FERRY & BOAT TOURS
Ferry and boat tours on Lake Como are something that I’d definitely recommend to anyone who wants to experience their holidays 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 on the shores of the lake.
Boat tours on Lake Como are basically of two types: public or private. You can choose the experience you prefer based on your needs, especially the time and budget you have available.
Public tours
The local public navigation service (Navigazione Laghi) provides several routes that connect all of the most popular towns along Lake Como’s shores, at a convenient price.
Private tours
With a driver at your disposal you have the chance to choose your favorite itinerary and the length of your cruise. The best to experience Lake Como at your own pace.
The public boat service is provided by Navigazione Laghi. The service operates all year round (with the exception of the southeastern branch, where it only operates in the summer), although in the low season it has a reduced frequency of service.
Below I collected the most useful information that will help you organize your transfers, but if you don’t find what you are looking for, or if you have specific questions, please contact Navigazione Laghi directly.
What kind of information are you looking for?
About the routes
There are three main routes:
Como - Colico (and back)
This passenger-only route connects the city of Como, on the southwestern tip of the lake, to Colico, on the northern tip, with intermediate stops that vary depending on the route.
Use this line if you want to take the ferry from Como to Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo or Argegno (the stops that are usually never skipped on this route). Some rides also stop in Varenna where, however, you can also get there by ferries operating in the central area.
The Como-Colico ferry line offers two different types of service:
- Regular service (Corse battello in the map). This is the slowest service, stopping at most towns along the route (which vary by ride) and is perfect for those who want to enjoy the ride and take lots of pictures. In winter, this service is more limited than in summer, in favor of the express service.
- Express service (Corse rapide). This service has fewer stops, which vary depending on the ride. It costs a little more than the regular service, but is perfect for those with limited time.
Ferries operating only in the central area of Lake Como
There are two different types of services in this area as well:
- Ferries that allow the transport of vehicles (Corse traghetto in the map) only operate between the towns of Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia. In the Navigazione Laghi search form, these piers are characterized by the word "Traghetto".
Note: The Bellagio vehicle dock will be closed for renovations for a period of about four months starting Monday, Nov. 6.
- Due to the high influx of tourists, this area also has several passenger-only shuttle services connecting towns in the central area. Since stops may vary by shuttle type, always use the search form on the Navigazione Laghi website to get the most up-to-date schedules.
Lecco - Bellagio (and back)
This passenger-only route connects Lecco, on the southeastern tip of the lake, to Bellagio, on the promontory between the three branches of the lake. It only operates in the summer.
Schedule & timetables
Below you can find the PDF timetables currently provided by Navigazione Laghi.
However, these documents are not easily readable, so I invite you to use the timetable search form on the company's website for the most up-to-date schedules (I recommend that you always check the box "INCLUDE FAST SERVICE" to get the broadest possible overview of available rides).
Como - Colico (and back)
Ferries operating only in the central part of Lake Como
Ferries that allow car transportation
Mid-lake shuttles
- Mid-lake shuttles schedules are merged into the Como-Colico-Como route PDF files (see above)
Lecco - Bellagio (and back)
- Not operational during the winter season
Tickets & fares
Remember to buy your ticket before getting on board!
Fares of Lake Como’s public boat tours
You can buy different types of tickets, the rates of which vary depending on several factors: distance between the point of departure and the point of arrival, presence of intermediate stops, surcharges for fast service, etc.
The best thing you can do to know the exact price of your trip is to visit the website of the company and use their search form. However, below is an overview of what you can get.
Types of tickets
- One-way and round-trip tickets: buy this ticket if you want to travel (and travel back) to a specific destination, without intermediate stops (you can sail from Como to Bellagio but without getting off at Argegno for a coffee).
- Free-circulation tickets: holders of these tickets are entitled to make intermediate stops between the piers for which the ticket was issued (if you want to visit multiple destinations by lake in a single day, this is probably the best choice). If available, this type of pass can be valid for one day or six days, depending on your travel needs.
Fares for most common routes
- One-way ticket Como-Bellagio: €10.40
- Free-circulation ticket Como-Bellagio (valid 1 day): €23.30
- One-way ticket Bellagio-Varenna: €4.60 (this price applies to all one-way passenger transfers between towns in the central area of the lake)
Surcharge for express service varies by route (see on the company's website).
