Lake Como Ferry Guide: Schedules, Frequencies & Practical Tips

Introduction: Understanding Ferry Schedules and Frequencies on Lake Como

The Lake Como (Lago di Como) area is one of northern Italy’s gems: its rugged shores, historic villas, lush gardens and charming lakeside towns draw millions of visitors every year. For many, the most pleasant and convenient way to explore the lake is by boat. Ferries, hydrofoils (aliscafo) and fast boats link the islands, peninsulas and main towns like Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Colico. Knowing the schedules and service frequencies is essential for planning your days—whether you’re doing a half-day outing, connecting to a hiking trail, or transferring with a vehicle.

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In this article I break down seasonal traffic patterns, the main routes, departure and arrival points (with exact addresses), typical fares in euros, terminal and ticket-office opening hours, plus practical tips for buying tickets and optimizing your travel. I’ll also share tips on avoiding crowds, getting the best views from the boat and preparing for weather disruptions. Information is organized by route segments (see Top 10 ferry routes) and by service type (classic ferry, hydrofoil, car-ferry) so you can choose the option that best fits your itinerary, budget and travel pace.

Important note: lake operators on Lake Como, particularly Navigazione Lago di Como, frequently adjust timetables by season (peak season April–September and low season October–March), public holidays and local events. Exact crossing times may vary day to day. Fares shown here are practical ranges to give you an idea of costs; I recommend checking current timetables and prices on the operator’s official site or at the ticket offices listed. Despite potential variations, the basic principles (higher frequencies during daytime in high season, reduced winter services, distinction between slow and fast boats) remain consistent and will help you plan effectively.

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Main Routes, Terminals and Addresses (How to Find Your Way)

The Lake Como ferry network connects several key towns and villages. Here are the main terminals (see also best departure ports) with exact addresses and practical notes:

Como Terminal – Como Ferry Terminal (Piazza Cavour): Piazza Cavour, 22100 Como CO, Italy. This terminal sits in the heart of the city, facing Como Cathedral and the lakeside promenade. It’s the main departure point for routes to Bellagio, Varenna and Colico. Ticket offices often open early in the morning (07:00) in high season and close between 18:00 and 20:00 depending on the period.
Bellagio Pier – Bellagio Ferry Terminal: Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy. The pier is on the main square amid cafés and shops; it’s convenient for bus connections and the paths to Villa Melzi.
Varenna Terminal – Varenna Ferry Terminal: Piazza San Giorgio, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy. Located a few steps from Castello di Vezio and the train station, this terminal is ideal for combining train and boat travel.
Menaggio Terminal – Menaggio Ferry Terminal: Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 22017 Menaggio CO, Italy. Menaggio handles cross-lake links and connections for hikers heading to the Sentiero del Viandante.
Colico Port – Colico Ferry Terminal: Viale Cristoforo Colombo, 23823 Colico LC, Italy. Colico is the northernmost point on the lake and serves longer-distance routes as well as car ferries.

Terminals typically have a ticket office, a timetable display and a marked quay. During high season extra staff are often on hand to assist passengers. Quays are walkable and most accept paper and digital tickets. Note: some smaller landing stages (for example Torno, Nesso, Careno) have more limited facilities and restricted schedules, so always check before heading out.

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Typical Schedules, Frequencies and Seasonal Differences

Ferry timetables on Lake Como follow clear seasonal patterns. In high season (usually April to September) services are most frequent, with crossings commonly running between 07:00 and 22:00, sometimes until 23:00 on the busiest routes. Typical daytime frequencies include:

Between Como (Piazza Cavour) and Bellagio (Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini): roughly one departure every 60 to 90 minutes for classic ferries, and 2 to 4 hydrofoils (aliscafo) per day on very busy days. Crossing time: 1h00 to 1h30 depending on vessel type and stops.
Between Bellagio and Varenna (Piazza San Giorgio): frequent shuttles, often every 20 to 40 minutes in high season; crossing time: 15 to 20 minutes.
Between Como and Varenna (direct or via Bellagio): several daily departures, average frequency 60-90 minutes, with some hydrofoils reducing travel time.
To Colico from Como or Varenna: services are available but more spaced out, often 6 to 10 departures per day in high season, with connections to Menaggio.

In low season (October to March), services are significantly reduced: first departures may start around 08:00 and last ones typically between 16:00 and 18:00. Some secondary routes cease entirely or run only on weekends or by reservation. Hydrofoils are often suspended outside high season and car ferries maintain limited schedules.

Public holidays (Christmas, New Year, Easter, Festa della Repubblica on June 2) and local events (regattas, festivals) can alter timetables. For the most accurate information, check the timetable posted at ticket offices or the official Navigazione Lago di Como website before travel. In poor weather (dense fog, strong winds) delays or cancellations are possible: always build some buffer time into your plans.

Official Weekday Timetable valid until May 31, 2026

The ferry (traghetto) service lets you cross the central lake with your vehicle or as a foot passenger. The average direct crossing time is 15 minutes (allow 30 minutes if the route includes a stop).

