One of the most hotly debated topics I encountered when planning my recent Italy trip was: Do you need a car in Lake Como?
Planning transportation around the lake region can be tricky if you’ve never done it before – and even if you have. (Not to mention trying to interpret a ferry schedule that may as well have been written in Morse code!)
So if you’re scratching your head wondering how to get around Lake Como – with a car or otherwise – here’s my firsthand insight so you can skip the heavy-lifting and get on with your getaway.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
In a rush? Pin this post for later!
How to Get Around Lake Como: Everything You Need to Know
Do You Need a Car in Lake Como?
Short answer: You definitely don’t need a car in Lake Como.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say it can even be a hindrance to have one, between challenging roads, limited traffic zones (ZTL), and less-than-ideal parking situations.
Many people assume Lake Como is like other destinations in Europe and will be easier to explore with a car, but this is usually not the case. For one, most of the scenic roads around the lake involve steep, cliffside drop-offs and blind turns.
Plus, given the region’s massive popularity, you’ll likely need to share already-limited road space with giant tour buses. This is similar to what you’d experience when traveling to Positano (or elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast).
We traveled without a car for the entirety of our three days in Lake Como and it was definitely the right decision. (We started with a train ride into Varenna, took the ferry between towns, and explored the towns on foot.)
If you’d also like to visit sans vehicle, my best suggestion is to base yourself in a town with good ferry connections, such as anything within the Golden Triangle (Bellagio, Menaggio, or Varenna) or in Como.
That said, what we did may not work for everyone and as with anything, there are some exceptions.
Circumstances Where Having a Car May Be Worth It
While I’m openly anti-car in Lake Como, one exception would be if you’re visiting the region as part of a larger road trip (where you’re not circling back to Lake Como).
In this instance, it would likely be more convenient/cost-effective to keep your car rather than surrendering it for this leg of the journey. You’ll either pay a premium to park it somewhere outside the towns or you’ll have to rehire another car which can add additional hassle and complications.
Another potential exception could be if you’re planning to do some of the region’s off-the-beaten path hikes that aren’t served by public transport. In a case like this, it would make more sense to hire a car.
Some Pointers if You’re Determined to Have a Car
If you’re going to be visiting Lake Como on a longer road trip through Italy or you’re otherwise determined to have a car, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- The region has many narrow roads – If you’re not an experienced driver, Lake Como’s many narrow and winding roads can prove stressful. Tight roads that snake through the individual towns and shoulder-less roads (like many along the water) can be especially challenging to navigate.
- Parking can be a real challenge – If you’re traveling during the high season (June through August), parking can be hard to come by. Most spaces fill up as early as 8AM and many post strict time limits for how long you can stay. To find availability, you’ll either need to get a very early start or find a town with a parking garage (like Como). Varenna also has a public garage, but it fills up quickly, so arrive early.
- Consider basing yourself in Como – If car travel is an utmost priority, consider basing yourself in Como. As the largest city in the region, Como has a greater availability of parking spaces so you can leave your car during the day and then hop a ferry to get around.
Is it Worth Hiring a Private Driver?
If you prefer a car to public transport but you’d rather not drive yourself, you may consider hiring a private driver – if you can afford one.
Most chauffeurs charge by the kilometer, and the going rate in the lake region can be anywhere from 1.30EUR to 2.40EUR per km.
There are also private drivers that charge by the day (half day or full day). Half day tours can average about 300EUR, whereas a full-day excursion can cost you over 500EUR, depending on your itinerary and group size.
How to Get Around Lake Como by Ferry
Ferrying is one of the most popular – and in my option, best – ways to get around the lakeside towns. That said, ferrying is certainly not without its own unique set of challenges!
Here are some key things to know before you head to the docks.
What Are the Different Ferry Types?
There are two different types of ferries available – car ferries and passenger ferries. Car ferries – a.k.a traghettos – are the larger and faster of the two styles. These boats dock separately from the passenger ferries.
Car ferries are faster and more efficient than passenger ferries because they travel directly to their next destination, whereas passenger ferries can have multiple stops.
While I appreciate the efficiency of a car ferry, a potential downside is that they tend to be much less scenic. If you’re looking to take a lot of photos (and you don’t have a car) you should catch a passenger ferry instead.
A helpful thing to know (that I was confused about until we arrived) is that car ferries are not exclusively for drivers. In other words, you can ride one even if you’re traveling without a car (like us). It’s more about selecting whatever option is available at the time you book.
Passenger ferries, on the other hand, typically take longer than car ferries (think of them like a local bus rather than a direct bus).
