Quick Answer: The best day trips from Lake Como to Switzerland are Lugano for an easy cross-border escape, Bellinzona for castles and history, Ascona for lakeside charm, the Bernina Express for dramatic alpine scenery, and St. Moritz for a luxury mountain experience. If you only have one day, most travelers will find the best balance of ease and reward in Lugano or Bellinzona, while the Bernina Express and St. Moritz are better for a full-day adventure.
Real talk: there are some incredible day trips from Lake Como to Switzerland. If you plan to visit Lake Como for more than a few days, you should schedule a day trip. A Switzerland day trip from Lake Como is one of the easiest ways to add a second country, mountain scenery, and a fresh cultural contrast to your Italy itinerary. The key is choosing the right destination for your time, budget, and travel style.
Lake Como’s northern location offers opportunities to experience the Alps, stunning lakes, and charming towns. Here I’m sharing the five best day trips from Lake Como to Switzerland, including Lugano, Ascona, Bellinzona, the Bernina Express, and St. Moritz.
When I first visited Lake Como, I was in high school, and I was blown away that it was so close to Milan that locals would go for dinner. But when I lived in Italy, I also realized that, like many of the other Northern Italian lakes, Lake Como makes a great launching pad for exploring Italy.
Since founding Salt & Wind Travel over ten years ago, I have curated many itineraries for travelers visiting this corner of Europe. The company started with boutique group trips to Northern Italy, including Lake Como, and clients often wanted to travel from Lake Como to Switzerland while in the region.
As a team of travel planners who curate itineraries to Italy and Switzerland, we intimately know the southern Swiss and northern Italian regions. We specialize in helping clients develop personalized itineraries, and, seeing as this area checks so many boxes — local food, quality wine, history, and adventure — we work here often.
One way to explore the region is to stay in Northern Italy (say, the Italian Lakes) and do a day trip or overnight stay in Switzerland. Here, we’re sharing five unique day trips from Lake Como to Switzerland that are just as fitting for a first-time visitor as for a frequent traveler.
Best Day Trips From Lake Como At A Glance
A Lake Como to Switzerland day trip is a same-day excursion from Italy’s Lake Como region into nearby southern Switzerland, usually by train, ferry, or car. We often recommend adding a Switzerland day trip to a Lake Como itinerary because it gives travelers a second culture, different landscapes, and a fresh pace without changing hotels.
If you want the fastest option, the best scenery, or the most rewarding choice for your travel style, this quick comparison makes choosing easier.
| If You Want | Best Day Trip | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest and easiest | Lugano | Quick cross-border trip with city energy lake views and great food |
| History and culture | Bellinzona | UNESCO castles and a more local Swiss feel |
| Pretty lakeside town | Ascona | Relaxed promenade colorful streets and café culture |
| Epic scenery | Bernina Express | One of Europe's most scenic rail journeys |
| Luxury alpine vibe | St. Moritz | Glamorous mountain resort with iconic Swiss atmosphere |
| Families | Lugano | Easy logistics parks funiculars and flexible timing |
| No car | Bellinzona | Simple train access and walkable old town |
5 Day Trips from Lake Como to Switzerland
The quickest and easiest-to-access day trips from Lake Como to Switzerland are to Lugano, Ascona, and Bellinzona in the Ticino canton. This area feels Italian, not just because of its proximity to Italy but because it was controlled by the lords of Como and dukes of Milan until the Swiss took over in the 15th century.
Today, Italian influence is evident in everything from the food and language to the architecture. Alpine lakes and the Swiss Alps define the region, yet the mountains are more accessible than other parts of Switzerland. You can dine at a cafe with a view of the Alps rather than trek extensively to see them.
The Swiss love Ticino for its mild climate, laid-back vibes, and as home to the best sunsets in Switzerland. Our travel clients mostly visit this area from spring through fall because it doesn’t have the winter sports culture you’ll find in Zermatt or Saas Fee. Aside from St. Moritz, these all can be visited on an easy day trip. But we also included some of our favorite hotels if you decide to spend the night.
