Like every destination set beside a stretch of water, Lake Como reveals its full charm when seen from a boat. That is why the best way to travel around the lake is by public ferry or one of the many water taxi services available in towns along the shore.

Navigazione Laghi: the public ferry service

The public ferry service is very convenient and allows you to travel quickly from one side of the lake to the other. You can buy tickets for individual journeys or a better-value day pass, which allows you to hop on and off all ferries for an entire day, with the sole exception of the hydrofoil. We bought the day pass, which cost €15 per person for the central lake area.

To discover more about the appeal of sailing on the lake, read our guide to boats and steamboats on Lake Como, including their history, curiosities and practical tips.

There are also car ferries that let you cross the lake quickly between Bellagio, Menaggio, Cadenabbia and Varenna. Ferries and car ferries run fairly frequently, and you can find timetables and fares on the Navigazione Laghi website.

Where should I catch the ferry if I am travelling from Milan? I recommend the town of Bellano

Definitely at the Bellano jetty, where you can avoid the queues usually found at the Varenna ferry terminal.

If you are travelling from Milan by train, get off at Bellano Tartavalle Terme station. The Lake Como ferry terminal is only a five-minute walk away. On your return journey, you will also have a better chance of finding a seat on the train.

If you are arriving by car, take the Bellano exit from the SS36 and head towards the Lake Como ferry terminal, where several car parks are available.

Check the service timetable on Navigazione Lago di Como in advance. Select your route below.

Private boat services

If you choose to visit Lake Como during the warmer months, I recommend spending a day on a boat. Not only will you have the chance to see the towns from the water, drawing close to the villas and the most picturesque views to take countless photographs, as I did, but you can also enjoy the thrill of a swim in the lake’s clear waters.

Water taxi or boat hire?

It depends on whether you prefer the peace of mind and certainty of seeing the lake’s best attractions with an expert guide, or would rather enjoy more adventure and independence.

Bellano Water Taxi offers skippered sightseeing charters aboard brand-new boats that are truly unique.
The traditional Venetian-style water taxi offers incomparable elegance, space and comfort, making it ideal for sightseeing trips for families, groups and couples. Advance booking is required.

Sailing Garage in Bellano offers new, easy-to-use boats suitable for every need, from couples to families.
They also provided me with a detailed guide so I could immediately navigate towards the lake’s most interesting destinations. Advance booking is required.

Discover Lake Como’s traditional boat: the Lucia

The Lucia is a traditional Lake Como boat, known for its iconic design featuring wooden arches covered by a canopy. This type of boat takes its name from Lucia Mondella, the heroine of Alessandro Manzoni’s novel The Betrothed, who escapes aboard a similar boat in a memorable scene. In the past, these boats were used by fishermen and farmers to carry goods and people between the lake’s shores. Their light construction and ease of handling made them ideal for navigating the lake’s calm waters. Today, the Lucia has become a symbol of Lake Como’s heritage and is mainly used for sightseeing excursions and historical re-enactments.

Where can you take a trip on a Lucia boat on Lake Como?

• Varenna – Several local companies organise trips aboard a Lucia along the lake’s eastern shore, with spectacular views of Varenna, Bellagio and the historic villas.
• Bellano – Here you can find private trips aboard a traditional Lucia and experience the feeling of stepping back in time.
• Lecco – Some local associations offer Lucia excursions that recreate the atmosphere of Alessandro Manzoni’s novel The Betrothed.

Conclusion: explore Lake Como from the water

Lake Como’s public ferry service offers quick journeys, with day passes also available. Car ferries connect Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna. If you are arriving from Milan, stopping in Bellano is the best option for avoiding queues. In summer, you can hire a private boat or use a water taxi for a personalised tour. Do not miss the chance to board a Lucia, the lake’s iconic traditional boat, available for sightseeing excursions in Varenna, Bellano and Lecco and offering a unique experience combining history and scenery.

If you would like to plan several stops using ferries and trains, see our three-day Lake Como itinerary based in Varenna.

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