Is a Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como Worth It?
Absolutely, yes! If you’re wondering whether you can truly experience the magic of Lake Como in just one day, the answer is a resounding yes. Escaping the vibrant energy of Milan for the serene, jaw-dropping beauty of Lake Como is one of the most rewarding day trips from Milan you can take. While you won’t see every villa and village, a well-planned trip allows you to soak in the iconic scenery, explore charming lakeside towns, and get a perfect taste of la dolce vita. This guide will show you exactly how.
Milan to Lake Como: Quick Facts for Your 2025 Day Trip
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Milan | ~50 km (31 miles) north |
| Travel Time | 40 minutes to 1.5 hours each way |
| Best Mode of Transport | Train (Highly Recommended) |
| Average Day Trip Cost | €50 – €150 per person |
| Best Time to Go | April-June & September-October |
How to Get from Milan to Lake Como
Getting to Lake Como from Milan is surprisingly straightforward. While driving is an option, the train is hands-down the best choice for a stress-free and scenic day trip. Let’s break down your options.
| Mode | Departure (Milan) | Arrival (Lake Como) | Duration | Avg. Cost (One-Way) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Best Choice) | Centrale / Cadorna | Como / Varenna | 40 – 65 mins | €5 – €15 | Fast, cheap, relaxing, drops you at the lake. | None for a day trip! |
| Car | Anywhere in Milan | Anywhere on the lake | 1 – 1.5+ hours | €5 – €10 (Tolls) + Fuel | Flexibility. | Traffic, insane parking issues, expensive parking, ZTL zones. |
| Organized Tour | Central Milan pickup | Multiple towns | Full Day (8-10 hours) | €80 – €250+ | Hassle-free, guide included. | Expensive, fixed itinerary, less freedom. |
Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como by Train (The Best Way)
Taking the train is the most efficient and enjoyable way to travel. You have two excellent strategies depending on what you want to see.
Option 1: To Como Town (Start at the Bottom of the Lake)
- From Milano Cadorna to Como Nord Lago (Trenord): Our top pick for visiting Como town. This route takes about 1 hour and drops you off directly on the lakefront, ready to explore. A one-way ticket costs around €5.
- From Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni (Trenitalia): This is often a faster train (around 40 minutes), but the station is a 10-15 minute walk from the lake. Prices range from €5 to €15 depending on the train type.
Option 2: To Varenna (Start in the Middle of the Lake)
This is our expert recommendation for the perfect day trip itinerary. By starting in the mid-lake region, you are immediately immersed in the most scenic part of Lake Como.
- From Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (Trenitalia): This direct train takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes and costs a fixed price of €7.10 each way. From Varenna, you are a short ferry ride away from Bellagio and Menaggio, the famous “golden triangle.”
Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como by Car
While the idea of a scenic drive is tempting, we strongly advise against it for a day trip. The A9/E35 motorway is straightforward, but once you arrive, you’ll face heavy traffic (especially on weekends) and find that parking is incredibly scarce and expensive. You’ll spend more time looking for a parking spot than enjoying the views. Save yourself the headache and take the train.
Organized Coach or Private Tours from Milan
If you prefer a completely hands-off experience, an organized tour is a great option. Companies like Viator and GetYourGuide offer packages that handle all transportation and often include a guide. This is the most expensive route but can be worth it for the convenience. Many of these tours also include a stop in Lugano, Switzerland, making for an easy day trip from Milan to Lake Como and Switzerland.
The Perfect Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como Itinerary
To maximize your time and see the best of the best, we recommend the “Golden Triangle” Express itinerary. It focuses on the breathtaking mid-lake towns and uses the ferry system to give you a mini-cruise experience.
Our Recommended Itinerary: The “Golden Triangle” Express
- 8:00 AM – Depart Milan: Catch the 8:20 AM direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino. Grab a coffee and a pastry at the station for the journey.
- 9:30 AM – Arrive & Explore Varenna: Step off the train and into a postcard. Walk down to the lake and stroll along the romantic Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lover’s Walk). Explore the charming, colorful alleyways of this beautiful fishing village.
- 11:30 AM – Ferry to Bellagio: Head to the Varenna ferry dock and take the short 15-minute ride across to Bellagio. The views from the water are spectacular, so have your camera ready!
- 12:00 PM – Discover Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake”: Welcome to the most famous town on Lake Como! Get lost in its elegant, cobbled streets. Walk up the iconic Salita Serbelloni for that classic photo, browse the silk shops, and soak in the luxurious atmosphere.
- 1:30 PM – Lunch with a View: Find a lakeside trattoria in Bellagio and enjoy a wonderful meal. Indulge in some fresh pasta or the local specialty, risotto con pesce persico (risotto with perch).
- 3:30 PM – A Scenic Cruise to Como: Instead of backtracking, catch the slow ferry (battello) from Bellagio down to Como town. This 2-hour journey is an incredible, inexpensive boat cruise. You’ll glide past magnificent villas like Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, offering unparalleled photo opportunities. (Alternatively, the fast ferry takes ~45 mins if you’re short on time).
- 5:30 PM – A Glimpse of Como Town: Arriving in Como, take a brief stroll along the elegant lakeside promenade and admire the impressive facade of the Como Duomo (Cathedral) in the main piazza.
- 7:00 PM – Train Back to Milan: Walk to the Como Nord Lago station (right by the lake) and catch a direct train back to Milano Cadorna, arriving back in the city in time for a late dinner.