Where to buy tickets
You can currently purchase tickets online (on Navigazione Laghi's website) for regular service trips only (which means: no vehicle transportation, no express service) for the following trip types:
- one-way/return trips
- free-circulation tickets (trips with intermediate stops)
Otherwise, tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near the dock of almost any town (onboard purchase – with cash/credit card and without any additional cost – is allowed in case of towns with no ticket office). People with disabilities can always buy the ticket on board without extra charge.
If you are going to buy your ticket at the ticket office, just make sure you get there about 20-25 minutes before the departure.
Keep in mind that during the peak season the turnout at ticket offices can be very high. If you can, buy your ticket online to avoid standing in line under the sun.
Travel times for popular journeys
Regular service
- Como - Argegno: 1h 05 min / 1h 15 min
- Como - Bellagio: 1h 30 min / 2h
- Bellagio - Varenna: 15 min
- Bellagio - Menaggio: 15 min
Fast service
- Como - Argegno: 20/25 min
- Como - Tremezzo: 40/45 min
- Como - Bellagio: 45 min / 1h
- Como - Varenna: 1h 15
Information for people with disabilities
People with disabilities can always buy the ticket on board without extra charge.
Visit the company's website to read more information for people with disabilities.
For more information on Lake Como ferry service
Read the FAQ, see my responses to comments at the bottom of this page, or contact the company directly at the following contacts:
Some ferries on Lake Como:
Places to stay in Lake Como
Top reviewed on Booking.com from travelers
Want to see more hotels, apartments or villas?
Check out my entire selection of the best places to stay in Lake Como!
Most of the towns will give you the chance to take a private boat tour on Lake Como at your own pace, maybe at sunset and with a fine bottle of prosecco.
If you are looking for a private tour with a driver at your disposal, here are some options that may be right for you!
How much are the ferries at Lake Como?
Fares for most common routes
- One-way ticket Como-Bellagio: €10.40.
- Free-circulation ticket Como-Bellagio (valid 1 day): €23.30.
- One-way ticket Bellagio-Varenna: €4.60 (this price applies to all one-way passenger transfers between towns in the central area of the lake, such as Menaggio-Tremezzo, etc.)
- One-way ticket Lecco-Bellagio: €8.30
How long is ferry ride from Como to Bellagio?
The ferry ride from Como to Bellagio across Lake Como in Italy usually takes about 2 hours with the regular service, about 1 hour with the express service.
However, the exact duration may vary depending on the specific route followed and the weather and water conditions. It is always a good idea to check ferry schedules and inquire about the estimated travel time on the day before the trip to get more accurate information.
I want to visit by ferry more than one town in a day. What kind of ticket should I buy?
If you plan to visit multiple Lake Como towns by ferry in one day, you may consider one of the following options:
Free circulation ticket
Holders of these tickets have the right to make intermediate stops between the piers for which the ticket was issued. This type of ticket can be valid for one day or six days, depending on your travel needs.
It is the ticket to buy if, for example, you want to take the ferry from Como to Bellagio, then from Bellagio to another destination, and then want to return.
Please note: sometimes online purchase is not possible. Contact the company for more information.
Tour of the Como basin area
Navigazione Laghi offers a one-hour tour of the Como basin area, between the towns of Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno.
You can choose to purchase a non-stop ticket or a free circulation ticket.
Train + ferry ticket
Trenord and Navigazione Laghi offer packages that combine train travel with different types of boat tours on Lake Como. Find out about them here.
Where do you buy ferry tickets for Como?
Tickets for the Lake Como ferry service can be purchased at ferry terminals or on the Navigazione Laghi website:
- Ferry terminals: major towns around Lake Como (including Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzina) have ticket offices near the pier. You can purchase tickets directly at these terminals but, if you choose this option in peak season, just make sure you get there about 25 minutes before the departure.
- Online booking: you can currently buy tickets online only for regular service rides (i.e., no vehicle transportation, no express service) for one-way/return trips and for day tickets (when available). Online booking allows you to secure tickets in advance and can be especially convenient during peak tourist seasons.
People with disabilities can always purchase tickets on board at no additional cost.
How long is ferry ride from Varenna to Bellagio?
