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Milan to Lake Como Day Trips
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
START POINT
Central Milan
Check your final ticket for the exact meeting point where you will assemble to board your AC coach.
48.5 km
50 minutes
1
Como
1 attractions
1 activities
On some days, your bus may make a stop at Como, where you can explore the city center at your leisure for over an hour. Or head directly to Lake Como for your cruise.
Things to do
1. Villa Olmo
A neoclassical mansion with stunning lakeside gardens, offering panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps. It hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.
2. Lake Como Cruise
Included in price
Enjoy a scenic 50-min boat ride along this Y-shaped lake.
50 minutes
2
Bellagio
90 min
2 attractions
Nestled on a promontory jutting into the lake, Bellagio boasts narrow cobblestone streets, stunning villas, and panoramic views.
Things to do
1. Parco di Villa Serbelloni
Enjoy a reflective moment in the elegant gardens and park-like grounds of this 1873 villa offering views of Lake Como.
2. I Giardini di Villa Melzi
Don't miss these botanical gardens with a variety of plants, trees, old green houses, statues, and lakeside paths.
62 km
87 minutes
3
Lugano
90 min
2 attractions
Enjoy free time at Lugano in southern Switzerland. Take a leisurely walk to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and see the Passion and Crucifixion mural by Bernardino Luini. Explore the beautiful downtown shopping area to pick from a choice of Swiss chocolates and luxury goods.
Things to do
1. Cathedral of Saint Lawrence
The city's primary place of worship, built in the 11th century Romanesque style.
2. Via Nassa
A shopping street where you can discover antique bookshops, boutiques, and jewelers.
77 km
78 minutes
4
END POINT
Central Milan
Discover Como, Bellagio, and Lugano on a guided tour with round-trip AC transfers and a private lake cruise.
- Escape Milan aboard a comfortable coach, head to the Italy-Swiss border, and explore three lakeside towns with an expert guide.
- Take in stunning views of Lake Como's serene landscapes and villas during a leisurely guided boat ride.
- Dock at Bellagio with enough time to stroll through its quaint streets and gardens before traveling out of the country to your next stop.
- At Switzerland's Lugano, explore the lively city center and savor local delicacies. Your guide will provide insights into the region’s history and culture.
Discover Como, Bellagio, and Lugano on a guided tour with round-trip AC transfers and a private lake cruise.
- Escape Milan aboard a comfortable coach, head to the Italy-Swiss border, and explore three lakeside towns with an expert guide.
- Take in stunning views of Lake Como's serene landscapes and villas during a leisurely guided boat ride.
- Dock at Bellagio with enough time to stroll through its quaint streets and gardens before traveling out of the country to your next stop.
- At Switzerland's Lugano, explore the lively city center and savor local delicacies. Your guide will provide insights into the region’s history and culture.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip to Como, Bellagio, and Lugano
- Expert English-speaking guide
- 1-hour boat tour of Lake Como
- Round-trip AC coach transfers from Milan
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-ups
- Food & drinks
- All participants are required to carry their original passport/travel document with them to enter Switzerland. Participants from a non-EU country will need a Schengen Visa.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
- Please note that the itinerary/modes of transfer are subject to change depending on seasonality and weather conditions.
- Depending on the time of year, the Lake Como cruise duration can range from 50 minutes to 2 hours.
- Dress code: If you plan to visit churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours
START POINT
Central Milan
Meet your travel mates and board your AC coach at the location specified in your ticket.
48.5 km
50 minutes
1
Lake Como
2 attractions
Sightseeing & Photography
Nearby things to do
Villa del Balbianello
21 min walk
Villa Carlotta
10 min walk
60 minutes
2
Bellagio
2 attractions
Explore this historic town known for its exquisite flora, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming villas. It serves as a popular base for exploring the lake and nearby towns, offering stunning views, lakeside promenades, and a rich cultural heritage.
Things to do
1. Basilica di San Giacomo
Admire the golden altar, mosaics, and a shimmering apse in this 11th-century stone church set in Piazza della Chiesa, a square with a central fountain, an ancient tower, shops, art galleries, and cafés.
2. Punta Spartivento
A scenic peninsula park with a rocky beach, outdoor dining, and panoramic viewpoints over Lake Como.
20 minutes
Passes by
Cadenabbia
3
Como
1 attractions
Sitting at the southern tip of Lake Como, this picturesque city stuns with its medieval structures, alpine vistas, and charming piazzas.
Things to do
Tempio Voltiano
Tickets not included
A museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist who invented the electric battery.
49 km
45 minutes
5
END POINT
Central Milan
Enjoy boat rides on Lake Como, and tour the cities of Bellagio and Como – with all transfers sorted.