⛴️ Departures from MENAGGIO

To Bellagio

Morning: 05:45, 06:15, 06:55, 07:40, 07:55, 08:35, 08:55 (⁴), 09:20, 10:10, 10:55, 11:35.
Afternoon: 12:10 (³), 13:05, 13:55, 14:10 (⁴), 14:55, 15:40, 15:55 (⁴), 16:35, 17:15, 17:30 (⁴).
Evening: 18:00, 18:40, 19:00 (⁴), 19:20, 20:00, 21:15, 22:30, 23:50.

To Varenna

Morning: 06:20, 07:00, 08:00, 08:55, 09:25, 10:20, 10:50, 11:45.
Afternoon: 12:10, 13:10, 14:10, 15:15, 15:55, 16:25, 17:30, 18:10.
Evening: 19:00, 19:30, 21:05, 22:30 (¹).

⛴️ Departures from BELLAGIO

To Menaggio

Morning: 05:30, 06:05, 06:35, 07:20, 07:40, 08:15, 08:55, 09:45, 10:10 (⁴), 10:35, 11:15, 11:30 (³).
Afternoon: 12:40, 13:30, 14:25, 15:15, 15:40 (⁴), 16:10, 16:55, 17:35.
Evening: 18:20, 19:00, 19:40, 20:10 (³), 20:45, 21:45, 22:10, 23:30.

To Varenna

Morning: 06:05 (³), 06:40, 07:15, 08:10, 08:45, 09:35, 10:10, 11:00, 11:30.
Afternoon: 12:25, 12:50, 14:30, 14:55, 15:40, 16:45, 17:15, 18:15.
Evening: 18:50, 20:10, 20:45 (⁵), 21:35, 22:50.

⛴️ Departures from VARENNA

To Menaggio

Morning: 06:40, 07:35, 08:30, 09:05, 09:55, 10:30, 11:25, 11:50.
Afternoon: 12:50, 13:50, 14:55, 15:35, 16:05, 17:05, 17:45.
Evening: 18:40, 19:10, 20:25, 21:25 (¹), 21:50 (¹), 23:10 (¹).

To Bellagio

Morning: 07:00, 07:20, 08:20, 09:15, 09:45, 10:40, 11:10, 12:05.
Afternoon: 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 17:50, 18:30.
Evening: 19:20, 19:50, 21:25, 21:50, 23:10.

💡 Useful Info and Legend

To prepare your trip, note the details marked by the small blue numbers on the original timetable:

(¹): Route via Bellagio.
(³): Route via Varenna.
(⁴): Foot passengers only (no vehicles), route via Varenna.
(⁵): Route via Menaggio.

Ferry Schedules on Lake Como: Sundays & Public Holidays valid until May 31, 2026

These schedules apply specifically to Sundays and public holidays. Service links the lake’s three pearls: Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna. Frequencies may differ from weekday services.

⛴️ Departures from MENAGGIO (Sundays & Holidays)

To Bellagio

Morning: 06:55, 07:20, 07:55, 08:35, 09:15, 10:10, 10:55, 11:35.
Afternoon: 12:10 (³), 13:05, 14:00, 14:10 (⁴), 14:55, 15:45, 15:55 (⁴), 16:35, 17:15, 17:30 (⁴).
Evening: 18:00, 18:40, 19:00 (⁴), 19:20, 19:35 (⁴), 20:00 (¹), 20:35, 21:00, 21:40 (³), 22:35, 23:35.

To Varenna

Morning: 08:00, 09:25, 10:20, 10:50, 11:45.
Afternoon: 12:10, 13:10, 14:10, 15:15, 15:55, 16:25, 17:30, 18:10.
Evening: 19:00, 19:35, 20:00 (⁹), 21:40, 22:35 (¹).

⛴️ Departures from BELLAGIO (Sundays & Holidays)

To Menaggio

Morning: 07:05, 07:40, 08:15, 08:55, 09:45, 10:10 (⁴), 10:35, 11:15, 11:30 (³).
Afternoon: 12:40, 13:30, 14:25, 15:15, 15:40 (⁴), 16:10, 16:55, 17:35.
Evening: 18:20, 19:00, 19:40, 20:15, 21:20, 22:20, 22:55 (³), 23:55.

To Varenna

Morning: 07:15, 08:45, 09:35, 10:10, 11:00, 11:30.
Afternoon: 12:25, 12:50, 14:30, 14:55, 15:40, 16:45, 17:15, 18:15.
Evening: 18:50, 20:20, 21:20 (³), 22:55.

⛴️ Departures from VARENNA (Sundays & Holidays)

To Menaggio

Morning: 07:35, 09:05, 09:55, 10:30, 11:25, 11:50.
Afternoon: 12:50, 13:50, 14:55, 15:35, 16:05, 17:05, 17:45.
Evening: 18:40, 19:10, 20:40, 22:00 (¹), 23:15.

To Bellagio

Morning: 07:35 (⁵), 08:20, 09:45, 10:40, 11:10, 12:05.
Afternoon: 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 17:50, 18:30.
Evening: 19:20, 19:55, 20:40 (⁵), 22:00, 23:15 (⁵).

