Introduction
Lake Como (Lago di Como) is one of Italy’s most photographed gems, famed for its lace-like shoreline, historic villas and villages clinging to verdant slopes. Taking the ferry across the lake is not only a practical way to link the main towns — Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo and more — but also an immersive experience that unveils panoramas you simply can’t see from the road. This guide focuses on ferry connections departing from the town of Como and provides practical details: exact pier addresses, indicative prices in euros, typical schedules, route descriptions, local tips and suggested itineraries for a day trip or a longer stay.
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The town of Como itself, with Piazza Cavour on the lakefront and the famous Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Como Cathedral), is the departure point for many crossings. From here, the public operator Navigazione Laghi runs regular slow boats and faster hydrofoils that link the shores in a fraction of the time. Schedules vary by season: high season (April to September) offers far higher frequency, while low season sees reduced services, especially in the evenings. This guide also includes information about attractions near the piers, such as Villa Olmo (Via Regina, 2, 22100 Como CO), the Como–Brunate funicular (Piazza De Gasperi, 22100 Como CO) and iconic villas accessible from the ports.
Beyond the practicalities, boarding a ferry from Como means feeling the lake breeze, hearing the water lap against the hull and admiring the pastel facades of villages mirrored on the surface. Trips can vary from about 20 minutes (for instance Como to Argegno on a direct crossing, sometimes with changes) to over an hour to reach places like Varenna or Bellagio depending on the service you choose. We detail average prices: single tickets between €4 and €12 for short public-boat routes, and between €6 and €20 for hydrofoils and longer connections. For those planning precisely, we’ll also point out where to buy tickets, how to read timetable boards and what alternatives to consider (private boat hire, taxi boat).
Finally, this guide offers local tips to optimize your travel: the best times to avoid the crowds, how to combine a villa visit with a ferry crossing, where to park in Como (paid car parks and ZTL zones), and which cards or passes to buy to save on multiple crossings in a single day. Whether you’re a rushed visitor wanting a quick return trip Como–Bellagio, a photographer chasing golden-hour light, or a family planning a full-day escape, you’ll find detailed routes and concrete recommendations to navigate Lake Como with confidence.
Como’s piers: addresses, schedules and services
The main ferry departure point in Como is the central pier at Piazza Cavour, 22100 Como CO, Italy. This is where most of the Navigazione Laghi public-boat pontoons and private taxi-boat services are located. The broad lakeside promenade is easy to spot: the waterfront, cafés and the statue of Alessandro Volta are useful visual markers. Ticket offices line the quay and are typically open from 08:00 to 18:00 in high season (hours vary off-season). You can buy tickets at the counter, at ticket machines or via the official Navigazione Laghi website and app.
Click here to book a private cruise on Lake Como
For travelers arriving by car, a practical parking option close to the piers is the Parcheggio Terminal Bus Como at Via Giovanni Battista Perasso, 3, 22100 Como CO, or the Parcheggio Coperto Valduce at Via Gallio, 2, 22100 Como CO. Parking rates vary: roughly €2–€3 per hour in city center lots, and €15–€25 per day for covered car parks. Be mindful of ZTL zones (limited-traffic areas): the historic center is restricted at certain times, so check signage and information at street entries.
In terms of schedules, the first public-boat departures from Como usually start around 07:00 in high season, while the last main-line departures are around 19:30–20:00 (Como–Bellagio, Como–Varenna). Hydrofoils — the faster option — typically run between 08:00 and 19:00. Indicative fares from Como: single ticket Como → Bellagio on a public boat about €10; on a hydrofoil expect €13–€18. Como → Varenna on a public boat about €8–€12. Day passes for Navigazione Laghi cost roughly €20–€30 and allow unlimited travel on the network for one day, very handy for multi-stop visitors.
On the Piazza Cavour quay you’ll also find a small tourist information center: Infopoint Como, located roughly at Via Caio Plinio, 10, 22100 Como CO (a few minutes’ walk from the pier). They provide printed timetables, local maps and last-minute advice. For amenities: public toilets (paid), cafés, restaurants and bike rentals are available immediately nearby. Finally, note that some private companies run themed cruises (food, sunset) with boarding at the location shown on tickets; always check the pier listed for your boat.
Popular route: Como → Bellagio by ferry (practical and tourist info)
Bellagio, often called « the pearl of Lake Como, » is one of the most popular destinations from Como. Boarding takes place at Piazza Cavour, 22100 Como CO. Arrivals in Bellagio are at the main quay on Piazza Mazzini, 22021 Bellagio CO, just steps from Villa Melzi and the lakeside promenade. From the Bellagio quay, the lakeside walk is one of the first sensory delights: panoramic views across the three branches of the lake, artisan shops and terrace cafés.
