Please sign in to post.

Lake Como Day Trip Please Help

Posted by on

Hi,

I've done a lot of research and I know seeing even highlights of Lake Como in one day from Milan is not ideal but it is our only option, planning on a mid-week visit either June 10 or 11. So here is my question. Which would be the best travel strategy loop to avoid the worst of the crushing crowds? Please note any pros/cons.

Option 1: Train from Milan to Como and take the ferry to Bellagio (options are fast ferries depart 7:33am arrive 8:14am, depart 8:40am arrive 9:20am or SLOW ferry depart 9:10am arrive 11:45am? Then take ferry to Varenna later in the pm there and return to Milan from Varenna-Esino via train.

OR

Option 2: Train from Milan to Varenna-Esino (either depart 7:20am - arrive 8:20am or depart 8:20am - arrive 9:20am) spend the morning in Varenna and then ferry to Bellagio, spend the pm there and take the last SLOW ferry departing at 7:05pm to Como and return to Milan via train.

Should we prioritize the slow ferry experience to and from Como or should we prioritize getting to the Bellagio/Varenna area as early/quicly as possible before those places become too crowded? Any specific advice or experience with this kind of itinerary much appreciated! Also open to skipping the whole thing if it's felt that this specific experience is no longer worth the hassle. THANK YOU!

Posted by
17876 posts

I'd do the second option.
There is a fast hydrofoil departing Bellagio at 18:20 and arriving to Como Lago at 18:58.
Or you can take the 19:05 ferry you mentioned. In June days are long so there is daylight till late as sunset is after 20:30.

I'm not sure if they allow passengers on the deck (outdoor) of the fast hydrofoil though. You might have to stay inside with possibly more limited view of the scenery. Others that have taken it might chime in.

For sure with the slower ferries you can stay on the outdoor on the deck and enjoy taking photos.

If you decide to take the train from Varenna back to Milan, sometimes there are hordes of people trying to get on the train at the same time. One strategy is to take the train from Varenna going north first, to Bellano or Dervio, then take the train back down to Milan. You'll almost certainly have a seat that way. However you need to buy an extra ticket from Varenna to Bellano (or Dervio) then one from Bellano (or Dervio) to Varenna. I don't think it should be that bad on a weekday though.

Posted by
23560 posts

For Option 2, the train back to Milan from Como Nord station (close to the ferry dock) goes to Milano Cadorna station, not Centrale. Keep that in mind.

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.