Tips for Traveling Around Lake Como Without a Car

Lake Como’s winding roads and narrow village streets might make driving look romantic, but trust us—leaving the car behind can be the best travel decision you make. With a well-connected web of boats, buses, and trains, Lake Como is a dream for car-free travelers. You’ll not only save yourself from the stress of parking and navigating tight roads, but you’ll also soak up the lake’s beauty the way locals do: from the deck of a ferry or a hillside train window.

Here’s how to explore Lake Como without a car, maximize your time, and discover the most charming spots—including one hidden gem you’ll want to call home for a night or two.

Getting There: Trains into Lake Como

Lake Como is easily reachable from Milan by train. You’ve got three main options:

Como San Giovanni (western side of the lake): Regular trains from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi (Trenord or Trenitalia). It’s just 35 minutes and you can book online here.
Como Lago: regular trains from Milan city center station (Milano Cadorna). You can catch the train from the Malpensa to Saronno and then to Como Lago. It takes approximately 1h20 from the airport and 50 minztes from Milan city center. Book online on Trenord.it
Varenna-Esino (eastern side): Direct trains from Milano Centrale. You can book on trenord website and the journey takes around 1h. The train stops in Monza and Lecco which are also worth a visit.

All these routes land you right at the lakefront. From there you can start your car free visit. Visiting more than one village is a must and you can easily move around by boat, bus or bike. Remember that many villages are connected by scenic walking paths. Don’t miss on them!

On the Water: Ferries and Boats

Boats are arguably the most scenic (and relaxing) way to get around Lake Como. There are three types:

Battello (slow boat) – Scenic and perfect for sightseeing.
Motonave (fast boat) – Cuts travel time but skips some stops.
Car ferry (traghetto) – Only between Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna—useful also without a car.

📱 App to download: Navigazione Laghi – Gives you real-time ferry schedules and routes and allows you to buy the tickets online so you skip the ques.

The central lake area—Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna—is the most frequently serviced. This makes it ideal for base-hopping or leisurely day trips. However, this is also the most crowded area of the lake. If you come to the lake area just for a long weekend, you can consider to book an accommodation in Varenna (easy access by train from Milan). In just couple of days you will be able to visit also Bellaggio and Menaggio as the ferry is super frequent.

My personal advice: take it slow and book you accommodation in a less crowded village: the boat service is less frequent but you will have more time to enjoy the lake like a local. Spending just a weekend on the lake is great but to understand the real vibe, you need at least one week.

By Land: Buses Around the Lake

Buses cover areas not reachable by train or boat, especially the western shore.

Main lines:

C10: Como → Menaggio → Colico. You catch it just next to the train station Como Lago or Como San Giovanni. The journey to Menaggio takes approximately 1 hour and if you want to proceed to Colico it’s an additional hour. The bus stops in most of the towns along the way. Check the timetable here.
C30: Runs Como → Bellagio (via the scenic mountain road) and it takes around an hour. Check the timetable here.

App to download:

Check the ASF Autolinee website for bus timetables, route planning, and service alerts. Or download the app MooneyGO for Apple and Android.

Bus Tips:

You can buy your ticket before boarding (tabacchi shops or bars with ASF logos) and validate it on board but you can also hop on a bus and swipe your credit card. Here is the list of all the lines where the service is available. Buses can be infrequent on Sundays or evenings—so check the timetable and plan accordingly.

My personal advice: If you are arriving from Milan and you have just the weekend, leave your luggage at Como train station locker and visit this lovely town in the morning. After lunch catch the bus toward Menaggio but book your accommodation in one of little towns on your way (Moltrasio, Laglio, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio). These are less crowded and you will immerse yourself in the lake vibe.

Most Charming Towns to Base Yourself

Most of travelers choose 4 main destinations on Lake Como. I can’t blame them these towns are absolutely gorgeous.

Como, the biggest town on the lake and as such it offers all sorts of activities – good restaurants, stunning views, excellent hikes, a bit of history, medieval downtown, plenty of events during summer, numerous boat tours, green areas with stunning villas and a lake side public swimming pool. What else, right?
Varenna: A romantic small town, with direct connection by train and ferry. Plenty of little shops, cozy restaurants and breathtaking views of lake and mountains, excellent hikes for all levels.
Bellagio: The pearl of the lake, a real gem with unparalleled views, expensive shops, artisan boutiques, touristy restaurants and the most romantic and floweriness walk along the lake. It’s central, ferry-rich, picture-perfect and connected by bus, fast and slow boat.
Menaggio: On the bus and ferry routes, more laid-back than Bellagio but still beautiful and romantic. Well connected also with villages on Lugano Lake in Switzerland and the little Lake del Piano (a hidden gem that still freezes during the cold winter months). Menaggio offers you a unique possibility to visit three lakes on one trip. The family friendly cycling path completes the list of advantages.

You can be one of many tourists and stay in one of the above villages and you won’t regret it. The crowds, the endless ques to board the bus or a boat are surely a hassle but the views are worth it. Yes, the 4 most famous Lake Como villages are crowded, very crowded form April to late October.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more tranquil—with a dose of authenticity and killer lake views where you will enjoy the lake like a local then you should stay in one of the hidden gems on the lake.

Sala Comacina: A Hidden Gem Worth a Week stay

Nestled between Argegno and Lenno on the western shore, Sala Comacina is a small lakeside village that punches above its weight in charm. Wake up to the sight of Isola Comacina, the lake’s only island, and enjoy evening strolls along the quiet promenade.

It’s served by the C10 bus, and you can catch ferries from nearby Lenno or Ossuccio – the nearby villages reachable on foot. And it’s not just a walk – it’s the walk along the Green Way. Now, this is really a must see and do in the area. Check out my dedicated post here.

In Sala Comacina, although it’s small, you will find everything you need: cozy B&Bs, lake view apartments, lakeside aperitivo spots, little grocery stores, and world class restaurants. The views of the lake and the island are absolutely unparalleled and if you happen to be here at the end of June, you will be able to enjoy the most fantastic performance of firework.

Best Travel Apps for Getting Around

Here’s your Lake Como public transport starter pack:

Trenord – For regional train routes and tickets.
Dream Lake– Boat timetables, prices, and real-time updates.
ASF Autolinee – Bus schedules and route planning.
Google Maps – Surprisingly reliable with ferry and bus times.
Lake Como travel Guide – all you need to know in one place

No car? No problem. In fact, ditching the keys might just unlock the real magic of Lake Como. Glide across its waters, ride through mountainside towns, and discover corners you’d miss by car.

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