The ferry ride from Varenna to Bellagio typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but the exact duration can vary depending on the type of ferry, the specific route taken, and weather and water conditions.
The distance between Varenna and Bellagio is relatively short, as the two towns are located on opposite shores of the lake but are very close to each other.
Can I take my luggage with me on the Lake Como ferries?
Yes, it is generally possible to carry luggage on Lake Como ferries. However, there may be some restrictions or additional charges depending on the type of service you use. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Size and type of luggage
Most Lake Como ferries offer room for standard-sized luggage, such as backpacks, suitcases and bags. However, items that are too large or bulky may be restricted.
Crowded periods
During peak tourist seasons, ferries can be crowded and luggage space may be limited. It is good to take this into account and plan accordingly.
Specific ferry policies
Before boarding, check the policies on the ferry company's official website (search "Embarking baggage" in this document).
In general, for standard-sized luggage, there should be no significant problems. However, if you have specific concerns or are traveling with large items, it is advisable to check with the ferry company in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Can I take my dog with me on Lake Como ferries?
Dogs may be boarded under the responsibility of their owners or keepers. The owner must ensure that the dog's attitude is appropriate to the requirements of living with humans and animals in the environment in which he or she lives.
The captain, or one of the officers making up the crew, may require the owner or keeper to muzzle the dog in case of safety hazards to other passengers, animals or objects.
Fares
- Small dogs: free
- Medium-large dogs (height to withers more than 50 cm): € 1.50 or 3.50, without extra charge on fast services.
- Guide dogs and dogs trained by security or rescue forces, on duty, are completely free of charge and have no limitations.
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This Post Has 65 Comments
Thanks for providing such a well-organized web site. This was so much easier to understand than the official Navigazione Laghi web site.
Thank you very much Vivek, feedback like yours is a source of satisfaction for me 🙂
My daughter and I will be spending 8 to 10 days exploring Lake Como and its many villages.
1) Is there a multi-day ferry pass available or must we purchase daily pass?
2) which mid-lake city is most reasonable to make it our home base?
Hi Carolyn, you can buy a 6-day pass. Find more information about the fares in the second table that you can find here. All mid-lake towns have their own charm, maybe I would suggest you to choose one of the less crowded (such as Cadenabbia or Lenno), then consider that you can reach all others by ferry in a matter of minutes. Hope this helps!
Ditto compliments for the concise and organized info on this website.
Thank you very much Laura!
Thank you so much for putting together this information – it’s very clear and concise and I can’t wait to visit Lake Como!
All the best
Thank you Chris, I really appreciate it 🙂
Hi Alessandro – Thank you for this wonderful information! I’m staying near Varenna and was thinking about taking our rental car to Villa del Balbianello. Is it possible to take the car across Lake Como from Varenna to the Villa? I saw that there’s a Griante to Varenna ferry, but it looks separate from the Navigazione Laghi ferry service. Where ferry service can I take? Thanks for your help!
Hi Judy, the ferry from Varenna to Cadenabbia is also operated by Navigazione Laghi. So, as you said, if you want to take your own car, the best option is to get to Cadenabbia by ferry and then drive to Via degli Artigiani (8 minute drive), where you will leave your car and then decide whether to walk or take a taxi boat to Villa Balbianello. I hope this helps you!
We want to make a round trip starting from Como (around 10 am), with 2 stops. First one in Varenna than in Bellagio from where we have to return to Como (no later than 21 hrs). Timetables and routes are a little bit complicated to organise easily our trip. Could you give us a hint which would be the best option considering our limited time to visit (about 8 hrs) both towns and a resonable fares for this (either regular or rapid boats)?
Hi Claudio, in my opinion the opposite is preferable, that is: first, take the ferry from Como to Bellagio (about an hour via fast service ferry). From there, take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna (15 minutes, max 30). Once you’ve visited Varenna, you can take the fast service from Varenna to Como (not too late-I think the last one of the day is around 7 p.m.). I know it is difficult to read their timetables, which is why I suggest you use the search form directly.