While these won’t be ideal if you’re on a tight schedule, they can be the better option if you have the luxury of time and you’d prefer to enjoy a more relaxing, scenic journey.
The views from the passenger ferries are definitely superior, IMHO!
A potential downside of taking a passenger ferry is that all of these boats share a dock, so boarding time can get pretty crowded and chaotic during high season.
Interpreting the Ferry Schedule
The first challenge you’ll likely come across is reading/interpreting/understanding the ferry timetables. Take it from me, decoding cryptic and inconsistent ferry schedules in Lake Como takes a healthy dose of patience.
There’s a lot of information to absorb and it can all feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re pressed for time.
Here are my tips for planning your ferry journey:
- Use the Navigazione Laghi website – This is the boat transport service of Italy’s northern lake region (encompassing Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore) where you’ll find ferry routes, timetables, and pricing.
- Book ferry tickets in advance – You can (and should) book your ferry tickets online in advance via Navigazione Laghi. The website lists tickets in about 4-week increments, so you won’t be able to book more than about a month out. While advance tickets are technically not necessary, purchasing ahead of time can save you the trouble of waiting in a long ticket line at the dock (not to mention the possibility of getting shut out for a particular time). While you’ll still need to queue up to get on the ferry, having tickets means you’ll only need to wait in one line instead of two.
- You are not beholden to a time, just the date – When you purchase a ferry ticket for a specific day, you can use it any time that particular ferry route runs that day. That said, the ticket is only valid for the date listed on your ticket (you can’t save it for future use).
- Arrive extra early if you can’t purchase tickets online – Despite the best of intentions in planning ahead, sometimes ferry tickets will be sold out online. If this is the case, you should arrive at the dock around two hours in advance to secure your tickets. (For instance, if your desired ferry leaves at 10AM, arrive around 8AM.) Keep in mind that weekly passes can only be purchased in person. Also, you can only purchase day-of tickets if you buy them in person.
- Manage your expectations & anticipate inconsistencies – This is Italy, not Switzerland. Don’t expect precision when it comes to ferry schedules. Sometimes what you find online will not match what you see in person on a printed schedule. In this case, trust what’s printed over what’s listed online.
When Are the Last Ferries of the Day?
If you’re doing a round-trip ferry journey (such as a day trip to a neighboring lakeside town), be mindful of final departure times. You don’t want to get stuck in a town with no accommodation because you missed the last ferry of the day.
As a reference point, final ferries tend to leave around 8PM, but be sure to consult the ferry schedule when planning your itinerary.
How to Get Around Lake Como by Train
Lake Como consists of three main railway lines that depart from Milan: a western branch, an eastern branch, and a cross-border branch (for travel to neighboring Switzerland). You can check train schedules and purchase tickets through either Trenord or Trenitalia, depending on where you’re traveling.
If you’d prefer train travel for your Lake Como trip, you’ll ideally want to base yourself along the eastern shore. Varenna, in particular, is a great base for train travel around the region.
We stayed in this lovely Varenna apartment. Although we exclusively relied on ferries to hop from town to town (and only used the train to enter and leave Lake Como), we still found it to be the best option for us without a car.
(Psst! Check out my guide to Lake Como in May for the step-by-step directions we followed to get from Milan to Varenna.)
Keep in mind that if you’re staying on the western side of the lake, Como is the only town with a train station.
How to Get Around Lake Como by Bus
Alternatively, if you’re looking to explore Lake Como on a budget and wish to travel by bus, you’ll want to base yourself on either the central part or western side of the lake.
ASF Autolinee is the main bus operator for the western area (comprising Como, Bellagio, Tremezzina, and Menaggio). The main bus lines are the C10 (Como-Menaggio-Colico) line and the C30 (Como-Bellagio) lines.
If you’re looking to catch a bus on the eastern side of the lake, the main operator is Linee Lecco.
(Still debating where to base yourself? I’ve written a separate post on the best areas to stay in Lake Como as well as a Varenna or Bellagio comparison post to help you narrow it down!
How to Get Around Lake Como by Chartering a Private Boat or Joining a Boat Tour
If you’d prefer to splurge on a more relaxing experience on the water, not to worry. Lake Como is a boater’s playground and there’s something to suit every maritime enthusiast.
If you’re not quite ready to captain your own boat and you’d prefer to relax with a more experienced guide behind the helm, there are plenty of boat tours to choose from in Lake Como.
I hope this guide has helped you decide whether or not you need a car in Lake Como – and how to best navigate this popular Italian region.
What questions do you have for me about how to get around Lake Como? Let me know in the comments below!
Are you ready to explore Lake Como? Check out my other guides:
Did you find this post useful? Pin it to your boards!
