Navigazione Laghi Ferry Terminal
Navigate the stunning Lake Como by ferry, connecting charming villages and iconic villas with breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Navigazione Laghi Ferry Terminal
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Navigate the stunning Lake Como by ferry, connecting charming villages and iconic villas with breathtaking views.
"Expect long queues and potential disorganization, but the scenic ferry rides are a quintessential Lake Como experience."
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Essential for peak times to avoid 2-3 hour queues! #lakecomotravel
⏰ Arrive Early for Boarding
Even with tickets, lines can form. Aim to be at the terminal well before departure.
Quick Facts
Rating
3.6 · 89 reviews
Type
Ferry Service
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Lake Como Views
Glide across the shimmering waters, taking in breathtaking views of elegant villas and charming lakeside towns.
Island Hopping Charm
Hop between picturesque villages like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, each with its unique character.
Nesso Waterfall
Witness the dramatic Orrido di Nesso waterfall cascading into the lake, a truly magical sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Plan Your Ferry Trip
Ferry Service Realities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Essential for peak times to avoid 2-3 hour queues! +1 #lakecomotravel
⏰ Arrive Early for Boarding
Even with tickets, lines can form. Aim to be at the terminal well before departure.
💧 Check Ferry Schedules
Schedules can change, and services may be delayed. #lakecomoboat
💰 Consider Bike Transport Costs
Be aware of extra charges for bikes, which can be high on some routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Essential for peak times to avoid 2-3 hour queues! +1 #lakecomotravel
⏰ Arrive Early for Boarding
Even with tickets, lines can form. Aim to be at the terminal well before departure.
💧 Check Ferry Schedules
Schedules can change, and services may be delayed. #lakecomoboat
💰 Consider Bike Transport Costs
Be aware of extra charges for bikes, which can be high on some routes.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty; offline maps are a lifesaver. #lakecomotips
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between towns and waiting in lines. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense on the water. Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Navigazione Laghi ferry service on Lake Como is a mixed bag. While it offers stunning views and access to beautiful towns, many visitors report significant issues with disorganization, long queues, overbooking, and poor customer service. Improvements are urgently needed in crowd management and operational efficiency. +3
"A horrible poor service. People at the entrance of the Ship without any education and not prepared to receive tourists. Inside of the ship to go to bellagio from Come “18” no restrooms for handicap or for baby change. When I asked how to travel 3 hours in a ship without any place for change baby, a worked inside suggest to change baby in front of everybody 💩💩💩 so you can imagine the super service of this kind of ships.🛳️ NO RESPECT WITH PEOPLE"
Pedro
"We arrived early to buy tickets and faced a huge line. After waiting over an hour, we finally got tickets for the noon boat. At 11:30, after another long wait, we were told it was overbooked and we had to wait until 3:20 pm. Under scorching sun, with elderly people in line, we ended up wasting more than three hours. Staff didn’t care, gave contradictory information, and the whole process seemed routine for them. Terrible experience – this company urgently needs serious improvements."
Paula Halfeld
"Be aware that during peak periods the wait in Como for a ferry ticket can be 2-3 hours, even arriving early in the morning. Crowd management is so poor and there is no way to avoid lining up for the ferry unless you are able to secure a ticket online before they sell out. The self serving ticket machine which doesn’t provide services to Bellagio or Varenna was out of service.
The customer service once you finally get to the window after waiting in line for hours is very average and unhelpful, just adding to the disappointment. There needs to be serious improvements to Como’s transportation services."
Tess Calder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by train from Milan Cadorna or Milano Centrale stations to Como Nord Lago or Varenna-Esino. The journey takes about 40-60 minutes. Some travelers opt for a train to Lecco and then a bus or ferry.
Yes, the Navigazione Laghi ferry service operates frequent routes between Como, Bellagio, and other lakeside towns. +1
Yes, you can take bikes on some ferries, but there are additional costs. Reviewers note that these charges can be high, especially on certain routes.
While trains are more common and generally recommended, some bus routes connect to the Lake Como region, particularly from nearby towns.
Travel times vary depending on the route and whether you take a fast ferry or a slower, more scenic one. A trip from Como to Bellagio can take around 1.5 to 2 hours on a slower ferry.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminals in towns like Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. Be prepared for long queues, especially during peak season. +1 Some self-service machines may not be operational or cover all destinations.
While online booking options are limited and can sell out quickly, it's worth checking the official Navigazione Laghi website for any available advance purchase options. +1
Ticket prices vary based on the distance and type of ferry (fast vs. slow). A one-way ticket from Como to Bellagio can range from €10-€20.
Yes, there are slower, more scenic ferries that stop at multiple villages and faster hydrofoils that make fewer stops.
Ferries typically run from early morning until late evening, but schedules can vary by season and route. It's best to check the latest timetable at the terminal or online.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors recommend using the public ferries to explore the lake and its charming towns. +1 Private boat tours are also a popular, albeit more expensive, option for a personalized experience.
+1
Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio are consistently highlighted as must-visit towns for their beauty and atmosphere.
Some ferries have restrooms, but reviewers have noted that facilities can be limited, especially on older vessels or shorter routes.
Yes, swimming is possible in designated areas, and some brave souls even jump off bridges into the lake near Nesso.
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water, and snacks are recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The ferry itself offers fantastic vantage points for capturing villas and the lake's expanse. Towns like Varenna and Bellagio provide picturesque streets and waterfronts.
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of Lake Como.
Some private boat tours offer drone coverage, or you can hire a local photographer for professional shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant villas.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of private property and respect the privacy of residents and other tourists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit