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Day trips from Milan to Lake Como
Escape the crowds on an exclusive boat ride and guided tour, with all transport covered.
- Full day out to: Lake Como and Bellagio. Take a scenic ferry ride to the charming village of Bellagio, a panoramic two-hour boat cruise to Como, and a walking tour of its historic city center.
- You’ll get: A professional English/Spanish-speaking guide, round-trip transfers from Milan, and unlimited high-speed WiFi on both bus and boat.
- Bellagio: Stroll the ‘Pearl of the Lake’, famed for its romantic lakeside views and quaint streets.
- Como: The enchanting town center, rich in art, culture, and literary history, with elegant villas and lush gardens.
Escape the crowds on an exclusive boat ride and guided tour, with all transport covered.
- Full day out to: Lake Como and Bellagio. Take a scenic ferry ride to the charming village of Bellagio, a panoramic two-hour boat cruise to Como, and a walking tour of its historic city center.
- You’ll get: A professional English/Spanish-speaking guide, round-trip transfers from Milan, and unlimited high-speed WiFi on both bus and boat.
- Bellagio: Stroll the ‘Pearl of the Lake’, famed for its romantic lakeside views and quaint streets.
- Como: The enchanting town center, rich in art, culture, and literary history, with elegant villas and lush gardens.
Inclusions
- Full day trip to Como and Bellagio
- 2-hour private boat tour of Lake Como
- High-speed Wi-Fi onboard
- Guided walking tour of Como city center
- Free time at Bellagio
- Round-trip bus transfers from Milan
- Expert English/Spanish-speaking guide
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-ups
- Food & drinks
- Tip: The beautiful villages around here are known for their high-quality silk production; budget to drop by locally-owned stores.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
- Please note that the itinerary/modes of transfer are subject to change depending on seasonality and weather conditions.
- Depending on the time of year, the Lake Como cruise duration can range from 50 minutes to 2 hours.
- Dress code: If you plan to visit churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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What our guests say
Suhasini
Apr 2025Verified booking
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Aug 2024Verified booking
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Elzem
Jun 2023Verified booking
It was a very good experience, you cant visit there by yourself. Organization is great , ı rested(sleep) between the destinations.
Husein
Jun 2024Verified booking
Very nice staff behaviour and online resolutions
pablo
Jun 2024Verified booking
I recommend Headout to everyone because its absolutely flawless.
Vikas
Jan 2024Verified booking
It was very awesome trip. Monica was fantastic personality. The best tour guide I met.
Gibertoni
Dec 2023Verified booking
Emails were very helpful. Thanks for cool deals.
POULIGNY
Nov 2023Verified booking
easy to check out orders
Brian
Sep 2023Verified booking
Great descriptions of places. Very accurate!
claire
Sep 2023Verified booking
The fast service and trust
rozina
Jul 2023Verified booking
Constant update about the trip is very useful. Great job!
Salvador
Feb 2023Verified booking
User friendly and reliable
Prateik
Jan 2023Verified booking
Promo offers are very amazing!
venice
Dec 2022Verified booking
Great tour only because of Headout!
Mollika
Oct 2022Verified booking
Bringing new definition to travel. Quick, smooth and easy. Last-minute works!
Isobel
Sep 2022Verified booking
Excellent prices and reliable portal
SANTUCCI
Mar 2022Verified booking
Cheap prices, great deals and amazing combos.
Henriett
Feb 2022Verified booking
Beautifully organised. Very happy with Headout!
Ambre
Nov 2021Verified booking
The best portal for booking!
Visit three cities across Italy and Switzerland, and relax on a private boat tour.
- Full day out to: Como, Bellagio, and Lugano from Milan. Enjoy a guided walking tour in Como and a panoramic private boat tour on Lake Como. Get free time to café-hop in the Italian commune of Bellagio, and admire unique architecture in the Swiss lake city of Lugano.
- You’ll get: Comfortable bus rides, unlimited high-speed WiFi on both bus and boat, a professional English/Spanish-speaking tour leader, and audio headsets for groups over 10.
- Como: Discover the art, history, and gothic cathedral of this picturesque lakeside city on a walking tour.
- Bellagio: Enjoy free time in this picturesque commune, stroll its cobblestoned paths, and discover historic villas.
- Lugano: Explore the Swiss city center, shop for high quality products, and sample authentic Swiss chocolate.
Visit three cities across Italy and Switzerland, and relax on a private boat tour.
