r/LakeComo • u/akazaya9 • Oct 02 '25
There are three types of boats that operate on Lake Como, although people usually refer to all of them in English as "ferry":
You can download PDF timetables from the official website under the "Timetables" tab: Navigazione Laghi Timetables.
You can also use the search function on the website to check routes and departure times between two destinations.
It depends on the boat you're planning to take:
It depends on your route. Here are some popular examples:
It depends on the time of year and the place. For example, in summer, in the central lake (Varenna-Bellagio-Menaggio/Cadenabbia) the first car ferries on the lake are around 6:00 am, and the last ones around midnight.
Yes, they do. There is a Sunday and holiday schedule, which is slightly different from the regular one.
r/LakeComo • u/akazaya9 • 19d ago
Lake Como may look compact on Instagram, but in reality it is a vast and surprisingly complex destination, shaped by mountains, narrow roads, and slow-moving ferries. Many visitors arrive with just a social-media-made itinerary in mind, only to discover that the logistics of the lake are very different from what a thirty-second TikTok suggests.
Here are some of the most common mistakes tourists make when visiting the lake based on my experience as a local working with tourists on the lake. Feel free to add more.
1. Day-tripping from Milan in just one day (aka the Tiktok route)
This is what Instagram and TikTok have popularized, so it’s what everyone does. Train to Varenna, then ferry to Bellagio, then to Como. Or the opposite, or similar routes. But do you really want to spend half the day in crowded stations and ferry queues, and waiting outside villas just to see two Insta-perfect spots, without ever really absorbing the atmosphere of the lake?
Lake Como is best experienced slowly: lingering by the waterfront, wandering through quiet villages after dinner, and enjoying the scenery instead of rushing through a checklist. This kind of “bite-and-go” tourism is only contributing to overtourism and making things worse for everyone.
2. Underestimating the distance between the central lake (e.g. Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio) and Como
The lake is big, much bigger than most tourists think. Because of the geography, roads are narrow, winding, and slow, especially during peak season. Even the fastest boats take around one hour to travel from the central lake to Como city, and there are only a few of these services each day. What looks close on Google Maps can easily become a half-day transfer.
3. Expecting taxi boats to always be available
Taxi boats are not like regular taxis (which, by the way, are already very scarce in our small lake towns). Only a handful of companies have the license to operate as taxi boats and transport luggage, and during spring and summer they are constantly booked. Many visitors assume they can simply call one at the last minute, only to discover there is no availability for hours. If you need a private transfer, book it in advance.
4. Not booking Villa del Balbianello in advance
Villa Balbianello is one of the most famous attractions on the lake (Americans love it because of Star Wars), and it regularly sells out. Even just the access to the gardens requires advance booking. Showing up without a reservation, especially during weekends and high season, is a gamble that usually does not pay off.
5. Not researching how to get to Villa del Balbianello
No, a taxi or a ferry can't just drop you off there. This villa can only be reached by small boats or on foot. Without a taxi boat, visitors need to walk about 20-30 minutes uphill from the village of Lenno along a pleasant but uneven path. Many tourists discover this only after arriving dressed for a photoshoot (all those people in high heels...) rather than a hike.
6. Staying in Como thinking it’s close to everything
A lot of tourists book accommodation in the city of Como because it’s the easiest town to reach by train from Milan, or maybe just because the lake is called "Lake Como", then realize all the places they actually saved on Instagram (Bellagio, Varenna, Villa del Balbianello...) are far away. Como is nice, but geographically it sits at the very bottom of the lake.
7. Assuming the weather is always sunny and glamorous
Social media only shows Lake Como in perfect golden light, but the lake has dramatic mountain weather. After all, it's an Alpine lake that's geographically more akin to a fjord, rather than the Mediterranean coast. Storms and strong winds can appear suddenly, and even summer evenings can get surprisingly cool. Packing only linen outfits and sandals is optimistic.
r/LakeComo • u/Vast_Emergency_536 • 11h ago
Hi, I am visiting Lake Como in late September and am trying to get a gauge on how often the ferries will run. I'm specifically looking for a Sunday between Tremezzo and San Giovanni. The ferry schedule for that far out has not been posted on the Navigazione Laghi website yet so I was wondering if anybody remembers from previous years. Thanks!
