Milan

From Milan to Lake Como: Your Ultimate Day Trip Guide

Nestled beneath the snow-tipped Alps, Lake Como is a dazzling gem of northern Italy and an easy escape from Milan’s city buzz. With its dreamy villages, sparkling water, historic villas, and lush gardens, Lake Como will charm nature lovers and culture seekers alike. Planning a day trip brings beauty, relaxation, and adventure all within reach, right from Milan.

How to Get from Milan to Lake Como

Getting to Lake Como from Milan is simple and quick. Thanks to excellent trains, buses, and scenic roads, you can choose your favorite travel style and easily set out for a day to remember.

Traveling by Train

The train is often the best choice, offering speed, comfort, and stunning scenery along the way. Milan has several options depending on your destination around the lake.

  • Varenna: From Milano Centrale, Trenord regional trains run directly to Varenna-Esino every hour. The journey takes just over an hour. Varenna is a top pick, especially if you want to visit Bellagio or Menaggio using the short ferry links nearby.
  • Como: From Milano Porta Garibaldi, hop on the Trenord S11 regional train for about an hour to reach Como S. Giovanni station. Alternatively, take EuroCity/Trenord trains from Centrale, reaching Como S. Giovanni in around 40 minutes.
  • Waterfront Arrival: For a beautiful arrival right near the lakefront, board a Trenord train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago station. The trip is about an hour, leaving you just steps from the water.

It’s important to note: Italo trains do not go directly to Como or Varenna. If using Italo, travel first to Milano Centrale, then switch to a regional Trenord train for your final lakeside stop.

Traveling by Bus

Buses offer an affordable and direct way to reach Lake Como from Milan, especially if you prefer a quick, simple ride. The FlixBus departs from Lampugnano bus station in Milan and drops you off right in the town of Como in about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Driving to Lake Como

If you crave flexibility, consider renting a car for your Lake Como adventure. The drive from Milan to Como via the A9 highway can take 50 to 60 minutes with light traffic. This way, you can explore hidden corners of the lake, visit more than one town, and stop for photos whenever you wish.

Remember, parking can be tricky in smaller villages and during busy times, so plan ahead if you drive.

Getting Around Lake Como: Boats & Ferries

The real magic of Lake Como unfolds out on the water. Regular boat and ferry services connect villages scattered around the lake like pearls on a string.

  • Como to Bellagio: Choose from slow “battello” boats (about two hours, great for sightseeing) or fast hydrofoils (about 45 to 60 minutes). Return times vary, so check schedules if you plan to stay for dinner.
  • Varenna to Bellagio: Ferries take only 15 to 20 minutes and run frequently, making this the easiest hop between two of the lake’s most beloved towns.

Navigazione Laghi is the official and main boat company. Buy tickets at the pier or book in advance at www.navigazionelaghi.it to secure your spot during busy periods.

Unforgettable Sights Around Lake Como

Once you arrive, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you focus on one region or plan a loop, here are the must-see highlights for a day trip.

Como’s Old Town & Lakefront

Start your visit in the city of Como for grand piazzas, cozy cafes, and a lively buzz. The historic center is a pedestrian-friendly maze of pretty alleyways and open spaces.

  • Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como): Don’t miss this masterpiece that combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, with an ornate facade full of history and art. It’s one of northern Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals.
  • Piazza Cavour: This central square is perfect for people-watching and relaxing beside the sparkling lake, just a 10 to 15 minute walk from Como S. Giovanni station.

Funicolare Como – Brunate

For a bird’s eye view of the region, ride the historic funicular from Como up the steep hillside to Brunate. You’ll enjoy sweeping lake and mountain vistas from the top, plus short hiking paths or cafés where you can take it all in.

  • Tickets are best purchased at the station (expect lines on weekends and holidays). For schedule details visit www.funicolarecomo.it.

Villa del Balbianello

If you love history and gardens, put Villa del Balbianello on your list. It’s perched above the lake in Lenno and famed as a filming spot for Star Wars and James Bond. Explore elegant rooms, dramatic terraces, and lush gardens overlooking the water.

Reach it either by a scenic 20 to 25 minute uphill walk from Lenno or by boat.

Bellagio: The Pearl of the Lake

Situated at the tip of the lake’s fork, Bellagio is known for its steep, cobbled lanes, vibrant houses, and dreamy views in all directions. Wander its narrow alleys, browse cute boutiques, and sample the region’s best gelato.

