Lake Como

Which day trips from Lake Como are really worth your time in 2026?

Not every village deserves a full day. Varenna and Bellagio do. Menaggio is a stop for lunch, not a destination. The real surprise is Lugano, Switzerland: 45 minutes by bus from Como, with a completely different vibe, cheaper Swiss chocolate, and a lake that rivals Como without the crowds.

Varenna has narrow alleyways, a castle ruin (Castello di Vezio, EUR 6 entry), and the best public beach on the lake (Lido di Varenna, free access). Bellagio is prettier but packed. Arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00 to enjoy it. Lugano gives you a Swiss city with a lake promenade, art museums (Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana, EUR 15), and the Monte San Salvatore funicular (EUR 28 round trip).

Skip: Tremezzo (overpriced villa garden, EUR 12 for 30 minutes of flowers), Lenno (only Villa del Balbianello, which is closed on Mondays in 2026), and Cadennabbia (nothing but a ferry stop).

How do I get from Como to Varenna and Bellagio by train or bus?

Como to Varenna: Regional train from Como San Giovanni station to Varenna Esino station. Trains run hourly (06:30 to 21:30). EUR 4.80 one way, 30 minutes. No reservation needed. Avoid the Tirano express trains (they skip Varenna).

Varenna to Bellagio: Ferry from Varenna’s dock (5 minute walk from the station). EUR 4.60 one way, 15 minutes. Ferries run every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 19:00. No ticket office at the dock in low season (October to March). Use the mobile app "Navigazione Laghi" or buy at the tabaccheria next to the station.

Como to Bellagio direct: Bus C30 from Como bus station (Piazza Matteotti). EUR 3.20 one way, 60 minutes. Buses run every 90 minutes. The road is narrow and curvy skip if you get motion sick. The ferry from Como is EUR 15.20 (hydrofoil, 30 min) or EUR 7.80 (regular, 1 hour).

What is the best day trip to Switzerland from Lake Como?

Como to Lugano by bus: Coach C12 from Como San Giovanni station. Direct, EUR 6.50 one way, 45 minutes. Buses run every 30 minutes (06:00 to 22:00). In 2026, this route still has passport checks at the border but no queue (2 minutes).

By train: Como San Giovanni to Lugano. EUR 8.40, 28 minutes via S-Bahn. Less scenic than the bus (which hugs the lake). The train goes through a tunnel and misses the views.

Once in Lugano, walk from the station to the lake (15 minutes downhill). The funicular to Monte Brè (EUR 30 round trip) gives a 360° view from 925 m. Bring a passport. Swiss customs sometimes check for goods over CHF 300.

What about the western side of the lake?

Como to Menaggio by bus C10: EUR 4.00, 50 minutes. Menaggio is a good base for a short walk to the lakefront and lunch at Trattoria Vignola (EUR 18 for a pasta and salad). The ferry from Menaggio to Bellagio costs EUR 4.60 and takes 10 minutes. Do not spend more than 2 hours in Menaggio.

Como to Gravedona by bus C10: EUR 5.50, 70 minutes. Gravedona has a quiet Renaissance church (Chiesa di Santa Maria del Tiglio, free) and a pebble beach. Worth a half day if you want to escape tourists. The return bus at 17:30 is often full in July. Stand at the stop 15 minutes early.

Comparison table: best day trips from Como in 2026

What is the one mistake tourists make on Lake Como day trips?

They try to do Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio in one day by ferry. This takes 8 hours with waiting. The ferries are overcrowded by 11:00 in July 2026 (expect 20 minute queues at Bellagio dock). Choose two towns maximum. My route: train to Varenna at 08:30, explore until 11:30, ferry to Bellagio at 12:00, lunch, walk to Punta Spartivento (free viewpoint), ferry back to Varenna at 16:00, train to Como at 16:45.

Another mistake: buying ferry tickets at the dock during peak season. The queues take 15 minutes. Instead, buy round-trip tickets at the station tabaccheria before departure. Cash only in some small shops.

Are there any hidden costs I should know?

Yes. The tourist tax for day visitors does not exist. But some ferries charge a surcharge for "peak hours" (11:00 to 14:00 in July and August). A regular Varenna-Bellagio ticket at 12:00 costs EUR 5.80, not EUR 4.60. Check the schedule on Navigazione Laghi before you go.

Switzerland uses Swiss francs but most places in Lugano accept euros at a bad rate (1 EUR = 0.95 CHF in shops). Pay by card when possible. Bring a CHF 50 note for small kiosks.