r/LakeComo • u/Ok_Nerve_602 • 1d ago
Hello, I will be staying in Bellano in about 2 weeks and will have a full day to travel around Lake Como. I'm having trouble figuring out what the best ferry route would be to visit all of the central towns like Bellagio, Lenno, Menaggio, and Varenna. I want to get one of the free circulation tickets but they seem pretty difficult to find. Any advice on what route I should take and where I can buy those tickets?
r/LakeComo • u/Valuable-Cake237 • 1d ago
We'll be in the lake Como area this July. Any recommendations for affordable restaurants in Varenna, Bellagio, and Como? Much appreciated!
r/LakeComo • u/Valuable-Cake237 • 1d ago
We'll be in the lake Como area this July. Any recommendations for affordable restaurants in Varenna, Bellagio, and Como? Much appreciated!
r/LakeComo • u/tuliploveslulu • 1d ago
Has anyone ever been turned away from viewing the gardens only in August? I know it’s a busy time but I’ve only read about people having to wait in long lines to purchase tickets in person. Does this mean that if it’s sold out online, we can still get tickets in person? I wonder if they ever sell out of garden only tickets in person.
r/LakeComo • u/IntelligentFan5409 • 1d ago
I only have 1 full day in Lake Como on Aug 14th. I was going to do Varenna and Bellagio, but seeing photos and vids of Orrido Di Nesso and it looks beautiful as well.
Is there enough to do there to justify visiting when I only have one day on the lake? Is it easy to get to?
r/LakeComo • u/Fantastic_Engine954 • 1d ago
Hi all,
I’m coming Italy (Milan) around 19 June and planning to be in Lake Como on the 20th June with my husband.
I really want some professional pictures taking whilst we are here but obviously don’t want to pay a bomb as it isn’t proposal pics or anything like that. I just really want some memories of coming to such a beautiful place with my better half 🩷
Are there any photographers who are usually around lake como when you’re there on the day, or are there any local photographers on this sub maybe who can send me any links to their portfolio etc!
Appreciate any help 💕
r/LakeComo • u/karllo24 • 2d ago
We are possibly looking to stay at Como and take the available transportation to the villas. Is it a bad idea considering that this time of the year can be very busy?
r/LakeComo • u/IntelligentFan5409 • 2d ago
I am traveling to lake como solo on Aug 14th and coming by train from Milan. My plan is to start as early as possible and start in Varenna first and then ferry to Bellagio. I have heard all the feedback on the crowds and ferry lines so just wondering if anyone can provide feedback that may be helpful.
I want to go to Monastero Gardens. Plan would be to do this mid morning, get lunch after and then head to Bellagio. Considering everyone is saying the ferry wait gets bad during this time would it be better to schedule this later afternoon and then catch the ferry to Bellagio around 4ish?
I had then planned to end my day in Bellagio and then go back to Milan. I am open to feedback if anyone has other suggestions. I am, 38F traveling solo and really just want to take in the view, eat good food, do some shopping and have a relaxing time
r/LakeComo • u/Ecstatic-Use-5473 • 3d ago
Does anyone know if it rained today (Sunday) in Bellagio/Varenna? 🇮🇹I had planned on visiting both places this afternoon, but all of the boats and buses from Como were full, so I took a train back to Milan. My weather app isn’t always accurate, but it said that area was supposed to get pop up storms. Did I just luck out by missing bad weather, or did I only miss out on a beautiful day by the water?
r/LakeComo • u/iahord • 3d ago
Hi, wanted to get some feedback on our plans:
Tuesday:
arrive by train from Milan, arrive 3:30pm. walk to AirBNB near Taxi Boat Dock to drop bags
Villa Capressi, then Villa Monastero
walk around town and have dinner
Wednesday:
cooking class 10:30a-1:30p
2:30p - 3:30p 1hr private boat tour, drop off in Bellagio
Villa Melzi, shopping, walk around town
7pm dinner in Bellagio
8:30pm ferry back to Varenna
Thursday:
Castello di Vizio
lunch in Varenna
train to Orrido de Bellano
dinner in Varenna or Bellano
Friday:
breakfast/walk around town
lunch
1:30pm train leaving
Questions:
On Tuesday around 4:30pm will there be a long line to get into Villa Capressi/Monastero?
Will there be a line/problem getting back on a ferry from Bellagio to Varenna around 8:30pm?
Should we plan for dinner in Bellano or Varenna on Thursday?
