How the Lake Como boats work
The public boats on Lake Como are run by Navigazione Laghi. They come in three kinds. Ships and fast boats (hydrofoils) run between Como and Colico. A separate link joins Bellagio and Lecco. The car ferries (traghetti) connect Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Varenna and Menaggio in the middle of the lake. Cars can board only at piers marked for the car ferry.
This guide is independent. It is not run by the boat operator, and it does not sell tickets. Fares below are adult prices in euros, valid since 1 April 2026. Older fare tables no longer apply, so ignore prices from earlier guides.
Fares by step from 1 April 2026
The price depends on how many fare steps your trip crosses.
| Fare step | Adult single | Child single (4 to 11) | Adult day ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €3 | €1.80 | €8 |
| 2 | €4.50 | €2.30 | €11.50 |
| 3 | €5.50 | €2.80 | €17.50 |
| 4 | €8 | €4 | €18.50 |
| 5 | €9.50 | €4.80 | €22.50 |
| 6 | €12 | €6 | €27 |
| 7 | €13.50 | €6.80 | €29.50 |
| 8 | €14.50 | €7.30 | €32 |
A secondary source places Bellagio to Varenna and Bellagio to Menaggio in step 3, with the €17.50 day ticket for the central lake. The price levels come from the operator's own table. Check the operator's zone map or ask at the ticket office which step your trip falls in.
A day ticket is personal and lets you ride as often as you like inside the area printed on it. Fast boats cost a surcharge. Do not assume that a day ticket for people also takes a car.
Lake Como boat tours and day trips
Boat rides past the villas, trips from Milan and guided visits, with live prices and availability.
The car ferry: Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Varenna and Menaggio
Prices are for one way. Passengers need their own tickets.
| Vehicle | With driver | Vehicle only |
|---|---|---|
| Car up to 3.50 m | €10.10 | €4.60 |
| Car over 3.50 m up to 4.50 m | €12.70 | €7.20 |
| Car over 4.50 m | €16.80 | €11.30 |
| Bicycle | €6.70 | €1.20 |
| Motorhome | €18.50 | – |
The vehicle-only price applies when the driver already holds a valid personal ticket. Crossing from Bellagio to Cadenabbia takes about 10 minutes. Come to the ticket office about 20 minutes before departure. The fare sheet for vehicles lists a €1 surcharge per vehicle or traveller for buying on board. The general information page says that buying on board is free at piers without a ticket office and for travellers with disabilities.
Timetable tips
What to check before you plan a day around a boat.
Read the right timetable
The operator publishes autumn timetables until 1 November 2026. The start date appears as 4 October on one page and 5 October on another. For dates after 1 November, check the current timetable before you go.
Each pier has its own list
Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio are linked in the current timetable, but each opposite pier has its own departure list. Some crossings take 30 minutes instead of 15, and symbols in the timetable mark exceptions.
Bellagio guide →Notices about single piers
The operator posted notices dated 2 and 6 October 2026 about a temporary stop of service at the piers of Faggeto Lario and Musso. Check the current notice if you plan to use either pier.
Weather
In bad weather or heavy swell, trips can be cancelled. Follow the instructions of the staff at the pier and on board.
Late returns
Plan the last boat back from the actual timetable for your day, not from a general rule. Staying in Bellagio, Varenna or Menaggio avoids the problem.
Where to stay →Reaching the boats and the sights
Trains, buses and the places the boats serve.
From Milan, Trenord trains run from Milano Centrale to Varenna Esino in about 64 minutes, roughly every hour. Trains from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago take about 60 minutes, roughly every half hour. Do not confuse Como Lago with Como San Giovanni. Trenord introduced a new fare table on 1 September 2026.
Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna form the middle triangle. Villa del Balbianello at Lenno is a walk uphill from the village or a ride on a separate taxi boat, not on the public line. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is served by bus C110. For a boat ride with commentary, see the boat tours page.
Bellagio
Villa Melzi, the old town and the car ferry.
Varenna
Villa Monastero, the castle walk and the train.
Villa del Balbianello
Tickets, booking and the walk from Lenno.
For the whole lake, see the Lake Como guide. Seasons are covered on the best time to visit page.
Lake Como ferry: frequently asked questions
How much is the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna?
A secondary source places the route in fare step 3, which costs €5.50 one way for an adult and €2.80 for a child aged 4 to 11 in 2026. The crossing takes about 15 minutes on a direct trip. Ask at the ticket office to confirm the step.
Is there a day ticket for Lake Como?
Yes. Adult day tickets range from €8 (step 1) to €32 (step 8). The ticket is personal, valid inside its printed area and does not include fast boats without a surcharge.
Can I take my car on the ferry?
Yes, on the car ferry between Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Varenna and Menaggio. A car up to 3.50 m with driver costs €10.10 one way. Passengers need their own tickets.
Can I buy tickets on board?
At piers without a ticket office, yes. The vehicle fare sheet lists a €1 surcharge for buying on board, while the general page says it is free at such piers and for travellers with disabilities. Buy at the ticket office when you can.
Do the boats run in winter?
Autumn timetables run until 1 November 2026. Service after that date may differ, so check the operator's timetable for your date before you travel.