How To Get Around Lake Como in 2025 (Buses, Boats, Trains & More)
Last Updated: 20 June
Lake Como draws over 1.4 million visitors each year, and rising crowds mean traffic bottlenecks and ferry lines that can stretch for hours. Each summer season introduces new transport updates, so naturally, one of the most common questions I receive online is how to get around Lake Como in 2025. You’ve probably seen those nightmare reels of jam-packed docks and endless queues – I get it – visitors are scared! Sure, summer gets busy, but only if you’re queuing at the wrong times, on the wrong routes, or during roadworks. Timely information is everything!
The guide below shows you how to skip the lines, move between towns like a local, and keep your luxury lake getaway smooth and stress-free.
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Transport Hacks in Lake Como for 2025
I know I know, you would love to Uber everywhere, but Italy has a complicated relationship with apps like that – Uber exists, but only for Uber Black, which can take a very long time to get (and I mean it’s likely they will never come). So here are your best options (it’s not as bad as it seems):
Step #1: Master the Bus Network for Town-to-Town Travel
Buses are the underrated heroes when it comes to getting around Lake Como efficiently. With ASF Lines connecting Como, Bellagio, Menaggio, Lecco, and beyond, you can reach almost any town without stress or fuss (and with the view!). A well-timed bus means less time waiting, and more time sipping Aperol with the lakeside view. Buy your ticket right on the bus by simply touching your contactless card at the terminal.
- To get the updated bus timetable, simply use Google Maps. Buses are often late, and Google Maps will keep you updated about all the delays. Also, use Google Maps to spot the bus stops, since some of them are well hidden (hey, it’s Italy, do not expect precision) – see the photo of one funny example below.
- Buses can fill up, especially in peak season, so plan for a little cushion on popular routes.
Key tip: Expect busy buses during the summer, especially on the weekends. The early bird does get the best seat with a view.
Fun Story: I once sat on this bench for 10 minutes while my partner was looking for a bus stop. As some locals pointed out, I was already waiting at the bus stop (see the super hidden sign among the green leaves? Me too, but it’s actually there).
Step #2: Ride the Train for Fast Access to Lake Como’s Key Points
Trains are often the fastest and the most popular way to teleport from Milan’s city buzz to Lake Como’s towns. Direct lines run from Milano Centrale to both Como and Lecco – two perfect entry points to lake adventures. Travel east, and the line to Lecco, Varenna, and the Alps offers some of the best window views you’ll get anywhere. There’s one catch for 2025: the train between Milan and Varenna will be closed from June 6 to 8 and from June 15 to September 14. You’ll need to take the train to Lecco, then a bus to Varenna, and yes, crowds could be heavier than usual.
- You can book the whole Milan–Lecco–Varenna trip in one go with apps like Trainline.
- It will be longer and way more crowded than usual at the above listed dates.
- For less stress, buy your tickets in advance and aim for off-peak hours.
Fact: “Even at high season, trains are usually less crowded than highway traffic.” It makes every minute count See official Como transit info.
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Step #3: Hop On Ferries for Stunning Lake Views
Ferries aren’t just transport on Lake Como – they are part of the vacation experience. Navigazione Lago di Como offers single rides and unlimited day passes, letting you jump between Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and more without the headache of road traffic. My strong recommendation: take the boat ride at least once. It is the most beautiful way to travel around! Board from Como’s main docks, pick your favorite town, and soak up those iconic mountain views.
- Choose a day pass if you plan to explore several towns – you won’t have to worry about tickets. (Tip: You can also buy it online, if you choose the furthest distance, day, and mark the trip with return. The Full Day Pass option will appear below.)
- For speed (and fewer stops), opt for the hydrofoil. However, you cannot buy fast speed boat tickets online – need to queue and buy them onsite at the ticket kiosks.
