Lake Como Ferry Guide: Complete Timetables, Fares & Tickets
9 min read
Battello, aliscafo or traghetto? This guide breaks down Lake Como's ferry network: updated fares (April 2026), zone-based pass system, sample itineraries from Varenna or Como, and all the practical tips you need to navigate smoothly between Bellagio, Menaggio and the famous lakeside villas.
Updated: 20 March 2026
With nearly 12 million visitors per year, Lake Como is one of the busiest lakes in Italy. Its ferry network, operated by Navigazione Laghi, is the most convenient and enjoyable way to connect the villages in the central zone: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, Cadenabbia and many more.
Whether you arrive by train from Milan or by car, the ferry lets you discover the villas, gardens and panoramic views of the lake stress-free. There are three types of boats, several ticket options and a zone-based pass system (stretch) that can seem complex at first glance.
In this article, I explain everything you need to know to navigate with confidence: ferry types, up-to-date fares (April 2026), timetables, sample itineraries and practical tips.
01Overview of the lake and the central zone
Lake Como stretches for about 150 km, in an inverted Y shape with 3 branches. The central zone, located at the junction of the 3 branches, is home to many of the lake's most famous sites.
This is where you will find towns like Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, as well as prestigious villas and gardens such as Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello.
It is naturally in this zone that most of the ferry traffic is concentrated.
Map of Lake Como and ferry stops
02Getting to the central zone
There are two main ways to reach the central zone of Lake Como:
By train to Varenna
Varenna is the only town in the central zone served by train. The station, a 5-minute walk from the ferry dock, is connected to Milan by about a dozen direct trains per day (journey of about 90 minutes).
It is an excellent starting point for day trips to the lake. Be aware, however, that the station and the dock can be very crowded at the start and end of the day during high season.
By train to Bellano
Less well known, the Bellano-Tartavalle Terme station is also on the Milan–Lecco–Sondrio line. Bellano is served by the same regional trains as Varenna, with one additional stop. From the platform, the ferry dock is a 2-minute walk. It is an excellent alternative starting point to avoid the crowds at Varenna in high season.
By ferry from Como to Bellagio
Como, at the south-western tip of the lake, benefits from around fifty daily trains from Milan (journey of about 50 minutes).
Fast ferries (about 45 minutes) and traditional ones (allow 2 to 2.5 hours) connect to Bellagio and the heart of the lake.
Hydrofoils, which are more expensive and faster, depart less frequently and it is best to book your tickets in advance, especially during high season.
Note: Como has two railway stations. Como Nord Lago (Ferrovie Nord, S-Bahn S11 lines) is 200 m from the ferry dock. Como San Giovanni (Trenitalia, mainline trains) is about a 15-minute walk from the port. Make sure to check your arrival station before setting off.
By bus (ASF Autolinee)
The ASF Autolinee network runs bus routes connecting Como to Bellagio (line C30, about 70 min), Menaggio and other towns on the western shore. Buses operate all year round, including in low season when ferry services are reduced. It is a reliable alternative if the weather makes navigation difficult or if you are travelling in winter.
Tickets can be bought directly from the driver or in tobacconists/bars. Expect to pay around €3.50 to €5 depending on the destination. Timetables are available on the asfautolinee.it website.
03Ferry tickets and fares on Lake Como
Before boarding, you must purchase a ticket. Here is a full overview of fares and options available as of April 2026.
Sample fares (April 2026)
Route
One way
Day pass (zone)
Battello duration
Bellagio – Varenna
€4.60
€17.50 (zone 1)
15 min
Bellagio – Menaggio
€4.60
€17.50 (zone 1)
15 min
Varenna – Menaggio
€4.60
€17.50 (zone 1)
15 min (via Bellagio)
Como – Bellagio
€12.40
€26.80 (zone 3)
2h – 2h30
Como – Varenna
€12.40
€26.80 (zone 3)
2h30 – 3h
Bellagio – Lecco
€10.20
€22.10 (zone 2)
1h – 1h20
Traghetto (car + driver)
from €11.70
not available
15–20 min
Fares vary according to distance (zone number). Check the official website for the exact fare for your journey.
Where and how to buy your tickets
Online on the navigazionelaghi.it website. You can purchase single tickets and day passes for the standard service. Aliscafo tickets are not yet available online (check closer to your trip).
