Getting around Lake Como without a car is entirely feasible. Not everyone enjoys the challenges of driving in Italy. During my visit to Lake Como, I found it remarkably convenient to rely on ferries, trains, and buses for seamless transportation around the lake.
Discover where to stay in Lake Como without a car and explore the tranquility of the western shores, offering a serene retreat with charming lakeside promenades and historical architecture. Immerse yourself in the charm of the central shores, featuring iconic towns like Bellagio and Tremezzo. Opt for the eastern shores for a more secluded experience. Conveniently, all towns are easily accessible by ferries, buses, and some by train, ensuring seamless exploration of this enchanting destination. Lake Como’s diverse areas cater to car-free travelers’ preferences, promising a memorable stay in 2024.
Lake Como Without A Car
You can stay in any town around Lake Como without a car. The region boasts a reliable train network, with central hubs like Como facilitating convenient travel to and from major cities such as Milan. If you are planning to travel to Lake Como from Rome, check out this post on how to do it. This interconnected and accessible transportation system makes Lake Como an ideal destination for those seeking a serene retreat without the need for a car. Also available for ease of getting around the lake are ferries and buses. Below, you will find my top 10 recommended towns to stay in from my own personal experience.
1. Como
Como is the largest town on Lake Como. It is a popular destination for tourists. Como is situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Como and is known for its picturesque waterfront, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, it serves as a great transportation hub with good connectivity, which makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding areas of the lake. I personally recommend this town if you are looking for major conveniences, fun nightlife, and budget traveling. There is a direct train from Milan to Como.
➡️ Get Your Train Tickets Here
Where to Stay
Budget Option – IL MELOGRANO HOLIDAY COMO (check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option – DBH – BOUTIQUE HOTEL LAKE COMO (checking pricing here)
Luxury Option – AVENUE BOUTIQUE HOTEL (check pricing here)
2. Colico
Colico is a town located on the northern shore of Lake Como. It offers a mix of natural attractions and cultural landmarks. Due to its favorable wind conditions, Colico is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts of windsurfing and sailing. It is a laid-back town. It is a quieter alternative to some of the more bustling towns on Lake Como. Colico is accessible by train.
➡️ Get Your Train Tickets Here
Where to Stay
Budget Option – B&B BELVEDERE (check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option -IL GIARDINO DEI CILIEGI (check pricing here)
Luxury Option – CASA ENEA (Holiday Home) (check pricing here)
3. Varenna
If you are looking for a tranquil retreat, Varenna is for you. It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como. One of Varenna’s notable attractions is the Villa Monastero, a historic villa with stunning gardens that stretch along the lake. Another highlight is the Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle perched on a hill above Varenna. It provides a panoramic view of the lake. Varenna is well-connected by ferry services, making it easy for visitors to explore other towns around Lake Como.
Where to Stay
Budget Option – BED & BREAKFAST IL COLENTINO VARENNA (check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option – VILLA TORRETTA (Check pricing here)
Luxury Option – VARENNA WONDERS (check pricing here)
4. Lecco
Lecco is a charming town located on the southeastern shore of Lake Como. Often, it is overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Como. The appeal of Lecco is that it is quieter and less touristy if that is what you are looking for. It has a lakeside promenade, along with its historic center, which offers a pleasant setting for leisurely walks. The town is also connected by train, making it accessible for travelers without cars.
➡️ Get Your Train Tickets Here
Where to Stay
Budget Option – NH LECCO PONTEVECCHIO ( check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option – TERRAZZA SUL LAGO (check pricing here)
Luxury Option – no luxury options in this town
5. Abbadia Lariana
Abbadia Lariana is a small and picturesque town located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. This town is known for its charming lakeside promenade, which provides beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. A notable landmark here is the Abbey of San Pietro al Monte, a historic monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the town. Abbadia Lariana is perfect for those seeking a quieter and more authentic experience by the lake. This town is also conveniently connected by train.
➡️ Get Your Train Tickets Here
Where to Stay
Budget Option – PARK HOTEL ABBADIA ( check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option – LA FILANDA (check pricing here)
Luxury Option – no luxury options in this town
6. Bellagio
Bellagio is a renowned and enchanting town situated at the intersection of the three branches of Lake Como in northern Italy. Often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is celebrated for its timeless charm, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. The town is characterized by elegant villas, colorful gardens, and a picturesque lakeside promenade. Visitors can explore the historic center with its boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Bellagio is also known for its beautiful parks, such as the Villa Melzi Gardens and Villa Serbelloni Gardens, offering tranquil retreats with breathtaking scenery. It is easily accessed by regular ferry services. And since it has great ferry service, it makes it a great hub since you can easily access Menaggio, Tremezzina, and Vernazza.
Budget Option – HOTEL IL PERLO PANORAMA ( check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option -HOTEL EXCELSIOR SPLENDIDE (check pricing here)
Luxury Option – HOTEL BELVEDERE (check pricing here)
7. Menaggio
Menaggio is a charming town located on the western shore of Lake Como. Menaggio attracts visitors seeking a relaxed and picturesque lakeside experience. This town serves as a convenient base for exploring other towns around Lake Como, thanks to its well-connected ferry services. The town’s central location on the lake makes it an ideal starting point for various activities, including boat trips, hiking, and exploring the surrounding hills.
