Day trip from Lombardy, Lombardy

Lake Como and Bellagio

36 minutes to Como by Trenord trainby [{'type': 'Train', 'details': 'Trenord from Milano Cadorna to Como San Giovanni; frequent service', 'cost': '€4.80', 'duration': '36 min'}, {'type': 'Train (Varenna)', 'details': 'Trenord from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino; 1 hour', 'cost': '€8.50', 'duration': '60 min'}]

Lake Como is one of the world's most beautiful lakes — a Y-shaped alpine lake framed by mountains, lined with 18th and 19th century villas and colorful villages. A day trip from Milan can combine Como city, the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views, a ferry to Bellagio (Lake Como's most scenic village) and optionally a side trip to Villa del Balbianello at Lenno.

Highlights

Como city and its Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral
Brunate funicular for panoramic lake views
Ferry from Como to Bellagio (slow ferry 2hr; fast hydrofoil 50min)
Bellagio harbor, lanes and Villa Melzi gardens
Villa del Balbianello (add-on from Lenno)
Varenna (direct train — often less crowded than Bellagio)

Tips

Buy a day ferry pass (€21.50) if you plan to visit multiple villages
Bellagio is very crowded in July-August — consider Varenna as a quieter alternative
Villa del Balbianello requires a boat taxi from Lenno (€5) and must be booked ahead on weekends

Plan your trip

More day trips in Lombardy