At ticket offices in the main ferry docks (Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo). Allow 20 to 25 minutes in advance during high season — queues are long, especially at Bellagio between 10 am and 2 pm.
On board the ferry, for a €1 surcharge. Handy if your stop has no ticket office. Passengers with reduced mobility are exempt from this surcharge.
At ticket machines, installed at the busiest ferry docks. They accept bank cards and let you skip the counter queue.
By phone on the freephone number 800-551801 (free from Italy). The Navigazione Laghi call centre can give you information on timetables, fares and any disruptions.
The zone-based pass system (stretch)
Navigazione Laghi day passes work on a zone system called "stretch". The lake is divided into 6 zones numbered 1 to 6. The higher the zone number, the more expensive the pass.
Zone 1 — Bellagio–Varenna, central triangle: €17.50/day
Zone 2 — Bellagio–Lecco: €22.10/day
Zone 3 — Como–Bellagio: €26.80/day
Whole lake (zone 6) (zone 6): €38.80/day
The pass gives you unlimited journeys within the chosen zone for the day. It pays for itself from the 3rd single journey in the central zone. Consider it if you plan to visit several villages in the same day.
Tips for your ferry tickets
Buy your tickets in advance, especially day passes which can sell out in the height of summer. And avoid the long queues in the blazing sun if you can!
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On Lake Como, Navigazione Laghi operates three distinct types of boats. The choice depends on your budget, your destination and whether you are travelling with a vehicle.
The battello (classic ferry)
The battello is the traditional ferry, the most common on the lake. It serves the majority of stops and constitutes the basic service. These are large white boats, often with an open upper deck ideal for enjoying the scenery. The speed is moderate (about 20 km/h), making it a pleasant ride rather than just transport.
It is the most affordable and relaxed option. Allow 15 minutes between Bellagio and Varenna, and 2 to 2.5 hours for the full Como–Bellagio crossing.
The aliscafo (fast service)
The aliscafo (hydrofoil) is the lake's fast service. It covers the same main routes as the battello but in half the time. Como–Bellagio takes about 45 minutes instead of 2 hours.
The trade-off: seating is in an enclosed cabin only (no outdoor deck) and a surcharge of €1 to €3.50 is added to the standard ticket. Aliscafi run less frequently than battelli and it is wise to check the specific timetables on the Navigazione Laghi website.
The traghetto (car ferry)
The traghetto is the only ferry that carries cars, motorbikes and bicycles. It runs exclusively on the Bellagio – Varenna – Menaggio – Cadenabbia route, the famous central square of the lake.
Crossings are short (15 to 20 minutes) and frequent (every 30 minutes in high season). The fare for a car + driver starts at around €11.70. Each additional passenger pays a pedestrian ticket.
Even without a car, the traghetto accepts foot passengers. It is sometimes the quickest way to cross the lake if a departure is imminent.
Comparison of the three ferry types
Criterion
Battello
Aliscafo
Traghetto
Speed
Slow (20 km/h)
Fast (35 km/h)
Moderate
Outdoor deck
Yes
No (enclosed cabin)
Yes (car deck)
Vehicles
No
No
Yes
Surcharge
None
+€1 to €3.50
Specific fare
Frequency (summer)
Every 60 min
3 to 5/day
Every 30 min
Ideal for
Sightseeing, budget
Long routes, in a hurry
Car, bicycle
05Timetables and routes
Ferry timetables vary considerably between high season (29 March – 4 October 2026) and low season (5 October – 28 March). In high season, the service is dense and regular. In low season, many routes are reduced or suspended, particularly the aliscafi.
High season (spring–summer)
In high season, battelli depart roughly every 60 minutes on the main routes. Traghetti run every 30 minutes between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia. The first departures are around 6:30 am and the last around 10:30 pm.
Low season (autumn–winter)
The service is considerably reduced. Battelli run every 2 to 3 hours on the main routes. Traghetti maintain a frequency of about 1 departure per hour. Aliscafi are generally suspended. The last ferry usually leaves around 7–8 pm.
A direct crossing between two towns in the central triangle takes about 15 minutes, plus boarding time. For the full Como–Bellagio journey, allow 2 to 2.5 hours by battello and 45 minutes by aliscafo.
Be aware: the Varenna–Bellagio routes are extremely busy from late morning to late afternoon in summer. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure on July–August weekends to be sure of boarding.
