Como to Varenna: Ferry, Train & the Best Way to Get There

Ferry or Train: Which Is Better?

For most leisure travellers, I would choose according to what you want the journey to do.

Choose the ferry if:

• this is your first trip to Lake Como;
• you want the journey itself to be scenic;
• you have enough time;
• you’re travelling in good weather;
• you want to see towns and villas from the lake.

Choose the train if:

• you primarily need transportation;
• ferry times are inconvenient;
• the weather is poor;
• you’re travelling outside the main ferry season;
• you need a more rail-focused route towards Varenna.

The boat and train should not be thought of as identical alternatives.

One is essentially a Lake Como experience.

The other is primarily a way of getting there.

Why the Ferry Is So Appealing

The biggest advantage of travelling from Como to Varenna by boat is that you see how dramatically Lake Como changes as you move north.

Leaving Como, the lake initially feels relatively urban.

As you continue, the mountains grow steeper, villages become smaller and famous villas appear along the shoreline.

Depending on the service, the route through the western branch can take you past or near places such as:

• Cernobbio;
• Moltrasio;
• Torno;
• Nesso;
• Argegno;
• Lenno;
• Tremezzo;
• Villa Carlotta;
• Bellagio;
• Menaggio.

Then you reach Varenna on the opposite shore.

You could travel between the two towns overland and see almost none of this.

That is why an ordinary boat can be worthwhile even when it is not the fastest possible connection.

Ordinary Boat vs Fast Service

Lake Como has both ordinary passenger boats and selected fast services.

The official timetable groups these together under the Como–Colico service. (navigazionelaghi.it)

Ordinary boat

Choose this if you want:

• maximum scenery;
• a relaxed lake journey;
• intermediate stops;
• the trip itself to function like a cruise.

Fast service

Choose this when available if:

• you’re short on time;
• Como and Varenna are simply two parts of a wider itinerary;
• you want to maximise time in Varenna;
• you’ve already spent plenty of time cruising Lake Como.

Fast services require an additional supplement above the normal passenger fare under the 2026 tariff system. (navigazionelaghi.it)

The exact journey time varies considerably with the service you choose, so search the timetable for your specific date; don’t assume every Como–Varenna boat takes the same amount of time.

Como to Varenna Ferry Timetable

There is no single year-round timetable.

Navigazione Laghi publishes separate seasonal schedules.

For example, the current 2026 timetable includes:

• a period running from 1 July to 4 October 2026;
• a subsequent schedule for 5 October to 1 November 2026.

The published services include ordinary and fast boats on the Como–Colico–Como route. (navigazionelaghi.it)

This is why you should not build a trip around a ferry departure copied from an old travel article.

Check:

1. your exact date;
2. Como as departure point;
3. Varenna as destination;
4. whether you want fast services included.

The official journey search allows you to specify all of these details. (navigazionelaghi.it)

Where Do Boats Leave from in Como?

Lake Como public boats depart from the waterfront in central Como.

If you’re already exploring the historic centre, the ferry piers are conveniently placed for combining the journey with Como sightseeing.

A good itinerary therefore might be:

morning in Como → boat up Lake Como → afternoon/evening in Varenna

This is much more natural than travelling to Como simply to immediately leave by another form of transport.

If you’re coming from Milan solely because you want Varenna, take the direct train from Milan instead (see our Milan to Lake Como by train guide).

Where Do You Arrive in Varenna?

Passenger boats bring you directly to Varenna’s lakefront ferry area.

That puts you in an excellent position for exploring the village.

From the ferry terminal you can walk towards:

• Passeggiata degli Innamorati;
• Varenna’s historic centre;
• Piazza San Giorgio;
• Villa Cipressi;
• Villa Monastero.

You don’t need a taxi for the classic sightseeing route.

This is one of the major advantages of arriving by boat: you step off directly into the part of Varenna most visitors want to see.

Como to Villa Monastero by Ferry

If your destination is specifically Villa Monastero, travelling by boat creates a particularly attractive arrival.

Take the passenger service from Como to Varenna, then walk through the village to Villa Monastero.

The route from the ferry area takes you along or close to some of Varenna’s best scenery before reaching the villa.

A sensible day could be:

1. Leave Como in the morning.
2. Travel up the lake by boat.
3. Arrive in Varenna.
4. Walk through the historic centre.
5. Visit Villa Monastero.
6. Stay in Varenna for dinner or continue by train.

You therefore get both a substantial lake cruise and Villa Monastero without needing to book a separate sightseeing boat tour.

Should You Take the Fast Boat to Villa Monastero?

It depends on how much time you have.

