Are you looking to visit Lake Como from Venice?
Welcome to this transport guide that will give you all the information you need on how to get to Lake Como by public and private transport. Lake Como’s reputation, always precedes it and it’s one of the most exclusive lakeside destinations in the world!
With its romantic scenery, picturesque villages, and tranquil waters, its one of Italy’s most sough after destinations. The good news is that it’s accessible from Venice.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, I’ll walk you through all your travel options, from trains and buses to car rentals and private transfers.
Venice to Lake Como
Keep reading below to discover not only the best way to get from Venice to Lake Como but everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
One thing that will certainly fascinate you here are the panoramic views, the mountains plunging into the lake, the elegant villas and the small historic villages.
It is this that has enchanted artists and writers, like Turner, over the years.
Lake Como is an ideal destination for a romantic weekend, for a vacation with family or friends but also for all lovers of water sports and trekking. In fact, there are numerous scenic trails that cross the mountains.
So, if you’re currently spending some of your days in the capital city of Veneto and wondering how to get from Venice to Lake Como, you’re in the right place!
Let’s start by looking at where Lake Como is on the map:
Where is Lake Como?
Lake Como is located in the Lombardy region, in the north of Italy. It’s an alpine lake divided between the provinces of Como and Lecco.
It’s 1 hour and 50 minutes drive from Milan (83 kilometres) and 2 hours and 40 minutes drive from Turin (200 kilometres), the closest northern Italian cities.
It’s close to the Swiss border and surrounded by majestic mountains and woods.
It’s the ideal place to go to if you’re looking for a relaxing lakeside vacation, if you’re passionate about hiking and fascinated by the idea of visiting charming historical villages like Como, Bellagio and Varenna.
Is Lake Como worth visiting?
There’s a long list of reasons why Lake Como is worth your time, starting from the beauty of the landscapes to the dreamy historical village to explore.
Below you have at least 3 reasons why you should definitely consider the option of travelling from Venice to Lake Como for your next Italian escape.
- Lake Como is worth visiting for the stunning landscape views you can admire from any location around the lake.
- The lake is surrounded by imposing mountains and green pine woods. It’s basically the perfect place where to spend a couple of days and disconnect from the rest of the world, and recharge your batteries.
- The historical villages you can visit are certainly attracting many visitors.
Just to mention a few: Varenna, famous for its villas and gardens, Bellagio, also called the ‘pearl of Lario’ (Lake Lario is the original name of the Lake Como) and Como, a treasure chest of historical and architectural sights to not miss.
Lake Como is world famous for its wonderful villas and award-winning hotels.
Many of these architectural gems are facing the lake and are some of the best places to stay in the world (and not just because I’m saying so) actual VIP people such as Versace, Barack Obama and George Clooney have all stayed here.
How far is Lake Como from Venice?
Lake Como is 344 kilometres from Venice which corresponds to 4 hours drive. The best way to reach Lake Como is certainly by car.
But if you have no intention of hiring a car during your time in this part of Italy, then you can also get there by train or by bus.
Without further ado, let’s now understand how you can get from Venice to Lake Como, based on your budget and depending on the time you may have available.
Where to stay in Lake Como?
In Lake Como you can find many hotels and B&Bs to host your lakeside stay.
Below are some of my best suggestions for hotels in Lake in Como:
- Hotel Como: based only 600 metres away from Como city centre and 20 minutes from the lake shore. The property features spacious rooms and all sorts of amenities with a rooftop terrace and swimming pool.
- Hotel Royal Victoria: this 4 star hotel in the heart of Varenna, offers amazing views of Lake Como (the building dates back to the 19th century). Around the hotel, you can enjoy lush gardens, a swimming pool and wellness centre.
- Domus Bellagio: A 3 star hotel located in Bellagio city centre and not far from the stunning Villa Melzi. Italian breakfast is served daily.
Give your Venice to Lake Como day trip a chance to be a weekend adventure or at least a one night stay, and I can guarantee you will not regret staying longer.
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How to get from Venice to Lake Como
Below I will list the best and most effective ways of getting from Venice to Lake Como so you can choose the best for you.
Can you get a train from Venice to Lake Como?
