
Take the Train to Varenna
From Milano Centrale, take a direct train to Varenna-Esino.
- Travel time: About 1 hour
- Direct train: Yes
- Frequency: Regular departures throughout the day
Once you arrive in Varenna, it’s a short downhill walk (about 5 minutes) to the ferry dock. From there, ferries run frequently to Bellagio and take about 15 minutes.
This option is simple, efficient, and gives you the most time in the prettiest part of Lake Como.
If you’re spending time in Milan before or after your visit, see our One Day in Milan itinerary to help structure your time in the city.
Alternative: Train to Como
You can also take a train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni.
- Travel time: 38 to 50 minutes
- Some trains require a transfer
From Como, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Bellagio or Varenna.
- Hydrofoil (fast boat): 45 to 60 minutes
- Slow ferry: Up to 2 to 3 hours
This option works best if you plan to explore Como town itself, or if you like the idea of a longer boat ride on Lake Como, but for a focused day trip to Bellagio and Varenna, Varenna is the better starting point.
Bellagio
Best Way to Get to Lake Como from Lugano
From Lugano, you will first travel to Menaggio. Once in Menaggio you will take the ferry to Bellagio and Varenna.
For most people, taking the bus from Lugano to Menaggio is the best option, since it’s fast, affordable, and avoids the challenges of finding a parking spot in Menaggio, which are very limited.
We visited Lake Como this way in late June, driving from Lugano to Menaggio and then hopping on the ferry across the lake. To make this work, we arrived in Menaggio around 8 am, to ensure that we could get a parking space. Our early start also gave us an hour or two in Bellagio, to walk the quiet streets before the groups of other day trippers arrived in town.
| Option | Travel Time | Best For | Our Take |
| Bus to Menaggio + Ferry | ~1 hour bus + 15 min ferry | Most visitors | ⭐ Best overall option |
| Drive to Menaggio + Ferry | ~40 minutes drive | Maximum flexibility | Good if you arrive early |
Option 1: Drive to Menaggio
If you have a car, it takes about 40 minutes to drive from Lugano to Menaggio.
There is limited parking near the ferry terminal, so arrive early, especially in summer. We parked at Parcheggio gratuito via IV Novembre 102, a small, free parking lot located just south of the ferry terminal. Here are the GPS coordinates: 46.014950, 9.237051. There are only a handful of spots, so get here early.
There is no parking at the ferry terminal.
From Menaggio, take the ferry to Bellagio or Varenna.
Driving gives you flexibility, but for a straightforward day trip, the bus works very well.
Option 2: Bus to Menaggio
From Lugano, take the bus to Menaggio.
- Travel time: About 1 hour
- Drop-off point: Near the ferry terminal
- No car needed
- Get the bus schedule here
Once in Menaggio, walk to the ferry dock and take a 15-minute ferry to Bellagio or Varenna.
This is the simplest option and avoids parking challenges. Lake Como is one of our favorite day trips from Lugano, thanks to how easy this route is.
Menaggio
How to Get Around Lake Como (Ferry Guide & Tips)
The ferry is the best way to get between Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna. Ferries are very frequent, arriving in each town at least once an hour, with more ferries at peak times. To get between each town, it is a 15-minute ride.
Ferry Between Bellagio, Varenna & Menaggio
- Travel time: ~15 minutes between towns
- Frequency: At least once per hour (more in summer)
- Tickets: Purchase online or at the dock
For a day trip, you’ll likely use the ferry at least twice. For example:
- Varenna → Bellagio
- Bellagio → Menaggio (or return route)
Buying Ferry Tickets
You can purchase your tickets online in advance or at the ferry terminal. Purchasing your tickets online in advance saves you a wait in the ticket line. Click here for the ferry timetables, pricing, and to purchase your tickets in advance.
Lake Como ferry at the Bellagio dock
Our Tips for Traveling By Ferry
- Sit outside if weather allows — the views are spectacular.
- If you want to cruise Lake Como but don’t want to pay for a private or even a shared boat tour, you can still enjoy great views right from the ferry for a very affordable price.
- Check return ferry times before leaving each town.
- Keep some flexibility in your schedule in case of minor delays.
The view of Bellagio from the ferry.
