Introduction
Located in the heart of Lombardy, Lake Como is a jewel of shimmering waters, historic villas and cliffside villages that tempt anyone looking for a quick, elegant escape. For a weekend, the most charming — and often most convenient — option is to travel by ferry: boarding from the docks at Como, Menaggio or Varenna lets you soak up Italian dolce vita without the hassle, enjoying scenic routes, tasty stopovers and strolls through famed gardens. The crossings themselves — short and frequent in high season — are a sensory experience: fresh lake air, mountains mirrored on the water, and the gentle lap of waves against the hull that instantly put you in holiday mode.
Contenu de l'article
This complete weekend ferry guide from Lake Como gives you detailed routes, places to visit, price indications in euros and practical timetables. Whether you’re after a romantic stay in Bellagio, a cultural break in Varenna, a botanical wander at Villa Carlotta or an unusual visit to the Isola Comacina, you’ll find precise suggestions and local tips to make the most of your time and budget. We’ll also cover practicalities: where to buy tickets, what time to leave to avoid crowds, where to park your car and how to arrange quick transfers.
On a weekend every minute counts. Ferries link key docks like Piazza Cavour, 22100 Como CO, Italia (Como’s main terminal), Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 22017 Menaggio CO, Italia, and the landings at Varenna and Bellagio. We’ll give indicative fares — for example, a public ferry crossing from Como to Bellagio costs roughly €6 to €12 depending on the boat type (navetta or hydrofoil) — and typical seasonal timetables. Alongside practical info you’ll get targeted visit suggestions: opening hours and ticket prices for villas and museums, exact addresses for easy navigation, plus local tips (best cafés for aperitivo, Sunday markets, sunset walks).
In short, whether you’re planning a two-day break or a long weekend, this guide helps you craft a balanced itinerary of scenery, history, food and relaxation. Boarding a ferry from Lake Como is agreeing to a sensual, contemplative interlude — and with the directions below you can turn those few hours into unforgettable memories.
Click here to discover Isola Comacina on the Limo-Bowrider tour
Essential crossings from Como
Departing from Como usually means leaving from Piazza Cavour, 22100 Como CO, Italia, the city’s main dock. From there, several routes operated by Navigazione Laghi serve the lake’s opposite shores: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Lenno and Tremezzo. Services start early — around 07:30 in high season — and run until late afternoon, with reduced timetables in low season (check the latest schedules on the Navigazione Laghi website). Fast shuttles (hydrofoils) cost more but cut travel time significantly; classic ferries give you more space and the chance to stand at the bow and enjoy the view.
Indicative fares: a standard ferry from Como → Bellagio costs about €8.80 (one way) while a hydrofoil can reach €12.50. A Como → Varenna crossing ranges from €6 to €11 depending on the boat. Prices vary by season (high season: May to September) and multi-day passes are available if you plan several stops (look into 24/48-hour passes). To book: the ticket office at Piazza Cavour is typically open from 08:00 to 18:00, and there are also ticket machines and online booking in English and Italian.
Local tip: for a smooth weekend, leave early on Saturday morning. The first ferry gives you the perfect morning light for photos and helps you avoid the afternoon crowds. If you’re driving, park in one of Como’s municipal car parks (e.g. Parcheggio Valduce, Via Recchi 5, 22100 Como CO; approximate rates €2-€3/hour), then walk to Piazza Cavour in about 10–15 minutes.
Click here to book a one-hour Lake Como cruise
Weekend routes: Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio
A classic weekend route from Lake Como combines the must-sees Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. Bellagio — often called “the pearl of the lake” — sits at the tip of the central promontory. Board from Como (Piazza Cavour) for a direct crossing or go via Varenna. On arrival, disembark at Bellagio’s quay (Via Lungo Lario Manzoni, 22021 Bellagio CO) and wander along the Lungo Lario Manzoni and the cobbled lanes. Opening times: shops and cafés usually open between 09:00 and 10:00; most restaurants close after 22:30. Expect to pay about €10–€20 for a full meal depending on the place.
