Nestled in the Italian landscape just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city streets of Milan lies the serene and picturesque Lake Como. Known for its deep-blue waters, lush greenery, and the dramatic Alps rising from its shores, this lake has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and travelers since Roman times, and it continues to pull in a crowd looking for beauty, tranquility, and a touch of romance. If you’re craving a delightful escape from the urban grind, a day trip from Milan to Lake Como offers an unforgettable chance to enjoy nature, culture, and architectural charm.
Transport Options: Traveling from Milan to Lake Como
Traveling from the metropolitan energy of Milan to the peaceful elegance of Lake Como is both quick and convenient, making it an excellent option for a day trip. You have a few different methods of transportation to choose from, each offering its own unique advantages.
By Train
Train travel is one of the most popular ways to get to Lake Como from Milan. Frequent and reliable, trains leave from Milan’s central station, Milano Centrale, and take you to various towns around Lake Como. Varenna, just an hour’s train ride away, is a particularly good stop if you’re looking to explore the central parts of Lake Como, including towns like Bellagio and Menaggio which are accessible via short ferry rides from Varenna. Train rides offer the comfort of speeding towards your destination while you sit back and enjoy stunning views of the Italian countryside transitioning into the Alpine scenery.
Online Train Ticket Purchase for Lake Como
- Visit Train Websites: Open Trenitalia (www.trenitalia.com) or Italo (www.italotreno.it) on your browser. These are the main train service providers in Italy.
- Search for Your Trip: Input your departure (Milano Centrale) and arrival destinations (for example, Varenna). Select the date and time that suits your schedule.
- Choose Your Ticket: Select from various ticket options based on flexibility, class, and price. Add your choice to the cart.
- Make Payment: Proceed to checkout and pay with your credit card or PayPal.
- Print or Download Your Ticket: You can print out your ticket or download the mobile version, which can be scanned right from your smartphone at the station.
By Car
Driving to Lake Como can be quite the scenic route and offers the most freedom to explore at your own pace. The roads from Milan lead you directly to Como in about an hour, depending on traffic. Driving along the lake’s perimeter allows you to stop at several captivating spots, discover less-touristed areas, or even find a secluded place for a quiet afternoon by the lake. However, driving in Italy can have its challenges, such as navigating the rules of the road and finding parking, especially in the smaller towns around Como where streets can be narrow and parking spots limited.
Online Car Rentals for Driving from Milan to Lake Como
- Visit Rental Websites: Go to car rental websites like Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise, or use aggregators like Kayak or Expedia to compare prices.
- Select Your Car: Choose your pick-up location as Milan and your drop-off location if planning to return it at a different spot. Select the dates and choose a car that fits your needs.
- Book Your Car: Once you find a good deal, proceed to book online. You’ll need to enter driver details and payment information.
- Confirmation: After payment, you’ll receive a booking confirmation. Save this information to pick up your car in Milan.
By Bus
For those on a budget, buses provide a cost-effective albeit slower option. Departing from Milan’s Lampugnano bus station, direct buses drop you off in the town of Como. Buses give you a hassle-free journey to the heart of Lake Como without worrying about train schedules or driving. You can sit back, relax, and watch the scenery change as you approach the lake area.
Online Bus Ticket Purchase for a Trip to Lake Como
- Find Bus Services: Go to websites like FlixBus (www.flixbus.com) or CheckMyBus (www.checkmybus.com) to find buses going to Lake Como.
- Select Your Bus: Choose your departure (Milan) and destination (Como). Enter your travel date and select the time that works for you from the available options.
- Book Your Ticket: Once you’ve chosen your bus, follow the prompts to book your ticket. You’ll need to provide passenger information and make payment.
- Email Confirmation: After booking, you’ll receive your ticket via email. You can print it out or show it from your mobile device when boarding.
By buying your tickets online, you can secure your transportation in advance, often at a better rate, and skip the lines at stations or rental agencies. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure everything is set for your day trip to Lake Como!
