Transportation from Milan to Bellagio

Not sure which Milan airport (Malpensa or Linate?), I will assume Malpensa.

By train you can go to Milano Centrale with the Malpensa Express train, then switch to a Regional train from Milano Centrale to Varenna (2h13min total train journey). At Varenna, you walk to the dock, then take a ferry across to Bellagio (15 min). The cost is less than 30 euro per person in total (train+ferry).

You can also take a private limo transfer. It will be faster (less than 2 hours, with traffic) but expensive (maybe 250-300 euro for up to 3 pax)

You can also go to Como (via Flixbus or train) then to Bellagio (via bus #C130), but I don't think it will be as fast as the train via Varenna+ferry.

To expand on Roberto's suggestion of train to Como. Again assuming from Malpensa Airport.
Take the train from Malpensa to Saronno, then change to a train to Como Lago. This route short cuts going to Milan. Como Lago is on the lakefront a short walk to the ferry dock, then take a ferry to Bellagio. You will have to check the ferry schedules to see the practicality of this option.

Thank you both. Sam, I'm arriving in Milan so can't bypass Milan. But thank you.

What airport in Milan are you arriving?

Im arriving at Malpensa. So I guess I misunderstood. My apologies. I guess its way outside of Milan?

First thing you need to do is download the Trenitalia app. It’ll help you get where you need to go if you’re taking trains, which go pretty much everywhere in Italy. I searched, but I don’t have your dates so I picked random dates in May and found that it’ll cost from Malpensa-Varenna Esino, between €17-24. Sometimes one train change, sometimes two. Then the ferry to Bellagio because that’s the easiest way if you have no car. Those train prices are one way. It’s a journey of 2.5 hours. You don’t need to book ahead. They’re all regional trains. Good luck.

Here is the ferry schedule until May 31 for the Como>Bellago boats. Expect the summer schedule to be released in May sometime. Malpensa to Como Lago has hourly departures at 26 past the hour and takes 1 hour and 18 minutes and costs 12.20 EUR.
https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Orari_Web-P26.pdf

Last year (from Milano Bergamo) I had similar situation. I travelled from Bergamo to Milano centrale railway station, then took a direct train to Como, which was fast and comfortable and later took a ferry while being on the lake.

Thank you all

ferry or taxi from Como, ferry is obviously more spectacular and cheaper. there will be enough space for your luggage, if needed

We have taken to route to Bellagio from Como (arriving by train) via the Ferry. It is such beautiful scenery - highly recommend it! When we arrived in Como, we took a taxi to the ferry - very short ride. On the return trip, we walked with the luggage. If you have to time to pass before departure, near the ferry docks are options for cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, and you can bring your luggage along.
Alternatively, the train to Varenna is a very good option; there are frequent ferry connections to Bellagio.

We found the ferry service on Lake Como very efficient (summer 2019 - 8 day visit; unfortunately, the return trip in 2020 became impossible). But there is plenty to see in Bellagio if your time is limited. The gardens of Villa Melzi are beautiful. I also recommend a side trip to Varenna, including a visit to the Villa Monastero.

Happy travelling!