If Villa Monastero is the main goal and you’re visiting Varenna only for several hours, a faster service can preserve more time for the villa and village.

If this is your first Lake Como trip, however, the slower ordinary boat has a major advantage:

you see more of the lake on the way.

The journey isn’t wasted time.

For many travellers, it becomes one of the highlights.

Como to Varenna by Train

Travelling entirely by train is possible, but it is not as simple as Milan–Varenna.

There is no single direct Como-to-Varenna railway line.

The practical rail geography is:

Como → Lecco → Varenna

Trenord operates the R18 Como–Molteno–Lecco regional line, while Varenna is served from Lecco by both the R13 Lecco–Colico–Sondrio line and RE8 services towards Valtellina. (trenord.it)

This means a rail journey typically involves changing in or around Lecco, since there is no single direct train from Como.

Why the Train Route Is Less Obvious

Look at Lake Como on a map and you might assume a railway follows the shoreline from Como to Varenna.

It doesn’t.

Como and Varenna sit on different railway corridors.

The Como–Lecco railway crosses inland via Molteno, while Varenna lies on the eastern-shore line north of Lecco.

That is why the boat often feels much more intuitive for tourists travelling between Como and Varenna.

When Does the Train Make Sense?

The train becomes more attractive when:

• ferry services are reduced;
• you’re travelling in winter;
• heavy rain makes a long boat ride less appealing;
• your accommodation is close to Varenna-Esino station;
• the specific train connections line up better with your day.

Always check Trenord shortly before travelling.

Rail engineering works can affect individual lines.

For example, the Como–Molteno–Lecco service had a temporary infrastructure closure during part of summer 2026, illustrating why current journey information matters more than a static travel guide. (trenord.it)

Varenna-Esino Station

If you arrive by train (our Varenna-Esino station guide covers the walk down to the lake), your destination is:

Varenna-Esino

The station is above the lakefront.

From there, walk downhill towards Varenna.

One detail worth knowing: Trenord identifies Varenna-Esino as a short-platform station and advises passengers not to use the last carriages when boarding or alighting on relevant services. (trenord.it)

Pay attention to onboard announcements as you approach.

Como to Varenna by Car

Driving is possible, but it is not necessarily the obvious choice for a sightseeing day.

The two towns are on different sections of Lake Como, so driving means going around the lake, not across it.

A car makes more sense if Varenna is only one stop in a broader road trip.

It is less attractive if you simply want to:

• see Villa Monastero;
• walk around Varenna;
• visit Bellagio;
• return elsewhere by public transport.

Once in Varenna, a car provides little benefit for the central sightseeing area.

Can You Take a Car Ferry from Como to Varenna?

Not directly.

The vehicle-ferry system does not run all the way from Como city to Varenna.

The current vehicle service operates within the central lake between:

• Cadenabbia;
• Bellagio;
• Menaggio;
• Varenna.

(navigazionelaghi.it)

If you’re driving from Como, you would need to drive towards the central lake and use one of those ferry points if a car crossing forms part of your route.

Is It Better to Go Como → Bellagio → Varenna?

This can be an excellent sightseeing itinerary.

Instead of travelling directly from Como to Varenna, you can structure the day around central Lake Como:

Como → Bellagio → Varenna

The exact practicality depends on that day’s boat schedules, but conceptually it works well because Bellagio sits between the two experiences.

Spend part of the day exploring Bellagio, then cross to Varenna using the much shorter central-lake ferry connection.

This is particularly attractive if you’re staying overnight in Varenna rather than needing to return to Como the same evening.

Como, Bellagio and Varenna in One Day: Is It Realistic?

Yes, but don’t add too much more.

A sensible version is:

Morning — Como

Explore the historic centre and waterfront.

Late morning — Boat north

Take a passenger service towards the central lake.

Early afternoon — Bellagio

Spend a few hours exploring.

Late afternoon — Varenna

Cross to Varenna.

Explore the waterfront and village.

If staying overnight, this works especially well.

If you also want to visit Villa Monastero, you need to pay careful attention to its closing time.

Do not try to add:

• Villa Carlotta;
• Menaggio;
• Villa del Balbianello;
• Castello di Vezio;

to the same day unless transportation itself is what you enjoy most.

Como to Varenna for a Day Trip

If you’re staying in Como and want a Varenna day trip, the boat is particularly attractive.

You can make the journey part of the excursion instead of treating it as transportation to endure.

Once in Varenna, prioritise:

1. Villa Monastero;
2. historic Varenna;
3. the waterfront;
4. Villa Cipressi if time allows.

Then return to Como using whichever service best fits that day’s timetable.

