Lake Como Day Trip

Lake Como is the most popular day trip from Milan, and it is easy to see why. Within an hour or so by train, the city gives way to a long, narrow lake framed by steep green mountains, with villas, gardens and old villages along the shore. The lake has attracted aristocrats, writers and composers for centuries, and today it is one of Italy's most celebrated landscapes. A day trip cannot cover the whole lake, but with a clear plan it can be very rewarding.

Choose the right arrival station

Two railway lines connect Milan with the town of Como. Trains from Milano Centrale and Porta Garibaldi arrive at Como San Giovanni station, on the hill above the town, a short walk down to the lake. Trenord trains from Milano Cadorna arrive at Como Nord Lago, right on the waterfront. For the eastern branch of the lake, trains from Milano Centrale run to Varenna via Lecco, and Varenna is a convenient base for ferries to Bellagio. We choose according to where we want to spend the day and the nearest station to our hotel.

Spend time in Como town

Como itself is an elegant small city with a walled historic centre. The cathedral, built over several centuries, combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, and its marble façade is richly carved. The lakeside promenade leads to Villa Olmo, a neoclassical villa with gardens on the water, and to the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the physicist from Como who invented the electric battery. Como has a long silk-making tradition, and silk shops still line its streets.

The Brunate funicular

From the lakefront, a funicular opened in 1894 climbs steeply to the village of Brunate, high above the town. The views over the lake, the city and, on clear days, the Alps are spectacular. A short walk leads to the Faro Voltiano, a lighthouse built in honour of Volta, which can be climbed for even wider views. Paths continue into the woods for those who want a longer walk.

Continue by ferry

Ferries operated by Navigazione Laghi connect Como with the villages along the lake. Slow boats stop at every village, while faster hydrofoils cover longer distances. Bellagio, at the point where the lake divides into its three branches, is the most famous destination, with stepped lanes, villas and gardens. Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo and Villa del Balbianello at Lenno, with its terraces over the water, are among the most beautiful gardens on the lake.

Keep the itinerary manageable

The lake is larger than it looks on a map, and boat journeys between villages take time. In a single day, we choose either Como town with Brunate, or a focus on one or two villages such as Bellagio and Varenna. Trying to see too much leads to a day spent on ferries. Summer weekends are busy, so we travel early and plan the return journey before setting off.

Choose one lakeside focus

A day built around Como town suits a relaxed visit with a historic centre and a waterfront walk, while a village visit works better when the rail and boat connections have been planned in both directions.

Our view

Lake Como is a wonderful contrast to Milan's city streets, and a day on the water is restorative after museums and shopping. We pack layers, as the weather on the lake can change, and comfortable shoes for steep lanes. Back in Milan, an evening aperitivo on the Navigli makes a natural end. For other day trips, see our guides to Bergamo and Pavia, both closer and easier to fit into a short stay.