Lake Como Waterfront & Brunate Funicular
Ascend to Brunate via a scenic funicular for unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Lake Como Waterfront & Brunate Funicular
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to Brunate via a scenic funicular for unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps.
"The views from Brunate are stunning, offering a breathtaking panorama of Lake Como and the Alps."
⏳ Beat the Funicular Lines
Arrive early or late, or buy a one-way ticket and walk down. 🎟️
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Waiting in the sun can be unpleasant, especially in summer. Pack a hat and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 9,958 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Alpine Vistas
Brunate Summit
Soak in unparalleled views of Lake Como, the surrounding Alps, and even into Switzerland from the mountaintop.
Scenic Funicular Ride
Como-Brunate Funicular
Enjoy a charming 7-minute ascent through picturesque landscapes, offering glimpses of villas and the shimmering lake.
Lighthouse Trail Hike
Brunate Summit
Embark on a rewarding 30-minute hike to the lighthouse for even more expansive and stunning viewpoints.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Brunate Funicular Queues
Top-Tier Views, Limited Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Beat the Funicular Lines
Arrive early or late, or buy a one-way ticket and walk down. 🎟️
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Waiting in the sun can be unpleasant, especially in summer. Pack a hat and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk Down
Consider walking back to Como for beautiful views and to avoid return queues. :hiking_boot:
🍕 Enjoy Summit Dining
There are restaurants at the top offering pizza and other local dishes with a view. 🍕
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Beat the Funicular Lines
Arrive early or late, or buy a one-way ticket and walk down. 🎟️
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Waiting in the sun can be unpleasant, especially in summer. Pack a hat and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk Down
Consider walking back to Como for beautiful views and to avoid return queues. :hiking_boot:
🍕 Enjoy Summit Dining
There are restaurants at the top offering pizza and other local dishes with a view. 🍕
💧 Check Toilet Availability
Restrooms downstairs may be out of service; plan accordingly. 🚽
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Brunate, calling the funicular ride a must-do experience. However, many highlight significant queue times for both ascending and descending, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. The limited activities at the top mean the views are the primary draw, and some find the crowded funicular cars uncomfortable.
"The funicular offers stunning views across the Alps and even into Switzerland from the top, but be prepared for long queues both going up and coming down. We waited over an hour to go up, and about 45 minutes to go down. There are toilets and a small shop by the ticket booths (handy for grabbing water), but if you’re visiting in summer, bring shade — standing in the sun while waiting is unpleasant. Once at the top, there isn’t much to do unless you’ve planned a hike, so the views are the main highlight."
Joseph
"A 30 minute line up to buy tickets, but worth the wait. Views from the care were amazing. Took less than 10 minutes when it started moving. The carrages were full standing room only, but thankfully they limit the total amount of passengers. There are a few great short walks at the top, including a steep 30 minute or so walk to the lighthouse."
Aaron Stork
"It may be a bit of wait, especially in the season, but it is definitely worth it. It runs every 15 minutes and costs €3.50.
I recommend to buy one way ticket and take a lovely walk back to the town (around 40 minutes)"
Erwuwu Trzyzera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Como San Giovanni train station, you can walk to the funicular station (about 15-20 minutes) or take a local bus. Bus line 4 is often recommended, but be sure to confirm the route with locals as it can be confusing.
Parking in Como can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk to the funicular station if you're arriving by train.
Ferries are a popular and scenic way to explore Lake Como's towns. For Brunate, the funicular is the primary access point from Como city.
Yes, taxis are available in Como and can take you directly to the funicular station. However, they can be more expensive than public transport.
The funicular ride itself is about 7 minutes. However, factoring in queue times, the total journey can take significantly longer, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A one-way ticket for the Funicolare Como-Brunate typically costs around €3.50, but prices can vary. It's advisable to check the official website or ticket booth for the most current pricing.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths located at the base station of the funicular in Como. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during busy periods.
Information on discounts for children or seniors is not widely available in user reviews. It's best to inquire directly at the ticket office for any available concessions.
Yes, round-trip tickets are available. However, some travelers recommend buying a one-way ticket and walking back down to Como to enjoy the scenery and avoid return queues.
The funicular typically runs every 15 minutes. Operating hours can vary seasonally, so it's recommended to check the official schedule before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction at the top of Brunate is the breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. There are also short walking trails, including a hike to a lighthouse.
Yes, there are several walking trails. A popular one is the approximately 30-minute hike to the lighthouse, offering even more spectacular views.
The funicular ride itself can be exciting for children. The views are also impressive. However, the walking trails can be steep in places, so consider this for very young children.
The views from Brunate are spectacular, offering a sweeping panorama of Lake Como, its charming villages, and the majestic Alps.
On clear days, it is possible to see into Switzerland from the vantage points at the top of Brunate.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes at the top of Brunate. Many offer traditional Italian cuisine, including pizza, with stunning views.
You can expect typical Italian fare, with many establishments serving pizza, pasta, and local specialties. Some offer the option to enjoy these dishes while taking in the lake views.
Dining prices in Brunate can be slightly higher than in Como city, likely due to the tourist appeal and location. However, there are options to suit different budgets.
While there are restaurants, there aren't specific designated picnic areas mentioned. However, you could potentially find a spot with a view to enjoy your own packed lunch.
Yes, there are cafes at the top of Brunate where you can grab a coffee, gelato, or a light snack.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the summit are the primary photo opportunities. Capture the expansive lake, mountains, and charming villages below.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer magical lighting for photography. However, daytime offers the clearest views of the landscape.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant villages or mountains.
The viewpoints at the top, especially near the lighthouse, offer iconic shots. The funicular itself, with the lake in the background, is also a popular subject.
Yes, you can take photos from the funicular, but be aware that carriages can be crowded, and it's a short ride. The views from the top are more extensive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit