Bellagio is known as the โPearl of Lake Comoโ for a reason. It is a remarkably charming village set directly into the fork of Lake Como, offering unmatched views across the waters and the surrounding Alps.
What is Bellagio in Lake Como known for?
Bellagio is famous as a lavish lakeside retreat in Northern Italy. Sitting on a peninsula, it gives panoramic views of the lake and mountains. It's also famed for water sports with many celebrities coming here for their vacation to enjoy boating, kayaking, or swimming in the waters.
Is there a train from Lyon to Bellagio?
There is no direct train from Lyon to Bellagio, the most common route takes almost 10 hours and costs $242 to $408. This journey requires you to transfer to a new train twice, first in Geneva and again in Milan.
How far is Bellagio from Lyon?
The distance from Lyon to Bellagio is about 322 miles (519 km). This distance can be covered most quickly by driving, which takes around 6 hours, while the travel time for public transit options is closer to 9-10 hours.
Is there a bus from Lyon to Bellagio?
There are no buses directly from Lyon to Bellagio, and the only routes available require as many as 5 transfers to new buses along the route. This journey at its fastest takes 8.5 hours and will cost $44-82.
How to get from Lyon to Bellagio?
There are a few different ways to get from Lyon to Bellagio, with the easiest option being a private driving transfer that gets you from door to door in less than 6 hours. There are no direct bus or train routes, so choosing a car service such as Daytrip offers you the easiest journey possible.
The drive from Lyon to Bellagio takes just under 6 hours, covering a distance of about 322 miles (519 km). This scenic journey through the east of France and into northern Italy culminates in mountainous Bellagio, an unmatched vantage point on the shores of Lake Como. This small, elegant town is known for its old-world cobblestone streets, terraced gardens, and romantic villas overlooking the lake.
If you choose a Daytrip private car transfer for your trip, you will have the option of stopping for sightseeing along the way. Step back in time with a visit to Vienne, a city predating the Romans, or head to the Chartreuse Cellars to learn about the โElixir of Long Lifeโ and sample the now world-famous liqueur.
With a private transfer, you can look forward to door-to-door service directly from your accommodation in Lyon to your accommodation in Bellagio, all with a friendly English-speaking driver who can provide a few local pointers along the way.
About Bellagio
After your Lyon to Bellagio transfer, you can look forward to spending time in the โPearl of Lake Como.โ Bellagio, located at the very tip of a peninsula extending into Lake Como offers some of the best views in the region, along with a range of activities for the whole family. The town is set at the point where Lake Como splits into its two branches, meaning itโs pretty hard to beat as a viewpoint.
Bellagio comprises two โlevelsโ, connected by a series of staircases that act as streets between the townโs waterfront and the upper stories along Via Garibaldi. The most prominent of these staircases is Salita Serbelloni which is lined on either side with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, all leading down to the flower-lined promenade of the waterfront.
The town offers rich cultural connections to Italyโs history, evident in the many churches, art galleries, and museums you can explore here. The architecture of Bellagio fits seamlessly into the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and lake, allowing for incredible views and many opportunities for outdoor terrace dining with a stunning backdrop of Lake Como.
Bellagio boasts a range of local shops, selling handmade wooden housewares, finely crafted silk goods, and fresh regional groceries. The town offers world-class dining and wine tasting at many of the hidden spots set into the various Salitas, making it well worth a visit for any foodiesโ trip to Italy.
A private transfer ensures your stress-free, safe arrival into this magical town, and means you can spend more time exploring.
From Lyon to Bellagio: travel tips
While planning your journey from Lyon to Bellagio, there are a couple of things to prepare for that will make your trip and your time in Italy as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Prepare for many stairs
Bellagio, like a lot of popular Italian towns, is built with an abundance of staircases to accommodate the hillside location. This is especially true in this small town where the upper and lower districts are connected primarily by the salitas (lanes entirely made up of stairs).
Make sure to pack good walking shoes, and keep in mind that large rolling suitcases might be more difficult to navigate easily than smaller bags. There is only one route between the Via Garibaldi and the lower level of Bellagio that doesnโt involve stairs, and it still requires navigating quite an incline.
### Sightsee along the way
As you leave France and enter Italy, it is certainly worth stopping to see smaller towns and historical sites you might have otherwise overlooked. For instance, consider Chambery, a tucked-away Medieval alpine city with world-class museums and art galleries displaying art from Renaissance masters. Or stop by Chartreuse Cellars to learn about the iconic herbal liqueur (and grab a bottle or two for your trip).
How to get from Lyon to Bellagio
There are a few travel options to get from Lyon to Bellagio, including trains, buses, and combinations of flights and ferries. These public transport options vary in speed and ticket cost, and may not be as direct and convenient as opting for a private driving transfer.