Attractions and Sights in Lake Como
Lake Como is not just about its panoramic vistas; it’s a place rich with history, offering visitors a plethora of beautiful sights and engaging activities.
Como’s Historical Hub
Start your visit at the city of Como if you cherish rich history interwoven with charming architecture. The historical center of Como is compact and stuffed full of life, buzzing with cafes, boutiques, and historical buildings. A must-visit is the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), known for its stunning Gothic and Renaissance features. Its façade, detailed with delicate carvings and statues, tells stories of Como’s past. Right next to the cathedral, you find Piazza Cavour and the lakefront, perfect for a leisurely stroll and a spot to rest and take in the views of the lakeside.
Villa del Balbianello and Gardens
For those who admire exquisite landscapes and impressive architecture, Villa del Balbianello in Lenno will leave you enchanted. Famous for its elaborate terraced gardens and the fascinating history that the villa itself holds, this site has also been a filming location for movies like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Casino Royale’. The villa is accessible by a short hike or by a boat ride, adding an element of adventure to your visit.
Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como
No trip to Lake Como is complete without visiting Bellagio, often referred to as the pearl of the lake. Situated right at the point where the three branches of Lake Como meet, Bellagio is renowned for its vibrant rows of buildings, cobbled streets that climb up from the lakefront, and its stunning waterfront views. Here, you can visit the terraced gardens of Villa Serbelloni, or enjoy the quaint cafes and have a leisurely lunch while overlooking the lake.
Villa Carlotta
Traveling to Tremezzo, another delightful village on Lake Como, one cannot help but be enchanted by Villa Carlotta. This 17th-century villa is renowned for its art collections, including sculptures by Canova, and its magnificent botanical garden sprawling over 70,000 square meters. The gardens are a riot of colors and fragrances in the spring, with azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom. The villa also hosts temporary exhibitions and musical events, adding a cultural flair to its natural and historical appeal.
Funicular Como-Brunate
For stunning panoramic views of Lake Como, take the funicular from Como to the hilltop village of Brunate. This short yet scenic ride takes you to a vantage point where you can see the lake stretching out beneath you and the surrounding mountains. Once in Brunate, besides enjoying the views, you can also explore several hiking trails or simply relax in a cafe and soak in the picturesque landscape.
The Greenway del Lago di Como
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Greenway del Lago di Como offers an immersive experience into the landscapes around the lake. This 10-kilometer walking path winds through historical villages, past villas and gardens, and alongside the lake, offering beautiful views and the chance to experience the local way of life at a leisurely pace. It’s an excellent way for visitors to get active while enjoying some of the best views that Lake Como has to offer.
Tasting Lake Como: Feasting on Local Delicacies
The region surrounding Lake Como retains a rich culinary heritage that complements its scenic backdrop. Local cuisine here is a delightful blend of Italian flavors with a touch of Alpine influence. One cannot visit Lake Como without trying the missoltini, a traditional dish made from preserved shad fish typical of the lake region. For those with a penchant for sweets, the miascia, a rustic lake fish cake made with bread, fruit, and nuts, reflects the simplicity and richness of local produce.
One Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como: A Local’s Guide
Kicking off your adventure to Lake Como is easier than you might think. From Milan, you can take a train directly to Como, the town after which the lake is named. Trains to Como typically leave from Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi stations, with a duration of about 40 minutes to reach your destination. If you prefer to drive, it’s approximately a 50-minute journey via the A9 motorway, which offers sweeping views of the Italian countryside as you draw closer to the lake.
Upon arriving in Como, you’ll find the city welcoming and easy to navigate. The train station is centrally located and mere steps away from the waterfront, where you can begin exploring right away.
Morning at Lake Como: Discovering Como City
Start your morning early by wandering through the historic center of Como. The town is compact and rich with architectural beauties, including the magnificent Como Cathedral, which stands as a splendid example of Gothic and Renaissance styles combined. After visiting the cathedral, stroll around the Piazza San Fedele, a lively square surrounded by various shops and cafes where you can grab a cup of Italian coffee paired with a traditional pastry.