One of the most hotly debated topics I encountered when planning my recent Italy trip was: Do you need a car in Lake Como?
Planning transportation around the lake region can be tricky if you’ve never done it before – and even if you have. (Not to mention trying to interpret a ferry schedule that may as well have been written in Morse code!)
So if you’re scratching your head wondering how to get around Lake Como – with a car or otherwise – here’s my firsthand insight so you can skip the heavy-lifting and get on with your getaway.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
In a rush? Pin this post for later!
How to Get Around Lake Como: Everything You Need to Know
Do You Need a Car in Lake Como?
Short answer: You definitely don’t need a car in Lake Como.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say it can even be a hindrance to have one, between challenging roads, limited traffic zones (ZTL), and less-than-ideal parking situations.
Many people assume Lake Como is like other destinations in Europe and will be easier to explore with a car, but this is usually not the case. For one, most of the scenic roads around the lake involve steep, cliffside drop-offs and blind turns.
Plus, given the region’s massive popularity, you’ll likely need to share already-limited road space with giant tour buses. This is similar to what you’d experience when traveling to Positano (or elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast).
We traveled without a car for the entirety of our three days in Lake Como and it was definitely the right decision. (We started with a train ride into Varenna, took the ferry between towns, and explored the towns on foot.)
If you’d also like to visit sans vehicle, my best suggestion is to base yourself in a town with good ferry connections, such as anything within the Golden Triangle (Bellagio, Menaggio, or Varenna) or in Como.
That said, what we did may not work for everyone and as with anything, there are some exceptions.
Circumstances Where Having a Car May Be Worth It
While I’m openly anti-car in Lake Como, one exception would be if you’re visiting the region as part of a larger road trip (where you’re not circling back to Lake Como).
In this instance, it would likely be more convenient/cost-effective to keep your car rather than surrendering it for this leg of the journey. You’ll either pay a premium to park it somewhere outside the towns or you’ll have to rehire another car which can add additional hassle and complications.
Another potential exception could be if you’re planning to do some of the region’s off-the-beaten path hikes that aren’t served by public transport. In a case like this, it would make more sense to hire a car.
Some Pointers if You’re Determined to Have a Car
If you’re going to be visiting Lake Como on a longer road trip through Italy or you’re otherwise determined to have a car, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- The region has many narrow roads – If you’re not an experienced driver, Lake Como’s many narrow and winding roads can prove stressful. Tight roads that snake through the individual towns and shoulder-less roads (like many along the water) can be especially challenging to navigate.
- Parking can be a real challenge – If you’re traveling during the high season (June through August), parking can be hard to come by. Most spaces fill up as early as 8AM and many post strict time limits for how long you can stay. To find availability, you’ll either need to get a very early start or find a town with a parking garage (like Como). Varenna also has a public garage, but it fills up quickly, so arrive early.
- Consider basing yourself in Como – If car travel is an utmost priority, consider basing yourself in Como. As the largest city in the region, Como has a greater availability of parking spaces so you can leave your car during the day and then hop a ferry to get around.
Is it Worth Hiring a Private Driver?
If you prefer a car to public transport but you’d rather not drive yourself, you may consider hiring a private driver – if you can afford one.
Most chauffeurs charge by the kilometer, and the going rate in the lake region can be anywhere from 1.30EUR to 2.40EUR per km.
There are also private drivers that charge by the day (half day or full day). Half day tours can average about 300EUR, whereas a full-day excursion can cost you over 500EUR, depending on your itinerary and group size.
How to Get Around Lake Como by Ferry
Ferrying is one of the most popular – and in my option, best – ways to get around the lakeside towns. That said, ferrying is certainly not without its own unique set of challenges!
Here are some key things to know before you head to the docks.
What Are the Different Ferry Types?
There are two different types of ferries available – car ferries and passenger ferries. Car ferries – a.k.a traghettos – are the larger and faster of the two styles. These boats dock separately from the passenger ferries.
Car ferries are faster and more efficient than passenger ferries because they travel directly to their next destination, whereas passenger ferries can have multiple stops.
While I appreciate the efficiency of a car ferry, a potential downside is that they tend to be much less scenic. If you’re looking to take a lot of photos (and you don’t have a car) you should catch a passenger ferry instead.
A helpful thing to know (that I was confused about until we arrived) is that car ferries are not exclusively for drivers. In other words, you can ride one even if you’re traveling without a car (like us). It’s more about selecting whatever option is available at the time you book.
Passenger ferries, on the other hand, typically take longer than car ferries (think of them like a local bus rather than a direct bus).
