Planning some day trips from lake como to switzerland is a no-brainer when you realize how close you actually are to the border. One minute you're sipping an espresso in a sleepy Italian piazza, and forty minutes later, you're looking at price tags in Swiss Francs and noticing that the trains suddenly run exactly on time. It's one of the best things about staying in Northern Italy—you get two countries for the price of one holiday.
Because Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down 'Y', your jumping-off point matters a bit, but whether you're based in Como town, Bellagio, or Menaggio, getting into the Swiss Alps is surprisingly easy. Here are some of the best ways to spend a day across the border.
The Classic Choice: Lugano
If you only have time for one trip, Lugano is usually the winner. It's often called the "Monte Carlo of Switzerland," and honestly, it lives up to the hype. It's sitting right on Lake Lugano, and while it feels quite similar to Como in its geography, the vibe is totally different. It's cleaner, a bit more polished, and definitely more expensive—but it's beautiful.
Getting there is a breeze. If you're staying in Como city, you can hop on a train and be there in about 30 to 40 minutes. If you're in Menaggio, there's a direct bus that winds through the mountains and drops you right in the center.
Once you're there, you've got to check out Parco Ciani. It's this massive lakeside park with perfectly manicured flowers and those iconic red benches where you can just sit and stare at the water. If you're feeling active, take the funicular up to Monte Brè. It's supposedly the sunniest spot in Switzerland, and the view looking back down at the lake and the Alps is something you'll want to photograph from every angle.
Why Lugano works for everyone
Lugano is great because it doesn't require a lot of "travel stress." You don't need a mountain guide or heavy hiking boots. You can just wander the via Nassa for some high-end window shopping, grab a world-class chocolate from Laderach, and enjoy the Mediterranean-meets-Alpine atmosphere.
The Most Scenic Route: The Bernina Express
This one is a bit of a longer day, but it's arguably one of the most beautiful train rides in the entire world. To do this as one of your day trips from lake como to switzerland, you'll first need to get to Tirano, which is a town on the Italian side of the border. From Varenna, it's a direct train ride of about an hour and a half to get to Tirano.
From Tirano, you board the red Bernina Express. This isn't just a regular commute; it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train climbs up into the high Alps, passing glaciers, turquoise lakes, and massive stone viaducts. The windows are huge and panoramic, so you don't miss a thing.
Reaching St. Moritz
The train takes you all the way to St. Moritz, the playground of the rich and famous. You'll have a few hours to walk around the lake, see the fancy hotels, and maybe have a very expensive coffee before catching the train back down. Even if you aren't into "luxury" towns, the journey itself is the main event. Seeing the landscape change from palm trees in Italy to snow-capped peaks in Switzerland in just a couple of hours is pretty mind-blowing.
The Hidden Gem: Locarno and Ascona
If you head a bit further west toward Lake Maggiore, you'll find the Swiss towns of Locarno and Ascona. These are technically in the Canton of Ticino (the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland), so you won't have a language barrier if you've been practicing your "Buongiorno."
Locarno is famous for its Piazza Grande, which is massive and hosts a huge film festival every summer. But the real star is the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary. It's a bright yellow church perched on a rock overlooking the city. You can take a funicular up there, and the view is just spectacular.
Just a short bus ride or a long walk away is Ascona. It's a former fishing village turned upscale resort. The lakefront is lined with colorful houses and outdoor cafes. It feels a bit more "boutique" and intimate than Lugano. If you're looking for a romantic day trip, this is the one I'd pick.
The Castle Town: Bellinzona
For history buffs, Bellinzona is a must-visit. It's the capital of Ticino and is famous for its three medieval castles. They're actually UNESCO World Heritage sites and are some of the best-preserved fortifications in the Alps.
The best part? You can actually walk between them. Start at Castelgrande, which is right in the center of town. There are lifts to take you up, and you can walk along the high walls. If you're feeling energetic, you can hike up to the other two, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro.
Bellinzona feels a bit more "real" and less touristy than the lakeside towns. If you happen to go on a Saturday morning, there's a massive traditional market in the old town where you can buy local Swiss cheeses, cured meats, and honey. It's a great way to experience Swiss culture without the "resort" feel.
Practical Tips for Your Cross-Border Adventure
Before you head out on your day trips from lake como to switzerland, there are a few things you should keep in mind so you don't get caught out.
- Bring your passport: Even though the border is usually quite relaxed because of the Schengen Agreement, you are technically crossing into a non-EU country. Spot checks do happen, especially on the trains and buses. Don't leave your ID in your hotel safe in Bellagio!
- Currency matters: Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the Euro. While almost everywhere in Lugano or St. Moritz will take a credit card, some smaller cafes or markets might prefer Francs. Most places will take Euros in a pinch, but the exchange rate they give you will be terrible, and you'll get your change back in Francs anyway.
- The Swiss Vignette: If you're driving your own car or a rental, remember that to drive on Swiss motorways, you need a "vignette" (a toll sticker). It costs about 40 Francs and lasts for the whole year. If you're just going for one day and want to avoid this cost, set your GPS to "avoid motorways," but be prepared for some very windy (though beautiful) mountain roads.
- Data Roaming: This is a big one. Since Switzerland isn't in the EU, many "roam like at home" mobile plans don't include it. Check your plan before you cross the border, or you might end up with a massive bill just for using Google Maps for ten minutes.
Which Trip Should You Choose?
It really depends on what you're after. If you want luxury and easy shopping, go to Lugano. If you want mind-blowing mountain scenery and don't mind a lot of sitting on a train, the Bernina Express to St. Moritz is unbeatable. For history and a local vibe, Bellinzona is your best bet.
Honestly, you can't really go wrong. The contrast between the Italian "dolce vita" and the Swiss "clean and organized" lifestyle is fascinating to see in such a short distance. Just make sure you leave early in the morning—Swiss time waits for no one, and you'll want to squeeze every bit of value out of those Swiss prices!
Whether you're taking the ferry from Bellagio to catch a bus or jumping on the train from Como San Giovanni, these day trips from lake como to switzerland will likely be some of the highlights of your entire trip. Just don't forget to try the chocolate—it really is as good as they say.