Next, take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade. The views across to the other parts of the lake and back towards the town are stunning. This is a perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the serene beauty of the lake in the soft morning light. You can also enjoy some moments of quiet reflection by simply sitting on one of the many benches, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
Purchasing train tickets from Milan to Como is a straightforward process. Tickets can be bought in several ways:
- At the Station: You can buy tickets directly at Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi train stations. There are ticket counters as well as self-service machines available in multiple languages. It’s a good idea to buy your return ticket at the same time to avoid queues later in the day.
- Online: Several websites and mobile apps allow you to book your train tickets in advance. Trenitalia (the main train operator in Italy) and Italo are popular choices. Buying tickets online can sometimes offer you cheaper fares and the convenience of skipping the ticket line at the station.
Afternoon Delights: Villa Olmo and the Como-Brunate Funicular
As lunchtime approaches, consider dining at one of Como’s lakeside restaurants where you can savour a meal with a view. Local dishes often feature freshly caught fish from the lake, like the traditional “risotto con pesce persico” (perch risotto).
After lunch, make your way to Villa Olmo, a neoclassical villa located about a 20-minute walk from the center of Como. The villa itself is often home to art exhibitions and cultural events, and the surrounding gardens are a peaceful escape from the busier parts of town.
To add a bit of adventure to your afternoon, catch the Como-Brunate funicular. Operating since 1894, this steeply inclined railway connects Como with the village of Brunate, situated high above the lake. The funicular ride offers dramatic views that expand as you climb. Once at the top, take some time to wander through Brunate or perhaps hike to the nearby lighthouse for even more panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.
Tickets for Como-Brunate Funicular
The funicular ride from Como to Brunate is a must-do for splendid views. Here’s how to secure your ride:
- On-site Purchase: Tickets can be purchased at the funicular station in Como, which is easily accessible from the lakefront area. It’s recommended to buy a round-trip ticket to avoid the need to purchase another ticket in Brunate for the return journey.
- Timing: Since this is a popular attraction, especially on weekends and holidays, try to go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Evening Exploration: Bellagio and Relaxing Dinner
For a memorable evening, take a boat from Como to Bellagio. The journey itself, with the wind in your hair and the sun setting over the lake, is enchantingly beautiful. Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Lake”, is known for its vibrant streets, fine boutiques, and charming character.
Wander through Bellagio’s quaint lanes, perhaps picking up some local artisanal products or gifts. As dusk begins to fall, settle into a lakeside restaurant. Bellagio boasts numerous dining spots that offer not only mouth-watering Italian cuisine but also stunning views of the lake at twilight.
Boat Tickets to Bellagio
The boat trip to Bellagio is one of the highlights of visiting Lake Como. Here are your options for buying boat tickets:
- At the Pier: Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office located on the Como waterfront, close to where the boats dock. There are clear signs directing you to the ticket office.
- Online Purchase: For added convenience, consider buying your tickets online through the official website of Navigazione Laghi, the main boat service operator on the lake. This guarantees your spot on the boat, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Choose the Right Ticket: Ensure you buy the right type of ticket. If you’re planning to stop at multiple towns along the lake (like Varenna or Menaggio) before reaching Bellagio, consider a day pass which allows unlimited travel between the towns along the route.
Returning to Milan
After dinner, relaxed and full, you can catch a late evening ferry back to Como and then a train to Milan. The return trip is just as smooth, allowing you some quiet time to reflect on the day’s experiences.
Evening Return Ferry and Train
- Ferry Ticket from Bellagio to Como: You can buy this directly at the Bellagio pier. Similar to your morning commute, it’s possible to purchase these tickets on-site or through the Navigazione Laghi website.
- Returning Train Ticket: If you haven’t already purchased a return train ticket in the morning, you can buy one either at the Como San Giovanni station or through any of the apps mentioned previously.
Visiting Lake Como from Milan presents an opportunity to experience the blend of pristine nature and rich Italian culture, all within a day’s journey. Whether you’re seeking peaceful moments by the water or vibrant village life, Lake Como offers a refreshing escape, showcasing the splendor of Northern Italy.