Many travelers also admire the serene lakeside gardens here, with the enchanting Villa Melzi open daily in season (tickets at giardinidivillamelzi.it), while the famous Villa Serbelloni gardens can be visited only with a guided tour.

Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo

In charming Tremezzo, make time for Villa Carlotta, one of Lake Como’s most beloved attractions. This 17th-century villa boasts famous artwork, including sculptures by Canova and paintings by Hayez. But above all, its 70,000-square-meter gardens overflow with exotic plants, ancient trees, and bursts of color when azaleas and rhododendrons bloom. The villa is family-friendly and ideal in spring or early summer, but beautiful in every season.

Hiking the Greenway del Lago di Como

Love to stretch your legs? The Greenway del Lago di Como offers 10- to 11-kilometers of gentle walking and fresh air, snaking from Colonno to Griante. The mostly flat trail passes quiet lakeside villages, tiny harbors, gardens, villas and gives you a slice of authentic lake life far from crowds.

Lake Como Food: What to Eat on Your Day Trip

Lake Como’s food scene is shaped by the surrounding mountains, fresh lake fish, and Italian tradition. Eating here means savoring both comfort and class.

  • Missoltini (Misultitt): Sun-dried, salted shad (an oily lake fish), often grilled and served with polenta, unique to the region.
  • Risotto con pesce persico: Creamy risotto topped with golden pan-fried perch fillets, a Lake Como classic and a must-try for fans of local fish cuisine.
  • Miascia: Rustic bread-and-fruit cake made from stale bread, milk, apples, pears, sometimes dried fruit and nuts. It’s homey, sweet and full of simple flavors, not a fish cake!

Find these and more in the local trattorias, lakeside cafes, or even grab a pastry or panino for a picnic on the grass.

Sample One-Day Lake Como Itinerary from Milan

Morning: Departure and Como Sights

  • Start early. Take a direct Trenord train from Milano Centrale or Cadorna to Como (or Varenna if you prefer).
  • Explore Como’s old town. See Como Cathedral, wander lively piazzas, stroll the waterfront promenade and stop for a quick coffee and pastry.
  • Optional: Hop aboard the Funicolare Como–Brunate for stunning morning views and maybe a short walk at the top.

Late Morning: Set Sail or Drive

  • Catch a ferry with Navigazione Laghi from Como to Bellagio or from Varenna to Bellagio (about 1 hour or less).
  • Enjoy the views from the boat as villages, gardens, and mountains pass by.

Afternoon: Bellagio & a Taste of the Lake

  • Arrive in Bellagio. Wander the colorful lanes and climb the iconic stairways lined with flower pots and boutiques.
  • Visit Villa Melzi gardens along the lakefront for tranquility and beauty (or book a guided tour at Villa Serbelloni if you planned ahead).
  • Lunch in a lakeside restaurant, try perch risotto, a fresh fish dish, or something sweet like miascia.

Late Afternoon: More Adventures or Relaxation

  • Choose your direction: Head by boat to Tremezzo to stroll in Villa Carlotta’s gardens, or spend a slow hour on the Greenway del Lago di Como if you’d rather wander.
  • Or, shop for unique souvenirs, relax in a lakeside cafe, and watch boats glide by.

Evening: Return to Milan

  • Ferry back to Como, Varenna, or your chosen station. Check the official ferry schedule for the last runs, these can change with the season.
  • Catch a Trenord train (or FlixBus, if you prefer) for your easy return to Milan.

Lake Como Day Trip Tips for Travelers

  • Buy tickets in advance for trains and ferries on official websites for convenience and to avoid lines, especially in high season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be strolling charming but sometimes steep or cobbled streets.
  • Bring a camera or smartphone, Lake Como is photo paradise.
  • Check boat timetables at navigazionelaghi.it so you don’t get left behind after a sunset dinner in Bellagio or another village!
  • If you’re visiting in summer, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. In spring or fall, a light jacket is handy for breezy boat rides.

From lakeside wandering and storybook villages to mouthwatering local dishes and alpine backdrops, Lake Como is simply magical. With this guide, getting there and making the most of every hour is easy and traveler friendly. Book your official tickets, pack your day bag, and let Milan’s neighbor lake show off its natural beauty, rich history, and irresistible Italian charm, all in just one unforgettable day.

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