- Full day out to: Como, Bellagio, and Lugano from Milan. Enjoy a guided walking tour in Como and a panoramic private boat tour on Lake Como. Get free time to café-hop in the Italian commune of Bellagio, and admire unique architecture in the Swiss lake city of Lugano.
- You’ll get: Comfortable bus rides, unlimited high-speed WiFi on both bus and boat, a professional English/Spanish-speaking tour leader, and audio headsets for groups over 10.
- Como: Discover the art, history, and gothic cathedral of this picturesque lakeside city on a walking tour.
- Bellagio: Enjoy free time in this picturesque commune, stroll its cobblestoned paths, and discover historic villas.
- Lugano: Explore the Swiss city center, shop for high quality products, and sample authentic Swiss chocolate.
Inclusions
- Full day trip to Como, Bellagio, and Lugano
- 2-hour private boat tour of Lake Como
- High-speed Wi-Fi onboard
- Guided tours of Como, Bellagio, and Lugano
- Round-trip bus transfers from Milan
- Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-ups
- Food & drinks
- All participants are required to carry their original passport/travel document with them to enter Switzerland. Participants from a non-EU country will need a Schengen Visa.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
- Please note that the itinerary/modes of transfer are subject to change depending on seasonality and weather conditions.
- Depending on the time of year, the Lake Como cruise duration can range from 50 minutes to 2 hours.
- Dress code: If you plan to visit churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Guests from United States, Romania, Spain and over 11 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Celia
Apr 2025Verified booking
The route is great and it was easy to buy the trip online. The guide was experienced and knowledgeable, so it was a good day out.
View original review in Portuguese
Adoración
May 2025Verified booking
Ζωη
May 2025Verified booking
Kavitha
Apr 2025Verified booking
Roderick
Apr 2025Verified booking
Hernandez
Apr 2025Verified booking
Shalee
Mar 2025Verified booking
Jessica
Mar 2025Verified booking
Elena
Feb 2025Verified booking
Alexandra-Diana
Feb 2025Verified booking
CRISTINA
Jan 2025Verified booking
Larissa
Jan 2025Verified booking
Alexandra
Jan 2025Verified booking
Josefa
Dec 2024Verified booking
Colleen
Nov 2024Verified booking
Ticketing was easy. Guide Sara was outstanding!
Alexsandra
Dec 2024Verified booking
Rolan
Dec 2024Verified booking
Gabriela
Nov 2024Verified booking
Chiriac
Nov 2024Verified booking
Clara
Aug 2024Verified booking
We had a very good experience both with the guide, who told us curious facts, and with the organization of the trip, which gave us time to eat and walk around the villages we visited. You spend a lot of time on the bus but this allows you to see the scenery (better to be quick and take a window as the seats are fixed for the whole trip) and the experience of seeing the lake from the boat is impressive. To look for something negative the explanations were first in English and then in Spanish, so if you understand both languages it becomes a little heavy but otherwise amazing.
View original review in Spanish
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
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Set off by train, explore two countries, and cruise a lake – all in one day.
- Full day out to: Lake Como, St. Moritz, and the Swiss Alps. Glide across Lake Como on a serene cruise, ride the panoramic Red Train through the UNESCO-listed Bernina Pass, and enjoy free time to chill at the luxurious resort town of St. Moritz.
- You’ll get: Round-trip AC coach transfers from Milan, 2nd class Bernina Red train ticket, and a private boat tour. Led by an expert English and Spanish-speaking guide with logistics fully managed for a smooth day trip.
- Lake Como: One of Italy’s most iconic lakes, surrounded by scenic mountains and picturesque lakeside villages.
- Bernina Red Train: Journey aboard one of Europe’s highest alpine railways.
- St. Moritz: This chic resort town is famed for its luxury, scenery, and world-class chocolate.
Set off by train, explore two countries, and cruise a lake – all in one day.
- Full day out to: Lake Como, St. Moritz, and the Swiss Alps. Glide across Lake Como on a serene cruise, ride the panoramic Red Train through the UNESCO-listed Bernina Pass, and enjoy free time to chill at the luxurious resort town of St. Moritz.
- You’ll get: Round-trip AC coach transfers from Milan, 2nd class Bernina Red train ticket, and a private boat tour. Led by an expert English and Spanish-speaking guide with logistics fully managed for a smooth day trip.
- Lake Como: One of Italy’s most iconic lakes, surrounded by scenic mountains and picturesque lakeside villages.
- Bernina Red Train: Journey aboard one of Europe’s highest alpine railways.
- St. Moritz: This chic resort town is famed for its luxury, scenery, and world-class chocolate.