- Overall, I recommend buying tickets online at Navigazione Lago di Como – few days in advance. If you didn’t make it to get them in advance and it shows that you cannot buy the tickets online anymore, don’t worry – go to the nearest dock and get the ticket there.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to mix a ferry with the bus! For example, get on a ferry to Nesso, walk around, then hop on the next bus to Bellagio. Get into the flow of the Lake life!
Step #4: Take the water taxi or private boat tour for “James Bond” movie set experience
My personal favorite way to get around Lake Como in 2025 is by water taxi or private boat rides. No crowds, just lake serenity, and travel on your own terms. Also, the most romantic way to explore the lake and to see all the waterfront villas! You can either get water taxi for short rides (like from Villa Balbianello to Lenno), private tour with the captain who can organise snaks, aperitivo, and guide you around.
Or you can rent a boat that allows you to drive it yourself! Don’t worry, it’s not that complicated. First time we tried it with my girlfriends who came to visit from Lithuania – none of us knew how to drive a boat, but we learnt it immediately, and even docked on the local island for a short break. It was a lot of fun!
Step #5: Take the Funicular Up for Breathtaking Panoramic Scenes
Looking for the quickest way to the best view? If you are located close to Como city, take the funicular from Como up to Brunate. The ride is just seven minutes, but the panorama over Lake Como could last a lifetime in your memory. Service runs from 6 am to 10:30 pm – plenty of time for sunrise or sunset visits.
- Once at the top, walk up to the lighthouse (it was built for the famous Alessandro Volta – the inventor of the battery, who lived here!) or just enjoy a coffee at a terrace.
You won’t regret making time for this classic ride. Sometimes the simplest activities leave the deepest impression.
Local tip: Be flexible. If it’s a hot day, you did not wake up early, and the lines to the funicular are too long – do not suffer, find a better time. I’ve seen so many people suffering in those queues in the summer heat. My strong advice for traveling in Italy: learn to improvise, and make your experiences pleasant!
If you are looking for less crowdy, more unique Lake Como spots – check out my article 10 Hidden Gems in Lake Como: A Local’s Guide – some of them include amazing views with no crowds!
Bonus Step: Combine Multi-Modal Hacks for Seamless Exploring
Mix ferries with buses or trains and you’ll unlock all the best corners of Lake Como in one easy loop. With a little planning, using a mix of transport tricks can save up to 30% compared to buying single tickets each time. I’ve tried them all – getting around by boat, hopping on a village bus, and jumping back onto a train for a quick city trip.
Just be careful not to miss the last bus or ferry – unfortunately transport system is not well developed. I would advise to choose your accommodation based on your dinner spots wishlist – otherwise it could be tricky to catch a taxi (there are not enough in the area) or a ferry (last one is quite early) to get back to your town.
One piece of advice: If you come to Lake Como for a weekend, only drive if you must. Roads are narrow, parking is hard to find, and there are not that many roads. It gets crazy at peak hours, especially on the weekends, when the Milano crowd gathers.
To sum up:
Following these steps, you’ll spend less time stressing over logistics and more time loving your Italian life! Happy exploring!
Best Practices on How to Get Around Lake Como
Download Official Transport Apps for Live Schedules
Live schedules keep you a step ahead when traffic or summer crowds strike. With Google Maps for overall schedules, Navighazione Laghi website for booking ferries, and Trainline apps you’ll see real-time changes and get alerts for any canceled or delayed routes. Learn more about official schedules and links at VisitComo’s Public Transportation Guide.
Opt for Day Passes When Exploring Multiple Towns
Lake Como isn’t cheap, but your travel tickets don’t have to eat into your budget. If you want to see Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio all in one day, a day pass for the ferry or bus will stretch your euros and give you more flexibility. You save money, skip repeated lines, and can hop off and on wherever the mood takes you. Simple as that.
Board Ferries Early for Shorter Lines and the Best Seats
Morning matters on Lake Como. Ferries fill up fast, especially between 10 am and noon in summer. My advice is always to board early. Not only will you dodge the longest lines, but you’ll also grab seats with the best lake and mountain views. Once, I watched a whole boat fill up by 10:05 am, while those arriving at 10:15 were left waiting for the next departure. Early birds get both the ease and the scenery.