- Step aboard an air-conditioned coach departing Milan, followed by a boat tour on Lake Como. Admire iconic villas and tranquil flora from the water.
- Explore the commune of Bellagio, known for its cobblestone streets, waterfront cafés, and stunning lake views.
- A short ferry ride and drive later, arrive in Como. Wander through the medieval city center, sightseeing and dining to your heart's content.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush gardens of Villa Olmo, an iconic neoclassical estate by the lake, before you return to Milan.
Enjoy boat rides on Lake Como, and tour the cities of Bellagio and Como – with all transfers sorted.
- Step aboard an air-conditioned coach departing Milan, followed by a boat tour on Lake Como. Admire iconic villas and tranquil flora from the water.
- Explore the commune of Bellagio, known for its cobblestone streets, waterfront cafés, and stunning lake views.
- A short ferry ride and drive later, arrive in Como. Wander through the medieval city center, sightseeing and dining to your heart's content.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush gardens of Villa Olmo, an iconic neoclassical estate by the lake, before you return to Milan.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip to Como and Bellagio
- Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide
- 1-hour boat tour of Lake Como
- Round-trip AC coach transfers from Milan
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-ups
- Food & drinks
- Tip: The beautiful villages around here are known for their high-quality silk production; budget to drop by locally-owned stores.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
- Please note that the itinerary/modes of transfer are subject to change depending on seasonality and weather conditions.
- Depending on the time of year, the Lake Como cruise duration can range from 50 minutes to 2 hours.
- Dress code: If you plan to visit churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours
START POINT
Milan Central Station
Convene here at the specified time for your departure by AC coach.
77 km
80 minutes
1
Lugano
2 attractions
Lugano, nestled on a namesake lake in southern Switzerland, blends Swiss precision with Italian flair, offering scenic views, a lively cultural scene, and Mediterranean charm.
Things to do
1. Ciani Park
Situated on the shores of Lake Lugano, this 63,000 square-meter park forms the city's ‘lung’.
2. Palazzo Civico
This neoclassical Town Hall is known as the city’s ‘living room’, with a courtyard featuring a sculpture by Vincenzo Vela.
33 km
30 minutes
2
Como
1 attractions
1 activities
Located at the southern tip of Lake Como, this charming Italian city is famed for its medieval architecture, beautiful lakeside views, and vibrant piazzas.
Things to do
1. Basilica of Saint Abundius
This basilica has a striking Romanesque exterior with intricate carvings. Inside, it showcases medieval frescoes and a peaceful, historic ambience.
2. 1-hour Lake Como cruise
Included in price
Take a leisurely boat trip around Lake Como, seeing mountains and hamlets from a different perspective. Get off at Torno.
6 km
60 minutes
3
Torno
2 attractions
Stop by this quaint lakeside commune with a rich backstory.
Things to do
1. Villa Pliniana
A historic lakeside villa dating back to the 16th century, known for its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and dramatic vistas of the hills that crown Lake Como.
2. Porta di Travaina
This ancient gate is a historical landmark, part of numerous medieval fortifications that existed in this village.
6 km
20 minutes
Passes by
Como
5
END POINT
Milan Central Station
On guided tour in a group of 10, head to Switzerland's Lugano and Italy's Como by AC bus, with a lake cruise.
- In central Milan, board a spacious coach that will shuttle your small group and expert guide to Lugano city.
- Roam the best spots, from the stunning St. Lawrence Cathedral and sprawling Ciani Park, to charming old town alleys and Via Nassa's boutiques.
- Next, a short drive brings you to Como, with free time to savor a tasty local lunch and explore the city's historic center.
- Set sail on Lake Como for an hour of uninterrupted vistas before disembarking at the medieval village of Torno or Moltrasio.
- Take your time exploring its monuments and relics before a quick ferry back to Como in time for your ride to Milan.
On guided tour in a group of 10, head to Switzerland's Lugano and Italy's Como by AC bus, with a lake cruise.
- In central Milan, board a spacious coach that will shuttle your small group and expert guide to Lugano city.
- Roam the best spots, from the stunning St. Lawrence Cathedral and sprawling Ciani Park, to charming old town alleys and Via Nassa's boutiques.
- Next, a short drive brings you to Como, with free time to savor a tasty local lunch and explore the city's historic center.
- Set sail on Lake Como for an hour of uninterrupted vistas before disembarking at the medieval village of Torno or Moltrasio.
- Take your time exploring its monuments and relics before a quick ferry back to Como in time for your ride to Milan.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip to Como and Lugano
- Expert English-speaking guide
- 1-hour boat tour of Lake Como
- Round-trip AC coach transfers from Milan Central Station
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-ups
- Food & drinks
- Carry your original passport and a valid Schengen Visa (for non-EU travelers) to enter Switzerland.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
- Please note that the itinerary/modes of transfer are subject to change depending on seasonality and weather conditions.