Inclusions
- Full day trip to Como and St. Moritz
- Private boat tour of Lake Como
- Round-trip bus transfers from Milan
- Bernina Red Train round-trip tickets
- Free time at St. Moritz
- Expert English/Spanish-speaking guide
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- Gratuities
- All participants are required to carry their original passport/travel document with them to enter Switzerland. Participants from a non-EU country will need a Schengen Visa.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
- Please note that the itinerary/modes of transfer are subject to change depending on seasonality and weather conditions.
- Depending on the time of year, the Lake Como cruise duration can range from 50 minutes to 2 hours.
- Dress code: If you plan to visit churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
On guided tour in a group of 10, head to Switzerland's Lugano and Italy's Como by AC bus, with a lake cruise.
- In central Milan, board a spacious coach that will shuttle your small group and expert guide to Lugano city.
- Roam the best spots, from the stunning St. Lawrence Cathedral and sprawling Ciani Park, to charming old town alleys and Via Nassa's boutiques.
- Next, a short drive brings you to Como, with free time to savor a tasty local lunch and explore the city's historic center.
- Set sail on Lake Como for an hour of uninterrupted vistas before disembarking at the medieval village of Torno or Moltrasio.
- Take your time exploring its monuments and relics before a quick ferry back to Como in time for your ride to Milan.
On guided tour in a group of 10, head to Switzerland's Lugano and Italy's Como by AC bus, with a lake cruise.
- In central Milan, board a spacious coach that will shuttle your small group and expert guide to Lugano city.
- Roam the best spots, from the stunning St. Lawrence Cathedral and sprawling Ciani Park, to charming old town alleys and Via Nassa's boutiques.
- Next, a short drive brings you to Como, with free time to savor a tasty local lunch and explore the city's historic center.
- Set sail on Lake Como for an hour of uninterrupted vistas before disembarking at the medieval village of Torno or Moltrasio.
- Take your time exploring its monuments and relics before a quick ferry back to Como in time for your ride to Milan.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip to Como and Lugano
- Expert English-speaking guide
- 1-hour boat tour of Lake Como
- Round-trip AC coach transfers from Milan Central Station
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-ups
- Food & drinks
- Carry your original passport and a valid Schengen Visa (for non-EU travelers) to enter Switzerland.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
- Please note that the itinerary/modes of transfer are subject to change depending on seasonality and weather conditions.
- Depending on the time of year, the Lake Como cruise duration can range from 50 minutes to 2 hours.
- Dress code: If you plan to visit churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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4.5
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What our guests say
pablo
Jul 2024Verified booking
I recommend Headout to everyone because its absolutely flawless.
venice
Jun 2024Verified booking
Great tour only because of Headout!
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Leah
Jul 2023Verified booking
The day was planned wonderfully! I took the trip with my daughter and we had a truly marvelous time. It was well organized, leaving enough time at each place to enjoy. Marco was a wonderful driver, even bringing us closer to our destination in Como because of the heat. Our guide Monica was perfect! She is knowledgeable and interesting and funny, and kept us at a good pace without feeling rushed. The hour long cruise was long enough (we originally had been looking at the one which had a 2 hour boat ride). The views we saw were absolutely spectacular and nownhave lifetime memories. Thank you for the amazing experience!
Anton
Oct 2023Verified booking
Trustworthy and very convenient
rozina
Aug 2023Verified booking
Constant update about the trip is very useful. Great job!
nedal
Apr 2023Verified booking
It was so much fun very short and nice the people are kind and very friendly that what made the trip better than ever
Sonia
Aug 2022Verified booking
Easy quick and great communication
Neil
May 2022Verified booking
Quick and reliable payment portal
Isobel
May 2022Verified booking
Excellent prices and reliable portal
ANNA
Aug 2021Verified booking
You guys are super cool! Amazing skills.
Jane
May 2021Verified booking
Brilliant service and easy communication
POULIGNY
Apr 2021Verified booking
easy to check out orders
Salvador
Mar 2021Verified booking
User friendly and reliable
Dimitris
Sep 2020Verified booking
Easy and lucid process. No complications.
claire
Sep 2020Verified booking
The fast service and trust
Linda
Apr 2020Verified booking
Very Good service
Headout Guest
Jun 2024Verified booking
Milan to Lake Como ToursMilan to Lake Como Day Trips
Make the most of Milan
Why take a day trip from Milan to Lake Como?