Train from Lyon to Bellagio
The most common train route from Lyon to Bellagio takes almost 10 hours and will require you to transfer twice to new trains, first in Geneva and then in Milan. The tickets are not cheap and can cost anywhere from $242 to $408.
### Bus from Lyon to Bellagio
As with the trains, there is not a direct bus route from Lyon to Bellagio. The average trip time is 8.5 hours and will require you to transfer 5 times, usually at these stations: Torino Bus station in Turin, Porta Susa Sud in Turin, Milan Centrale, Como S. Giovanni, and finally Como Piazza Cavour before your final journey to Bellagio Lido. This may be the cheapest option with tickets at $44-82, but the journey is complicated and can be a real hassle with luggage in tow.
### Private driver from Lyon to Bellagio
The most straightforward option for your trip from Lyon to Bellagio is to choose a private car transfer with Daytrip. Driving offers you speed that the other options canโt, getting you to Bellagio in about 5 hours. And youโll have the benefit of direct door-to-door service and assistance with your luggage on both ends of the journey (this certainly beats lugging it off and on 5 different buses, for instance).
Plus, you can enrich your experience by talking with your English-speaking driver about local culture or even stopping for sightseeing! This service starts at $206 per rider, so it can actually be cheaper than the train!
### Ferry from Lyon to Bellagio
If you absolutely must take a ferry, it is possible, but not from Lyon directly. First, you have to get from Lyon to Milan before catching a train to Saronno. From there, you will transfer to a second train bound for Como Lago. Here, you can walk to the ferry terminal for a 40-minute ride to the port in Bellagio. The journey time will be at least 9 hours and is not cheap, you can expect it to cost anywhere from $83-324 depending on bus and ferry availability. Save your money for a nice boat ride once you get to Bellagio.
Things to do when you get to Bellagio
After your Lyon to Bellagio transfer, you can partake in a range of activities in this โPearl of Lake Como.โ The natural charm of this Lake Como vantage point draws in travelers year after year and offers world-class dining, outdoor exploration amongst the mountains, and leisurely days spent by the elegant waterfront promenade.
Basilica of St. Giacomo
This catholic basilica is a rare example of intact Lombard-Romanesque architecture, complete with a gilded apse and extravagant artwork inside a relatively quaint space. This remarkable religious monument presents a unique chance to learn about Italyโs history and culture in a smaller, more accessible setting. Located on the hillside within the Piazza della Chiesa, a visit to this Basilica also allows travelers to enjoy a coffee in the small square and take in stunning views of the mountainous backdrop.
### Lungolago Europa
This iconic walkway along the waterfront is known for its abundance of flowerbeds, creating a romantic atmosphere for those lucky enough to visit in the spring and summer months. This area is rather scenic all year round, offering views across the lake of colorful autumn foliage as well as festive lights in the winter months. The area is also dotted with souvenir shops and restaurants for quick bites such as pizzas and gelato.
### Punta Spartivento
The Punta Spartivento is an observation deck extending over Lake Como on the very tip of Bellagioโs peninsula, offering uninterrupted views across the lake to the distant peaks and ridges of the surrounding Swiss Alps.
### Boat or kayak tours on Lake Como
Since you're probably coming to Bellagio because it sits on Lake Como, it is a great idea to explore this magnificent region of Italy by boat on either a guided kayak tour or a short cruise around the lake. This lets you view all of the magnificent cliffside towns and villages and get a better sense of the sheer scale of Lake Como.
When is the best time to visit Bellagio?
As you prepare for your exciting Lyon to Bellagio transfer, you may be wondering about the best time of year to visit this Lake Como village. The peak travel time for Bellagio mirrors that of the rest of Italy, with the biggest crowds arriving from June to September.
Instead, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are the best time to visit. The spring is particularly beautiful in Bellagio, as all of the flowers along the Lungolago Europa and on the many villa terraces will start to burst forth in vibrant colors. You will get to enjoy cooler weather, avoiding the regionโs hottest summer months. You'll also have better luck finding deals on flights, accommodation, and activities.
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Vienne
This river-side city predates the Romans, and its long history is proudly displayed in its many monuments.ย Overflowing with Historyย
Chartreuse Cellars
Learn the secrets of this medieval alchemical โElixir of Long Lifeโ that has become one of the worldโs premier liqueurs.ย The Secret to Long Lifeย
Chambery
Once the capital of Savoy, this hidden gem combines the serene atmosphere of an alpine village with medieval glory.ย An Italian in Franceย
Sacra di San Michele
One of the symbols of the Piedmont, this massive Romanesque monument is filled with macabre stories and odd details.ย Death and Beautyย
Basilica of Superga
High on a hill above Turin, this Classicist basilica with baroque flourishes is the final resting place of the worldโs oldest royal family.ย Super Gorgeous Viewsย
Alfa Romeo Museum
This historic car makerโs museum in its former factory is a delight for car lovers, and those who appreciate a slice of Italian culture.ย First Loveย
