Picture this: You’re sitting in your Milan hotel room, scrolling through photos of those gorgeous Italian lakes, and wondering, “Can I really experience Lake Como in just one day?”
I found myself in that exact situation a few years ago during my first trip to Milan.
Sunshine, gelato, and a ferry ride—our day trip to Lake Como from Milan had it all.
Let me tell you, there’s something magical about escaping the urban energy of Milan and finding yourself among the peaceful blue waters and mountain views of Lake Como just an hour away.
But is visiting Lake Como really worth it? Will you feel rushed? Can you actually see the highlights? I’m sharing everything I’ve learned from my multiple day trips to help you decide if it’s right for you!
How to Get from Milan to Lake Como for a Day Trip
Getting to Lake Como from Milan is actually super easy – which is one big reason why a day trip is totally doable!
It offers both comfort and efficiency that other modes of transport often lack.
Trains run regularly from Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna stations to Como San Giovanni and Como Nord Lago stations.
Some options complete the route faster, while others take a bit longer.
The standard fare is about €5-10 each way (depending on which train you take), making it an incredibly affordable day out.
Pro tip that I learned the hard way: buy your return ticket in Milan before departing!
On my first trip, I didn’t realize the ticket machines at smaller stations sometimes don’t accept foreign credit cards, and I nearly got stuck in Como.
If you prefer more flexibility, you can drive from Milan to Lake Como in about an hour, but honestly, I don’t recommend it.
Parking can be an absolute nightmare in the summer months (I spent 45 precious minutes of my day trip circling for a parking spot in Bellagio once), and the narrow lakeside roads can be stressful if you’re not used to Italian driving.
The Perfect Lake Como Day Trip Itinerary from Milan
I make Lake Como’s highlights for a single day. Fair warning though – it’s a full day!
I recommend starting early; I usually catch the 8:20 am train from Milano Centrale.
Start in the city of Como, where your train will arrive. Don’t rush straight to the ferry – Como itself is worth exploring! Take an hour to see the beautiful Como Cathedral (Duomo) and walk along the lakefront promenade.
Plan to board a ferry sometime near 10:30 in the morning. I strongly recommend taking the regular slow ferry rather than the fast service for your upward journey.
The sight of the mountains plunging into the deep blue water, with colorful villages clinging to the shores, was even more spectacular than the photos that had tempted me to visit.
Bellagio First
Make Bellagio your main destination, arriving around noon.
Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como, It’s located right where the three arms of Lake Como meet.
Those narrow, steep cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafes? That’s Bellagio!
I usually spend about 3 hours here, which gives enough time for lunch, shopping, and exploring the town.
For lunch, avoid the overpriced restaurants right at the ferry dock. Walk about 5 minutes inland, and you’ll find more authentic places with better prices.
I stumbled upon a family-run trattoria up one of the side streets where I had the best risotto of my life for half the price of the waterfront restaurants.
Go Varenna
After Bellagio, take the ferry to Varenna (just a 15-minute ride), which is my personal favorite Lake Como town.
It’s smaller and less crowded than Bellagio, with a gorgeous waterfront promenade locals call the “Walk of Lovers.”
I still dream about the gelato I had while strolling along that path! If you have time, visit Villa Monastero with its beautiful gardens stretching along the lakefront.
Final Overview
Around 5:00-5:30 pm, take the ferry back to the city of Como, then catch an evening train back to Milan.
You’ll be back in time for a late dinner in the city, tired but with a camera full of amazing photos and memories!
If you’d rather see a famous villa, an alternative itinerary would be Como → Villa Carlotta (in Tremezzo) → Bellagio → Como. Villa Carlotta has stunning botanical gardens and art, but this means you’ll probably have to skip Varenna to make everything fit in one day.
Is a Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan Actually Worth It?
YES, it’s absolutely worth it – with some caveats!
Here’s why it works so well: The transportation connection between Milan and Como is fast and reliable. The lake’s southern towns are set up well for day visitors. And you can actually see 2-3 highlights in a day without feeling completely rushed.
On my first day trip, I was amazed by how much I could experience in those hours – the scenic ferry ride alone made the journey worthwhile.
I got to wander through beautiful towns, enjoy an authentic Italian lunch overlooking that famous lake, and still make it back to Milan for a late dinner.
That said, there are some definite downsides to the day trip approach.
You’ll only see a fraction of what Lake Como offers – it’s impossible to explore the northern lake towns or spend meaningful time at multiple villas.
By the time I was on the train back to Milan during my first visit, I was already planning a longer stay for my next trip to Italy!