💡 Legend of Symbols

(¹) : Route via Bellagio.
(³) : Route via Varenna.
(⁴) : Pedestrians only (no vehicles), route via Varenna.
(⁵) : Route via Menaggio.
(⁹) : Connection (boat change) at Bellagio.

Fares, Ticket Types and Buying Tips

Fares vary by boat type (classic ferry, fast hydrofoil, car-ferry) and distance. Here’s a realistic estimate in euros, common in high season, with practical buying tips:

Single ticket Bellagio ↔ Varenna: around €4.50 – €6.50. Duration ~15-20 minutes.
Single ticket Como ↔ Bellagio: around €6.50 – €10.00 depending on vessel (classic ferry vs hydrofoil). Duration ~1h00–1h30.
Single ticket Como ↔ Varenna: around €6.50 – €9.50, variable if the connection is direct or with stops. Duration ~1h00–1h40.
Car-ferry (vehicle) on long routes (e.g. Colico ↔ Bellagio with connection): fares from about €20 – €60 depending on distance and season; fares for commercial vehicles are higher.
Day passes: €15 – €25 for unlimited travel in certain zones (e.g. central Como-Bellagio-Varenna); very handy for multi-stop day trips.

Buying tips:

Buy hydrofoil tickets in advance during high season — fast services are limited and sell out early. Tickets can be bought at terminal ticket offices (cash and cards) or via the operator’s website and mobile apps.
Keep your ticket: some onboard checks require a printed ticket or QR code; keep it until the end of your crossing.
For vehicles, reserve the crossing and arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before boarding; queues can be long at peak times.
Day pass: if you plan to visit multiple towns in one day (e.g. Como → Bellagio → Varenna → Menaggio), a day pass is often cheaper and saves you time at ticket counters.

Local Practical Tips to Optimize Your Trips

A few seasoned traveler tips:

Morning or late afternoon: take the earliest crossings to avoid crowds and to get soft light for photos (photographers: morning light on Bellagio is stunning).
Baggage: ferries generally accept hand luggage; for bulky suitcases check at the ticket office — some routes can get crowded.
Onboard catering: fast ferries don’t always have a bar; bring water and a snack if needed.
Train connections: at Varenna the station (Varenna-Esino) is 5–10 minutes on foot from the terminal; plan your transfer time. Station address: Piazza Stazione, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy.
Useful apps: download the Navigazione Lago di Como app, Google Maps and offline maps if you expect areas with poor mobile coverage.

Recommended Routes and Sample Day Plans

Here are two concrete full-day examples using ferries to inspire you:

Classic day trip: Como → Bellagio → Varenna: Depart Como (Piazza Cavour) early, around 08:30. Cross on a classic ferry (≈1h15) and arrive in Bellagio (Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini) for a stroll through the lanes, and a visit to Villa Melzi (address: Lungolago Giuseppe Mazzini, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy; seasonal opening usually 09:00–19:00, entrance fee ≈ €5–€8). Leave around midday for Varenna (frequent departures, ≈15–20 minutes), have lunch by the lake and visit Castello di Vezio (address: Via Castel Vezio, 23829 Varenna LC; opening times vary, ticket ≈ €5–€8). Return late afternoon to Como on the last suitable ferry or by train from Varenna.
North adventure: Como → Menaggio → Colico: Start early from Como, connect at Menaggio (Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi) for a lakeside walk, then continue to Colico (Viale Cristoforo Colombo); perfect for hiking in the northern trails or accessing cycle paths. Expect less frequent services to Colico: plan a fixed departure time and check car services if needed.

These routes highlight why timing matters: short crossings (Bellagio–Varenna) give you flexibility, while longer links (Como–Colico) require advance planning on timetables.

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Conclusion

Mastering Lake Como ferry schedules and frequencies transforms your trip: you go from a rushed tourist to a relaxed traveler who savors every stop. In high season expect very regular departures, fast options (hydrofoils) that cost more, and day passes that simplify multiple crossings. In low season, plan ahead: services thin out, last departures come earlier and some secondary routes stop running. Always check official Navigazione Lago di Como timetables and the quay notices before you go — weather or local events can affect crossings.

Plan a buffer for connections (train or car), carry water and sun protection for daytime crossings, and have a backup option if a crossing is cancelled (local bus or taxi). If you’re driving, book car-ferries ahead and arrive at least 30 minutes before boarding during peak times. For photographers and light-lovers, aim for early-morning departures or sunset returns for unforgettable views of villas, gardens and the surrounding mountains.

Finally, remember Lake Como is also best discovered on foot in Como (Duomo di Como, address: Piazza Duomo, 22100 Como CO, Italy), by visiting Villa Carlotta (address: Via Regina, 2, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy; seasonal hours, entrance ≈ €10–€15) or hiking up to the Faro Voltiano viewpoint (visit depending on season). Ferries are more than transportation: they’re an experience, a window on a landscape that changes with every bend. Safe travels and enjoy your crossings on Lake Como!

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