On the navigazionelaghi.it website, there are two options to select – eg. Varenna or Varenna (Traghetto). The first one I believe is the mid lake shuttle and the first service from Varenna is 9:23, while the second one is the car ferry and has earlier services. If I buy a one way ticket or a free circulation ticket, can I take any of these services or do I have to stick to only the one I buy a ticket for? Is the free circulation ticket only for the mid lake shuttle? Is there a different dock for the shuttle and the ferry at Varenna and Bellagio? Thank you!
Hi Claudine, useful questions for other readers as well. You don’t have to worry: if you buy the free circulation ticket you can take any kind of ferry you want, as long as you move within the validity area of the ticket you chose to buy. The piers may be different (for example, in Bellagio there is one where you take the regular ferry and another where you have to board if you have a car – or even if you don’t have it), but in any case it is best to ask the shore staff to make sure you take the right boat 😀
Best!
Dear Alessandro, group of six adults would like to take high speed ferry from Como to Bellagio, spend a couple of hours, take ferry to Varenna, spend a couple of hours and then back to Como. What is the best option knowing we only have one day.
Thank you for your help.
Linda Gartner
Hi Linda, I think the trip you have already planned is perfect 🙂 Just be sure to check the ferry schedules to plan your travel as smoothly as possible.
Hello Alessandro, thank you for putting these clear instructions for the public!!
I have a question, If i want to take a ferry from Como and want to visit Bellagio, Varenna and Mennagiothe same day but with 2 hours in between every town. Do we have to pay for 1 ticket or is it 3 tickets. I cannot find a clear answer online.
Also do you think the ferry will be full next week or quiet calm? We just want to buy the ticket at the ferry station.
Thank you very much,
greetings from belgium
Good morning Salma, thank you so much for your feedback! You can buy the Como-Menaggio free-circulation ticket which covers all trips included within that area. At this time, the boats are certainly quieter than in the high season. But the thing that worries me is that with the current winter schedule you will hardly be able to visit all these towns in one day, taking even two-hour breaks. I think it’s better to split the visits into two days!
Hello Alessandro thank you very much for your quick reply! I will take your advice and split the visits in 2 days!!
Have a great day!
Hello, I am planning a trip in the summer with my family, and we will be staying in Tremezzo. What is the best way to get to Lierno? It looks like the Corse Batello has a route that would take us there, but I wasn’t able to find any tickets on the timetable search table. Thank you for your help!
Hello Kirstin, the best way to reach Lierna from Tremezzo is to get to Varenna by boat and, from there, take the train that will take you to Lierna. I hope I have been of some help to you!
hello, we are planning to visit Como in August
we want to visit Bellagio and Varenna by boat in a day. Which kind of tickets to get ? My husband is disabled and I am his companion. Is there a discount on tickets for disabled people
Hello Tsonka, you can buy a regular round trip in order to take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna and back. Regarding your other question, I suggest you read the “Information for people with disabilities” that you can find on the company’s website.
Ciao Alessandro, we are arriving in Como by train on 25May23. Two questions please:
1) We are staying in Griante. That is the Tremezzo boat stop, yes?
2) Roughly how often do boats leave from Como? Our hotel tells us there aren’t many boats but we read online that there will be lots of them. We would prefer the slow boat but the hydrofoils would be ok too.
Grazie!
Hi John, Griante is a hamlet of Cadenabbia, where the pier from which car ferries also depart is located. But yes, there is also the pier in Tremezzo a short distance away. What they told you is correct, there are not very many boats, even in the high season. Basically, while waiting for the new schedules to come out, consider one or maximum two rides per hour.
Hello Alessandro!
Thank you for all the super useful info on your website!
I went the official Navigazione Laghi site and I’m unable to find the sale of Free-circulation ticket/Day Pass anywhere.
I looked through the internet but also could not find any info on how to obtain it.
Any idea where I can get it? Or is it possible to buy the free-circulation ticket on the day itself at the ferry offices?
Good morning Matthew, you will be able to purchase it directly at the ticket offices located next to the piers, or even online the moment the new schedules come out. Sorry for the inconvenience, unfortunately the company’s website is not the most usable 😀
Hi Alessandro, thank you very much for your information.
I am planning to visit Lake Como next month, and will be staying at Como. I am planning to spend 1 day travelling to Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio from Como.
