We just left Varenna today for MXP and then home tomorrow. Luckily we went to the ferry terminal at 7 AM on the day we wanted to take the ferry. (they will not sell tickets for any day but the current day). Empty. Got tickets quickly. Several hours later the line was very long. We went all the way to Como on an express ferry. Took the 3 hour ride back to Varenna only because we thought we had a round-trip express ticket when we did not. Ended up being a nice ride with a bar and snacks with travel much closer to the shoreline. However in Como, there was ONE ticket booth open with at least 200 in line. Luckily our ticket was good for round trip, just not express round trip. Buy early and avoid travel starting in May. Seriously. May 1 is a holiday (Labor Day) and the towns were packed. If we come back (we loved it) we will travel in late fall at the earliest. The crowds were just unbelievable. I can only imagine summer. But trust me, the lake is worth visiting and so pretty! Ciao and good luck!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17223 posts
Yikes, good advice for fellow travelers planning upcoming visits! It's also in line with a review from another poster just two days ago!
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/is-lake-como-getting-crowded-like-the-ct-and-ac
Posted by
San Diego, California
6413 posts
Thanks Kathy for reposting.
It is really best to buy an all day ferry ticket around 7am, when the ticket office opens. Plan on boarding the ferries before about 9:30am.
When returning to Varenna, try to come back before the lines get really crazy around 5pm. ( The line may get bad before 5pm, we weren't down by the ferry docks earlier.)
And make sure you buy an all day ticket in the morning, so you don't have to buy another ticket for the return trip.
We stood in line ( ticket in hand) for an hour in Bellagio, waiting for the Vareena ferry.
Good luck to all!
Posted by
Portland, OR
6 posts
If you’re heading back to Milan from Menaggio, an option is to take the fast ferry to Como and then take the train from Como to Milano. This was recommended by our English-speaking hosts from South Africa at Villa Issima. Vi (Vittoria, pronounced Vee) and her husband Brad say this is a better option than Varenna.
Posted by
14 posts
We will be arriving in Varenna June 4th a Wednesday and leaving Saturday for Venice. Thanks for info on ferry. Was debating how to get around. Also little concerned on train back to Milan Saturday morning on way to Venice but we leave first thing in the morning.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
We were staying in Varenna , so Mennagio was not an option, but thank you for the info! Do everything early. We stood for an hour and 10 minutes from Milan to Varenna on a crowded 10:40 train. Mid day was packed. We loved Venice too. Pack light. It is no fun carrying even a small carry-on bag up and down the steps on the numerous bridges. I couldn’t believe what some folks were bringing on their trip. You can always do laundry!
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1977 posts
Is it still possible to buy a 6 day ferry pass? If so, I wonder if that is a better option (for the convenience) even if one is not staying 6 days? Just wondering since we will be there during the first week of June.
Thanks,
Karen