How the Lake Como ferries work
The public boats are run by Navigazione Laghi, and this guide is independent of the company. The lake has three kinds of service: slower passenger boats, fast boats, and car ferries. Boat lines run from Como to Colico and from Bellagio to Lecco, with fast services alongside the slower boats. Car ferries link Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Varenna and Menaggio, and only piers marked as car ferry piers take vehicles.
The central car ferry network is the most useful part for a short trip, because it lets you cross between the west and east shores in one hop. Some guides call this area the central triangle. A day ticket for it depends on the area printed on the ticket, not on the lake as a whole, so check what yours covers.
Passenger fares by band
Prices in euros, valid from 1 April 2026.
| Band | Adult single | Child 4 to 11 single | Adult day ticket | Fast boat surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €3.00 | €1.80 | €8.00 | €1.50 |
| 2 | €4.50 | €2.30 | €11.50 | €2.00 |
| 3 | €5.50 | €2.80 | €17.50 | €3.00 |
| 4 | €8.00 | €4.00 | €18.50 | €3.50 |
| 5 | €9.50 | €4.80 | €22.50 | €4.50 |
| 6 | €12.00 | €6.00 | €27.00 | €5.00 |
| 7 | €13.50 | €6.80 | €29.50 | €5.50 |
| 8 | €14.50 | €7.30 | €32.00 | €5.50 |
Which band applies to your route is shown on the operator's route diagram, so check it before you budget. The band table is not a list of identical prices for every route. The €17.50 day ticket exists as the band 3 price and covers the area printed on it, not any trip you choose.
Lake Como ferry and boat tours
Ferry-based day trips, boat tours and villa visits, with live prices and availability.
Tickets, passes and car ferries
The ticket types and what each one allows.
Day tickets and multi-day passes
A day ticket allows unlimited rides within the area it names. A pass for unlimited travel within the issued area comes in 1-day and 6-day versions, is personal and cannot be passed on. Fast boats need the surcharge in the table, and the pass is not generally valid on night cruises.
Circular tickets
A circular ticket is a different product from a day ticket and returns you to your starting pier. Examples for adults in 2026: Como to Urio €10.40, Como to Nesso €16.70 and Lecco to Onno €11.
Car and driver
A car with driver costs €10.10 one way up to 3.50 m, €12.70 above 3.50 m up to 4.50 m and €16.80 above 4.50 m. The vehicle-only prices of €4.60, €7.20 and €11.30 apply when the driver already holds a valid passenger ticket.
Passengers in the car
Passengers in a vehicle pay band 3, which is €5.50 for adults and €2.80 for children. Do not add the driver's fare again, because it is in the car and driver price. The price list does not include a reserved space.
Buying at the pier
Arrive about 20 minutes before departure. Larger piers have ticket offices near the landing. Where there is none, buy on board. The summer timetable lists a €1 surcharge for on-board sales, which does not apply when the pier office is closed.
Discounts
Resident discounts, such as one in Lierna for 2026, require proof of residence. They are not tourist discounts.
Timetable periods and closures
Seasonal timetables, with dates.
| Period | Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | 1 July to 4 October 2026 | Do not use for winter travel |
| Autumn 2026 | 4 or 5 October to 1 November 2026 | The start is 4 or 5 October, so check the date for your trip |
| Winter | Last year: 31 October 2025 to 22 March 2026 | Check the winter 2026/27 timetable before you travel |
Travel times on the car ferry timetable for weekdays in autumn: Bellagio to Cadenabbia 10 minutes, Menaggio to Varenna 15 minutes, and Bellagio to Varenna 15 or 30 minutes depending on the run. These are not a guaranteed frequency, and weather and waves can cause cancellations.
Single piers close for maintenance from time to time. Check the operator's notices before you travel.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where the ferries lead.
Boat tours
Shared cruises, self-drive rentals and the water taxi.
Bellagio
Ferry hub on the peninsula, with Villa Melzi.
Varenna
The east-shore landing with a direct train from Milan.
Menaggio
West-shore landing on the central car ferry network.
For a regional view of lake ferries within Lombardy, see the guide to Lake Como ferries on our sister site.
Lake Como ferries: frequently asked questions
How much is a ferry on Lake Como?
An adult single costs from €3.00 in band 1 to €14.50 in band 8 in 2026. Children aged 4 to 11 pay from €1.80. Fast boats add a surcharge from €1.50 to €5.50. The route diagram shows which band applies.
Is there a day ticket for the whole lake?
No. Day tickets depend on the area they cover, and fast boats need a surcharge. The €17.50 ticket is the band 3 day price, not a pass for every route.
Can I take my car on the ferry?
Only from piers marked as car ferry piers. The central network links Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Varenna and Menaggio. A car with driver costs from €10.10 one way.
Can I buy tickets on board?
Yes, where the pier has no office. The summer timetable lists a €1 surcharge for on-board sales, which does not apply when the pier office is closed. Where there is an office, buy there.
Do the ferries run in winter?
The autumn timetable runs to 1 November 2026. The winter car ferry timetable ran from 31 October 2025 to 22 March 2026 last year. Check the 2026/27 timetable before you plan a winter trip.
Are all piers always open?
Not always. Single piers close for works from time to time. Check the operator's notices on the day you travel.