Based on the information above, it seems like the best ticket is a free-circulation 1 day pass from Como to Varenna. This will allow me to stop at Bellagio and Menaggio (along the Como-Varenna course), and head back from Varenna to Como without having to pay any extra fee. Is my understanding of this correct?
Thank you very much once again for your help!
Hello Marco, yes, what you say is theoretically correct. But I honestly wouldn’t advise you to visit all these destinations in one day: the distances are greater than you might think, the boat rides are not that frequent, and then I would recommend devoting at least a couple of hours to each town. I’m afraid you’ll have to extend your trip or remove a town from the itinerary!
Hello Alesandro!! We ‘re going to visit Lake Como at the end of September. We have booked an apartment in Bellagio. We noticed that ferries are frequent from Bellagio to Varenna and Menaggio, but there are only 3 per day to other places such as Nesso and Lenno? We want to visit Nesso and Lenno, which is the best way to visit these places?
Hello Evangelia, you can always take the bus. For example, from Bellagio you can take the c30 that takes you to Nesso in about 25-30 minutes, whereas to reach Lenno you can take the ferry to one of the more connected villages on the other side (e.g., Cadenabbia), and from there take the C10 that takes you to Lenno.
Hi Alessandro, your responses have been very helpful.
I have some specific queries below.
1. Are fast ferry tickets available only at the actual office, not online ? If yes , then not sure why “INCLUDE FAST SERVICE” option is present on the Navigazione Laghi website. When I try to search fast service tickets online, I see following error:
“You have included the express service or selected accompanying vehicle: you can purchase these services EXCLUSIVELY at the ground ticket offices.”
2. How many hours minimum should we budget for if we want to travel from “Como” via ferry and we want to cover Bellagio and Varena (couple of hours at each of those locations , and come back.
3. We will be travelling from Milan with 3 suitcases to Giovanni S Como station. Is there luggage storage available at the station ? We want to take a train to Lugano from that station in evening.
Hi Umesh, so sorry for the delay but I had missed your comment! Anyway I confirm that currently fast service tickets can only be done at ground ticket offices. Online you can only check for the actual ride. I know, it’s all a bit strange…. Anyway, if you want to easily visit both Bellagio and Varenna from Como, I recommend budgeting for a full day (say from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Here you can find some luggage storage facilities available in the city of Como. Hope this helps!
Hi Alessandro, is it possible to start from Varenna, stop in Nesso and then continue on to Bellagio with a one day free circulation ticket? Would the purchase be from Varenna to Careno? I didn’t see an option for Nesso when purchasing tickets and was assuming a stop would be in Nesso.
Hi Michele, yes, it is possible to do what you said, but you have to plan your trip carefully, because the rides are generally not that frequent. I’ve just checked on Navigazione Laghi website and it looks like you can’t buy the free circulation ticket that covers the Varenna – Nesso area… one of Lake Como’s mysteries! So in this case I recommend you buy separate individual tickets, you can easily do this online so you will avoid standing in line. Hope this helps!
Hi Alessandro, thank you for putting together all of this helpful information! My family and I are looking to travel from Como to Bellagio but we would also like to make stops in Varenna and Menaggio, before returning to Como. It seems like the free circulation ticket might be the best ticket option for us but I want to be sure that I am selecting the correct location to be able to see all these towns. Does it make the most sense to book the ticket from Como to Menaggio and that way we can still use the Ferry for Bellagio and Varenna? Or what would you suggest? Thank you!
Hi Taylor, I’m afraid visiting 3 towns in one day is a bit much. I would advise you to choose only 2 towns from Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna or, if you don’t want to give up, make sure you plan your travels well, leave early in the morning and travel at a good pace. That said, you can certainly buy the Como-Menaggio free circulation day pass and move freely in this area (as the name of the pass suggests :D). Keep in mind, however, that if you want to return to Como using the fast boat service, you will have to go to the Menaggio ticket office to purchase the appropriate supplement (as it is not purchasable online). Hope this helps!
Hi there! Trying to purchase tickets online but am unsure which option to choose. I’m staying in Varenna in late August and am trying to get to Lenno (to visit Villa del Balbianello) and visit Bellagio and maybe Mennagio all in a day. I know the start point would obviously be Varenna, but what would the end point be for the ticket. If I enter Varenna and Lenno and purchase the day pass would i be able to visit Bellagio and Menaggio or how does that work. Or which option do I do if I only want to go to/from Lenno and Bellagio from Varenna. Thanks in advance for your help and have a lovely rest of your day!
