I didn’t come to Italy expecting Lake Como to be the highlight… but it completely stole the show.

If you’re visiting Milan and craving a break from the fast-paced city streets, a day trip from Milan to Lake Como is exactly what you need. Think alpine mountains, crystal-clear waters, colourful villages, and fresh Italian air—all within easy reach.

From the moment I stepped foot in Italy, I knew I wanted to experience its natural beauty. And Lake Como delivered in every possible way.

We actually visited for my mum’s birthday – and without question, it ended up being her favourite day of our entire Milan trip.

And honestly? I think it might have been mine too.

• 🎥 Watch Our Lake Como Travel Vlog 
• Why You Should Do a Self-Guided Lake Como Day Trip
• The Ultimate Lake Como Day Trip Route
• How to Get from Milan to Lake Como
  • 🚆 Train Tickets (Milan → Varenna & Como → Milan)
  • ⛴️ Ferry Tickets (Varenna → Bellagio)
  • 🚌 Bus Tickets (Bellagio → Como)
• Best Things to Do in Lake Como (In One Day)
  • 1. Varenna: The Most Romantic Village on Lake Como
  • 2. Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como
  • 3. Como: A Relaxed Ending to the Day
• Ending the Day: Pasta, Chaos & a Coronavirus Scare 🍝
• Planning Your Lake Como Trip?
  • Related Posts

🎥 Watch Our Lake Como Travel Vlog 

Why You Should Do a Self-Guided Lake Como Day Trip

There are plenty of organised tours from Milan to Lake Como—but doing it yourself is far more rewarding (and surprisingly easy).

A self-guided trip gives you:

• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Flexibility to visit multiple towns
• A more authentic experience

And the best part? You can comfortably visit Varenna, Bellagio, and Como in one day.

The Ultimate Lake Como Day Trip Route

Here’s the exact route we took—and I highly recommend it:

Milan Centrale → Varenna-Esino → Ferry to Bellagio → Bus to Como → Como San Giovanni → Milan Centrale

Each town has its own personality, charm, and scenery—and they’re all close enough to make this route completely doable in a day.

How to Get from Milan to Lake Como

🚆 Train Tickets (Milan → Varenna & Como → Milan)

Getting the train is incredibly simple—and one of the most scenic journeys you’ll take in Italy.

We travelled in February (off-peak season), so we didn’t book in advance… which led to a very on-brand family moment.

We literally ran through the station, bought tickets last-minute, and caught the train by a millisecond. At one point, my mum and I were trying to force the train doors open while my dad and sister sprinted toward us.

Honestly… chaos. But we made it.

• 💸 Cost: ~€7 (£6) per person (Milan → Varenna)
• ⏱ Duration: ~1 hour
• 🌄 Bonus: Stunning views of the lake along the way

We also bought our return tickets from Como to Milan at the station—it was even slightly cheaper.

👉 Top tip:
If you’re travelling in peak season, book in advance via Trenitalia and keep tickets on your phone—no printing needed.

👉 Another tip:
Take an early train out and a late one back—you’ll get 3+ hours in each town.

⛴️ Ferry Tickets (Varenna → Bellagio)

Once you arrive in Varenna, ferries make it easy to explore the lake.

• ⏱ Duration: 15 minutes
• 💸 Cost: €4.60

We bought tickets directly at the terminal—super simple. You can’t book ferries online, but they run frequently, so you don’t need to stress too much about timing.

🚌 Bus Tickets (Bellagio → Como)

Here’s a little money-saving hack most tourists don’t know:

Instead of taking the ferry from Bellagio to Como (~€15), we took the local bus for just €3 per person.

The only catch?
You have to buy tickets from a local newsagent—not super obvious, but definitely worth it (especially if you’re travelling as a group like we were).

Best Things to Do in Lake Como (In One Day)

1. Varenna: The Most Romantic Village on Lake Como

Varenna completely stole my heart.

Out of all the towns we visited, this was easily my favourite. It felt quieter, more delicate, and incredibly picturesque.

We wandered through cobbled streets, stumbled upon a café with the most beautiful lake views, and just soaked it all in.

The harbour is lined with cafés and gelato spots, and every corner looks like a postcard.

One of the highlights?
Walking along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lover’s Walk)—a peaceful path hugging the lake with stunning views.

We also explored:

• Hidden alleyways and colourful buildings
• Flower-filled balconies
• The historic Church of San Giorgio

You can explore Varenna in under an hour—but if you’re like me, you’ll want to slow down and savour it.

👉 If we had more time, I would’ve loved to visit:

• Castello di Vezio (a hilltop castle with panoramic views)
• Villa Monastero (famous for its botanical gardens)

2. Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como

A short ferry ride later, we arrived in Bellagio—often called the “pearl of Lake Como.”

And yes… it absolutely lives up to the hype.

Bellagio feels more lively and luxurious, with:

• Grand villas (including George Clooney’s nearby residence 👀)
• Elegant cafés and boutiques
• Iconic viewpoints and staircases

We:

• Walked along the shoreline
• Climbed up to the town centre
• Explored churches and narrow alleys
• Bought Italian silk scarves (couldn’t resist!)

Of course, we had to visit Salita Serbelloni—the famous staircase you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.

We ended the stop with gelato by the lake, watching the sky turn soft shades of pink as the sun dipped behind the mountains.

It was one of those “pause and take it all in” moments.

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3. Como: A Relaxed Ending to the Day

Our final stop was Como, the largest town on the lake.

While it’s not quite as picturesque as Varenna or Bellagio, it still has its charm.

We arrived just before sunset, wandered through the streets, browsed shops, and caught some beautiful last views of the lake.

You can take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views—but we skipped it (running out of time and energy!).

From Como, it’s just a 37-minute train back to Milan.

Ending the Day: Pasta, Chaos & a Coronavirus Scare 🍝

By the time we got back to Milan, we were starving—but determined to try Miscusi, a pasta spot we’d heard amazing things about.

Watching the pasta being made fresh in front of us…
OH. MY. GOD. It was incredible.

Unfortunately, my sister couldn’t fully enjoy it—she was feeling ill with a blocked nose and had convinced herself she had coronavirus (this was early 2020 😅).

Spoiler: she was absolutely fine.

But honestly? It just added to the chaos of the day – which somehow made it even more memorable.

Final Thoughts: Is a Lake Como Day Trip from Milan Worth It?

Without a doubt – YES.

Whether you’re celebrating something special (like we were) or just want a break from Milan, Lake Como offers:

• Stunning natural scenery
• Charming villages
• Easy transport connections
• A perfect mix of relaxation and adventure

It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

Planning Your Lake Como Trip?

Have you been to Lake Como before?
Which town was your favourite—Varenna, Bellagio, or Como?

Or are you planning your first visit? Drop your questions below—I’d love to help!

📌 And don’t forget to save this guide on Pinterest for later!