Lake Como Day Trip from Milan – Best Routes Explained

Planning a Lake Como day trip from Milan can feel confusing with all the different train stations, ferry schedules, and town options. 

I’ve been there myself, staring at maps and forum posts, trying to figure out the smartest route.

This guide breaks down the best routes based on what actually works for travelers. You’ll learn which train to take, how the ferries connect, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Let’s begin.

Why Lake Como Day Trips Get Complicated Fast

Lake Como isn’t one simple destination. It’s a Y-shaped lake with towns scattered around three branches. Trains only reach certain spots. 

Ferries fill the gaps but run on schedules that change by season. Most people want to see Bellagio, but there’s no direct train there. 

You need to understand how trains and ferries work together before you book anything. Missing one connection can throw off your entire day. 

The learning curve catches most first-time visitors off guard, which is why planning ahead matters so much.

Understanding Lake Como Geography

Lake Como has three main branches forming a Y shape. Bellagio sits at the center where these branches meet. 

It’s accessible only by ferry or car and no train tracks reach it. This surprises many first-time visitors who assume trains go everywhere.

Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio form what locals call the Golden Triangle. They’re close to each other by ferry. 

Varenna has a train station and sits on the eastern shore, much closer to Bellagio. The ferry to Bellagio takes just 15 minutes. That’s why most travelers choose Varenna as their starting point.

Como town is closer to Milan by train (about 40 minutes), but it sits at the bottom of the lake’s western arm. 

Getting from Como to Bellagio takes a long ferry ride, around 2 hours. For a tight day trip, Varenna wins.

Best Routes for a Lake Como Day Trip

These tested routes prevent the classic mistake of getting stuck somewhere with no train home.

Route 1: Milan to Varenna to Bellagio to Varenna to Milan (Safest Option)

This is the most reliable route. Take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (about 1 hour). Walk down to the waterfront and catch the ferry to Bellagio (15 minutes). 

Spend your time in both towns. When you’re ready to leave, take the ferry back to Varenna, then catch the train back to Milan.

This route works because you return to the same train station where you started. If you miss a ferry, another one comes soon. Even if you miss your planned train, others run frequently.

Route 2: Milan to Varenna to Bellagio to Como to Milan (Scenic Loop)

Start the same way: train to Varenna, ferry to Bellagio. Instead of returning to Varenna, take the longer ferry from Bellagio to Como town (about 2 hours). 

From Como, catch the train back to Milan (40 minutes).

The downside is timing. If you miss the Como ferry or arrive late, you might face a long wait. Check the ferry schedule carefully before choosing this route.

Trains from Milan to Lake Como

Look for Trenord regional trains heading to Tirano or Sondrio. These stop at Varenna-Esino. Trains run roughly every hour. 

Buy tickets at the station or use the Trenord app. Tickets cost around €5-7 one way. You don’t need reservations for regional trains. Just validate your ticket before boarding.

The Varenna-Esino station sits on a hill above town. Walk downhill about 10 minutes to reach the waterfront and ferry dock.

Leave Milan by 8:00 or 8:30 AM. This gets you to the lake by 9:30 or 10:00 AM. You’ll have 6-7 hours before needing to head back. 

Early trains are less crowded, and you beat the tour bus crowds that arrive mid-morning.

Ferries on Lake Como

During summer (April to October), ferries run every 30-60 minutes. Peak summer might see boats every 30 minutes. Winter cuts service significantly. 

Some routes run only 3-4 times per day. Check the Navigazione Laghi website for current schedules.

Most standard ferry tickets are flexible. You buy them at the dock without assigned departure times. You can use them on any ferry that day. 

This flexibility helps a lot. If you linger longer in Bellagio than planned, just catch the next ferry.

If you miss the last ferry to your train town, you’re stuck. Taxis around the lake are expensive. A taxi from Bellagio to Varenna can cost €50 or more. 

Know the last ferry time and give yourself a buffer.

How Much Time to Spend in Each Town

Give Varenna 1.5 to 2 hours. Walk the lakeside promenade and visit Villa Monastero’s gardens if they’re open. Varenna is small, but rushing through defeats the purpose.

Bellagio needs 2.5 to 3 hours. The town is bigger than Varenna with hillside streets that take time to walk. Plan lunch here. 

Restaurants fill up by 1:00 PM, especially in summer. Eat by noon or 12:30 PM to avoid waits.

Walking up from the waterfront to the upper town takes 15-20 minutes. The views from the top are excellent, but the walk is steep. Wear comfortable shoes.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer weekends get packed. Ferries fill up fast. You might wait for the second or third boat. 

Some travelers recommend weekdays in June or September instead. You get good weather without the August crush.

Winter Lake Como is quiet. Many restaurants and shops close. Ferry schedules shrink to minimal service. Fog can cancel ferries. 

Cold weather makes the boat rides less pleasant. Daylight ends by 5:00 PM.

From November through March, check ferry schedules carefully. What runs hourly in summer might run three times daily in winter.

Self-Guided vs Guided Tours

Here’s how the two options compare based on what travelers actually experience:

The biggest mistake DIY travelers make is underestimating travel time. Another mistake is trying to see too much. 

Four towns in one day sounds good on paper, but you’re constantly checking ferry times instead of enjoying where you are.

Backup Plans

Bergamo gets mentioned constantly as the best backup. It’s 50 minutes from Milan by train. The old town sits on a hill accessible by funicular. 

Bergamo has medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and great food. No ferry schedules to worry about.

If it’s January and you see fog in the forecast, skip Lake Como. Ferries cancel and visibility drops to nothing. You won’t see the scenery that makes the trip worthwhile.

Conclusion

Route 1 stands out as the safest bet for your Lake Como day trip from Milan. Take the train to Varenna, ferry to Bellagio, then return the same way.

I’ve done this trip twice. The first time, I tried cramming in three towns and felt rushed. The second time, I focused on just Varenna and Bellagio. 

That slower pace made all the difference in actually remembering the views instead of constantly checking schedules.

Check ferry schedules the night before. Leave Milan early. If the weather looks bad, choose Bergamo instead. 

What’s your biggest concern about this trip? Drop a comment below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the train ride from Milan to Lake Como?

The train to Varenna-Esino takes about 1 hour. The train to Como San Giovanni takes 40 minutes. Both leave from Milano Centrale station and run multiple times per hour.

Can you swim in Lake Como during a day trip?

Yes, but only in summer. Beaches are small and often pebbly. Varenna and Bellagio have waterfront areas for swimming. Bring a towel if swimming is important to you.

Are there luggage storage options at Milan train station?

Yes, Milano Centrale has a left luggage service. It’s located near platforms 1 and 21. Fees are around €6-8 per bag for the day. Store bags if you’re doing Lake Como before an evening departure.

Do restaurants in Bellagio accept credit cards?

Most do, but cash is still preferred at smaller cafes. Bring some euros. ATMs are available in both Varenna and Bellagio if you need to withdraw cash.

Is Lake Como accessible for people with mobility issues?

Partially. Varenna’s waterfront is fairly flat. Bellagio’s main streets climb steep hills. Ferries have steps. Villa gardens have uneven paths. If mobility is limited, focus on Varenna’s lakefront promenade and plan accordingly.