Hi Araceli, since all of the destinations you mentioned are in the central area of the lake, you can purchase a “Free circulation ticket” that has Varenna as its starting point and any of the above towns as its destination. As you can see from – sorry – this very complicated table, the type of route connecting Varenna to Lenno / Bellagio / Menaggio is always marked with the number 3. So, a Free circulation ticket will cost you €15 for the whole day (valid only for regular service, not rapid service). Hope this helps!
Hi Alessandro,
If I travel from Como city to Bellagio, to Varenna and back to Como city in a day, how many ferry tickets do I have to buy?
Thank you
Hi Wendy, the best thing to do in my opinion is to buy online a “Free circulation ticket” which covers the Como-Varenna area and costs €25.80 for the whole day. Remember though that with this ticket you cannot take the express service. If you want to use an express service for one of the rides you want to take, you will have to buy the corresponding supplement at the ground ticket offices.
Hi. Thank you for the above informative write up and useful replies. We are staying at Como and will be covering Bellagio and Verenna in 1 day by ferry. It appears the best option is to buy a day pass cono- varenna. Please correct me if I am wrong.
1 person travelling with me is above 65 years old. Is there a senior fare and can that be bought online?we are travelling late oct. Many thanks for your advice.
Hi, yes, you can purchase the day pass that covers the entire area. The drawback is that, online, you can only purchase this type of pass if, for the travel times you are interested in, there is actually a regular run that connects both destinations (either directly or with a stopover). If this type of ride does not exist, but the return from Varenna is only available through the express service, you do not have the option of purchasing the day-pass online – you can do this at the ticket office, but if the only service that will take you back to Como is the express ride, then when you are in Varenna you will still have to stand in line to buy the supplement. I’m sorry, I know it’s a mess, but that’s how Lake Como ferry service is currently run 🥲 For any other information, please contact the company’s website directly.
Hi Alessandro, thank you for gathering all the information! We’re planning stay in Como for 3 days and are planning on taking the ferry on the second day. I was wondering if it’s possible to purchase the free-circulation tickets in advance at the ticket office on our first day at Como. And do you know what time the ticket office opens and closes? Thank you!
Hi Rose, yes I suggest you buy it in advance (preferably around late afternoon when the queues for purchasing tickets are shorter). I honestly don’t know the opening hours but I don’t think they close much past 7 pm.
Hello ! I come to Lake Como in early September, and i’d like to walk the Greenway del Lago, from Colonno to Cadenabbia. My Bnb is located in Varenna. What would you recommend ? As i don’t see how to go with the ferry from Varenna to Colonno in the morning and then back to Varenna from Cadenabbia in the afternoon. Thank you for the help !
Hi, you can do it the other way around. Take the ferry from Varenna to Cadenabbia, and from there proceed south. At the end of your walk, once you get to Colonno, you can go back north on the C10 bus and, again, take the ferry from Cadenabbia to Varenna.
Hi – Can you take the Traghetto ferry even if you do not have a car? If yes, how easy is the walk between the Bellagio passenger ferry terminal and the Bellagio Treghetto terminal? Will be arriving on a passenger ferry at 17:57 at the Bellagio passenger ferry and hoping to catch the 18:15 Bellagio Traghetto ferry to Varenna. Assuming I purchase the Traghetto ticket in advance, is this possible? I know the transfer will be tight but trying to determine if it is possible. Many thanks in advance!
Hi Diane, yes, you can take the vehicle ferry even without a vehicle. The distance between the two different terminals in Bellagio is a 5-minute walk, so I’d say you’re just in time 🙂
Hi, I’m getting the train to Varenna, I want to visit Bellagio and Menaggio. Can I get a one day pass to cover these towns and come back to Varenna? Which destination do I put into the ticket to cover all three destinations?
Also if I wanted to visit como as well as Bellagio and menaggio before returning to Varenna is this all included in the one day pass? And what do I put in the destination for the one day pass?
