Lago Di Como Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy Travel Guide
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) sits approximately 1 to 1.5 hours drive from Como city and operates as Milan's largest international airport. It handles a vast number of intercontinental and European flights from major airlines worldwide. Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), also known as Orio al Serio, serves many low-cost carriers, especially within Europe, and is roughly 1 to 1.5 hours drive from Como city. Milan Linate Airport (LIN), about 1 hour drive from Como city, mainly handles domestic and short-haul European flights.
All Milan airports deliver a comprehensive range of facilities: car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shopping, retail stores, boutiques, numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, information desks, and tourist services. For transfers from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Como city, take the Malpensa Express train to Milan Centrale or Cadorna, then a regional train to Como. Direct bus services from MXP Terminal 1 to Como S. Giovanni also exist. Taxis or private transfers offer direct routes.
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Use flight comparison websites. Consider flying mid-week for potentially lower fares. Book several months in advance for peak season travel.
For international flights (outside Schengen), arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours. Allow more time during peak season.
If processing VAT refunds, do so at the customs office before security, then with the refund agent (Global Blue, Tax Free Worldwide) after security. Allow ample time.
Trains offer an efficient and scenic way to reach Lake Como, specifically the city of Como and the popular town of Varenna. Como S. Giovanni Station accepts regional trains from Milan Centrale, and direct EuroCity trains from Zurich (Switzerland). Como Nord Lago Station connects to Milan Cadorna station via regional trains (Trenord), closer to Como's lakefront. Varenna-Esino station sits on the Tirano-Milan line (Trenord), with direct connections to Milan Centrale, a convenient option for the central lake area. Most other lake towns do not have direct train access; you typically transfer to a ferry or bus from Como or Varenna. Purchase tickets at train stations or online via Trenitalia or Trenord. Validate regional tickets at the green machines on the platform before boarding.
ASF Autolinee operates extensive bus lines around Lake Como, connecting major towns like Como, Menaggio, Bellagio, and Lecco. These routes complement ferry services and sometimes form the only public transport option for inland villages. Flixbus and other international bus companies generally serve larger Italian cities; you might take one to Milan or Como, then transfer to local transport. Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Traveling by land from a neighboring Schengen country (e.g., Switzerland, France) means no routine border checks. However, standard identity checks can occur anywhere within the Schengen Area, so always carry your passport or valid ID.
Renting a car brings flexibility, but it comes with specific considerations around Lake Como. A valid driver's license from your home country is a must. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required in Italy; obtain this before you travel. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 and often charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25. A major credit card in the main driver's name is essential for the security deposit. While a car offers flexibility for exploring the hillsides and less-visited northern parts of the lake, driving around the central lake towns presents challenges due to narrow roads, heavy traffic in peak season, and limited, expensive parking. Many visitors opt for ferries for central lake exploration.
Roads around Lake Como can be narrow, winding, and busy, especially during peak season. Some stretches include tunnels. Italian driving styles can be aggressive. Finding parking in popular towns like Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como is challenging and expensive. Paid parking lots (indicated by blue lines) are common, while free parking (white lines) remains rare in town centers. Avoid yellow lines (restricted parking). Many Italian historic town centers have ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato - Limited Traffic Zones), where vehicle access is restricted to authorized residents or deliveries. Entering a ZTL without authorization results in significant fines, often captured by cameras. Pay close attention to signage. Italian drivers can be fast and confident. Maintain awareness, drive defensively, and be prepared for scooters and motorcycles weaving through traffic. Speed limits are strictly enforced.
Lake Como's unique geography means "sea/river arrivals" mainly refers to its extensive ferry system, the most popular way to experience the lake itself. The public ferry system (Navigazione Laghi) connects almost all towns on Lake Como's shores. Regular Passenger Ferries (Traghetto) are slower but offer open-air decks for scenic views. Fast Hydrofoils (Aliscafo) provide quicker service between major hubs, though they are often enclosed. Car Ferries (Traghetto Auto) are essential for moving vehicles between the central lake towns of Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna, and Cadenabbia. Main ports include Como city, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Lenno.
Ferry terminals typically locate centrally in lakeside towns, allowing for easy connections. Bus stops are often close to ferry ports, offering connections to inland areas or towns not directly served by ferries. Taxis usually appear near major ferry terminals. Most lake towns are compact and pedestrian-friendly, with accommodations and attractions within walking distance of the ferry docks. In Como city, the ferry terminal is a walk or short bus ride from the train stations. In Varenna, the train station (Varenna-Esino) requires a short uphill walk or local bus/taxi ride to the ferry terminal. Lake Como does not host large ocean cruise ships; private lake cruises, smaller touring boats, and water taxis are common. River transportation is not a feature of its public transport system.
Purchase tickets at ferry offices. Day passes for central lake areas offer good value. Car ferry tickets are at boarding points.
Schedules vary by season; high season has frequent services, low season has reduced services. Always check current schedules.
No large ocean cruise ships on Lake Como. River transportation is not a public transport feature.
Navigating the journey to and from Lake Como forms an integral part of the travel experience. Multiple airport options, efficient train connections, and the scenic ferry system mean choosing the mode of transport that best suits your itinerary and budget.
