Please sign in to post.

Advice for milan/Como/Bologna

Posted by on

Hi everyone,

Apologies if this isn’t the right place to ask -- I'm looking for a bit of travel advice.

I'll be in Milan from early Saturday morning until Monday evening, so roughly three full days and two nights. My plan so far is to visit Lake Como on Day 1 (including places like Varenna and Bellagio). For Day 2, I’d like to explore Milan’s main attractions, and on Day 3, I’m considering a short trip to somewhere like Bergamo, Monza, or even Bologna. I’m open to suggestions for Days 2 and 3, only the Lake Como day is confirmed for now.

I also have a question about transportation. I’ll be staying near Milan Centrale for both nights, and I’ll rely on public transport (trains/buses) for getting around. Would it be more cost-effective to buy daily travel passes (if available) for unlimited travel between Milan and nearby towns like Como, or is it better to just purchase individual tickets for each journey?

Also, are there any apps or websites that offer cheaper train tickets, or are prices the same as at the station?

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
8487 posts

Hi, download the Trenitalia app to purchase tickets (no need to stand in line at a station) like the Milano Centrale up to Varenna or similar at Lake Como. The train from Milano Centrale to Bologna is less expensive if you purchase it a month ahead, but you need to know exactly what time you are going - similar to an airline ticket. It will have an assigned seat. There’s no passes you would want. Just purchase individual tickets.

Posted by
8487 posts

Definitely keep Sunday as a Milan day because train transportation can be less reliable on a Sunday.

Posted by
2617 posts

hey hey red17_beko
when are you planning this trip? make sure you read up about the train disruptions that are happening from milan to lake como. much rails are being worked on and getting ready for olympic & paralympic winter games 2026 "milano cortina"
bellagiotravelguide.com or trenord.it
had a few giggles with so called closure dates reminds me that italian time is just as bad as my hawaiian time, LOL
how crowded it is and has been like packed sardines, worse than disneyland and disneyworld, long lines for trains, buses when available (good luck), ferries, restaurants, shops. some posts have called it the "crush of humanity", many posts here about going to the same places you want to see and do every day. the search button with magnifying glass up top, and click dates 6 months or earlier.
it's a life long dream for many to see but there are other lakes to check out (lake maggiore/lake iseo) with lesser crowds and a happier day trip. my own opinion which sounds like deloris downer, it's your holiday you do you. enjoy
aloha

Posted by
6439 posts

We just returned from staying in Varenna in Lake Como. I'll attempt to find the related links, but be prepared for massive amounts of people.
Also check for when the track work will be starting, as the train from Milan ends at Lecco and buses supposedly will complete the transport.
Once you're in Varenna, there's long waits to buy ferry tickets to Bellagio.
My recommendation would be to go at the crack of dawn, try to arrive at the Varenna ferry ticket office before 8:00 am, buy an all day ticket, and return from Bellagio to Varenna by 2:00pm. The lines just to get on the ferries start getting really long by mid-afternoon.
Don't count on trains or ferries running on time.
I'm sorry this is so sad, but we are heart - broken that one of our favorite places has been ruined by masses of people and transport modes that can't handles those masses.
I do wish you a great trip!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/is-lake-como-getting-crowded-like-the-ct-and-ac

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.