Where to stay on Lake Como in short
Lake Como has no single centre. The main bases are Como at the southern end, and Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio in the middle of the lake. Which one suits you depends on how you arrive, whether you have a car and which sights you want.
This page compares the bases by transport links that can be checked, not by hotel reviews. It does not list hotel names or room prices. Check the current price and rating for a room on the booking page you use. This is an independent guide, not run by a hotel, the municipalities or the ferry operator.
Lake Como hotels by area
The four common bases, compared by what can be verified.
| Base | Getting there without a car | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Como | Milano Cadorna to Como Lago, about 60 minutes | Cathedral, lakefront, Brunate funicular | Villages in the middle of the lake need a ferry or another connection |
| Varenna | Direct train from Milano Centrale, about 64 minutes | Middle-lake ferries, Villa Monastero, Castello di Vezio | Do not assume every hotel is a short walk from the station or pier |
| Bellagio | Ferry from Varenna or Menaggio | Gardens, ferry hub | An extra leg if you arrive at Varenna station; cars need a permit for restricted zones |
| Menaggio | Ferry from Varenna or Bellagio | Ferry hub, hiking | Check the timetable for your return before an evening out |
These are editorial conclusions from the transport links, not hotel ratings. No base is always cheaper or quieter than another, so compare dates and room types yourself.
Lake Como tours from your base
Boat trips, villa visits and day trips on Lake Como, with live prices and availability.
The bases in detail
What each one means for your days.
Como
Como is the simplest base if you arrive by train from Milan. The train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago takes about 60 minutes and runs roughly every half hour. Do not confuse Como Lago with Como San Giovanni. From here you can visit the cathedral and the Brunate funicular, which takes 7 minutes. For villages in the middle of the lake, add a ferry or another connection.
Como guide →Varenna
Varenna has a direct train from Milano Centrale, about 64 minutes and roughly once an hour, and it is linked to the middle-lake ferries. That makes it a possible base without a car. Villa Monastero costs €15 for garden and Casa Museo in 2026, and Castello di Vezio costs €7.
Varenna guide →Bellagio
Bellagio is part of the central ferry network. If you arrive by train at Varenna, you add a ferry crossing. Cars face restricted traffic zones, and the municipality uses a permit procedure. Do not assume a hotel booking gives you free access by car.
Bellagio guide →Menaggio
Menaggio is also in the central ferry network and is linked to Varenna and Bellagio. The walk to La Crocetta is 4 km and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes one way, with a climb of 430 m. It is not a flat lakeside stroll.
Ferry guide →Tourist tax
A local charge per person and night, paid at your accommodation.
Como charges a tourist tax for a maximum of 4 consecutive nights. Children under 14 are exempt. You pay at the accommodation, which issues a receipt. The city's published rate sheet is dated from 2024 and lists €5 per person and night for hotels with 4 or 5 stars, €4 for 3 stars, €3 for 1 or 2 stars and for B&Bs and holiday flats, and €2 for campsites and youth hostels. Rates can change, so ask your accommodation for the current amount.
Bellagio also has a tourist tax. Amounts for Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio can differ, so ask your host before you arrive and keep the receipt.
Season and timing
Hours and timetables change in autumn and winter.
Ferries
The autumn timetable for Lake Como runs to 1 November 2026. Check the current timetable before you go if you travel later, and plan a late return only after you have seen the timetable for your day.
Villa Carlotta
From 19 October to 8 November 2026 the villa is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.
Villas near Lenno →Lake Iseo
Ferries on Lake Iseo use a winter timetable from 12 October 2026 to 21 March 2027. Lake Iseo is a separate lake and not a day trip from Como.
Lake Iseo →Lake Garda and the Bernina railway are covered by other guides. This site stays with Lombardy's lakes, cities and towns.
Plan the rest of your trip
From base to day plan.
Where to stay on Lake Como: frequently asked questions
Which is the best town to stay in on Lake Como?
There is no single best base. Como suits train arrival and the cathedral, Varenna has a direct train from Milan Centrale, and Bellagio and Menaggio sit in the central ferry network. Choose by transport and plans.
Can I stay on Lake Como without a car?
Yes, Como and Varenna can both be reached by train from Milan, and the ferries link the towns in the middle of the lake. Check the timetable for evenings and for the season.
Do I have to pay a tourist tax?
Como and Bellagio have a tourist tax. In Como it applies to a maximum of 4 consecutive nights, with an exemption under 14. Ask your accommodation for the current amount.
Can I drive to my hotel in Bellagio?
Not necessarily. Restricted traffic zones need a municipal permit, and a hotel booking does not by itself guarantee access. Ask your hotel how arrival by car works.
Is Varenna or Bellagio better for a first visit?
Varenna is easier if you arrive by train from Milan. Bellagio adds a ferry crossing in that case. Both are in the central ferry network.
Does this site recommend hotels?
No. This is an independent guide that compares bases by transport. It lists no hotel names, and it has no link to any hotel or booking site.