- Depending on the time of year, the Lake Como cruise duration can range from 50 minutes to 2 hours.
- Dress code: If you plan to visit churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
MilanMilan to Lake Como Tours
Top things to do in Milan
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Why go on a day tour from Milan to Lake Como?
The serene Lake Como region is only 1.5-2 hours away from Milan by car or train. Benefit from convenient round-trip transfers, expert knowledge, and flexible itineraries on these guided day trips.
Lake Como forms a Y-shaped pool with a dramatic Alpine backdrop. All day trips offer a sightseeing cruise on its waters, allowing you to explore villages and towns on its banks – like Como and Bellagio.
Como, a celebrity-favorite getaway, is home to attractions such as the Como Cathedral, ancient city walls, and Villa Olmo. Bellagio stands on the lake's prime peninsula, with charming aisles and cozy cafés.
You can even cross over into Switzerland and explore villages and towns near the Italian border, like Lugano or St. Moritz. Experience two countries in one day!
Your Milan to Lake Como day trip options explained
Experience
Stops
Modes of transport
Group size
Duration
Como, Bellagio, Lugano
🚌AC bus/coach
🛥️Boat ride
Regular (up to 30 people)
10–12 hours
Como, Bellagio
🚌AC bus/coach
🛥️Boat ride
Regular (up to 30 people)
10 hours
Lugano, Como, Torno/Moltrasio
🚌AC bus/coach
🛥️Boat ride
Small (up to 10 people)
9–10 hours
Hear from our guests
Things to do at Lake Como
Villa Olmo
Where? Como
What? This neoclassical masterpiece features a striking façade, ornate interiors, and expansive grounds. The surrounding gardens, offer promenades beset with vistas of the lake and the Alps.
Como Cathedral
Where? Como
What? A magnificent blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, this titular church boasts an intricate facade and grand interior, adorned with beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows. This is a must-see for art and culture lovers.
Funicular Ride to Brunate
Where? Como
What? Take a funicular ride from Como to the hilltop village of Brunate for panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. It's a great way to experience the area's natural beauty from above while exploring the charming village at the summit.
Villa del Balbianello
Where? Lenno
What? This iconic lakeside villa has been featured in movies like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II. Originally a Franciscan monastery, keep a lookout for its unique umbrella-shaped trees, and ancient statues.
Villa Melzi d’Eril
Where? Bellagio
What? A quintessential symbol of neoclassical architecture with symmetrical exteriors, this villa in Bellagio also features an oriental pavilion with lotus flowers.
San Giovanni Beach
Where? Bellagio
What? This pebbly public beach is perfect for a dip, with piers to plunge off. During the warmer months, a snack bar rents floating docks for swimming.
Museum of Navigation Instruments
Where? Bellagio
What? A fascinating collection of over 200 rare navigational instruments from the 16th to the 19th centuries, including compasses, astrolabes, telescopes, and maps.
Tempio Voltiano
Where? Como
What? A museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist who invented the electric battery and discovered methane.
Basilica di San Giacomo
Where? Bellagio
What? An 11th-century stone church with a golden altar, shimmering apse, and mosaics. Set in Piazza della Chiesa, it's beset by a fountain, an ancient tower, art galleries, and cafés.
Best ways to reach Lake Como from Milan
By train
By car
By bus
Best for: Fast & convenient travel
Duration: 35 to 40 minutes from Milan Centrale to Como S. Giovanni, 1 hour from Milan Cadorna to Como Nord Lago
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Operators: Trenitalia (Milan Centrale), Trenord (Milan Cadorna)
- Como S. Giovanni is faster and has more frequent regional services, while Como Nord Lago is slower but more scenic.
- Como S. Giovanni is just a 10-minute walk from the lakefront, while Como Nord Lago gives you immediate access to the lakefront, ferry terminal, and Como’s old town.
- Tickets start at approximately €5 for a standard one-way fare from either station.
Best for: Flexible and comfortable travel
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (82 kms / 50 miles)
- Take the A9 motorway and follow signs for Como, which is the fastest route, including tolls.
- For a more scenic drive, you can take the SS340 (Strada Statale).
- Use offline navigation apps as the narrow, winding roads around the lake can be tricky.
Parking: Look for secure parking garages near Como’s city center. Rates range from about €1.50-2.50 per hour. In smaller towns, spot the blue-marked parking spaces, which typically indicate paid parking.
