Lake Como Ferry
The ferry service is the best way to travel around Lake Como. Many residents as well as tourists use this method of transport to avoid being stuck in traffic jams, especially in the summer months. The ferries not only cater for passengers but some are able to accommodate your car. Taking the ferry is an enjoyable and relaxing way to visit the towns and villages around the lake.
Battelli (Passenger Ferry)
Operates from numerous lakeside towns and villages. It may be possible for cyclists to use the passenger ferry but this is at the discretion of the captain and whether or not there is space to store your bicycle.
Traghetti (Car Ferry)
Only operates from the towns of Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio and Cadenabbia. The car ferry can accommodate over 20 vehicles including; vans, lorries, coaches, motorbikes, bicycles as well as cars. You are also allowed to take dogs onto the ferry. They run on a fairly regular basis but can be extremely busy in the summer months so you may spend a bit of time waiting in a queue.
Aliscafi (Hydrofoils)
Are equally cheap and they connect Como and Lecco with many stops in between. The summer cruise trips leave every day of the week from Colico. Departures are from around 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. In summer, a pleasant alternative is offered by the night-time cruises with on-board dancing, leaving from Como, and from Colico, Domaso, Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, Lecco.
Please note that fares vary considerably depending on which type of ferry you are opting for and whether or not it is a one-way or return ticket that you buy (sola andata/one way or andata e ritorno/return .) There are also other tickets that you can buy; a one day pass, 6 day pass and circular ticket where you can hop on and off the ferry at stops in between, please see the link for further information on timetables etc.