We will be at Lake Como in August for about a day and a half - a very busy time I know but that's when we could go. We'll also be in Switzerland on this trip. I've seen reports of having to wait in line for the ferry for up to 2 hours during the busy season. I've looked at the ferry service website and it is not currently possible to purchase tickets online for our date. Does anyone know if you can buy specific ferry tickets at the ferry booth the evening before or if there is likely to be a long wait if you go early in the morning the day of, and buy all the tickets needed for that day? I'm open to the one-day pass also, but I suspect this doesn't actually guarantee getting on a specific ferry at a given time and the wait may still be hours. I'd appreciate advice on the best way to manage ferries during the busy season without spending half of our limited time waiting in line. We're staying in Menaggio and really just want to get to Varenna and Bellagio and back. Thank you!
Posted by
Minneapolis
1262 posts
Hi. We were there in August two years ago. Very busy / crowded, but to assuage your concerns.. There are many ferries and they have large capacity. Even with huge crowds mid-day, there was never a time when everybody in line couldn't fit on the ferry. Ferry tickets are not for a specific time; you either have a ticket that allows you to board one time, or an all day pass. We usually buy an all day pass for simplicity. Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you Bob! Very helpful! So are there separate lines for buying tickets and getting onboard?
Posted by
Minneapolis
1262 posts
Yes, there's a ticket booth near each ferry stop. Early morning or at night, you can just walk up and buy; mid day those ticket booths do have lines. If you already have your ticket or pass, somebody on the boat just quickly collects your ticket or checks your pass as you board. System works well and easily handles large crowds.
Posted by
1 posts
Thank you for the information. I just read that the all day tickets will always show sold out online because you can only buy them at the ticket booth. This is a very helpful site:
https://lionsinthepiazza.com/lake-como-ferries/#tickets
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you! This website that you recommend is excellent!
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1144 posts
Also note that Mennagio and Varenna have small and easily managed ferry stations while Bellagio has multiple docks, launch points and when it is crowded it can be chaotic.
We were warned but were still surprised by the confusion at the Bellagio station. The real problem is that most people there are tourists and don't know what they are doing either and reliable information is harder to get. I would allow more time ay Bellagio and take the time to survey it a little bit rather than just march straight into the city without looking back like we did.
The lake is beautiful, have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
1 posts
Does anyone know if I can buy a ticket in Como the evening before for the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna the next day?
Or is it possible to buy a ticket from Bellagio to Varenna on the same day but at the ticket office located in Lenno?
Posted by
Washington DC
28247 posts
I'm on Lake Como now. Signs indicate tickets cam only be purchased on the day they are to be used.
I haven't asked whether tickets must be purchased at the departure point. I can tell you that if there's a problem buying a ticket right before departure (e.g., the office at the Tremezxo dock is having a computer problem, so it's not open), you will be directed to a small, on-board ticket booth and sold a ticket there.