Best for: Budget travelers and sightseeing
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Frequency: Every 2 to 4 hours
- Buses typically depart from Milan’s Lampugnano bus station or Milan Centrale and arrive in Como.
- FlixBus and Busitalia Sita Nord are popular operators and a one-way ticket generally starts from €5 to €10.
While buses are budget-friendly, trains are preferred due to their higher frequency and shorter travel time.
How to get around Como
Ferries
The local public ferry system is available throughout the day and connects all the towns along the banks of Lake Como.
Service provider(s): Navigazione Laghi
Trains
Regional trains are a quick way to travel between towns. They cover the easternmost shores of the lake. You can take the line from Milan to Sondrio and stop at Varenna to get to the Central Lake Area.
Service provider(s): Trenord and Trenitalia
Buses
Local buses connect most of the towns around the lake. Buses are a good way to reach towns that aren't served by trains or ferries.
Service provider(s): ASF Autolinee
Taxis
There's also the option to book private taxis from main bus or train stations. However, these can be expensive, especially if booked on-the-spot.
Walking
You can walk around the lake on trails that range from 3km to 20km (2–12 miles). The Sentiero del Viandante trek, or Wayfarer's Path, is a 54km (34 mile) trek along the eastern shore of Lake Como.
🌸Spring
Average temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
April to June is considered one of the best times to visit Lake Como as it is perfect for enjoying the gardens in full bloom, with lesser crowds.
☀️Summer
Average temperature: 30°C (86°F)
July to August is the most busy season as the warm temperatures are perfect for boating, swimming, and water sports.
🍂Fall
Average temperature: 18°C to 26°C (65°F to 79°F)
For a more relaxed outing, September to October offers comfortable weather and beautiful foliage.
❄️Winter
Average temperature: 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
While the shoulder seasons can be great, avoid visiting between November and March as some lake towns and villas may be closed.
Make the most of your time in Como
Where to eat
Where to stay
Visitor tips
- Passion Como | wholesome food, great coffee, and free Wi-Fi
- Toast & Roll | bakery known for their sandwiches
- Crotto del Sergente | homemade food and unique ambience
- Ostello Bello Lake Como | lakeside, budget-friendly
- B&B Hotel Como City Center | central, budget-friendly
- Avenue Hotel | 4-star, central
- La Perla by SEDAR La Perla | 4-star, lakeside
- Book your transport within Como (ferry, train, taxi, etc.) well in advance, since spots fill up quickly – especially during the high season in summer.
- March to May and October are some of the best months to visit Lake Como, with pleasant weather and relatively fewer crowds.
- Make sure you budget for lunch/snacks during your trip as your day tours do not generally include food.
- Looking to take a piece of Como back with you? High quality local products include silk, olive oil, and wine.
Frequently asked questions about Milan to Lake Como day trips
What kind of trips are available and how large are the group sizes?
These are full day trips that span 9 to 12 hours. You can pick and choose the number of towns visited, and your modes of transport. Join a regular group of up to 30 people, or a small group of just 10.
Is there any required documentation, like IDs or permits?
Indeed, for day tours that cross over to the Swiss towns of Lugano or St. Moritz, all travelers must keep their original passport handy. Non-EU travelers should ensure they have a valid Schengen Visa.
Is a boat ride included in the day trip?
Yes. A 50-min to 2-hour panoramic cruise along Lake Como is included in your day trip.
Are meals included in the day trip, or should I bring my own food?
No, meals are not included. You can either choose to use your break time trying out the fare at local restaurants, or pack a picnic to enjoy outdoors.
Is Lake Como suitable for families?
Yes, the area is quite family-friendly, with boat rides, open spaces, restaurants, and historic sites suitable for all ages.
What should I wear for a day trip to Lake Como?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on cobblestone streets, and dressing in layers is recommended since temperatures can vary between Milan and the lakeside towns. Carry a shawl or scarf to ensure your knees and shoulders are covered when entering religious institutions.
Is it safe/allowed to swim in Lake Como?
Swimming in Lake Como can be risky because of the temperature and undercurrents. The water is usually colder than the sea, and it can be difficult to stay afloat in some areas. You should avoid swimming near ferry docks and in areas close to purification plant outlets. However, there are many beaches and lidos (beach clubs) where you can swim, including public beaches and those with pools. Some are free, while others have an entry fee.
What happens if I am late or miss the departure?
Unfortunately, arriving at the meeting point after the departure timing would mean you forfeit your spot on the tour. Plan to reach 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to your trip.
Are the towns around Lake Como accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the town of Como has more accessible paths, Bellagio and Torno have steep, cobbled streets that can be challenging.
How far in advance should I book my Milan to Lake Como day trip?
During the peak seasons between May to September, it is recommended to book all your arrangements at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance.
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