Detailed timetables and PDF
You can download the full timetables in PDF and check real-time departures on the official website:
Taking the ferry is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the charm of Lake Como. Here are a few good reasons to choose this option:
Admire the stunning scenery and villas from the water
Easily access the must-see sites
Travel at your own pace with day passes
Move around freely thanks to a dense network
Enjoy a relaxing ride on the water
The ferry lets you navigate easily between the lake's many gems and create your own tailor-made itinerary. An unforgettable experience!
07Sample ferry itineraries
Here are three itineraries I recommend depending on the time you have. All assume you arrive by train at Varenna in the morning.
Half day: the express triangle (3–4 h)
Varenna → Bellagio (15 min) → stroll through the village + lunch → Menaggio (15 min) → return to Varenna by traghetto (15 min). A classic and efficient route that gives you a taste of the lake's three gems.
Full day: villas and villages (7–8 h)
Varenna → Bellagio (visit the village + Villa Melzi Gardens) → Tremezzo/Cadenabbia (visit Villa Carlotta, 2 h) → Lenno (Villa Balbianello) → return to Bellagio then Varenna for the evening train. Get the 1-stretch pass for the central zone.
Two days: Como + central zone
Day 1: Arrive in Como, visit the cathedral and the Brunate funicular. Slow battello to Bellagio in the late afternoon (2 h scenic cruise). Overnight in Bellagio.
Day 2: Bellagio → Varenna (quiet morning, visit Villa Monastero) → traghetto to Menaggio → bus or ferry to Tremezzo (Villa Carlotta) → return to Varenna, train to Milan.
08Main ferry destinations
Let's now look at the main destinations you can visit by ferry in the central zone of Lake Como:
Bellagio ferry
At the heart of the lake, Bellagio sees the most ferry traffic and tourists. Numerous routes depart in all directions, including towards Lecco on the eastern shore.
The shopping centre begins right at the ferry dock. A pleasant promenade runs along the lake westward to the celebrated Gardens of Villa Melzi.
Varenna ferry
Varenna, with its small station serving Milan, is very convenient for day trips.
The medieval village and its colourful fishing port are a 5-minute walk from the ferry dock. Don't miss the magnificent Villa Monastero Gardens, which run along the southern shore.
Menaggio ferry
In Menaggio, passenger and car ferries depart from the same spot, a 5-minute walk from the panoramic promenade.
The atmosphere is more relaxed than in the busier tourist spots. An excellent choice for enjoying the lake away from the crowds!
Tremezzo ferry and surroundings
Tremezzo and Lenno are considered the most picturesque sections of Lake Como.
Numerous hikes are possible here, such as the magnificent Lake Como Greenway between villages and hamlets.
Cadenabbia ferry
Cadenabbia is the closest ferry dock to Villa Carlotta (100 m on foot). It is an essential stop if you wish to visit this famous botanical garden. The traghetto also stops here, making it a frequent crossing point between the two shores.
The village itself is quiet and offers a lovely lakeside walk to Tremezzo (20 minutes on foot via the Greenway).
Lecco ferry
At the tip of the south-eastern branch of the lake, Lecco is linked to Bellagio by a battello line (about 1 h 20 min). The town is the ideal starting point for exploring the eastern shore, less touristy but just as beautiful.
Lecco has its own railway station on the Milan–Sondrio line. If you are staying in the south-east of the lake, it is an interesting alternative to Varenna for reaching the ferry network.
Must-see stops by ferry on Lake Como
Of course, during your ferry trip, you will want to visit some of Lake Como's must-sees:
With the ferry, all these wonders are within easy reach. You can visit them all in a single day thanks to day passes.
09Practical tips for Lake Como ferries
After several trips on Lake Como, here are the tips I wish I'd had from day one.
Arrive early. The ferry docks at Bellagio and Varenna fill up quickly between 10 am and 2 pm in summer. An 8–9 am departure guarantees a peaceful journey and a spot on the upper deck.
Download the timetables as PDF. Mobile signal can be patchy along the lake. Having the timetables offline avoids unpleasant surprises.
Go for the day pass if you plan more than 2 journeys. The 1-stretch pass at €17.50 pays for itself from the 4th trip in the central zone.
Validate your ticket. Tickets bought online must be shown to the boarding staff. Paper tickets are sometimes checked on board.
