Budget-Friendly Lake Como Itinerary
Explore the beauty of Lake Como without breaking the bank. Complete day trip itinerary for under €80 per person.
Total Estimated Cost: €60-80
This budget-friendly itinerary covers transportation, meals, and activities for a full day at Lake Como. With smart planning and local tips, you can experience the magic of this Italian lake district affordably.
Detailed Day Itinerary
8:00 AM - Depart Milan Centrale
€9.80Take the regional train to Como San Giovanni. Book in advance for best prices.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Buy tickets online to avoid queues
- • Regional trains are cheaper than high-speed
9:00 AM - Arrive Como & Walk to Lake
Free15-minute walk from station to Como city center and lakefront. Enjoy free views of the cathedral.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Stop at Como Cathedral (free entry)
- • Walk along Via Vittorio Emanuele II
9:30 AM - Explore Como Historic Center
FreeWander through medieval streets, visit Piazza del Duomo, and admire historic architecture.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Free walking tour maps available at tourist office
- • Early morning has fewer crowds
11:00 AM - Ferry to Bellagio
€11.60Take the public ferry to Bellagio (1 hour journey). Enjoy stunning lake views during the trip.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Sit on upper deck for best views
- • Ferry ticket includes multiple stops
12:30 PM - Explore Bellagio
FreeWalk through charming cobblestone streets, visit Villa Melzi gardens entrance (free area), and enjoy lakefront views.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Free areas of Villa Melzi gardens
- • Pack a picnic to save on lunch costs
1:30 PM - Lunch Break
€8-12Enjoy affordable lunch at local trattorias or grab pizza al taglio from bakeries.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Look for 'menu del giorno' (daily menu)
- • Avoid restaurants directly on the water
3:00 PM - Ferry to Varenna
€4.60Short ferry ride to charming Varenna village. One of the most photogenic spots on the lake.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Walk to Castello di Vezio for panoramic views (€4)
- • Free lakefront promenade
4:00 PM - Explore Varenna
FreeWalk through the romantic village, visit the lakefront promenade, and enjoy free viewpoints.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Climb to upper village for free lake views
- • Visit local church (free entry)
5:30 PM - Return Journey
€13.20Take ferry back to Como, then train to Milan. Consider regional train for savings.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Check last train times
- • Buy return tickets in advance
Budget Breakdown
Transportation
- Milan-Como train (return)€19.60
- Como-Bellagio ferry€11.60
- Bellagio-Varenna ferry€4.60
- Varenna-Como ferry€11.60
Food & Drinks
- Breakfast in Milan€3-5
- Lunch in Bellagio€8-12
- Coffee/snacks€5-8
Activities
- Sightseeing & walkingFree
- Church visitsFree
- Lakefront accessFree
- Villa Melzi gardens (optional)€6.50
Additional Money-Saving Tips
Transportation
- • Buy train tickets online in advance
- • Use regional trains instead of high-speed
- • Consider ferry day passes for multiple trips
- • Walk between nearby towns when possible
Food & Activities
- • Pack snacks and water from Milan
- • Eat at local bars instead of tourist restaurants
- • Look for free walking tours and maps
- • Visit free areas of paid attractions