A public-boat crossing between Como and Bellagio usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes depending on intermediate stops (common stops: Brunate, Torno, Nesso, Lezzeno, the Villa del Balbianello area, Tremezzo, Lenno, etc.). The hydrofoil cuts travel time to around 40–50 minutes but sometimes serves fewer intermediate ports. Prices: single public-boat ticket about €10; hydrofoil about €14–€18. Child fares (ages 4–12) are often discounted: typically 50% off or a fixed rate around €5–€9.
On arrival in Bellagio, don’t miss:
– Villa Melzi d’Eril, address: Lungolago Manzoni, 22021 Bellagio CO. Opening hours: generally 09:00–19:00 in summer. Price: around €6–€8 for the garden (museum visits extra). This villa offers a perfect landscaped walk to kick off your visit.
– The medieval alleys of the historic center (Via Garibaldi), artisan shops and cafés. The center is pedestrianized and perfect for getting lost and finding viewpoints.
Practical tips: leave Como early in the morning (ideal departure between 08:00 and 09:30) if you want to enjoy Bellagio before the crowds. In high season, Bellagio’s quays can get busy between 11:00 and 16:00 — it’s advisable to buy return tickets or a day pass if you plan to visit Menaggio or Varenna afterwards. Also bring comfortable shoes: cobbled streets are steep and stairs are frequent. For lunch, try « Ristorante La Terrazza » (Piazza Mazzini 10A, 22021 Bellagio CO) or local trattorias serving lake fish, risottos and polenta.
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Scenic crossing: Como → Varenna and exploring Varenna
Varenna is a romantic village on the lake’s eastern shore, beloved for its gardens, colorful houses and peaceful atmosphere. From Como, ferries depart from Piazza Cavour, 22100 Como CO and arrive at Varenna’s main jetty near Piazza San Giorgio, 23829 Varenna LC. The landing is just a few minutes’ walk from Villa Monastero and the lakeside panoramic trail.
Duration and price: the public-boat trip depends on the line — a direct crossing takes about 60–75 minutes. Indicative price: €8–€12 on a public boat, €12–€18 on a hydrofoil. Varenna is often included in the triangular routes Bellagio–Varenna–Menaggio, ideal if you want to do a loop.
Must-sees in Varenna:
– Villa Monastero, address: Via Polvani, 4, 23829 Varenna LC. Opening hours: 09:00–19:00 (seasonal). Price: around €8–€10 for the garden and museum; guided tours of the interior are sometimes available.
– Chiesa di San Giorgio, located on Piazza San Giorgio, a small picturesque 12th-century church with lake views.
– The Sentiero del Viandante, a section accessible from Varenna (trailheads close to the landing). This path offers scenic hikes along the eastern shore, with easy to moderate sections.
Local tips: if you arrive to Varenna by train at Varenna-Esino station (Stazione Varenna-Esino, Via Stazione, 23829 Varenna LC), the quay is only a 2–3 minute walk away. Photographers will appreciate the view from the upper terraces of Villa Monastero at sunrise. For an authentic lunch, « Il Cavatappi » (Via Roma, 28, 23829 Varenna LC) serves local produce and lake fish dishes. If you have time, consider taking the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio (frequent service) to experience two distinct lakeside atmospheres in one day.
Click here to book a cruise and tour of Villa Balbianello
Menaggio, Tremezzo and the iconic villas accessible from Como
On the western shore, Menaggio and Tremezzo are strategic stops for visiting famous villas and enjoying lake activities. Menaggio has a large quay on Piazza Garibaldi, 22017 Menaggio CO. Tremezzo is renowned for Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, both a short boat ride or walk away depending on the stop.
Villa Carlotta, address: Via Regina, 2, 22016 Tremezzo CO. It’s a museum and botanical garden famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas. Opening hours: generally 09:00–19:00 (April–October), with possible afternoon closures in low season. Entry fee: about €10–€15. Villa del Balbianello, address: Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzo CO, is a well-known filming location (example: Star Wars, James Bond) and often requires a short boat transfer from Lenno. Opening times: guided visits common, typically 10:00–18:00 in high season; entry: around €10–€15.
Practical info: from Como you can take a direct ferry to Menaggio (about 45–60 minutes, fare roughly €8–€12) and then a local bus or a short walk to Tremezzo. Alternatively, direct ferries serve Tremezzo/Lenno depending on the line and season. The crossing Como → Lenno takes about 70–90 minutes on a public boat and costs approximately €10–€12. Once in Lenno, the landing for Villa del Balbianello is about a 10-minute walk to the small harbor where you can board the launch to reach the villa’s terrace.
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Tips: to visit Villa del Balbianello, book ahead in summer as group sizes are limited; check exact times on the Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (FAI) website. For Villa Carlotta, allow 1.5–2 hours for a full visit of the gardens and museum. If you want to do a loop, take the ferry Como → Menaggio → Bellagio → Varenna and return to Como; a Navigazione Laghi day pass (around €25–€30) can prove economical.