Yes, you can get a train from Venice to Lake Como. First, I recommend getting a train option ticket that involves just 2 changes, so you won’t have to think about losing a connection during the journey, and get to your destination as soon as possible.
The best way to get from Venice to Lake Como
You should get the Freccia Argento train from Venice Santa Lucia railway station. This train arrives in Milano Centrale, the most important railway station in Milan. Once in Milan, get a Trenord train (the Lombardy region train service) to Saronno.
From Saronno, get another Trenord train with direction Como Lago. This is the fast and best way to get to Lake Como.
You’ll be at your destination in 3 hours and 56 minutes! Ticket prices can change at any time, and you can expect to pay between 20 to 30 euros one way.
The cheapest way to get from Venice to Lake Como
There’s another good option that will allow to save some money (let’s say around 10 euros) but that it will take a bit longer than the previous one.
In this case you’ll have to get a Freccia Rossa train from Venice and arrive in Milano Porta Garibaldi.
From this station, get a Trenord train to Saronno and from Saronno, another train to Como Lago. You’ll arrive at your destination in 4 hours and 26 minutes.
The long way to get from Venice to Lake Como:
With regional trains that means changing train 3 or 4 times and getting from Venice to Verona Porta Nuova.
From Verona, you can either get a Trenord train to Milano Lambrate, then from this station to Saronno, and from Saronno to Como Lago.
Alternatively, from Verona to Pioltello-Limito to Milano Porta Vittoria, from this station to Milano Bovisa Politecnico and get from there to Como Lago with your last train.
Usually, a phrase book like this one will help if you need to ask anything in Italian.
This is the longest way that will take 5 hours but normally the cheapest one too.
Aside from the Trenitalia service, you can get a Italo train to Milano Centrale. Both Trenitalia and Italo fast trains have free Wi-Fi and electrical sockets.
Driving from Venice to Lake Como
Driving is a way to enjoy the landscape along the way and stop anytime you want.
If you’re thinking about driving from Venice to Lake Como, then you should first get to the Mestre Tangenziale, after crossing the Liberty Bridge in Venice.
From this road, follow the A4 motorway for 200 kilometres, then when you’ll arrive around Bergamo, take the exit towards Bergamo.
Once you’ll get at the roundabout, take the 4th exit with direction Treviglio/Milano/Lecco/Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII. Continue to SS671, then SS342 and then to SS36 of Lake Como e Spluga.
Continue towards Via Nazionale/SP72 and take the exit Varenna/Lierna/Mandella/Abbadia L/Lago and finally continue to Varenna, from where you can take a ferry and get to other villages or towns around Lake Como.
Bus from Venice to Lake Como
Are you a solo traveller that loves being on the road or maybe you just want to travel on a budget? Then it’s worth knowing that it’s possible to get from Venice to Lake Como by bus!
In this case you can travel by Flixbus from Venice Tronchetto and get to Como in 8 hours and 25 minutes with the cheapest option.
This bus leaves at 9.35 and arrives at 6pm. The only transfer you have is in Milan Lampugnano bus station or Bologna central bus station.
Choosing this option involves long waiting times, between 2 and 3 hours. You can always take advantage of this wait and visit the city of Milan or Bologna?
The best option are the Flixbus services leaving during the night, from Venice Tronchetto at 1am and Mestre (next stop) at 1.15am and arriving in Como at 7.25am or the the bus leaving from Mestre at 11.45am, arriving in Como at 6pm.
The only transfer is in Lampugnano bus station with a 1 hour wait. Travelling by bus means you’ll be on the road a lot, but these buses are quite comfortable.
You’ll find free Wi-Fi and outlets to charge your electronic devices. The one way bus ride can cost between 14 euros to 22 euros.
Getting from Venice to Lake Como
Considering the long journey by car, train, or bus, a day trip from Venice to Lake Como can feel rushed. I suggest spending at least 3 days in Lake Como.
That way, you will have enough time to fully enjoy what this lakeside region offers. From the picturesque lakeside towns of Como, Bellagio and Varenna to the magnificent villas and breathtaking mountain views.
If you think the trip from Venice to Lake Como is too long, consider visiting Lake Garda instead. That lake is equally beautiful and with many things to see and do.
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