A Y-shaped expanse of deep blue water, framed by the Alps and lined with villas and villages.
Lake Como (Lago di Como) is the most beautiful and celebrated of Italy's northern lakes — a dramatic Y-shaped expanse of deep blue water framed by the Alps and dotted with elegant villas, lush gardens and charming medieval villages. It is the most popular day trip from Milan, for good reason.
Quick answer
How do I get from Milan to Lake Como?
By train: Cadorna → Como Nord Lago, about 1 hour, €5.20 one way, every 30 minutes from 7:13am. By car: A9 motorway north, ~50 km, 45 minutes. By guided tour: several day trips from Milan include Bellagio, Varenna and more.
By Ivanka García Mancebo, Civitatis travel specialist
50 km
From Milan
~1 h
By train
410 m
Deepest point
Full day
Recommended
About Lake Como
Shaped like an upside-down Y, Como is Italy's third-largest lake and its deepest, plunging to over 400 metres. Grand villas and terraced gardens line the shore, a legacy of centuries of aristocratic and, more recently, celebrity patronage.
The classic way to experience it is to base yourself around the central branch — Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo — and hop between villages by ferry.
The villages
The heart of the lake is the cluster of villages where its three arms meet.
The pearl of the lake
Bellagio
The most famous village, at the junction of the lake's three arms — cobbled lanes, gardens and views in every direction.
Quieter & authentic
Varenna
A romantic fishing village on the eastern shore, with a lakeside walk and gardens; less crowded than Bellagio.
Gardens
Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta
Home to Villa Carlotta, a botanical garden and art museum famous for its spring azaleas and rhododendrons.
The gateway
Como town
An elegant lakeside city with a Gothic cathedral and a funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views.
Bellagio, where the three arms of Lake Como meet
Deep-blue water and lakeside villages on a clear day
Visiting tips
A full day is ideal — leave Milan early to make the most of the ferries.
Buy a ferry day pass to hop freely between Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo.
May–June and September–October are the sweet spots: good weather, fewer crowds.
A guided tour takes the logistics off your hands and often adds Lugano or Bellagio.
The easiest way to visit
Lake Como, Lugano & Bellagio day trip
A full-day guided excursion from Milan — transport and highlights sorted for you.
By trainCadorna → Como Nord Lago, about 1 hour, ~€5.20 one way, roughly every 30 minutes.
By carA9 motorway north, ~50 km, about 45 minutes.
Getting aroundFerries link the lakeside villages — the best way to see the central lake.
Best timeMay–June and September–October for weather and manageable crowds.
Frequently asked questions
By train: Cadorna → Como Nord Lago, about 1 hour, €5.20 one way, every 30 minutes from 7:13am. By car: A9 motorway north, ~50 km, 45 minutes. By guided tour: several day trips from Milan include Bellagio, Varenna and more.
Bellagio is the most famous and most beautiful, at the junction of the lake's three arms with spectacular views. Varenna is a quieter, more authentic alternative. Tremezzo is famous for Villa Carlotta and its gardens.
About 50 km north of Milan — roughly 45 minutes by car on the A9, or 1 hour by train from Cadorna station.
May–June and September–October offer the best mix of good weather, manageable crowds and scenery. July and August are busiest but warmest for swimming.
