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Find competitive rental car prices in Lake Como with Road Genius. Check rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare car rentals in Como city near San Giovanni station or at Milan Malpensa or Milan Linate for larger fleets and longer opening hours. Choose a compact car for narrow lakeside roads, and book early in summer when demand is high.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Como City | • No airport surcharge • Convenient if arriving by train • Walking distance from Como San Giovanni station |
• Limited business hours • Often closed midday and Sundays • Smaller vehicle selection • Limited after-hours service |
| Milan Airports | • Largest vehicle selection • Extended hours • More competitive rates • Major international brands |
• 30-90 minute drive to Lake Como • Airport surcharge (approximately 16%) • Need to navigate to Lake Como upon arrival |
Rental Companies in Como
Getting to Como Without a Car
One-Way Rental Options
Rental Demand
On average, car rentals in Lake Como cost around €81 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €11 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Milan airports often have lower base rates and more choice, but add ~16% airport surcharge. If you arrive by train, a Como city pickup can be cheaper overall.
Flex dates and times: Shift to weekday pickups/returns and tweak times to avoid an extra hire day. Weekend demand around Lake Como is higher.
Choose a compact manual. Smaller cars are cheaper and easier to park in villages. Manuals cost less than automatics, and diesel sips fuel on lake roads.
Book by season, not always early: Jul–Aug book 2–3 months ahead. Apr–May and Sep–Oct, 2–3 weeks is fine. Winter often cheapest 1–2 weeks out.
Cut on-the-ground costs: Return full to avoid refuelling fees. Use the park-and-ferry trick—park in Varenna or above Bellagio (free cemetery area) and ferry as a foot passenger to save on car ferry and parking.
Compare one-ways: Within Italy, drop fees are usually €50–100. Quotes can vary by direction, and Malpensa → Como often prices better than the reverse. If pricey, consider the train for the onward leg.
Como City Car Parks:
| Location | Type | Approx. Cost | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Lago | Paid car park | Paid hourly | Near lake train station, very central |
| Via Castelnuovo | Car park structure | Paid hourly | North of center, used by commuters |
| Porta Torre | Paid car park | Paid hourly | Near old city wall (Via Auguradri) |
| Viale Varese/Lecco | Street parking | Paid hourly | Outside walls, some free periods on evenings/Sundays |
| Autosilo Val Mulini | Car park structure | Paid hourly | Large structure north of center |
Village Car Park Tips:
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones):
Border Crossing:
Book a rental car so you can visit:
Western shore towns – Cernobbio, Argegno, Tremezzo, Menaggio, Villa Carlotta
Eastern shore villages – Lecco, Mandello del Lario, Lierna, Varenna
Mid-lake triangle – Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, car ferry
Mountain viewpoints – Brunate, Piano Rancio
Complete lake circuit – Como, Colico, Lecco
Lugano (Switzerland)
Which side of Lake Como is better for driving? You can enjoy scenic drives on both shores, but the eastern shore (Lecco to Varenna) usually has wider roads and less traffic than the western shore (Como to Menaggio). You'll find more villas and attractions on the western shore, but the roads are narrower in some spots.
How long does it take to drive around the entire lake? It takes about 3-4 hours to drive the full 160 km (99 miles) loop if you don't stop. If you add sightseeing, photo stops and meals, you should plan for a full day (8-10 hours). You could also split the drive over two days for a more relaxed trip.
Is it difficult to find parking in popular towns like Bellagio? Yes, you'll find it very hard to get a park in the busy season (June-August), especially in the middle of the day. You should arrive before 9:00 AM for the best chance. You could also park in a larger town and use the ferry to get around. Some towns have extra parking a little outside the town center.
Can I drive directly to attractions like Villa Balbianello? No, you can't drive directly to many villas and attractions. For Villa Balbianello, you need to park in Lenno. From there, you can either walk for 20 minutes or take a shuttle boat. You should always check the parking situation for major attractions before you go.
Should I take my car on the ferry or leave it and go as a foot passenger? For most day trips, it's cheaper to go as a foot passenger and you won't have to worry about parking. You'll find the car ferry is most useful if you're moving to a new hotel on the other side of the lake or if you want to drive around the whole lake in a short amount of time.
Are there any roads I should avoid? The narrowest and most challenging parts are on the western shore between Argegno and Menaggio and the road to Bellagio along the peninsula. If you're not an experienced driver, you might find these roads stressful when there's a lot of traffic.
Do I need special insurance to drive to Switzerland from Lake Como? No, the insurance from most Italian car rental companies will also cover you in Switzerland, so you don't need to pay extra. Just make sure you tell the rental company you plan to cross the border. Remember that to drive on Swiss highways, you need to buy a sticker called a vignette. You can get one at the border for about 40 CHF.
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