Lake Como offers dramatic alpine backdrops, shimmering waters, and postcard-perfect villages – all within a 60 to 90 minute journey from Milan.
Day trips from Milan to Lake Como
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Why take a day trip from Milan to Lake Como?
Unforgettable scenery just an hour away
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?
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.
Things to know before booking a Milan to Lake Como day trip
- Round-trip transfers via air-conditioned coach or train ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to Lake Como, which is situated only 80km from Milan. Day trips typically last 10-12 hours, offering a mix of guided tours, scenic travel, and free time to explore.
- Every trip includes a panoramic cruise on Lake Como, which lasts between 50 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the season. These boat rides provide stunning views of the lake's iconic villas and surrounding landscapes.
- Itineraries can include stops at other towns in addition to Como. Known as the 'Pearl of the Lake', Bellagio is a favorite for its cobblestone streets and scenic views. Some tours extend to Lugano or St. Moritz in Switzerland, offering a unique opportunity to explore two countries in one day. All transportation, whether by ferry or train, is included in the tour price.
- For tours that include a visit to Lugano or St. Moritz, you’ll need an original valid passport. Non-EU travelers should also ensure they have the necessary visas and travel documents before booking.
- An English or Spanish-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing fascinating insights, insider tips, and recommendations to enhance your experience. If your tour crosses the border into Switzerland, the guide will also help with any required documentation or formalities during transitions.
- If you’re traveling during the high season (summer), it’s recommended to book your preferred trip at least 4 weeks in advance to secure your spot.
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.
Plan your Milan to Lake Como day trip
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
- 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
During the peak seasons between May to September, it is recommended to book all your arrangements at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance.
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.
Yes, the area is quite family-friendly, with boat rides, open spaces, restaurants, and historic sites suitable for all ages.
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.
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.
Yes. A 50-min to 2-hour panoramic cruise along Lake Como is included in your day trip.
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.
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.
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.
While the town of Como has more accessible paths, Bellagio and Torno have steep, cobbled streets that can be challenging.