Our Perfect One Day Lake Como Itinerary
If you only have one day on Lake Como, I recommend spending your time in Varenna and Bellagio. You also have the option to take a scenic boat cruise past the villas or tour one of the villas on the Lake.
I have seen other Lake Como itineraries that include Bellagio, Varenna, and Como, but this makes for an extremely long and busy day. You can do it, but in my opinion, it will be a much better experience to spend your time in Varenna and Bellagio, without also adding on Como to your day.
Here is our recommended Lake Como one day itinerary. You will visit Bellagio, Varenna, and cruise past numerous villas. This is how we spent our time on Lake Como and it was a wonderful day.
Sample Timeline:
- 8:30 am: Arrive in Varenna or Bellagio
- 9:00 – 12:00: Explore Bellagio
- 12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:00: Ferry or boat cruise
- 2:00 – 4:30: Explore Varenna
- Late afternoon: Return to Milan or Lugano
Morning: Bellagio
Start your day in Bellagio. If you can get here early, before 9 am, you will be able to wander the streets without crowds of people and capture the iconic photo of Salita Serbelloni (the famous, photogenic street in Bellagio).
Go shopping, visit the Basilica of San Giacomo, stroll through Melzi Gardens, and spend some time in the lovely fishing village, Pescallo. Have lunch at an outdoor café.
For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to the Best Things to Do in Bellagio ↓
Melzi Gardens
Pescallo (drone photo)
Midday: Cruise Lake Como
One of our favorite experiences of the day was cruising past the villas that line the lakeside. We booked a 1-hour lake tour through Lido di Bellagio and we got to see Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, and other smaller villas along the lake. The views of Bellagio and Menaggio were also spectacular.
Another option is to book a one-hour shared boat tour of the lake through GetYourGuide.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you are traveling on a budget or have no desire to take a boat tour, the views from the ferry rides are also very nice. Get a spot on the upper deck of the ferry for the best views and the best photos.
Villa del Balbianello
Villa la Cassinella
Afternoon: Varenna
From Bellagio, take the ferry to Varenna (15 minutes). Spend the afternoon exploring Varenna.
Varenna is small town, even smaller than Bellagio, so you can walk through it in an hour, if you move fast.
The harbor is very pretty and is lined with outdoor cafes and gelato shops. There are several small but crowded beaches located along Varenna’s waterfront. Walk uphill to Piazza San Giorgio to see Chiesa di San Giorgio, and as you walk back towards the ferry station, you will have very nice views down the narrow hilly streets to the harbor.
Varenna
Sitting atop a prominence high over Varenna is Castello de Vezio, an ancient, ruined castle. To get here, it’s a long, uphill walk. There is a small entrance fee and the castle is open from 10 am to 6 pm. We passed on this but I imagine that the views from the castle are stunning.
Our visit to Bellagio, Varenna, and the lake cruise took one full day. If you want to add on Como, you will either have to move very fast through these towns or consider taking out either the boat tour or Varenna.
Is One Day Enough for Lake Como?
Yes, one day is enough time to day trip to Lake Como from Milan or Lugano, and spend time visiting Bellagio, Varenna, and to take a short cruise on the lake.
If you like the idea of touring a villa, it adds extra time. Factoring in travel time between Bellagio and the villa by ferry, plus time in the villa, you are looking at a visit to a villa (Villa Carlotta or Villa del Balbianello) taking 2 to 3 hours. That won’t leave much time for Varenna, but for some people, the villa visit is more worthwhile.
When to Visit Lake Como
The peak tourist season starts in June and ends in early September. Expect large crowds, full ferries, and busy restaurants. The weather is warm and generally sunny, so it is a very nice time to visit Lake Como. You just need to be prepared to share the experience with many other travelers.
Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons. Temperatures will be cooler and rain is more likely to make an appearance, but crowds will be a lot lower.
From late fall to early spring, Lake Como is chilly and ferries run less frequently, which can make getting around more difficult.
Guided Tours of Lake Como
If you prefer to day trip to Lake Como on a guided tour, here are several highly rated options to consider.
Tours of Lake Como
If you have any questions about how to plan a day trip to Lake Como from Milan or Lugano, comment below!
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Lake Como pairs perfectly with a few days in Milan or a stop in Lugano (especially if you’re traveling between Switzerland and Italy). Below are our favorite guides to help you build your itinerary, from city highlights to easy day trips and more northern Italy inspiration.
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