By train
Como San Giovanni (from Milano Centrale) and Como Nord Lago (from Milano Cadorna) are both a short walk from the lake. Varenna-Esino is on the line to Tirano. Check times on the Trenord and Trenitalia websites.
Lake Como day trip from Milan
From Milan, Lake Como is about an hour away by train: to Como from Milano Centrale or Cadorna, to Varenna from Milano Centrale. The best way to use a single day is to take the train and then a private boat from the lake: from Como, Grand Lake Como (6 hours, €1,350) reaches Bellagio and the villas.
A one-day plan
Morning train to Como, private boat from the Como pier at 10:00, villas and Bellagio, back by mid-afternoon and train to Milan. Or train to Varenna and a 2-hour tour of the central lake.
Organised tours or private?
Coach tours from Milan include a short boat ride with many other people. A private boat for a family or friends often costs a similar total and you choose the times.
See it from the water.
Every one of these tours passes it. Prices are for the whole boat.
2 hoursClassic
Villa d'Este, Moltrasio, Laglio · Clooney's villa, Villa Pliniana
€600 per boat3 hoursVillas and BalbianelloVilla d'Este, Moltrasio, Laglio · Clooney's villa, Nesso waterfall
€800 per boat6 hoursGrand Lake ComoVilla d'Este, Moltrasio, Laglio · Clooney's villa, Nesso waterfall
€1,350 per boatGood questions.
Is one day enough for Lake Como?
For a first visit, yes: with a private boat you see more in one day than in two by ferry.
Where does the boat pick us up after the train?
At Como's public pier (a short walk from both stations) or at Varenna's pier.