How to Get Around Lake Como
Lake Como is the perfect place for your vacation if you want a picturesque place to relax and explore without the stress, planning, and physical effort of some of Italy's more popular coasts. Surrounded by lush green hills, snow-capped mountains, and charming towns that have attracted visitors for centuries, this area is unlike any other. Though it's beautiful, it's not always clear how to get around this gorgeous lake. To find out what's the best route for you, we've created a guide to the best ways to get around Lake Como.
We hope you don't get seasick because lake life means getting around by boat - everywhere! While taxis are available, boats, ferries, and water taxis are the most efficient way to get around. Once you're exploring a new town, put on your walking shoes! The only ideal way to navigate each town is on foot. In many historic areas, much is blocked off to cars anyway.
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How to Get to Lake Como
To reach this area of Italy, we recommend flying into Milan. From there, head to the central train station (Milano Centrale Train Station) to take a 40-minute train to Como (about 40 minutes) and Varenna (about an hour), both of which are the perfect launching pads to other Lake Como destinations. If you’d like to rent a car, remember that you will only use it for a little while while visiting.
How to Ferry Around Lake Como
The ferry is the best public transport on Lake Como. If you're planning ahead, we used Rome2Rio as our most helpful travel-planning tool for timing around ferry schedules. Unfortunately, our favorite boat app, FerryHopper, doesn't work on Lake Como, so we relied on Rome2Rio for timetables.
You cannot buy ferry tickets in advance either; you must buy the tickets in person at the ticket booth in each town. The ferry runs on a seasonal schedule, so check closer to your travel date for scheduled times. For minute-by-minute ferry times while you're at your destination, you can find the schedule here.
For a semi-private experience, water taxis run in virtually every town along the lake and can take you shorter distances at a higher cost than ferries but less than a 2-hour private boat tour. You don't need to book these in advance, as you'll typically see them at the docks, but if you see the number for one at the port, save it and message or call via WhatsApp to ask about future timeframes.
How to Rent a Boat in Lake Como
There are many options for renting a private boat around Lake Como. Whether you want to test your driving skills for an hour or make a day of it with a full day on the lake, there are too many companies to list that offer exactly what you're looking for. Prices typically start at at least $120 per hour for a private boat rental without a captain, and for most of these boat rentals, you don't need a boating license
You can book in advance with companies like Taxi Como Lake and Boat2Go, or wait until you're there and look for signs like the photo above, which explain how and where you can rent a boat for 1 hour to 2 days. We recommend renting a boat for at least 3 hours if you plan on driving yourself. This gives you enough time to sightsee, relax, and swim. Anything less, and you'll want more time!
Hiring a Private Boat & Captain in Lake Como
If you're looking for a truly luxurious experience while exploring Lake Como, you're in luck! This stunning location offers many ways to enjoy the lake's beauty in style. One of the most popular options is a chauffeured tour on a classic wooden boat, and Lake Como Travel is a great choice. They offer 2-4 hour tours that allow you to sit back and take in the gorgeous views while someone else does the driving.
For a different boating experience, consider booking a sailboat tour through Airbnb. This fun and unique experience will have you sailing across the lake for 2 hours, taking in the stunning scenery and feeling the wind in your hair. If you're looking for a more laid-back option, Airbnb also offers a relaxing boat tour. This private tour is perfect for those who just want to soak up the sun and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lake Como.