If you’re visiting Northern Italy, you may be wondering exactly how to get from Milan to Bellagio. Visiting Lake Como and it’s towns is an absolute must and will surely be a highlight of your trip to one of the most wonderful countries in the world.
Milan to Bellagio by Train and Ferry
Getting from Milan to Bellagio is very easy and can be done via train from Milan to either Como or Varenna (not to be confused with its Shakespearean neighbor, Verona). From Como you can catch a bus or ferry to Bellagio. From Varenna you can catch much quicker a ferry to Bellagio. The train rides to both Como and Varenna are about one hour long.
The ferry from Como to Bellagio is roughly one hour and winds up through the bottom right leg of the infamous lake. On this ferry you will make multiple stops in small towns along the way and you have the option of sitting inside or outside. This is the most lengthy journey to Bellagio, but is by far the most scenic. If you have the time, I highly recommend taking this route!
Book your train from Milan to Como HERE.
Book your train from Milan to Varenna HERE.
If you are short on time, you can take the train from Milan to Varenna, and catch a quick ferry from Varenna to Bellagio. This is less scenic but still stunning, I mean, you’re in Lake Como.
There is also a bus from Como to Bellagio. It is rather bumpy and turbulent, but is also scenic as it winds through the back roads of the towns lining the lake. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes. The bus can be a great option for getting back to Como from Bellagio.
Book your train via Omio HERE.
As mentioned, I highly recommend taking the ferry from Como to Bellagio once you arrive from your train in Milan. This journey is depicted below.
Start in Milan, Italy
Start your morning in Milan, Italy. Take the metro, a taxi, or an Uber to your designated train station. All of the major train stations in Milan have routes to Como and Varenna. These stations are: Milano Centrale (the major train station), Milano Cadorna, and Milan Porta Garibaldi.
Your will likely be catching a train with an end destination of Zurich. I recommend purchasing your ticket beforehand on Omio, especially during the busy seasons. If you are in Italy during an off season, you should have no problem buying a ticket at the station, but it’s always nice to have your ticket reserved for peace of mind.
Check out my curated list of the best restaurants in Milan HERE!
How to Get From Milan to Bellagio
Below are the locations of Milan’s train stations. Book your train HERE.
The photos above are from Milan’s main train station, Milano Centrale. There are cafés inside of this station where you can grab a cappuccino and a croissant before your journey. Plan to get here no more than thirty minutes before your train departs. There are not many areas to sit while waiting.
Arrive in Como, Italy
After about an hour long train journey from Milan to Como, you can either catch the bus or ferry to Bellagio. Both of these options take about an hour, but the like I mentioned before, the ferry is much more scenic and enjoyable.
Beware that the bus ride is very bumpy and is not for anyone who is likely to get car sick.
The ferry from Como to Bellagio is only a few minutes walk from both of the Como train stations. The ferry port is neat the town square where there are many shops and cafés. Your ferry ticket will be around $7 USD one way.
All photos below were taken on the ferry in mid-October.
Those are just some of the breathtaking views that you will see on the ferry from Como to Bellagio! I always recommend this route to anyone who asks. You are able to see a huge portion of this iconic lake for less than $10 USD.
Arriving in Bellagio
Where to Stay
Do you know where you plan to stay or what you will do once you are in Bellagio? If you’re looking for a villa or an expertly planned itinerary, check out IC Bellagio.
IC Bellagio is a female founded travel agency nestled in the hills of Bellagio. Founded by Andrea Grisdale in 1999 after years in the travel industry creating tailor-made Italian experiences for her clients. IC Bellagio does not only plan exceptional itineraries in Lake Como. Their services cover all of Italy!
I hope this article was helpful in getting you and/or your group from Milan to Bellagio. Visiting Lake Como is an absolute must while in Italy!
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