At first glance the ferry system can seem quite daunting. So I have included a little guide (how ferries operate on Lake Como and how to get tickets) to speed up your travels.
🚤 HOW FERRIES OPERATE ON LAKE COMO
Lake Como has a well-organized public ferry system run by Navigazione Laghi, connecting dozens of lakeside towns—great for sightseeing and local transport.
🔄 Types of Ferry Services:
There are three main types of boats:
Battello (Regular Passenger Ferry)
Slower, scenic, stops at many ports.
Ideal for relaxing sightseeing trips.
Motonave (Large Ferry Boat)
Comfortable, large-capacity boats with upper decks and cafes.
Great for longer routes like Lenno → Varenna → Dervio.
Aliscafo (Hydrofoil / Fast Service)
Faster service, fewer stops. Reservation recommended.
Not ideal if you're hopping on/off.
Car Ferry (Traghetto Auto)
Only on specific routes (like Bellagio–Cadenabbia–Varenna).
You can take a car across the lake (extra ticket fee).
đź•‘ Schedules (Timetables)
Seasonal: There are different schedules for spring, summer, fall, and holidays.
Weekdays vs. Holidays: Weekday (feriali) service may differ from weekend/holiday (festivi).
Plan with transfers: Some towns (like Lenno) don’t have direct returns late at night—plan to connect via nearby towns (e.g., Cadenabbia).
🎫 HOW TO GET FERRY TICKETS
âś… Buy Tickets In Person
Ticket offices are available at major ports (Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Lenno).
Look for signs that say "Biglietteria Navigazione Laghi".
Staff usually speak some English.
âś… Buy Tickets Online (Limited availability)
Works best for high-speed routes or longer-distance travel.
NOTE: Not all local, slow ferries are bookable online. Walk-up is often easiest.
âś… Buy Onboard (If No Office at Dock)
Smaller docks may not have ticket booths.
You can pay the crew directly on the boat (bring cash or card).
There’s a small surcharge for onboard purchases (€1).
đź’ˇ PRO TIPS
Round-Trip (Andata e Ritorno): Buy a return ticket to save time.
Multi-Stop Tickets: Get a “Free Circulation” ticket for unlimited rides in a specific zone (great for triangle towns like Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio).
Arrive early: Especially in high season, lines can form quickly.
Sit up top for the views! Some boats have indoor seating and outdoor decks.
📍Your Situation: Lenno ↔ Varenna
From Lenno, catch a daily ferry to Varenna (via Bellagio or directly). The most direct route is to travel from Lenno to Varenna by leaving at 2:10pm and arrive to Varenna at 3:30pm. You can take a taxi to Cadenabbia (6 min) from Lenno to catch the 3:20pm ferry to arrive at Varenna at 3:50pm.
Return in the evening by ferry after 7pm to Cadenabbia and take a short taxi or drive back to Lenno.
