Lake Como: Exact location & how to get there

Where is Lake Como located?

Address: Province of Como, Lombardy, Italy. Find on maps.

Lake Como is located in northern Italy, nestled at the foot of the Alps. Shaped like an inverted 'Y', it spans three primary branches—Como, Lecco, and Colico—converging at the central resort town of Bellagio. The lake is surrounded by charming villages, elegant villas, and lush mountains, offering scenic views and a serene atmosphere. It's about 50 km (31 mi) north of Milan, making it a popular day trip and weekend escape from the city.

Getting to Lake Como by public transport

From Milan

To Como:

Depart from Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi
Arrive at Como San Giovanni (main station in Como city)
Travel time: ~40–60 minutes
Train type: Trenord or Trenitalia regional/intercity services

To Varenna:

Depart from Milano Centrale
Arrive at Varenna-Esino (best for Bellagio and central lake towns)
Travel time: ~60–75 minutes

To Lecco:

Depart from Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi
Arrive at Lecco
Travel time: ~40–50 minutes

By train

By bus

From Milan to Como: Direct buses from Lampugnano Bus Terminal (Flixbus or local operators)
Travel time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Less frequent or direct options to towns like Bellagio—better to combine train + ferry

Drive via the A9 motorway to reach Como (50–60 minutes).
For Bellagio or Menaggio, take winding lakeside roads (90–120 minutes).
If you are driving by yourself, parking in lakeside towns is limited—plan ahead.
Enjoy full-day guided tours from Milan to Lake Como, often including Bellagio, Varenna, and boat rides.
Day trips are ideal for first-time visitors or short stays. You can depart from central Milan hotels or train stations.
Cost is higher than public transport but good for groups or families.

By car, private taxi, or day trip

From St. Moritz

By train

Take the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano (UNESCO route)
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Then, transfer to a regional train from Tirano to Varenna or Lecco
Travel time: ~1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on destination
Optional ferry from Varenna to Bellagio or Menaggio.
Total travel time: ~5 to 6 hours

Some full-day or multi-day packages include {experience type="POPUP" id="35173" text="St. Moritz to Lake Como via Bernina Express"}, with ferry rides and time in Bellagio.

Drive via Maloja Pass and Chiavenna to reach the northern edge of Lake Como (Colico or Menaggio)
Travel time: ~2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on final destination and traffic
Very scenic, especially around Maloja and Lake Mezzola.

You can also opt for a car service, private transfer, or day trip. Best booked in advance; mostly available April to October

By car

Transportation options around Lake Como

Types of boat services

Traveling by boat is one of the most scenic and enjoyable ways to navigate Lake Como.

Battello (Slow boats)

Ideal for leisurely journeys, these boats stop at multiple towns, allowing passengers to soak in the lake's beauty.

Aliscafo (Hydrofoils)

Faster than battellos, hydrofoils are suitable for those looking to save time while traveling between major towns.

Traghetto (Car ferries)

These ferries transport both vehicles and passengers across the lake, primarily operating in the central area.

Water taxis

Private boats offering flexible schedules and routes, albeit at a higher cost compared to public ferries.

Tips

Ferry services operate year-round, but schedules may vary seasonally.
During peak seasons, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

Buses are a cost-effective means to reach towns not directly accessible by train or boat.

Key routes:
C10: Connects Como to Colico, passing through towns like Menaggio and Tremezzina.
C30: Runs between Como and Bellagio via Nesso.
Operator: ASF Autolinee manages most bus services around the lake.

Tips

Bus frequencies may decrease during weekends and holidays; always check the latest schedules.
Tickets can be bought at stations, authorized retailers, or directly on the bus (cash or contactless payment).

Taxis offer convenience, especially for destinations not well-served by public transport.

Availability: Taxis can be found in major towns but may be scarce in smaller villages.
Booking: It's recommended to book in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Private transfers: Services like DoniCar provide tailored transport solutions across the lake region.

For panoramic views and access to hillside villages, cable cars and funiculars are excellent options.

Como–Brunate Funicular

Route: Connects Como city to the village of Brunate.
Duration: Approximately 7 minutes.
Highlights: Offers stunning vistas of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.

Argegno–Pigra Cable Car

Route: Links the town of Argegno to the mountain village of Pigra.
Highlights: Provides access to hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints.

Exploring Lake Como on two wheels allows for flexibility and a closer connection to the environment.

Bike rentals: Available in towns like Bellagio and Menaggio, with options ranging from standard bicycles to e-bikes.
Scooter rentals: Vespas and other scooters can be rented for quicker travel between towns.

Tips

Always wear appropriate safety gear.
Be cautious on narrow and winding roads, especially during peak traffic hours.

While not essential, renting a car can be beneficial for exploring remote areas.

Considerations
Road conditions: Some roads are narrow and winding; confident driving skills are recommended.
Parking: Limited in popular towns; always check for designated parking areas.
Car ferries: Useful for crossing the lake without lengthy detours.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Lake Como

Where exactly is Lake Como located and what does the region cover?

Lake Como is in northern Italy, in the Lombardy region, about 50 km (31 mi) north of Milan and near the Swiss border. It spans three provinces: Como, Lecco, and a small part of Sondrio.

Which is the main town or entry point to Lake Como?

The most common entry points are Como City (southwest branch) and Lecco (southeast branch). Varenna and Bellagio are also popular, especially if you're arriving by train and ferry.

How do I get to Lake Como from Milan?

You can take a direct train from Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna to Como San Giovanni or Como Lago station. The journey takes 35–60 minutes. Driving takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Are there public transport options around the lake?

Yes. Lake Como is well connected by a mix of trains, ferries, buses, and funiculars. The ferry system is especially useful for getting between lakeside towns like Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo.

Can I drive around Lake Como?

Yes, you can rent a car and drive, but roads are narrow and winding in many parts. Parking can be limited in popular towns. Ferries can also carry cars across the lake.

Which airport is closest to Lake Como?

The nearest major airports are: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) – 50 km (1 hour by car), Milan Linate Airport (LIN) – 75 km (1.5 hours by car), Orio al Serio (Bergamo) Airport (BGY) – 90 km (1.5 hours by car).

Is Lake Como close to Switzerland?

Yes. Lake Como is just 10 km (6 mi) from the Swiss border. You can even take a train from Como to Lugano, Switzerland in under 1 hour.

What’s the best way to explore the lake—by car, ferry, or public transport?

For scenic travel, ferries are ideal. They're frequent between mid-March and November. Combine ferries, buses, and trains for convenience and views. Driving offers flexibility but can be challenging during peak season.