You’ll also be visiting during the busiest hours alongside every other day-tripper. My most recent day trip was in August (not by choice – I was accompanying friends on their schedule), and Bellagio was so crowded at midday that it honestly detracted from the experience.
If you’re a photographer, you’ll miss the magical early morning and sunset light that makes Lake Como truly shine.
Some of the best photos I’ve ever taken were during a subsequent trip when I stayed overnight and captured the lake at dawn, with mist hovering over the water and the towns still peaceful before the day visitors arrived.
Not only that but also there have a lot of things to do in Lake Como.
Best Season for a Lake Como Day Trip
Timing can make or break your day trip experience. I’ve visited in different seasons, and each offers something different.
Late spring (May-June) has been my sweet spot for day trips – the gardens are blooming, the weather is warm but not hot, and the summer crowds haven’t fully arrived. My May visit had perfect conditions with temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and those photogenic clear blue skies reflecting on the lake.
Summer (July-August) brings the best weather but also peak crowds and prices. If summer is your only option (as it was for my most recent visit), I strongly recommend a weekday rather than weekend trip. The ferries get packed, restaurants have long waits, and the narrow streets of Bellagio can feel claustrophobic.
Early fall (September-early October) rivals spring for the perfect day trip timing. The summer crowds thin out, the weather remains pleasant, and the changing colors add another dimension to the landscape. During my September visit, I noticed the light had this gorgeous golden quality that made everything look like a painting.
Winter day trips (November-March) are possible but come with limitations. Ferries run reduced schedules, many restaurants and attractions close or have limited hours, and the weather can be chilly and foggy. That said, Christmas decorations in Como city are charming, and you’ll have much more space to yourself.
Final Thoughts: So Is a Lake Como Day Trip from Milan Really Worth It?
After multiple day trips and longer stays, my verdict is clear: Yes, a day trip to Lake Como from Milan is absolutely worth it if that’s all the time you have!
Even with just 8-10 hours, you can experience the essence of what makes Lake Como special – those stunning mountain-meets-lake views, charming historic towns, and that magical Italian lakes atmosphere.
Will you see everything? Definitely not. Will you wish you had more time? Probably. But will you regret going even for just a day? In my experience, not at all!
If you’re on the fence about whether to make the journey from Milan for just a day, I say go for it – just set realistic expectations, follow my itinerary suggestions, and prepare for a whirlwind day of beauty that you won’t soon forget.
Lake Como’s magic works quickly – even in just a few hours, it’s likely to become one of your favorite memories of Italy!
Have you done a day trip to Lake Como from Milan? What was your experience like? Or are you planning one soon?
Tips to Make Your Lake Como Day Trip More Enjoyable
After doing this day trip multiple times (sometimes successfully, sometimes with hiccups), I’ve gathered some crucial tips:
- Start early! The earliest train you can comfortably catch means more time at the lake. I once made the mistake of taking a 10 am train, and I felt rushed the entire day.
- Check the ferry schedules in advance. Lake Como ferry timetables change seasonally, and nothing ruins a day trip like discovering you have a two-hour wait for the next ferry. During my second visit, I didn’t check the updated schedule and missed the last direct ferry from Bellagio to Como – what a headache that was!
- If you’re planning to use the ferry several times, consider purchasing a day pass. Individual tickets add up quickly. The “Free Circulation” ticket pays for itself if you’re making at least 3 ferry journeys.
- Pack light. You’ll be walking up steep streets and on/off ferries all day. My first trip, I lugged around a heavy backpack and regretted it with every cobblestone step in Bellagio.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Those charming cobblestone streets are murder on fancy footwear. I once brought a friend who insisted on wearing cute new sandals – she was miserable by lunchtime.
- Bring water and snacks. Tourist area prices can be high, and you don’t want to waste precious time searching for a convenience store.
- Have a backup plan for bad weather. Lake Como loses some of its magic in the rain. When I got caught in a surprise shower, I pivoted to spending more time in the covered shopping arcades in Como city and at the silk museum.
- Download offline Google Maps of the area. Cell service can be spotty around the lake, especially when you’re on the water.
- Consider skipping weekends if possible. The difference in crowd levels between my weekday visit and weekend visit was dramatic.
- Don’t over-plan. It’s tempting to try to see everything, but part of Lake Como’s charm is the relaxed atmosphere. My most enjoyable day trip was when I limited myself to just Como, Bellagio, and Varenna, which gave me time to actually sit and enjoy a leisurely lunch with that million-dollar view.