Lake Como by Motorcycle: The Perfect Day Trip from Milan

Thirty minutes. That's roughly what separates our base, near Milan, from the first curves along the shores of Lake Como — one of the most beautiful places on earth. You pick up the bike in the morning, put on your helmet and, before your coffee even goes cold, you already feel the wind on your chest and the blue lake on your right, more stunning than any photo. That's the secret few travelers know: Como doesn't need a whole week. It fits, whole and unforgettable, into a single day on two wheels.
If you want to ride in Italy but you're short on time, Lake Como by motorcycle is the ideal day trip from Milan. In this guide you'll learn why Como wins riders over, how to plan the perfect day hour by hour, which three stretches you can't miss, where to stop and what to pack — all with the ease of picking up the bike right next to the lake and returning it the same day. Rider-to-rider information, made for anyone who dreams of the Alps and the lakes of Lombardy.

Why Lake Como is special for motorcyclists
Como has 146 kilometers of shoreline. The roads that hug it are narrow, winding and dotted with medieval villages, gardens suspended over the water and cafés where time seems to stand still. The SS340, known as the Regina, runs along the western shore and is considered one of the most cinematic roads in Europe — no surprise it has featured in Hollywood films and luxury-brand campaigns.
For riders, Lake Como offers the perfect balance: enough curves to keep you engaged, scenery that justifies every stop, and a tourist infrastructure that makes the trip easy without stealing the thrill of discovery. And, being just minutes from Milan and Malpensa Airport, it's the easiest destination to fit in when you only have one free day.

A one-day trip: how to plan the perfect day
Como's greatest advantage is how close it is. With Moretto's base near Milan — close to Malpensa Airport and just minutes from the lake via the Cantù area — you can enjoy a full day on two wheels without rushing. Here's an itinerary that works well:

Morning
Pick up the bike early, with the paperwork already sorted. Take the A8/A9 toward Como: a few quick, smooth kilometers of motorway. When the GPS shows the Como Sud exit, the city opens up before you with the lake behind it and the Alps on the horizon. Save the morning for the western shore, the most scenic one.

Midday
Have lunch in one of the lakeside villages — Tremezzo, Menaggio or Varenna are safe bets. After lunch, take on the ferry crossing, the highlight of the day for any rider.

Afternoon
Head back along the eastern shore or ride up to Bellagio before returning. Leaving the lake in the late afternoon, you reach the base in good time to return the bike the same day — or, if the urge to keep going hits, push on toward the Alps the next morning.

The three stretches you can't leave out
Stretch 1 — Como to Tremezzo on the SS340 (western shore): the most famous and most beautiful stretch. The road sometimes runs through tunnels carved into the rock, sometimes flirts with the lake just centimeters from the railing. In Cernobbio, stop to photograph Villa d'Este. In Argegno, take the funicular up to Pigra — the view from up there is breathtaking. Tremezzo is home to Villa Carlotta, with gardens that bloom from March to October.
Stretch 2 — The ferry crossing to Varenna: in Menaggio, roll the bike onto the ferry (traghetto) and cross the lake to Varenna. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and costs just a few euros. Varenna is Como's best-kept secret — colorful alleys, the lake reflected in the windows and Castello di Vezio on top of the hill. Don't miss it.
Stretch 3 — Varenna to Lecco on the SS36: the eastern shore is quieter and has a different charm. The SS36 runs closer to the mountains, with smaller villages and less traffic. Lecco, at the southern tip of the eastern branch, is the town of Alessandro Manzoni and makes for a relaxed lunch if you reverse the itinerary.

Bellagio: the central spot everyone wants to see
Bellagio sits on the tip of the promontory that splits the lake into two branches. It's known as the pearl of Como and, for that reason, also the most touristy spot — especially in July and August. If you go in summer, arrive early (before 9 a.m.) to find motorcycle parking and enjoy the streets before the crowds.
The Salita Serbelloni funicular, the gardens of Villa Melzi, the gelato from the local shop — Bellagio is the kind of place you plan to visit in two hours and end up staying much longer.

Practical tips for the trip
• Best time to go: May to October. April can be cold but the blossoms are gorgeous. July and August are the busiest — set off early to catch emptier roads.
• Parking: in most villages, motorcycles park for free or at a reduced rate. Look for the zones marked in blue.
• Fuel: fill up before joining the SS340 — gas stations are scarce along the lake. Menaggio and Lecco have convenient options.
• Tolls: the A8/A9 charges a motorcycle toll that's lower than for cars. Carry euros in cash or an international card.
• Speed and historic centers: the SS340 has stretches limited to 40-50 km/h with fixed cameras, and the region's towns have ZTL zones and 30 km/h areas. These rules change often and vary from town to town — always check beforehand and, when in doubt, skirt the center.

From the lake to the world: Como as a starting point
One of the things that most surprises riders arriving at Lake Como is realizing it isn't an isolated destination — it's a gateway. From the city of Como, Switzerland is just a few kilometers away. In under an hour you're in the mountains of the Graubünden canton; in two hours, at the Maloja Pass or near the Austrian border. Como is where it all begins.
Moretto Moto Rental sits right at that strategic point — between Milan, the lakes and the Alps — so you can turn a one-day trip into the first chapter of a longer journey whenever you like. English-speaking support throughout the trip and bikes ready for any road in Europe.

Renting the bike right by Como: the Moretto advantage
What makes the day trip work is the logistics. Picking up the bike near Milan and Malpensa Airport, with the base just minutes from the lake, means more time on the road and less time getting there. The bike goes out with its paperwork in order and ready to travel, and support follows you from check-in to drop-off.
Whether it's a single day on Como or using the lake as a springboard toward the Alps and the Dolomites, renting from people who know the region takes the weight of planning off your shoulders. The only thing left for you is the road.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can you see Lake Como by motorcycle in one day?
Yes. With the base just minutes from the lake, you can set off in the morning, ride the western shore, take the ferry across to Varenna, pass through Bellagio and return the bike the same day. To explore at a slower pace, two days are even better.

How long from Milan to Lake Como by motorcycle?
From the Milan area and Malpensa Airport it's about 30 to 50 minutes to the first shores of the lake via the A8/A9. It's one of the closest, easiest riding destinations in Lombardy.

Do I need to worry about ZTL zones at Lake Como?
The region's towns have ZTL zones and 30 km/h areas, and these rules change often. For a day trip, the simplest approach is to park the bike on the outskirts and explore the villages on foot; when in doubt, check each town's current rules before entering.

What's the best time of year for this route?
May to October, with late spring and early autumn as the sweet spots, when the weather is good and there's less traffic than at the peak of July and August.

What are you waiting for?
Lake Como by motorcycle is an experience that stays with you forever. The first curve of the SS340 with the lake appearing between the cypresses, the Menaggio ferry with your bike on deck, the coffee in Varenna looking out at the mountains — these are moments no photo truly captures. You have to live them.
If you're planning your motorcycle trip through Italy, start with Como — and start with people who know the way. Visit www.morettomoto.com, reach us at rent@morettomoto.com or call +39 345 159 6259, and put your wheels on the road.

Important notice: this content is for information only. Distances, times, ferry and toll fares, opening hours and traffic rules (ZTL zones and 30 km/h areas) can change often and vary from town to town. Before you travel, always check official sources and confirm your trip details with Moretto Moto Rental.