Budget Option – HOTEL RIVIERA ( check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option – CASA ANNA (check pricing here)
Luxury Option – GRAND HOTEL MENAGGIO (check pricing here)
8. Cernobbio
Cernobbio is my personal favorite. It was the very first town I stayed in when visiting Lake Como. I loved how elegant it was, and there was an amazing gelateria just around the corner from the hotel that I stayed at. (HOTEL MIRALAGO).
Cernobbio offers a blend of cultural and recreational experiences. The town hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, adding a vibrant touch to its atmosphere. It is accessible by ferry, which allows visitors to explore other towns around Lake Como easily.
Budget Option – TATA’S ROOM ( check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option -HOTEL MIRALAGO (check pricing here) -You may need to go directly to their site
Luxury Option – VILLA D ESTE (check pricing here) – You may need to go directly to their site
8. Tremezzo
Tremezzo is situated on the western shore of Lake Como. It is nestled between the lake and the surrounding mountains, providing stunning panoramic views. A notable attraction is the historic Villa Carlotta, a 17th-century villa surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the villa’s art collection and stroll through the lush botanical gardens, enjoying the serene ambiance. Tremezzo is also known for its strategic position on the Greenway del Lago di Como, a scenic walking route that connects various towns along the lake.
Budget Option – DOLCE SOGNO ( check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option – CASA LUMACA (check pricing here)
Luxury Option – GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO (check pricing here)
10. Lenno
Lenno is a picturesque town situated on the western shore of Lake Como. The town’s waterfront promenade is lined with charming cafes and restaurants. The highlight of Lenno is definitely Villa Balbianello, a historic mansion that stands as a testament to the region’s architectural and cultural heritage. Lenno is well-connected by both boat and bus services.
Budget Option – DOLCE SOGNO ( check pricing here)
Mid-Range Option – HOTEL LENNO (check pricing here)
Luxury Option – MAGIC GARDEN WITH JACUZZI-POOL (check pricing here) -This is actually an apartment with everything you could ever want.
Lake Como Without A Car Map
On this map, you can find the locations of the train stations.
Getting Around Lake Como Without A Car
Opting for a car-free stay in Lake Como provides a wonderful and stress-free experience for travelers eager to explore this enchanting region. The well-established transportation network includes a system of ferries, offering a picturesque and leisurely means to travel to the other lakeside towns. This ferry system efficiently connects key destinations, allowing visitors to relish the breathtaking scenery while seamlessly moving from one point to another. Moreover, the region boasts a reliable train network, with central hubs like Como facilitating convenient travel to and from major cities such as Milan. This interconnected and accessible transportation system makes Lake Como an ideal destination for those seeking a serene retreat without the need for a car. Below, you will find my top 10 recommendations from my own personal experience.
Quick Tips
Transportation by Train and Bus:
Arriving by train from Milan to Como and you plan to travel on the west side of the lake, you will want to take the C10 bus. This bus stops outside the Como Nord Lago and Como San Giovanni train stations.
If you are planning to travel to the east side of the lake, you will want to take the C30 bus.
Transportation by Train and Boat
If you want to take the boat, arrive in Como from Milan to the Como Nord Lago Station. You can then walk to the pier that is located in Piazza Cavour. This is a 5-minute walk.
Taking the boat you do have two options. You can choose either the regular service or the express service. The regular service is the slowest as it stops at most towns on the route. The express boat is faster as it does not stop at every town. This service is a bit more expensive.
FAQs
Below, you will find answers to some commonly asked questions.
How many days do you need Lake Como?
Personally, I feel three days is a good amount of time to spend exploring Lake Como with or without a car. If you want to visit a majority of the towns around the lake, you could easily conquer 2 to 3 a day. The convenience of the ferry system can get you wherever you need.
What towns in Lake Como have a train station?
Not all the towns in Lake Como have train stations. All the train stations are located on the eastern side of the lake. Como, Lecco, Abbadia Lariana, Mandello, Lierna, Fiumelatte, Perledo, Bellano, Dervio, Dorio, and Colico are towns with train stations.
What is the best town around Lake Como?
Cernobbio stands out as my preferred town around Lake Como, closely followed by Bellagio as a runner-up. Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo are all optimal areas, however. Choosing the best town is a matter of personal preference, and your ideal destination may vary depending on your preferences. Each town boasts its unique charm and atmosphere, offering diverse vibes that cater to different tastes.
So, In Conclusion…
Thanks to its efficient transportation network, getting around Lake Como without a car is a breeze. The scenic ferry rides, connecting charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna, offer picturesque views and serve as a delightful means of travel. Central hubs like Como and Lecco provide easy access to the entire region through well-connected train services, making exploration seamless.
When it comes to accommodations, choosing areas like Bellagio or Varenna enhances the overall experience, or any of the other towns I mentioned above. These charming towns not only offer proximity to transportation hubs but also provide a front-row seat to the enchanting lakeside vistas. Navigating Lake Como without a car allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in this iconic Italian destination’s tranquility and cultural richness.