Always Check Departure Locations for Your Route
Buses and ferries serving Lake Como often leave from different spots depending on the route. For example, Bellagio buses leave from Como Lago, not Como S. Giovanni. It’s an easy mix-up, and I see confused travelers every season wandering to the wrong station. Double-check your tickets and use apps or printed timetables to confirm boarding points each time. It’s a classic rookie mistake – one we’ve all made at least once.
Know If Your Accommodation is On the Hill
The Lake Como area is hilly, and chances are that your accommodation is up the hill. We have picked up quite a few struggling tourists, climbing up the hill in the heat, with their Louis Vuitton bags. Either make sure to book a transfer to your hotel/Airbnb, or check if it’s walkable.
Avoid Peak Driving Hours; Stick to Public Transport
Driving around Lake Como can seem tempting (the views are insane!), but it can be more hassle than it’s worth for most visitors. Roads are narrow, parking is tough, and summer weekends mean traffic jams stretching for miles. Plenty of people abandon their rental cars after just one day. Public transport – whether by boat, bus, or train – offers a more relaxed and often faster way to see the sights. Best part? You can just look out the window and enjoy the views.
Bonus Tips from Veni Vidi Lago
- Use contactless cards on buses and most ferries (does not work for fast ferries, though).
- Check weather forecasts before setting out, as heavy rain or wind can cancel boat services without much warning, or flood the trains (as it just happened in Como while I’m writing this on June 6th, 2025)
- Use transport combo passes where offered – they multiply your options and save time.
- When in doubt, ask a local or hotel staff for updates. They’ll know if any lines are suspended or if there are festival days with special schedules. Oh, don’t forget that Italian transport workers are on strike more often than you would think. So just check in advance.
- Tech to use: Trainline app for trains, Google Maps for a combination of routes and delays, and the Navigazione Laghi website for ferries.
FAQ: Your Lake Como Transport Questions Answered
How early should I buy my train, bus, or ferry tickets for Lake Como?
For trains and long ferry rides, buy tickets a few days ahead, especially during summer or on weekends. Bus tickets can always be bought right on the bus. For private boats, book them as soon as you can – the best ones get booked fast!
What if there are strikes or service delays when I’m at Lake Como?
Strikes sometimes happen, especially for trains and buses. My main advice: plan your transport ahead of time, and always check official transport apps or ask your hotel before heading out for the day. If a strike hits, there will be some type of backups, like taxi or a ferry. Local and tourist info centers are also quick to share live updates.
Can I get to all the main towns around Lake Como without driving?
Yes, you can see Bellagio, Varenna, Como, Menaggio, Lecco, and absolutely all other Lake Como towns using only trains, buses, and ferries. Each has clear schedules and signs. Combining transport types with a little planning makes the trip easier than trying to drive and park.
When’s the best time to travel between towns to avoid crowds?
Travel early in the morning or after 4 pm for the quietest ferries and buses. Most crowds gather between 10 am and 2 pm, especially in July and August. For scenic rides, sunrise or late afternoon offers calm waters and fewer people. Keep in mind that Italians have lunch 12-3pm, and dinner 7pm-11pm, so anything in between those times can work well!
What should I do if I miss the last ferry or bus?
First, stay calm. Wherever you are, there are usually taxis that work all night – you may need to wait, but they will arrive. Alternatively, you can ask at a local bar or hotel – people are often friendly and may know the next best option or be able to help call a ride. Once, a pizza baker’s girlfriend brought us home when no taxis were available. Just trust the process, talk to people, and relax – you are in one of the most beautiful places in this country!
What are the best numbers to get a taxi in Como town and around?
The ones I use in Como are these:
Radio Taxi Como +39 031261515
Riccardo Taxi Como +39 3200852918
Aldo Taxi Como +39 3510058913
Nicola Taxi Erba +39 3384507987