Unforgettable scenery just an hour away
Lake Como offers dramatic alpine backdrops, shimmering waters, and postcard-perfect villages – all within a 60 to 90 minute journey from Milan.
Explore famous lakeside towns in a day
Visit Bellagio, Varenna, or Como city, each known for elegant villas, lakeside promenades, and historic charm. Easily doable on a day trip.
Luxury meets laid-back living
From sipping coffee at a lakeside café to spotting celebrity villas like George Clooney’s, Lake Como blends glamour with relaxed Italian vibes.
Flexible transport, seamless experience
Frequent trains and ferries make planning easy. Hop off in Varenna or Como and board a scenic ferry to explore the lake without a car.
How to reach Lake Como from Milan?
By train
By car
By bus
A day trip
Best for: Fast & convenient travel
Duration: 35 to 40 minutes from Milan Centrale to Como S. Giovanni, 1 hour from Milan Cadorna to Como Nord Lago
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Operators: Trenitalia (Milan Centrale), Trenord (Milan Cadorna)
- Como S. Giovanni is faster and has more frequent regional services, while Como Nord Lago is slower but more scenic.
- Como S. Giovanni is just a 10-minute walk from the lakefront, while Como Nord Lago gives you immediate access to the lakefront, ferry terminal, and Como’s old town.
- Tickets start at approximately €5 for a standard one-way fare from either station.
Best for: Flexible and comfortable travel
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (82 kms / 50 miles)
- Take the A9 motorway and follow signs for Como, which is the fastest route, including tolls.
- For a more scenic drive, you can take the SS340 (Strada Statale).
- Use offline navigation apps as the narrow, winding roads around the lake can be tricky.
Parking: Look for secure parking garages near Como’s city center. Rates range from about €1.50-2.50 per hour. In smaller towns, spot the blue-marked parking spaces, which typically indicate paid parking.
Best for: Budget travelers and sightseeing
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Frequency: Every 2 to 4 hours
- Buses typically depart from Milan’s Lampugnano bus station or Milan Centrale and arrive in Como.
- FlixBus and Busitalia Sita Nord are popular operators and a one-way ticket generally starts from €5 to €10.
While buses are budget-friendly, trains are preferred due to their higher frequency and shorter travel time.
Best for: Comprehensive, structured experience
Duration: Full day
Your options are
- Lake Como & Bellagio: The quintessential experience that involves private boat tours and walking tours.
- Lake Como, Bellagio, & Lugano: Adds on a comfortable cross-border escapade into the city of Lugano.
- Lake Como & St. Moritz: Includes travel by Red Train, the chance to see the UNESCO-listed Bernina Pass, and a private cruise.
Getting around Lake Como
Ferries
The local public ferry system is available throughout the day and connects all the towns along the banks of Lake Como.
Service provider(s): Navigazione Laghi
Trains
Regional trains are a quick way to travel between towns. They cover the easternmost shores of the lake. You can take the line from Milan to Sondrio and stop at Varenna to get to the Central Lake Area.
Service provider(s): Trenord and Trenitalia
Buses
Local buses connect most of the towns around the lake. Buses are a good way to reach towns that aren't served by trains or ferries.
Service provider(s): ASF Autolinee
Taxis
There's also the option to book private taxis from main bus or train stations. However, these can be expensive, especially if booked on-the-spot.
Walking
You can walk around the lake on trails that range from 3km to 20km (2–12 miles). The Sentiero del Viandante trek, or Wayfarer's Path, is a 54km (34 mile) trek along the eastern shore of Lake Como.
When’s the best time to take a Milan to Lake Como day trip?
🌸Spring
Average temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
April to June is considered one of the best times to visit Lake Como as it is perfect for enjoying the gardens in full bloom, with lesser crowds.
☀️Summer
Average temperature: 30°C (86°F)
July to August is the most busy season as the warm temperatures are perfect for boating, swimming, and water sports.
🍂Fall
Average temperature: 18°C to 26°C (65°F to 79°F)
For a more relaxed outing, September to October offers comfortable weather and beautiful foliage.
❄️Winter
Average temperature: 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
While the shoulder seasons can be great, avoid visiting between November and March as some lake towns and villas may be closed.
Click here for more timings and schedules.