What should we do on the last morning before lunch?
r/LakeComo • u/tuliploveslulu • 4d ago
For those of you familiar with Lake Como, which of the many funiculars do you recommend? Is there one that is a must do for the sights? I’m planning on taking day trips all along the lake but o ly have time for a few.
r/LakeComo • u/Thick-Increase-5058 • 4d ago
We're looking to travel to Como in August 2026 and will land at BGY airport late afternoon.
Preferably we'd like to go straight to any town near the lake that night to avoid travelling there in the morning.
Is there any easy way to get to literally any town on the lake (train or bus) that doesn't involve having to travel to Milan and back out again?
Also are there still closures on the rail network that were there in 2025?
Thanks!
r/LakeComo • u/Loud-Split-7322 • 5d ago
I planned a daily trip to Lake Como and my train to Varenna got cancelled. And all trains of Trainord are being cancelled too. Any other alternatives for transportation? I need to be there today since I booked no refund museum tickets.
r/LakeComo • u/Forktee • 6d ago
Hello,
We have been coming to Como for the last 4 years and have rented a car from Hertz at Linate because we have status there and its easy. However, last year they refused to rent to us because we did not have an International Drivers license. This was the first time we had been asked for one, the previous 3 years it was not mentioned. We have now obtained an international drivers license, but would prefer to rent from another company. Does anyone have any recommendations of a car rental at Linate they liked and that we can book online? Thanks!
r/LakeComo • u/CarrotRepulsive2467 • 6d ago
I’m planning a surprise proposal in June and am ISO a local photographer who would be able to capture the moment. Has anyone hired a photographer in the area before? Any recs? TIA!
r/LakeComo • u/tuliploveslulu • 6d ago
Has anyone taken the trains from the South train station (Giovanni) or the North train station (near the ferries) to go to Milan for the day? Which makes for a smoother trip (more times, fewer crowds, easy transition between changes, etc.).
r/LakeComo • u/friedchickensoyummy • 6d ago
My family and I are planning a trip to Italy in August, and we’re considering either the Amalfi Coast or Lake Como.
However, I’ve been seeing a lot of videos online showing huge crowds during summer, especially in August.
For those who’ve been recently, is it really that overcrowded, or is it still manageable and enjoyable?
Would you recommend either place, or are there other areas in Italy that might be a better experience in August?
Would really appreciate hearing about your experiences and any advice :)
r/LakeComo • u/tuliploveslulu • 7d ago
I am torn on where to stay. I would like to be near the train so I can do day trips to Milan and other areas. I know both areas are well connected by train. I have more hotel options in Como but it’s also far away from the middle of the lake, which is where I’d like to be for the lake views. I am staying 3 nights already in Bellagio. Should I keep my existing hotel in Como or switch to a B&B in Varenna? Any recommended places to stay in Varenna? I’d like to keep it around 300 Euros/night.
r/LakeComo • u/ki2594 • 7d ago
Need to book a last minute pregnancy shoot if possible and would love any help!!
r/LakeComo • u/YeoYeoB • 7d ago
Hi all I am arriving at Como Lago in June at 530pm and I need to go to Tremzzo to check into my Airbnb
1) I am unable to book the express ferry ticket online and can only buy at the physical ticket counter - will it be too late to buy the ticket in the evening itself?
2) c110 bus - if I can pre purchase the ticket, it doesn’t guarantee a spot in the bus as it is a public bus?
Any advice is greatly appreciated
r/LakeComo • u/Luusketit • 7d ago
Hello
I'm visiting Lake Como in July and have heard there are changes to purchasing an open day pass (which I believe are now called'free circulation' pass) i.e. it can only be bought in person.
Hoping I can get some clarity:
1. How much is a free circulation pass for an adult?
2. Where can I purchase these?
3. Based on my plan to visit Varenna, Bellagio andd Villa Baalbianello, would you recommend paying as I go, or purchasing the free circulation pass?
I've searched the websites below but I can't seem to find any information on the pass I need (aside from 'Circular' tickets, which I believe are different to what I need as thesse are different routes).
Any tips/advice would be much appreciated!
r/LakeComo • u/getdatwontonsoup • 7d ago
Hello,
Looking to see if there are any recommended hiking trails that are easy to medium around Menaggio/Varenna/Bellagio and are accessible by Taxi/Uber.
Thank you in advance!