While these won’t be ideal if you’re on a tight schedule, they can be the better option if you have the luxury of time and you’d prefer to enjoy a more relaxing, scenic journey.
The views from the passenger ferries are definitely superior, IMHO!
A potential downside of taking a passenger ferry is that all of these boats share a dock, so boarding time can get pretty crowded and chaotic during high season.
Interpreting the Ferry Schedule
The first challenge you’ll likely come across is reading/interpreting/understanding the ferry timetables. Take it from me, decoding cryptic and inconsistent ferry schedules in Lake Como takes a healthy dose of patience.
There’s a lot of information to absorb and it can all feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re pressed for time.
Here are my tips for planning your ferry journey:
- Use the Navigazione Laghi website – This is the boat transport service of Italy’s northern lake region (encompassing Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore) where you’ll find ferry routes, timetables, and pricing.
- Book ferry tickets in advance – You can (and should) book your ferry tickets online in advance via Navigazione Laghi. The website lists tickets in about 4-week increments, so you won’t be able to book more than about a month out. While advance tickets are technically not necessary, purchasing ahead of time can save you the trouble of waiting in a long ticket line at the dock (not to mention the possibility of getting shut out for a particular time). While you’ll still need to queue up to get on the ferry, having tickets means you’ll only need to wait in one line instead of two.
- You are not beholden to a time, just the date – When you purchase a ferry ticket for a specific day, you can use it any time that particular ferry route runs that day. That said, the ticket is only valid for the date listed on your ticket (you can’t save it for future use).
- Arrive extra early if you can’t purchase tickets online – Despite the best of intentions in planning ahead, sometimes ferry tickets will be sold out online. If this is the case, you should arrive at the dock around two hours in advance to secure your tickets. (For instance, if your desired ferry leaves at 10AM, arrive around 8AM.) Keep in mind that weekly passes can only be purchased in person. Also, you can only purchase day-of tickets if you buy them in person.
- Manage your expectations & anticipate inconsistencies – This is Italy, not Switzerland. Don’t expect precision when it comes to ferry schedules. Sometimes what you find online will not match what you see in person on a printed schedule. In this case, trust what’s printed over what’s listed online.
When Are the Last Ferries of the Day?
If you’re doing a round-trip ferry journey (such as a day trip to a neighboring lakeside town), be mindful of final departure times. You don’t want to get stuck in a town with no accommodation because you missed the last ferry of the day.
As a reference point, final ferries tend to leave around 8PM, but be sure to consult the ferry schedule when planning your itinerary.
How to Get Around Lake Como by Train
Lake Como consists of three main railway lines that depart from Milan: a western branch, an eastern branch, and a cross-border branch (for travel to neighboring Switzerland). You can check train schedules and purchase tickets through either Trenord or Trenitalia, depending on where you’re traveling.
If you’d prefer train travel for your Lake Como trip, you’ll ideally want to base yourself along the eastern shore. Varenna, in particular, is a great base for train travel around the region.
We stayed in this lovely Varenna apartment. Although we exclusively relied on ferries to hop from town to town (and only used the train to enter and leave Lake Como), we still found it to be the best option for us without a car.
(Psst! Check out my guide to Lake Como in May for the step-by-step directions we followed to get from Milan to Varenna.)
Keep in mind that if you’re staying on the western side of the lake, Como is the only town with a train station.
How to Get Around Lake Como by Bus
Alternatively, if you’re looking to explore Lake Como on a budget and wish to travel by bus, you’ll want to base yourself on either the central part or western side of the lake.
ASF Autolinee is the main bus operator for the western area (comprising Como, Bellagio, Tremezzina, and Menaggio). The main bus lines are the C10 (Como-Menaggio-Colico) line and the C30 (Como-Bellagio) lines.
If you’re looking to catch a bus on the eastern side of the lake, the main operator is Linee Lecco.
(Still debating where to base yourself? I’ve written a separate post on the best areas to stay in Lake Como as well as a Varenna or Bellagio comparison post to help you narrow it down!
How to Get Around Lake Como by Chartering a Private Boat or Joining a Boat Tour
If you’d prefer to splurge on a more relaxing experience on the water, not to worry. Lake Como is a boater’s playground and there’s something to suit every maritime enthusiast.
If you’re not quite ready to captain your own boat and you’d prefer to relax with a more experienced guide behind the helm, there are plenty of boat tours to choose from in Lake Como.
I hope this guide has helped you decide whether or not you need a car in Lake Como – and how to best navigate this popular Italian region.
What questions do you have for me about how to get around Lake Como? Let me know in the comments below!
Are you ready to explore Lake Como? Check out my other guides:
Did you find this post useful? Pin it to your boards!