GETTING AROUND LAKE COMO
There are a lot of different ways to get around Lake Como without a car: private or public transportation will take you wherever you want to go. But given the high influx of tourists, it is very important to plan your trips carefully.
How to get around Lake Como, in brief
If you plan to visit a town on the western branch of Lake Como (such as Como, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzina among others) buses and public boat service are a great way to move from town to town.
From the villages located in the central area of the lake you can also reach the northernmost villages on the eastern branch, such as Varenna, in a few minutes by boat. But if you want to move along the eastern side (Lecco, Mandello, Varenna, Colico, etc.), train service is probably the best option.
Trains do not operate on the western branch, but from both the train stations in the city of Como (Como S. Giovanni and Como Nord Lago) you can take a bus that will take you to some of the most popular Lake Como’s towns.
In any case, don’t limit yourself to using only one form of public transportation: plan your trips using a combination of several vehicles (e.g. boat + bus) and it will be easier!
Know before you go
🚢 Notice about public boat rides
Boat rides in peak season can be very crowded and the lines to purchase a ticket can be exhausting. Whenever possible, purchase your ticket online at least a couple of days before the trip to ensure that available tickets online do not sell out. Also remember that public boat rides do not run until late in the evening. For more information, please visit this page.
🚌 Notice about bus service
Bus rides are not particularly frequent, even in high season. Arrive at the stop at least 5-10 minutes early and, when possible, purchase your ticket in advance. For more information, please visit this page.
🚕 Notice about cabs
Throughout the Lake Como area, the number of cabs is limited. I recommend that you book cabs in advance, especially in high season. For more information, please visit this page.
Notice about public boat rides
Boat rides in peak season can be very crowded and the lines to purchase a ticket can be exhausting. Whenever possible, purchase your ticket online at least a couple of days before the trip. Also remember that public boat rides do not run until late in the evening.
Notice about bus service
Bus rides are not particularly frequent, even in high season. Arrive at the stop at least 5-10 minutes early and, when possible, purchase your ticket in advance.
Notice about cabs
Throughout the Lake Como area, the number of cabs is limited. Book your cab in advance, especially in high season!
If you can, visit Lake Como in the off-season!
Lake Como is a true corner of Italian paradise that attracts tourists from all over the world, especially during the high season (late May to late September). My advice is, if you can, to visit Lake Como during the low season (for example, in April or October) to have a more relaxing and authentic travel experience.
Boat tours are something that I’d definitely recommend to anyone who wants to experience Lake Como at its best.
Whether you are visiting Lake Como for a day or staying longer, jump aboard a boat, relax and reach your favourite destination: Bellagio, Varenna, Como, or maybe one of the historical villas.
Most of the towns around Lake Como are well connected by the local bus service.
Bus service is a great way to move around Lake Como and save some money. If you travel by public transport, you’ll be happy to know that bus stops are just outside the main train stations: there will always be a bus that will take you to your destination.
You have several options to reach Lake Como by train: it all depends on the town you want to visit.
On the western branch of the lake, Como is the only town to have train stations. Instead, traveling by train to the eastern branch is much easier. If you are in Milan and want to reach Lake Como by train, keep in mind that this branch offers a lot of choices.
Taxi service in Lake Como definitely isn’t one of the cheapest ways to move around, but it sure is one of the quickest.
There are several companies that operate in the Lake Como area, both municipal and private. You will find taxi services at the main public transportation hubs, such as train or bus stations.
You can get to Lake Como from Milan in many ways. It all depends on your travel needs, such as the town that you wish to visit, your departure point and your means of transport.
However, it is possible to reach any location on Lake Como without a car by using a combination of public transportation.
Lake Como does not have its own airport, but there are as many as 3 within a very short distance and all located in the Milan area.
In this article you will find an overview of the 3 closest airports, allowing you to take a bus, regional train, car or cab and travel with pleasure to your desired destination.
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