Driving from Milan to Lake Como is a great way to start your visit: door-to-door, at your own pace, with plenty of room for luggage. With a little planning around timing and parking, the drive from Milan to Como by car is easy and enjoyable. We welcome drivers at our tourist centre every day, and these are the tips we share with them.
Should You Drive to Lake Como?
A car is essential if you are staying in a lake village. If your hotel or villa is in Tremezzo, Menaggio, Argegno, Bellagio or any of the smaller towns along the shore, a car makes life much easier. You can manage without one, but you will be tied to bus and ferry timetables, and both can get very crowded. Travelling early in the morning or late in the evening gives you the best chance of finding space.
If you are staying in Como for a few days, you may be better off without a car, especially if you would rather avoid waiting for public transport or queuing for ferries. Once you are in town, most of what you came for is walkable, and the lake is easy to explore by private tour, boat rental, or even a rented scooter for short trips along the shore.
From October to March, driving makes a lot of sense. Roads are quieter, parking is easier, and with boats running less frequently, a car gives you more flexibility.
From April to September, it is worth planning ahead, especially on weekends.
Best Time to Drive from Milan to Como
Como is a straightforward drive from Milan on the A9 motorway, usually around 50 minutes. Choosing the right time to leave makes the trip smoother:
- Weekdays are generally easy, particularly before 8am or after 10am.
- On weekends and in summer, setting off early in the morning lets you arrive relaxed and park without fuss.
- For the return, leaving Como before mid-afternoon on Sundays, or after dinner, makes for an easier drive back to Milan.
- On bank holidays and long weekends, an early start is the best way to make the most of your day.
Match Days and Events in Como
Como 1907 plays its home matches at Stadio Sinigaglia, right on the lakefront, close to the main central car parks. The city also hosts sporting events throughout the year, such as the Il Lombardia cycling classic and regattas on the lake. On match days traffic around the lakefront increases, and some events involve temporary road closures in and around the city. A quick look at the Como 1907 fixture list and the local event calendar before you leave helps you plan your route and parking.
Where to Park in Como
Heading straight to a car park is the easiest way to start your visit. The most convenient options for parking in Como near the historic centre and lakefront are:
- Parcheggio Centro Lago (Via Sant’Elia) — covered, close to the lakefront and Tempio Voltiano. It is next to the stadium, so on match days one of the other car parks may be a better choice.
- Autosilo Valduce (Viale Lecco) — a large multi-storey car park next to the old town walls, a short walk from the centre.
- Autosilo Auguadri (Via Auguadri) — the large municipal car park, a few minutes on foot from the centre.
On weekends and in summer, arriving in the morning makes finding a space much easier.
Check the line colours if you park on the street: blue means paid, white means free (sometimes time-limited), yellow is reserved.
Como ZTL and Driving Rules in Italy
Como’s historic centre is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), marked by Zona a Traffico Limitato signs and monitored by cameras. Unauthorised entry results in a fine, usually sent through your rental company. The easiest approach is to park in one of the car parks above and walk in. If your hotel is inside the ZTL, ask them in advance to register your plate.
Other rules: headlights on outside built-up areas, even during the day; blood alcohol limit 0.5 (lower for new drivers); speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 110 on dual carriageways, 90 on rural roads and 50 in towns.
Driving Around Lake Como: Western vs Eastern Shore
The western shore (Cernobbio, Argegno, Tremezzo, Menaggio) runs along the SS340: a beautiful lakeside road, narrow in places, with limited parking in each village.
The eastern shore (Bellagio, Varenna) is reached via the SS583 or the car ferry. Parking in Bellagio and Varenna is limited, and the road is winding but scenic.
Many visitors choose to park in Como and continue by private taxi boat: faster, more scenic, and no parking to think about at the other end.
Driving Back to Milan or Malpensa
The return follows the same A9 route. On Sundays, an early or late departure makes for the smoothest drive. If you are flying from Malpensa, leave some extra time and consider heading directly toward the airport rather than going back through Milan.
Bespoke Lake Como Experiences
Getting to Como is only the beginning. Many of the lake’s most beautiful villas, gardens and villages are best discovered from the water, and the right plan makes all the difference between a busy day and a memorable one.
As a local tour operator, Lake Como Tourist Center specialises in bespoke experiences on and around the lake. Our team offers tailored advice and personalised travel proposals: private boat tours, taxi boat transfers, boat rentals, villa visits and full itineraries designed around your interests, your schedule and the season.
You are welcome to visit us at Via Borgo Vico 62, Como, a short walk from the lakefront. If you prefer to plan ahead, we are equally happy to assist you online before your trip, so that everything is in place by the time you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Milan to Lake Como? The drive from Milan to Como takes around 50 minutes on the A9 motorway, depending on traffic and time of day.
Where is the best place to park in Como? Parcheggio Centro Lago, Autosilo Valduce and Autosilo Auguadri are the most convenient car parks for the historic centre and lakefront.
Can I drive into Como’s historic centre? The historic centre is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) monitored by cameras. Only authorised vehicles can enter, so it is best to park outside and walk in. Hotels inside the ZTL can register your plate in advance.
Do I need a car at Lake Como? If you are staying in a lake village, a car is very useful. If you are based in Como, you can comfortably explore the town on foot and the lake by boat or private tour.
When is the best time to drive to Lake Como? Weekdays and the months from October to March are the most relaxed. On summer weekends, an early morning start makes the trip much easier.