Plan your Milan to Lake Como day trip
Overview
Where to eat
Where to stay
Visitor tips
Distance from Milan: 82 kilometers
Travel time: 1–2 hours
Budget range: €120–€200
Trip duration: 10–11 hours
Meeting/drop-off point: Near Milan Central Station
Plan your Lake Como visit
- Passion Como | wholesome food, great coffee, and free Wi-Fi
- Toast & Roll | bakery known for their sandwiches
- Crotto del Sergente | homemade food and unique ambience
- Ostello Bello Lake Como | lakeside, budget-friendly
- B&B Hotel Como City Center | central, budget-friendly
- Avenue Hotel | 4-star, central
- La Perla by SEDAR La Perla | 4-star, lakeside
- Book your transport within Como (ferry, train, taxi, etc.) well in advance, since spots fill up quickly – especially during the high season in summer.
- March to May and October are some of the best months to visit Lake Como, with pleasant weather and relatively fewer crowds.
- Make sure you budget for lunch/snacks during your trip as your day tours do not generally include food.
- Looking to take a piece of Como back with you? High quality local products include silk, olive oil, and wine.
Here are some things to do if you're planning a longer stay
Villa Olmo
📍Como
This neoclassical masterpiece features a striking façade, ornate interiors, and expansive grounds. The surrounding gardens, offer promenades beset with vistas of the lake and the Alps.
Como Cathedral
📍Como
A magnificent blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, this titular church boasts an intricate facade and grand interior, adorned with beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows. This is a must-see for art and culture lovers.
Funicular Ride to Brunate
📍Como
Take a funicular ride from Como to the hilltop village of Brunate for panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. It's a great way to experience the area's natural beauty from above while exploring the charming village at the summit.
Villa del Balbianello
📍Lenno
This iconic lakeside villa has been featured in movies like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II. Originally a Franciscan monastery, keep a lookout for its unique umbrella-shaped trees, and ancient statues.
Villa Melzi d’Eril
📍Bellagio
A quintessential symbol of neoclassical architecture with symmetrical exteriors, this villa in Bellagio also features an oriental pavilion with lotus flowers.
San Giovanni Beach
📍Bellagio
This pebbly public beach is perfect for a dip, with piers to plunge off. During the warmer months, a snack bar rents floating docks for swimming.
Museum of Navigation Instruments
📍Bellagio
A fascinating collection of over 200 rare navigational instruments from the 16th to the 19th centuries, including compasses, astrolabes, telescopes, and maps.
Tempio Voltiano
📍Como
A museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist who invented the electric battery and discovered methane.
Basilica di San Giacomo
📍Bellagio
An 11th-century stone church with a golden altar, shimmering apse, and mosaics. Set in Piazza della Chiesa, it's beset by a fountain, an ancient tower, art galleries, and cafés.
Frequently asked questions about Milan to Lake Como day trips
How far in advance should I book my Milan to Lake Como day trip?
During the peak seasons between May to September, it is recommended to book all your arrangements at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance.
Are meals included in the day trip, or should I bring my own food?
No, meals are not included. You can either choose to use your break time trying out the fare at local restaurants, or pack a picnic to enjoy outdoors.
Is Lake Como suitable for families?
Yes, the area is quite family-friendly, with boat rides, open spaces, restaurants, and historic sites suitable for all ages.
What kind of trips are available and how large are the group sizes?
These are full day trips that span 9 to 12 hours. You can pick and choose the number of towns visited, and your modes of transport. Join a regular group of up to 30 people, or a small group of just 10.
Is there any required documentation, like IDs or permits?
Indeed, for day tours that cross over to the Swiss towns of Lugano or St. Moritz, all travelers must keep their original passport handy. Non-EU travelers should ensure they have a valid Schengen Visa.
Is a boat ride included in the day trip?
Yes. A 50-min to 2-hour panoramic cruise along Lake Como is included in your day trip.
What should I wear for a day trip to Lake Como?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on cobblestone streets, and dressing in layers is recommended since temperatures can vary between Milan and the lakeside towns. Carry a shawl or scarf to ensure your knees and shoulders are covered when entering religious institutions.
Is it safe/allowed to swim in Lake Como?
Swimming in Lake Como can be risky because of the temperature and undercurrents. The water is usually colder than the sea, and it can be difficult to stay afloat in some areas. You should avoid swimming near ferry docks and in areas close to purification plant outlets. However, there are many beaches and lidos (beach clubs) where you can swim, including public beaches and those with pools. Some are free, while others have an entry fee.
What happens if I am late or miss the departure?
Unfortunately, arriving at the meeting point after the departure timing would mean you forfeit your spot on the tour. Plan to reach 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to your trip.
Are the towns around Lake Como accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the town of Como has more accessible paths, Bellagio and Torno have steep, cobbled streets that can be challenging.