For your Lake Como trip: Maps, ferries & where to stay

Lake Como at a glance

📍Location

Northern Italy, in the Lombardy region.

🗺️Shape & geography

Upside-down Y-shaped lake, with three main branches:

Como (southwest)
Lecco (southeast)
Colico (north)

📐Total area

146 km²

Surrounded by 232 municipalities, 148 in Como and 84 in Lecco.

🛶Getting around

Ferries: Fast and scenic routes between towns
Trains: Connect Como, Varenna, and Lecco to Milan
Buses: Link lesser-known villages
Car rentals: Optional, but useful for exploring remote spots

🗓️Best time to visit

April to June: Flowers, great weather, fewer crowds
September to October: Warm, relaxed, and photogenic
July–August: Lively but crowded and hot
November–March: Quiet, budget-friendly, some closures

⏳Trip duration guide

Day trip: Ferry loop + 1–2 towns
2–3 days: Villas, villages, and some hiking
4–5 days: Deeper exploration of northern or hidden towns

Public transport stops around Lake Como

Como San Giovanni – Direct connections to Milan and Switzerland.
Varenna-Esino – Closest station to Varenna, connected to Milan.
Lecco – Southern branch, connects to Bergamo and Milan.
Colico – Northern hub with routes to Switzerland and Tirano.

A line of train stations run along the northeastern side of the lake, frequented by Trenord routes.

ASF Autolinee Bus Depot (Como) – Connects to Cernobbio, Argegno, Menaggio.
Lecco Bus Terminal – Services for eastern towns like Bellano and Varenna.

Brunate Funicular – Panoramic ride from Como to the hilltop town of Brunate.
Argegno to Pigra Téléphérique – A steep 5 minute ascent to the commune of Pigra.

Ferry schedules:
High season (April–October) – Frequent ferries including fast services and car ferries.
Low season (November–March) – Reduced services, some routes suspended.
Cable car (Como–Brunate):
Runs year-round but closes briefly for annual maintenance (usually in January).
Bus services:
Operate year-round with regular schedules; frequency decreases on weekends and holidays.

How should I spend my time at Lake Como?

If I am visiting for the first time

Base yourself in Bellagio or Varenna for charm and central location.
Take the ferry triangle: Bellagio – Varenna – Menaggio.
Visit Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, and the town of Como.
Allocate time for lakeside dining and a sunset cruise.

Check out the villas around Lake Como

If I am visiting for just a day

Start early in Varenna (reachable by train), walk through the old town and visit Villa Monastero.
Ferry to Bellagio, explore the gardens of Villa Melzi, grab lunch by the lake.
End with a ferry to Como and take the Brunate funicular for sunset.

Find the best day trips from Milan

If I have two to three days

Day 1: Como city walk, Duomo, Brunate funicular, and lakeside promenade.
Day 2: Bellagio + ferry triangle (Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, stroll Menaggio). Rent a bicycle.
Day 3: Northern lake—Domaso for sports, or Varenna’s Castello di Vezio and botanical gardens.

Know the towns of Lake Como

If I’m visiting with older folks or little ones

Stay in Menaggio (flat, walkable) or Cernobbio (peaceful and accessible).
Visit villas with easy paths (Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi).
Opt for slow ferry rides rather than packed tours.

Lake Como boat tours

If I’m visiting solo

Base in Como or Varenna – both safe and well-connected.
Join small group walking tours or cooking classes.
Hike the Greenway del Lago or explore the Sentiero del Viandante for solitude.
Visit libraries, museums, or read by the lake.

Consider a private tour

If I have a disability

Stay in Como or Tremezzo (better wheelchair infrastructure).
Use ferries marked as wheelchair-accessible (mid-size and larger boats).
Villa Carlotta offers ramps and adapted bathrooms; Villa Melzi has paved paths.
Avoid steep villages (Nesso, Varenna’s upper town) unless mobility aids are manageable.
Public ferries and many hotels comply with accessibility standards—call ahead to confirm.

Know your transport options & getting there

From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano by Bus with Private Boat Tour

€74.25

4.3 | 991 Reviews

From Milan: Lake Como & Bellagio by Bus with Private Boat Tour

€88

4.4 | 289 Reviews

Frequently asked questions about planning a visit to Lake Como

Is it necessary to rent a car at Lake Como?

Not necessarily. The ferry system, trains, and buses connect most towns. A car is helpful for visiting remote villages or mountain areas, but parking can be limited in popular towns.

Are boat tours necessary, or can I explore on foot?

Boat tours or ferries are essential to see multiple towns easily. Lake Como’s charm is best appreciated from the water. On foot, you can explore within each town, but getting between them without a boat takes longer.

Should I stay in Como, Bellagio, or another town?

Como is best for easy access from Milan and transport links. Bellagio is scenic and central for boat connections. Varenna, Menaggio, or Tremezzo are quieter and romantic, perfect for relaxed stays.

What are the must-visit attractions around Lake Como?

Top attractions include Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Bellagio, Varenna, Como Cathedral, and Brunate funicular. Don't miss a scenic boat tour or lunch by the lake.

What should I pack for a trip to Lake Como?

Pack comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets, layers for cool evenings, sun protection, and swimwear if visiting in summer. Bring a light raincoat just in case.

Can I visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan?

Yes, Como city is just 40–60 minutes by train from Milan, making it a popular day trip. For Bellagio or Varenna, allow a full day with early departure and return to make the most of your visit.

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.