Optional Add-on: Como & Lugano, Switzerland
For the truly ambitious, a two-country day trip is possible but will be very rushed. The best way to do this is with an organized tour. If doing it independently, you would take the train from Milan to Como, then a connecting train from Como San Giovanni to Lugano, Switzerland (a ~35 minute journey). We recommend saving this for a longer trip to fully appreciate both stunning lakes.
Top 3 Towns to Visit on Your Lake Como Day Trip
- Varenna: Arguably the most charming and romantic of the mid-lake towns. Its peaceful atmosphere, colorful houses, and scenic lakeside walk make it the perfect place to start your day. Don’t miss the gardens of Villa Monastero (€13) or the hilltop Castello di Vezio (€5) for panoramic views.
- Bellagio: The glamorous heart of Lake Como. Known for its steep, cobbled lanes, high-end boutiques, and manicured gardens. A day trip from Milan to Lake Como Bellagio is a must-do. Stroll through the gardens of Villa Melzi (€8) for a peaceful escape from the crowds.
- Como: The lake’s largest town and a mini-city in its own right. It boasts the magnificent Gothic Duomo, a lively shopping district, and the famous Funicular that whisks you up to the village of Brunate for the most breathtaking aerial view of the lake’s “Y” shape (€6.10 round trip).
Where to Eat in Lake Como (For Every Budget)
Budget-Friendly Bites (€5-€12)
Look for small bakeries (panificio) for fresh focaccia or find a “pizza al taglio” shop selling pizza by the slice. Grabbing a panini from a local alimentari is a perfect way to have a quick, delicious, and affordable lunch on the go.
Mid-Range Lakeside Dining (€20-€40 per main)
You’ll find dozens of wonderful trattorias along the waterfront in every town. These are perfect for enjoying a classic pasta dish or trying the fresh lake fish. A “coperto” (cover charge) of €2-€4 per person is standard.
A Luxury Treat (€100+)
For a special occasion, consider dining at one of the grand hotel restaurants, like the one at Grand Hotel Tremezzo or Villa d’Este. Reservations are essential and expect world-class cuisine with prices to match.
Pro Tips for Your Milan to Lake Como Day Trip
- Start Early! To make the most of your day, catch a train from Milan before 9 AM. The first hours on the lake are the most peaceful.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes. This is non-negotiable. You will be walking on steep, uneven cobblestone streets all day.
- Check Ferry Timetables. Schedules change by season. As soon as you arrive at a dock, take a photo of the return schedule so you don’t miss the last boat.
- Book Trains in Advance. While regional train prices are fixed, booking faster Trenitalia trains ahead of time can save you money.
- Prioritize 2-3 Towns. Don’t try to see everything. You’ll end up spending your entire day on transport. Varenna and Bellagio are a perfect pair for a day trip.
- Consider a Mid-Lake Ferry Pass. If you plan on hopping between Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio more than twice, the “Free-Circulation Ticket” (day pass) for around €25 can be good value.
Planning Your Visit: What to Pack & Budget
What to Pack for Lake Como
- ✅ Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or sturdy sandals)
- ✅ A portable charger/power bank for your phone
- ✅ Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- ✅ A light jacket or sweater, as it can be windy on the ferry
- ✅ Your camera with plenty of battery and memory
- ✅ A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- ✅ Some cash (Euros) for small cafes or gelato shops
Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Person for 2025)
| Item | Budget Day Trip | Mid-Range Day Trip | Luxury Day Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Train Ticket | €14.20 | €14.20 | €25+ |
| Ferry Tickets | €15 | €25 (Day Pass) | €50+ (Water Taxi) |
| Lunch | €10 (Panini/Slice) | €35 (Trattoria) | €100+ (Fine Dining) |
| Attractions | €0 (Just exploring) | €13 (Villa Monastero) | €30+ (Multiple Villas) |
| Coffee/Gelato | €5 | €10 | €20 |
| TOTAL | ~€45 | ~€97 | ~€225+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you do a day trip from Milan to Lake Como?
Yes, it’s one of the most popular and easiest day trips from Milan. The journey takes about an hour by train, making it perfectly accessible for a single-day adventure.
What is the best day trip from Milan?
While Milan offers many great day trips, Lake Como is arguably the best for its world-class natural beauty, impossibly charming towns, and simple, direct transport links from the city center.
How long is the journey from Milan to Lake Como?
By train, the journey takes between 40 minutes (fast train to Como San Giovanni) and 1 hour 5 minutes (regional train to Varenna). Driving typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, but this can easily double with traffic.
Is the train ride from Milan to Lake Como scenic?
The train ride itself is a pleasant journey through the Lombardy countryside, but it’s not the main scenic event. The real “wow” moment happens when you step off the train and get your first glimpse of the shimmering lake against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps. The ferry rides on the lake are where you will experience the truly breathtaking views.
TL;DR: The Perfect Lake Como Day Trip in a Nutshell
For those in a hurry, here’s the quick guide:
- Go by Train: Take the morning train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino. It’s the most efficient route.
- Focus on the “Golden Triangle”: Explore Varenna first, then take a 15-minute ferry to Bellagio for lunch and exploring.
- Enjoy a Scenic Cruise: Take the slow ferry from Bellagio to Como town in the late afternoon for a cheap and stunning boat tour.
- Return from Como: Take the train from Como Nord Lago directly back to Milano Cadorna.
- Wear comfy shoes and book your train tickets a day or two in advance. Enjoy!