The key question is the last useful return connection.

Check it before leaving Como, not when you’re already sitting down for dinner in Varenna.

Can You Return from Varenna to Como by Ferry?

Yes, passenger navigation operates in both directions along the lake.

But the last practical journey varies by season and service schedule.

Lake Como’s long-distance boats are not an urban metro running every few minutes until midnight.

Always identify your return sailing in advance.

If a late boat does not suit your plans, you may need to consider an alternative rail route or alter the itinerary.

How Early Should You Arrive at the Ferry Terminal?

Navigazione Laghi recommends arriving at the ticket office about 20 minutes before departure.

It also warns that queues can be substantial during summer and holidays. (navigazionelaghi.it)

For an important long-distance connection, I would give yourself more margin.

This is particularly sensible in:

• July;
• August;
• holiday weekends;
• popular mid-morning departure periods.

Can You Buy Como–Varenna Tickets Online?

The official Lake Como booking system lets you search and purchase eligible journeys by entering:

• departure point;
• arrival point;
• travel date;
• departure time;
• return details;
• whether to include fast service.

(navigazionelaghi.it)

You can also buy tickets at major ferry terminals.

At stops without an operating land ticket office, Navigazione Laghi permits tickets to be purchased on board without an additional charge. (navigazionelaghi.it)

How Much Does the Como to Varenna Ferry Cost?

Lake Como passenger fares are based on fare stretches, with the price depending on the distance travelled.

The 2026 fare system took effect on 1 April 2026, and fast services have an additional supplement. (navigazionelaghi.it)

Because the operator calculates the precise fare according to your origin, destination and service, use its current fare search for Como → Varenna on your travel date; a static price copied into an article can go out of date.

This is particularly useful if you’re comparing:

• ordinary boat;
• fast service;
• return ticket;
• broader day-ticket options.

Is There a Lake Como Day Pass?

Lake Como offers various free-circulation and other ticket types, but whether one saves money depends on your itinerary.

If your day is simply:

Como → Varenna → Como

compare the return fare with any relevant pass.

If you’re planning:

Como → Bellagio → Varenna → another stop

a broader ticket can become more interesting.

Do the calculation using the current 2026 fare system, and don’t assume a pass is cheaper. Our Lake Como ferry guide explains the fare types.

Ferry or Sightseeing Cruise?

A public passenger boat and a commercial sightseeing cruise can cover similar water, but they are different products.

Choose the public ferry/boat if:

• Varenna is your actual destination;
• you want good value;
• you don’t need commentary;
• you’re happy following the scheduled route.

Choose a sightseeing cruise if:

• you want the boat itself to be the main experience;
• commentary matters;
• you want a smaller boat;
• you want a private or premium experience.

For Como → Varenna, the scheduled public boat already gives you substantial Lake Como scenery.

You do not necessarily need to pay for a separate cruise.

If you do want a commercial one that starts in Como, the Como cruise with stops in Bellagio and Varenna is bookable in advance. Check the calendar above for its dates. Starting from Varenna instead? See our boat tours from Varenna.

What If the Weather Is Bad?

The public navigation service can be affected by severe conditions.

Navigazione Laghi warns that routes may be suspended because of bad weather or strong wave motion. (navigazionelaghi.it)

If your entire day depends on travelling from Como to Varenna by water, check current service information on the morning of your trip.

Have a fallback plan.

The rail route via Lecco is the obvious alternative to investigate.

Como to Varenna with Luggage

Both ferry and train are possible with luggage.

For many travellers moving between hotels, the ferry has one practical advantage:

you arrive near Varenna’s lakefront rather than above the village at the railway station.

That can be useful if your accommodation is close to the centre or ferry area.

However, Varenna contains:

• cobbles;
• steep lanes;
• steps;
• uneven pedestrian routes.

Check your hotel’s exact location before deciding that either transport option will be effortless with large suitcases.

Como to Varenna with Children

The ferry can be one of the easiest ways to make the transfer entertaining for children.

Instead of spending the journey on roads or changing trains, the trip itself offers:

• boats;
• mountains;
• villages;
• open-lake views.

The trade-off is journey length on ordinary services.

Bring water, snacks and sun protection during warm weather.

For very young children, consider whether a faster service fits your day better.

Is the Como to Varenna Ferry Worth It?

If you have time, yes.

A long Lake Como passenger-boat journey does two jobs at once:

1. it gets you to Varenna;
2. it gives you a broad scenic introduction to the lake.

That makes it fundamentally different from an ordinary transfer.

