How to get to lake Como

What is Lake Como and why people come here

Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, stretching at the foot of the Alps in the Lombardy region. Its unique inverted Y-shape creates three separate branches that converge at the famous Bellagio promontory. The water surface area is 146 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 410 meters, making it one of Europe's deepest lakes. The geographical coordinates of the central part are 45°59′ N and 9°15′ E, with an altitude of about 198 meters above sea level. The subtropical microclimate, created by the Alpine mountains and the water mass, allows cypresses, olive groves and magnolias to grow here.

The history of this area dates back to antiquity, when the Roman poet Virgil and writer Pliny the Younger built their villas here. Today, the architectural heritage is represented by dozens of palaces and estates built between the 16th and 20th centuries. The villas of Balbianello, Carlotta and Melzi have become true symbols of the region, attracting art and history lovers. In 2026, museums and gardens continue to operate here, open to the public from March to November. Cultural life thrives in coastal cities: Como, Lecco, Bellagio, where music festivals and gastronomic fairs take place.

The region's economy is traditionally tourism-oriented, but famous Lombard wines and silk are also produced here. The local currency is the euro, the exchange rate is stable, allowing you to plan your budget in advance. In 2026, infrastructure continues to develop: new hotels are opening and historic buildings are being restored. Travelers will find 73 museums, 11 medieval castles and 40 parks scattered along the entire coast. The tourist flow is unevenly distributed: the most expensive areas with elite real estate are concentrated in Bellagio and Cernobbio, while the city of Como and Lecco offer more affordable accommodation options.

The main transport hub for those arriving from abroad is Milan with three international airports. The closest airport, Malpensa, is only 60 kilometers from the city of Como, making the trip as comfortable as possible. Linate and Orio al Serio airports in Bergamo also serve flights from Europe and the world. Travel time from the airport to the lake ranges from 40 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the chosen transport.

Complete guide: how to get to Lake Como by all means of transport

An independent trip begins with choosing the optimal route from Milan's airports. From Malpensa, it is most convenient to take the Malpensa Express train to Saronno station, where you transfer to a regional train to Como Lago. The total travel time is about an hour, the cost of a combined ticket is approximately 16 euros. An alternative option is a direct train to Milano Centrale, from where trains depart every half hour to Como San Giovanni station. This route is convenient for those planning to explore Milan along the way.

From Linate airport, it is preferable to take a bus to Milano Centrale station, from where trains depart to Como or Lecco. The cost of public transport will be about 12 euros. Another option is a bus to Monza, followed by a transfer to a train. Travel time varies from one and a half to two hours. Budget travelers can use city bus No. 73 to San Babila metro, then metro to Cadorna and train to Como Nord Lago.

From Bergamo airport (Orio al Serio), the most popular is the Orio Shuttle to Milano Centrale station. The ticket costs from 10 euros, travel time is 50 minutes. Then transfer to a train to Como. An alternative is the ATP bus to Bergamo railway station, then a train to Monza and a transfer. Motorists can rent a car directly at the airport: the distance to Como is 90 kilometers, the journey will take about an hour via the A4 and A9 motorways.

Inland water transport deserves special attention. Navigazione Laghi ferries connect all major towns. The 2026 schedule is available in the official app for Android and iOS. The fare depends on the distance: the Varenna-Bellagio crossing will cost 7 euros and take 15 minutes. For active travelers, boat rental and water taxis are available. Companies such as Tasell and Taxi Boat Varenna offer individual excursions with the opportunity to visit villas accessible only from the water.

For those planning to visit Lake Como without a car, experts recommend choosing Varenna as a base. This strategy saves time: from Varenna-Esino station it is a 10-minute walk to the pier, from where ferries depart in all directions. Flights operate from 6 am to 10 pm, with intervals of 30-60 minutes during the high season. Tickets are purchased at the pier ticket offices or online through the carrier's website. Discounted rates are available for families and groups.

What to see: architecture, excursions and practical tips 2026

The architectural gems of Lake Como are concentrated on the western coast between Tremezzo and Lenno. Villa del Balbianello, built in the 18th century, is famous for its loggia and terraced gardens. It was here that the wedding scene in Star Wars and the Casino Royale episode were filmed. An entrance ticket to the garden costs 13 euros, interior tours are paid separately. Villa Carlotta in the same area is famous for its collection of Canova sculptures and botanical garden with rhododendrons.

Popular excursions in 2026 include boat tours with views of villas inaccessible from land. Many estates, such as Villa Pliniana in Torno, are privately owned and can only be seen from the water. The cost of a group excursion starts from 30 euros per person. Individual water taxi tours are more expensive but allow you to create a personal itinerary. For hiking enthusiasts, there are 60 trails of varying difficulty along the coast and in the mountains.

Beach holidays on the lake have their own specifics. Public beaches, such as Orsa Maggiore in Lecco or Domaso Beach, are equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Entry is free, equipment rental is paid separately. Beaches are mostly pebbly or grassy, infrastructure includes bars and rental of windsurfing equipment. In the northern part of the lake, where steady winds blow, kite and windsurfing clubs are based. The swimming season lasts from June to September, water temperature warms up to +24 degrees.

The gastronomic traditions of Lombardy are represented by dishes made from lake fish. Missoltini - dried grilled herring with polenta - is the region's calling card. Local trattorias serve fritto misto di lago - an assortment of fried fish caught in the lake. Prices for lunch in tourist places are higher than in the city of Como or Lecco. The average bill in a restaurant is 25-35 euros. The wine list includes red and white wines from Brianza, produced in the nearby foothills.

The most expensive real estate areas are Bellagio and Cernobbio, where apartment prices start from 500 thousand euros. Budget accommodation options are available in the city of Como, where you can rent a room in a 3* hotel for 80-100 euros per night. Campgrounds in Domaso and Gravedona offer accommodation from 30 euros per night. The purchase of real estate by foreigners in 2026 is regulated by Italian legislation, taxes for residents and non-residents differ. The rental market is active from April to October, with prices dropping by 30-40% in the low season.