Varenna is a quieter, more authentic stop. Get off at Varenna’s landing (Piazza San Giorgio, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy — the main dock is often listed as Piazza della Libertà) and visit Villa Monastero (Via Polvaccio 4, 23829 Varenna; open from 09:00 to 19:00 in season, tickets around €6–€8). Varenna offers stunning lakeside views from colorful façades and easy access to the funicular up to the upper village.
Menaggio, another favored stop, has a broad lakeside promenade and a lively center. The main quay is at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 22017 Menaggio CO. Relax in the public gardens or, if you like walking, follow trails leading to nearby hamlets. Ferries between Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna are frequent; a Bellagio → Varenna → Menaggio → Bellagio loop works well for a half-day if you want to see all three without rushing.
Click here to book a boat trip to Villa Balbianello
Cultural escapes: Villas, islands and gardens
During a weekend, set aside time for the historic villas and gardens that make Lake Como famous. Villa del Balbianello is a must-see: at Via del Balbianello, 22016 Lenno CO, Italia, it’s known for terraces and stairways that overlook the lake. Seasonal hours: usually open from 10:00 to 18:00; adult tickets around €12–€16. Advance booking is strongly recommended as access is sometimes limited by timed entry. Its enclosed garden and views have been featured in several international films.
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo (Via Regina 2, 22016 Tremezzo CO, Italia) boasts spectacular botanical gardens open from 09:00 to 19:00 in high season; adult admission roughly €10–€15. You’ll see extensive rhododendron and azalea collections alongside neoclassical sculptures. Allow at least 1h30 for a leisurely visit between the grounds and the house museum.
Don’t miss Isola Comacina (Isola Comacina, 22010 Veleso CO, Italia), the lake’s only island. Small boat excursions from Lenno or Tremezzo let you spend a few hours there: guided visits, lunch in a local restaurant and discovery of ancient ruins and a tiny church. Tourist boats generally depart between 10:30 and 15:00 depending on the season; excursion prices are about €20–€35 per person, sometimes including a meal.
Click here to book the guided tour of Villa del Balbianello
Practical tips for traveling by ferry from Lake Como
Planning a weekend by ferry takes a bit of organization but is very manageable. Here are local tips to save time and improve your experience:
- Book ahead: for popular villas (Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta) and excursions to Isola Comacina, buy tickets online. Villa time slots fill up quickly, especially in May, June and September.
- Timetables: always check schedules on the Navigazione Laghi site (seasonal updates). In low season (November to March) frequency drops and some services stop before 17:00.
- Tickets & payments: carry cash and a card — most ticket offices and shops accept cards but some small cafés or markets prefer cash.
- Clothing: even in summer mornings and evenings can be cool on the lake; bring a windbreaker. Comfortable shoes for cobbles and stairs are essential.
- Parking: if you arrive by car, park in an official lot (Como Parcheggio Valduce, Menaggio Parcheggio Comunale). Lots near the docks fill early in summer; allow an extra 30–45 minutes between arrival and boarding.
- Food: try the risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto), a local specialty, and look for small cafés for a terrace caffè. Meal budget: €8–€25 depending on the type of place.
- Safety & comfort: follow boarding instructions, and in bad weather crossings may be changed; keep a Plan B (indoor visit, museum).
Click here to buy your ticket for Villa Carlotta
Conclusion
A weekend of ferry getaways from Lake Como promises memorable panoramas, cultural stops and relaxed lakeside moments. From Como (Piazza Cavour) you can tailor your route: a Saturday morning in Bellagio to wander, an afternoon at Villa Carlotta or Villa del Balbianello for gardens and history, and a gentler day in Varenna or Menaggio to soak up local life. Fares in euros vary by crossing type and services chosen, but are reasonable compared with the quality of scenery and experiences on offer.
The practical tips shared — booking ahead, checking timetables, choosing parking and food suggestions — will help you maximize your time and make the most of a short trip. Remember that Lake Como’s beauty lies also in the small details: a terrace for an aperitivo at sunset, a stone path leading to a breathtaking view, or a morning crossing through rising mist. Follow these suggestions and your ferry weekend will become more than a trip: a sensory escape you’ll remember.
Finally, stay flexible: weather and schedules may force changes, but often those variations lead to unexpected discoveries. So pack your bag, book your key tickets, and let the waters of Lake Como carry you through a weekend full of images, flavors and calm.
