🧭 Top Lake Como FAQs (2025)

Written by a professional tour guide who brings people to Lake Como twice a week. Updated every 3 months.

This article is the extended part of Lake Como Day Trip from Milan: "The Ultimate Guide by a Local Tour Guide.” 

Overview

Plan Lake Como without stress. Below are clear answers about ferries, taxi boats, villas, crowds, weather, and budget — formatted for phones and skimmers.

🚢 Ferries, Tickets & Routes

1) How much is a ferry ride between towns on Lake Como?

Prices 2025:

• Bellagio ↔ Varenna: €4.60 one way
• Como ↔ Bellagio: €10.80 one way (slow boat) or €15 (fast boat)
• Day pass (slow boats only):
  • Central Lake (Varenna–Bellagio–Menaggio–Lenno–Tremezzo): ~€15 per person
  • From Como to Varenna with all stops: ~€25

2) How often do ferries run on Lake Como?

In summer, about every 30 minutes between the main towns (Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo). From 10:00 to 16:00 on sunny days, queues can be up to 2 hours (especially in Bellagio, Como, and Varenna). Off‑season (November–April), expect about one per hour and no crowds.

3) Can I buy ferry tickets in advance?

The company sells a limited number of tickets in advance, but it’s difficult to buy online (especially Como ↔ Bellagio, Varenna ↔ Bellagio). In July and August, arrive early or start from less popular towns.

4) What’s the difference between the slow ferry and the fast hydrofoil?

• Slow ferry: cheaper, open deck, hop on/off (if there is space on board).
• Fast hydrofoil (aliscafi): enclosed, faster, slightly more expensive — ideal if you’re short on time. Tickets for fast boats (Como–Bellagio and back) often sell out hours in advance.

5) How long is the ferry ride from Como to Bellagio?

About 2 hours on the regular ferry, or 45–50 minutes on the fast hydrofoil. In high season (especially Sundays), lines to buy tickets can take 1–2 hours.

6) How far is Varenna from Bellagio by ferry?

About 15 minutes by direct ferry, or 30 minutes if it stops in Menaggio. Take whichever is available.

7) Do ferries run all year?

Yes, but winter schedules are limited. Some smaller routes stop from November to March. In winter, ferries are calm and not crowded.

8) What company runs the public ferries?

All official ferries are operated by Navigazione Laghi, the public provider for Lakes Como, Garda, and Maggiore.

🛥 Taxi Boats & Private Tours

9) How much does a private taxi boat or tour cost?

• Luxury wooden taxi boats: ~€300/hour direct; €340–400/hour via agencies
• Simpler (non‑wooden) boats: from €250/hour

To really enjoy the lake, plan for at least 2 hours. Shared group tours cost ~€40/person on large boats or €60–70/person on small luxury boats.

10) Are taxi boats worth it?

Yes, if you want flexibility, photo stops, or to avoid ferry crowds. For budgets, the public ferry offers the same views for less.

Medium option: rent a self‑drive boat (in Italy, no license needed up to 40 HP). You must have basic skills, use common sense, and stay well away from large boats. Prices from €80/hour for direct bookings — search “boat rental without license Lake Como”.

🏞 Places & Crowds

11) Which towns are most famous on Lake Como?

Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Menaggio, and Como Town. Buy our small groiup tours to Como + boat Cruise + Torno + Lugano (Switzerland)  or Bellagio, Varenna + Bellano gorge and hidden waterfall from Milan 

12) Which towns are quieter or less crowded?

Bellano, Nesso, Argegno, Colico, Mandello del Lario, and Lecco — calmer and cheaper.

13) When is Lake Como most crowded?

Late June to early September, especially weekends. From 10:00 to 16:00, Bellagio and Varenna can be so crowded there’s hardly room to walk.

14) What’s the best time of year to visit Lake Como?

May–June and September–October: warm, green, and peaceful. For fewer crowds, visit before 10:00 or after 16:00.

15) Where should I stay to avoid crowds and keep costs low?

Consider Bellano, Menaggio, Mandello del Lario, Tremezzo, or Lenno. From these towns, you can easily reach Bellagio and Varenna. Take the earliest ferry to beat the crowds.

16) Why is Lake Como so crowded?

Bellagio, Varenna, and Como are crowded because most day‑trippers from Milan take the same routes. If you know their routes, you can easily avoid the crowds.