If you’ve already spent several days taking boats around Lake Como and simply need to reach Varenna quickly, prioritise whichever fast boat or rail connection works best.

But for a first trip, arriving in Varenna by water is hard to beat.

Should You Visit Como and Varenna on the Same Trip?

Yes, but don’t assume they offer the same experience.

Como

Feels more like a small Italian city.

It offers:

• substantial historic centre;
• cathedral;
• shopping and restaurants;
• urban waterfront;
• access to Brunate.

Varenna

Feels like a compact lakeside village.

It offers:

• Villa Monastero;
• Villa Cipressi;
• narrow lanes;
• gardens;
• direct ferry connections to Bellagio;
• mountain scenery immediately behind the village.

Seeing both helps you understand how varied Lake Como is.

Como or Varenna: Which Is Better as a Base?

It depends on your itinerary.

Como is better if you want:

• city amenities;
• easy access from Milan;
• southern-lake exploration;
• restaurants and nightlife;
• a larger transport hub.

Varenna is better if you want:

• Villa Monastero;
• Bellagio and Menaggio ferries;
• a smaller village atmosphere;
• central Lake Como;
• direct rail access to Milan combined with easy lake crossings.

For travellers whose wish list is primarily Varenna + Bellagio + villas, Varenna is generally the more convenient base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming Como and Varenna are neighbouring towns

They are on quite different parts of the lake.

2. Assuming the train is direct

Rail travel typically requires using the Como–Lecco and Lecco–Varenna corridors rather than one direct Como–Varenna train. (trenord.it)

3. Assuming every boat takes the same amount of time

Ordinary and fast services differ.

4. Using last year’s timetable

Schedules change seasonally.

5. Travelling from Milan to Como first when Varenna is the real destination

Milan has a direct train to Varenna-Esino taking about 64 minutes, so travelling via Como is unnecessary if you don’t want to visit Como. (trenord.it)

6. Leaving your return journey until the last minute

Long-distance lake services are not as frequent as the short Varenna–Bellagio ferry.

7. Packing too much into one day

Como + Varenna works.

Como + Varenna + Bellagio can work.

Adding several villas and more villages can quickly make transportation dominate the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a ferry from Como to Varenna? Yes. Varenna is served through Lake Como’s passenger navigation network on the Como–Colico corridor. Both ordinary and selected fast services operate according to seasonal timetables. (navigazionelaghi.it)

Is there a direct train from Como to Varenna? Not in the same way there is from Milan. Rail travel uses the Como–Lecco and Lecco–Varenna lines and normally requires a change. (trenord.it)

Is ferry or train better from Como to Varenna? Choose the ferry for scenery and a classic Lake Como experience. Consider the train when ferry times or weather make boat travel inconvenient.

Can you take a car ferry from Como to Varenna? No direct vehicle ferry operates between Como city and Varenna. Vehicle ferries operate in the central lake between Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio and Cadenabbia. (navigazionelaghi.it)

Can you visit Villa Monastero from Como? Yes. Take the boat to Varenna and walk from the ferry terminal through the village to Villa Monastero.

Do Como–Varenna ferry schedules change? Yes. Navigazione Laghi publishes seasonal timetables, so always check your actual date. (navigazionelaghi.it)

How early should you arrive for the ferry? The operator recommends reaching the ticket office roughly 20 minutes before departure, with longer queues possible during summer and holidays. (navigazionelaghi.it)

Can you do Como, Varenna and Bellagio in one day? Yes, but keep the itinerary simple and plan around the ferry schedules. If Villa Monastero is important, make sure its opening hours fit your route.

Is Varenna worth travelling to from Como? Yes. Varenna offers a markedly different atmosphere from Como city and contains Villa Monastero, Villa Cipressi and easy ferry connections to central Lake Como.

The Best Way from Como to Varenna

If this is your first Lake Como visit and you have enough time, take the boat.

The journey from Como northwards isn’t merely a transfer. It shows you how the lake changes from city waterfront to steep mountain scenery and central-lake villages.

Then step off in Varenna, walk through the old streets and make Villa Monastero the centrepiece of your visit.

Use the train when practicality wins: bad weather, reduced boat schedules or a rail connection that fits your plans better.

And if you’re starting in Milan and have no particular reason to see Como city first, skip the detour altogether.

Take the direct train to Varenna.

Lake Como becomes much easier to plan once you stop thinking of “Como” as the mandatory gateway to everywhere on the lake.

Related Reading

• Varenna ferry guide: tickets, timetables and routes
• Varenna to Bellagio ferry guide
• One day in Varenna and Bellagio
• Complete Varenna travel guide