Many thanks,
Natasha
Hi Natasha, currently it seems impossible to purchase the day-pass on the Navigazione Laghi website. I recommend that you purchase tickets for each route separately (the service charge for connecting between destinations in the central lake area is always 4.60€ each way). I suggest you buy the tickets a few days in advance as online they sell out very soon (if it happens you can still head to the land-based ticket offices). For any other information, please write directly to the company so that sooner or later they will be able to offer a service that meets expectations 🙂
Hi Alessandro,
We will be traveling from Saronno, is the Como Nord Lago the right station that is a 5 min walk from the ferry pier at Piazza Cavour?
We are hoping to get to Bellagio and take in some views, are the hydrofoil boats’ seat inside and what kind of views do they provide?
The next day we are traveling from Bellagio to Varenna in the morning, should we buy both tickets together at the Pizza Cavour?
Thank you so much!
Hi Hannah, I confirm that Como Lago station is a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Cavour, in front of which is the boat ticket office. If you are interested in enjoying the beautiful views on the ferry from Como to Bellagio (in this regard, I invite you to see my Reel!) you may be better off using the regular service, as the hydrofoils have mostly indoor seats. The advantage is also that you can buy this kind of ticket online. As for the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna, again you can safely buy your ticket online (but I advise you not to do it at the last minute because tickets can be sold-out). Hope this helps!
Hi.
1. If I buy an online ticket in advance for the slow ferry, is it like the trains in Italy, where if you miss your booking you can just take the next one ?
2. First week of October, will it be very busy ? Will I be able to just roll up and get a ferry from Varenna to Bellagio around 3.30 pm ?
Thanks.
Hi Will, as far as I know it is: the ticket you buy online must be used on the day itself but not necessarily for a ride at a specific time. On this, I suggest you write to the company’s website so they can give you more accurate information. October is one of the best times to visit Lake Como: the area is not congested with tourists, the weather is still good, and transportation services are operating pretty much like in summer, so go easy!
Hi Alessandro, we are traveling from Milan to Bellagio by train spending the night in Bellano.
Do you know if there is a luggage storage at the Bellagio ferry port or Bellagio train stop?
Is it easy to take a ferry from Bellano to Bellagio and back? Do they run as frequently as from Bellagio to Varenna?
Hi Hannah, take a look at these luggage storage facilities around Lake Como (there is also one in Bellano). Consider that there are not very many boats connecting Bellano to Bellagio. Every day there are about 2 or 3 that go from Bellagio to Bellano and as many that go the other way around. I recommend that you get an idea of how the Lake Como ferry tours work in this current page and for any other information on this you can contact the official company. What I can recommend, as an alternative, is to embark in Varenna (from which departures are more frequent) and which can be reached by train or D21 bus.
Hi Alessandro, great feedback for everyone – hope you can help us? 5 adults coming from Milan on an early train to Como in June 2024. We will have a one day Free Circulation Pass and hoping to go to Lenno to catch a boat shuttle to see Villa del Balbianello and visit Bellagio and Varenna back to Como to catch train to Milan. Is this doable in one day? What are your suggestions. Will our pass cover those places (excluding shuttle to Villa). Hope that makes sense! Thanks a lot. Kym 🙂
Hi Kym, I think your plan requires more time than just one day. Instead, my advice is to take the train to Varenna, from where you can take the ferry to Bellagio. This would greatly reduce the time and you could also include in your day a visit to Villa Monastero or Villa Melzi! How about it?
Hi Alessandro, Travelling to Lake Como for a day and planning to buy Free Circulation tickets for the family so we can start and stop where and when we want. Have 2 children coming that will be under 12 years old, do you know if they are a different price? Also, I have tried to book tickets online, but the schedule only goes up to March 17th, 2024, (which is 2 weeks before we are visiting), and the site will not accept my booking dates… do you know when the new schedule is released during the year? Thanks in advance for your help… awesome website!
Hello Kat, you can find all the information about Lake Como’s ticket fares here (I know it’s very hard to read, I’m sorry :’D). The new schedules will be released 1-2 weeks before the entry into force. Hope this helps!
Hello:) I am planning a trip to Lake Como during Easter holiday, will the ferry in service between 29th March to 1st April 2024? Thank you!
Hi Kat, certainly. The new ferry schedules will come out a couple of weeks before the new schedules go into effect.