17) Typical day‑trip routes from Milan (October 2025)

💶 Budget & Logistics

18) Is Lake Como expensive to visit?

• Train from Milan: €7–9 each way
• Self‑guided day trip: €30–40 (without meals)

A luxury version with a private boat and fine dining starts at €400 for two people. Smart planning, small groups, or an early start help you see more for less.

19) Is a day trip from Milan to Lake Como worth it?

Absolutely. With an early train, you can see Varenna → Bellagio → Como in one day (train + ferry). Check our Ultimate Lake Como Guide — written by a professional tour guide — or join a small‑group tour with pre‑booked ferry tickets.

20) Do I need a car around Lake Como?

No for Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como — trains and ferries are enough. Parking is limited and expensive. If you want to explore smaller, non‑touristy towns, rent a small car: roads are narrow and parking spaces are tight.

🌤 Weather & Conditions

21) What’s the weather like in summer?

Sunny and humid, 28–35 °C (82–95 °F).

22) What’s winter like on Lake Como?

Cold but peaceful — 5–10 °C (40–50 °F). Some ferries and attractions close, but the snowy peaks look stunning.

23) Can you swim in Lake Como?

Yes, in designated beaches and lidos — Bellagio, Lenno, Mandello del Lario, Bellano, and Nesso — plus two spots in Como Town. Water is clean but deep. In summer (mid‑June–September), water temperature can reach ~25 °C, depending on weather.

The easiest way to swim is to rent a private boat (with captain) or an affordable self‑drive boat.

🏛 Lake Como Villas (Balbianello, d’Este, Balbiano, Cipressi, Carlotta, Monastero)

Villa del Balbianello (Lenno)

Do I need to book in advance? Absolutely. Day tickets are limited. If you show up at the gate without tickets, the queue can be 2 hours (or more).

Walk or water taxi? The walk from Lenno is steep (~20 minutes). A private water‑taxi drop‑off (with captain) is the best option. The shuttle water taxi from Lenno can have a 45‑minute queue in peak season.

Best time for photos? Be there at opening. It is busy late morning through afternoon. Rainy days (or rainy forecasts) mean fewer day‑trippers.

How to get there (Como/Milan)? From Como: bus C10, taxi, or ferry to Lenno, then walk or shuttle boat. Plan extra time in high season — ferries and buses to Lenno get crowded. Best option: 07:20 train from Milan to Varenna → first ferry to Lenno → coffee → be among the first at opening. For private tours from Milan to Balbianello, contact us on WhatsApp: +39 320 857 5909.

House vs. gardens: Guided house tours run in small groups; gardens can be visited independently.

Villa d’Este (Cernobbio)

Can non‑guests visit? It’s a luxury five‑star hotel. The best approach is to book a table at Bar Canova and enjoy the view and atmosphere. Be discreet and respectful: guests pay for luxury and privacy.

Is it worth a stop if I’m not staying? It is one of the most iconic places in Italy — historic elegance, views, and notable guests.

Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) vs Villa Monastero (Varenna)

Which one if I must pick one? Carlotta has a bigger collection (art + gardens) but is busier and longer to reach from Milan by train + ferry. Monastero has long lakeside garden walks and stunning views; it is the easiest villa to reach from Milan (1‑hour train + 20‑minute walk in Varenna).

How much time for Monastero? About 1.5 hours. Morning light is amazing; evenings are busier.

Villa Cipressi (Varenna)

Can I visit if I’m not a hotel guest? Yes — buy a garden ticket at reception. Note: the Instagram‑famous “Gate of Lake Como” is at Villa Cipressi; in summer, expect a ~1‑hour queue for a photo.

Timing & Practicalities (Monastero / Cipressi / Balbianello)

How strict are time slots? 10–15 minutes flexibility is usually fine; 30 minutes only sometimes. Time slots spread arrivals and keep villas enjoyable for everyone.

Can I fit Balbianello + Varenna villas in one day? By private boat — easily. By train + ferry — visit Balbianello early, then ferry to Varenna. Allow for delays due to crowds.

Ready to skip queues and guesswork?

Choose the smarter way to see Lake Como.

• Small-group tour (max 14): reserved ferries, optimized timing, real food (no tourist traps)

• Private tour: door-to-door from Milan, flexible pace, custom stops (photo, coffee, villas)

Message us on WhatsApp: +39 320 857 5909
Or book now on AbroadsTours.com