Practical tips for navigating the lake and recommended itineraries
Getting around Lake Como by ferry can be simple and enjoyable if you take a few precautions. First, always consult the official Navigazione Laghi site (www.navigazionelaghi.it) for up-to-date timetables, fares and any weather-related disruptions. In high season (May–September), connections are frequent but main piers (Como, Bellagio, Varenna) can be crowded between 11:00 and 17:00: leave early to enjoy morning calm and better photo light.
Buy tickets in advance if you’re traveling on a weekend or during local festivals. Tickets can be purchased:
- At physical counters on the piers (e.g. Piazza Cavour, 22100 Como CO)
- At ticket machines located on most landing stages
- Online via the Navigazione Laghi website or app
If you plan several crossings in one day, the day pass is often worth it: it allows unlimited return trips on certain lines for a price generally between €20 and €30 depending on the season. Some family discounts exist; check current conditions.
Clothing and safety advice: weather on the lake can change quickly. Bring a windproof jacket, a hat and sunscreen in summer. Piers and gangways can be slippery when wet — wear shoes with good grip. If you’re traveling with large luggage, prefer public boats to hydrofoils, which have less space for baggage.
Recommended itineraries based on available time:
- Half day: Como → Brunate (combined with the funicular) and back. Ideal if you want a quick panoramic view.
- Full day: Como → Bellagio → Varenna (or Menaggio): depart early, lunch in Bellagio, visit Villa Monastero in Varenna and return in the evening.
- 2 days: Add Tremezzo/Lenno for Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello; overnight in a guesthouse in Tremezzo or Bellagio.
For photographers, morning light on the eastern shore (Varenna) and dusk on the western shore (Menaggio/Tremezzo) are particularly dramatic.
Click here to book your guided tour and cruise in Como
Alternatives to the ferry and complementary services
Beyond public ferries and hydrofoils, there are several interesting alternatives for getting around the lake:
- Private taxi boats: available from Piazza Cavour (Como) or other major piers. Prices vary by distance, waiting time and season — expect roughly €30–€100 for short private crossings (e.g. Como → Bellagio), and €150–€400 for custom full-day itineraries.
- Self-drive boat rentals (no license): local operators offer craft to rent (e.g. « Como Boats » or « Lake Como Rent ») for about €80–€200 per day depending on size and season. Sample agency address: Via Cavour, 12, 22100 Como CO (indicative; check the operator you choose).
- Organized excursions: themed cruises (sunset, dinner, guided villa tours) with pick-up at Piazza Cavour. Prices typically range €25–€80 per person depending on duration and inclusions.
Land transfers: if you travel with heavy luggage or in a group, private transfer services (car or van) between the airport (e.g. Milan Linate Airport: Linate Airport, Via Francesco Baracca, 20153 Milan MI) and Como can be a more comfortable option. Expect roughly €130–€220 for a private transfer Milan Linate → Como by car for 1–3 people.
In summary, the ferry remains the most economical and scenic option to link Como and neighboring towns. For greater flexibility, taxi boats and boat rentals let you explore coves and villas less accessible by road. For any villa visit (Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, Villa Monastero), check hours and bookings in advance, especially in high season.
Click here to rent a boat for 3 hours on Lake Como
Click here to book a private boat tour on Lake Como
Conclusion
Traveling by ferry from the town of Como to neighboring Lake Como towns combines practicality with wonder. Navigazione Laghi’s public boats and hydrofoils connect the shores reliably and give easy access to must-see sites: Bellagio (Piazza Mazzini, 22021 Bellagio CO), Varenna (Piazza San Giorgio, 23829 Varenna LC), Menaggio (Piazza Garibaldi, 22017 Menaggio CO), Tremezzo (near Villa Carlotta, Via Regina, 2, 22016 Tremezzo CO) and iconic villas like Villa del Balbianello (Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzo CO). The main departure pier in Como, at Piazza Cavour, 22100 Como CO, is equipped with ticket offices, machines and information points to help plan your day. Prices vary with speed of service and distance: single tickets roughly €4–€20, day passes around €20–€30, and private/taxi-boat options at higher rates.
To make the most of your experience, follow a few simple rules: always check up-to-date schedules on the Navigazione Laghi website, leave early to avoid the crowds, book villa visits in advance during high season, and bring a windproof jacket for crossings. Recommended routes — half day for Brunate, full day for Bellagio + Varenna, and two days to include Tremezzo and the major villas — combine scenery, culture and relaxation. The piers and addresses listed in this guide (Piazza Cavour, Piazza Mazzini, Via Regina, Via Guido Monzino, Via Polvani, etc.) are concrete landmarks to help you get around and orient yourself on site.
Ultimately, whether you’re a hurried traveler, a photographer seeking panoramas or a family exploring at your own pace, Lake Como ferries offer a memorable and efficient way to discover the region’s cultural and natural variety. Enjoy the flow of the crossings, the scents of the lake and the changing views at every stop — Lake Como often reveals itself best from the water rather than the land. Safe travels and happy discoveries!