Check the stop order. A Varenna–Bellagio ferry may call at Menaggio first. Read the display board or ask the staff.
Bring a windbreaker. Even in summer, the breeze on the upper deck can be chilly, especially in the evening.
The traghetto accepts foot passengers. If a traghetto is leaving in 5 minutes and the next battello is 45 minutes away, don't hesitate.
Rainy day: aliscafo. In an enclosed cabin, it's the most comfortable choice when the weather is gloomy.
Cycling: think traghetto. It's the only ferry that accepts bicycles at no extra charge. Battelli refuse them in high season.
Keep some cash. Some smaller ticket offices don't accept cards. Have coins ready for the on-board surcharge.
Freephone 800-551801. Free from Italy, this number connects you to the Navigazione Laghi call centre for any questions about timetables or disruptions.
10Frequently asked questions about Lake Como ferries
A single ticket in the central zone (Bellagio–Varenna or Bellagio–Menaggio) costs €4.60. The Como–Bellagio trip costs €12.40. Day passes start at €17.50 (zone 1). The aliscafo (fast service) charges a surcharge of €1 to €3.50.
In high season (April–October), battelli depart roughly every 60 minutes and traghetti every 30 minutes on the central triangle. In low season, the frequency drops to 1 departure every 2–3 hours.
Yes, buying on board is possible for a €1 surcharge. It's handy if your departure stop has no ticket office. Passengers with reduced mobility are exempt from this surcharge.
For single tickets, buying at the counter or on board is fine. For day passes in high season (July–August), buying online in advance is recommended. Aliscafi do not require reservations.
Generally yes. Delays of 5–10 minutes are common at peak times, but cancellations are rare except in very bad weather (strong wind, storms). Allow a 30-minute buffer if you need to catch a train.
The battello is the classic ferry (slow, outdoor deck, affordable). The aliscafo is the fast service (enclosed cabin, surcharge). The traghetto carries vehicles on the central square Bellagio–Varenna–Menaggio–Cadenabbia.
Yes, but only on the traghetto (car ferry) at no extra charge. Battelli generally refuse bicycles in high season due to lack of space. In low season it is tolerated but not guaranteed.
The lake is divided into 6 zones (stretches). The day pass covers a defined zone number: 1 stretch (€17.50) is enough for the central triangle, 3 stretches (€26.80) for Como–Bellagio, 6 stretches (€38.80) for the whole lake. The pass gives unlimited journeys within the chosen zone.
Arrive by train in Varenna in the morning. Ferry to Bellagio (15 min), stroll and lunch. Ferry to Tremezzo for Villa Carlotta (2 h visit). Ferry to Menaggio then traghetto back to Varenna. Get the 1-stretch pass.
Yes, but with a greatly reduced service. Battelli and traghetti maintain a few daily connections. Aliscafi are generally suspended from November to March. Check the winter timetables on the Navigazione Laghi website.
Yes, dogs are allowed on all ferries provided they are kept on a leash and wear a muzzle. Small dogs in carrier bags are also accepted. No surcharge applies.
On the official navigazionelaghi.it website, under the Lake Como section. You can download timetables in PDF or use the online journey planner. Timetables change twice a year (end of March and early October).
In high season, the last ferries leave around 10–10:30 pm on the main routes. In low season, the last departure is usually around 7–8 pm. Always check the last return time before planning dinner in Bellagio or Varenna.
Yes, the freephone number 800-551801 is free from Italy. The call centre can provide information on timetables, fares and disruptions on the Lake Como ferry network.
11My verdict after several crossings
The ferry remains for me the best way to discover Lake Como. No road stress, no overpriced parking, and panoramic views you will never see from dry land. The network is well organised, fares remain reasonable and the stretch pass system simplifies things as soon as you plan several stops.
My most important piece of advice: don't try to see everything in one day. The lake deserves you take your time. Pick 2 or 3 villages, take the slow battello rather than the aliscafo, and let the peaceful rhythm of the crossing carry you.
If you are planning your first trip, start with the Bellagio–Varenna–Menaggio triangle: it is the heart of the lake, the best served and the most spectacular. You can always come back to explore Como, Lecco or the northern shore.
I wish you wonderful crossings on the waters of Lake Como! And don't hesitate to check out our other articles about Lombardy to make the most of your stay.
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