Lugano
Distance from Como town: About 40 minutes by train
The Vibe: The most classic day trip from Lake Como to Switzerland is a visit to Lugano. For most first-time visitors, Lugano is the smartest choice because the travel time is short and the payoff starts as soon as you arrive. Lugano is a lakeside Swiss city in the canton of Ticino known for Mediterranean flair, elegant shopping streets, and easy access from Lake Como.
This town, defined by banking, its lakefront location, and views of the nearby Alps, fulfills many Swiss stereotypes. Set on the shores of mountain-rimmed Lake Lugano, it is the largest city in the Ticino canton and the country’s third-largest banking center.
Head past the banks and modern section to explore the historic city center, which is made up of cobblestoned streets, boutiques, quaint cafes, and a lakefront promenade. The town has a bit of everything, with the historic Santa Maria degli Angioli church, art galleries, and beautiful gardens a short walk from the historic center. On a recent trip, we enjoyed a lovely meal at Osteria Trani, including a hand-cut steak tartare and their homemade lasagna.
How to Get There: You can get here by car, but the road from Como to Lugano is notorious for traffic, so a train is best. There are direct connections from Como to Lugano station, which take about 40 minutes each way.
What You Need To Know: Lugano is a luxury destination that can be expensive and gets crowded during summer.
Where to Stay: The View – This modern luxury hotel is a lovely contrast in a region with a deep history. Contact us to book the hotel with perks like a property credit of up to US$100, a room upgrade, and daily breakfast.
Bellinzona
Distance from Como town: About a one-hour train ride or drive
The Vibe: Under-the-radar Bellinzona is the least frequented of the day trips from Lake Como to Switzerland listed here. Bellinzona is one of our favorite alternatives for travelers who want something more distinctive than the usual big-name stop. Bellinzona is the capital of Ticino and is best known for its three UNESCO-listed medieval castles.
Ticino’s low-profile capital is at the junction of roads to the St. Gotthard, Lukmanier, and San Bernardino passes. Though it has fewer than 20,000 residents, Bellinzona is home to three medieval castles (Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro), all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Bellinzona is known not just for the castles but also for a lovely Saturday market, a flower-clad historic center, Renaissance churches, and piazzas brimming with cafes. If you stay the night, fellow Salt & Wind travel planner Kristen recommends you book a table at Ristorante Castelgrande, where she had a memorable fine dining experience within the castle!
How to Get There: The best way to travel from Como to Bellinzona is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and requires a change in Lugano. Driving from Como to Bellinzona offers flexibility and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Need To Know: There is not much to dislike except that it takes a while to get to, so many of our clients opt to stay overnight.
Where to Stay: Hotel La Tureta is a quaint option in the middle of town.
Ascona
Distance from Como town: About a 90-minute drive
The Vibe: One of our favorite day trips from Lake Como to Switzerland is to the colorful town of Ascona. Ascona is a resort town on Lake Maggiore known for its colorful promenade, relaxed atmosphere, and café culture.
Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Maggiore, Ascona and nearby Locarno hold the record for the most annual sunshine in Switzerland (more than 2,000 hours). Ascona tends to appeal most to travelers who care more about atmosphere than checking off major landmarks.
Ascona is known for its Mediterranean atmosphere, offering a mix of beautiful scenery, art, and culture. The town’s lakefront promenade is lined with cafes and boutiques, and the old town is a maze of narrow streets filled with medieval buildings.
An overnight stay allows you to explore the area more deeply, including boating to islands like Isola Bella, taking the funicular to Orselina, hiking the Val Verzasca, or taking a day trip to the quaint village of Corippo.
Though Ascona is adjacent to Locarno, it has a different vibe. While Locarno is more of a residential town, Ascona is more geared toward tourism and is visited mainly by Swiss-German travelers.
How to Get There: The best way to reach Ascona from Lake Como is by car, which takes about 2 hours.
Need To Know: The longer travel time makes it a fuller day trip, leaving less time to explore. Public transportation options can be limited, especially on weekends and public holidays, so many of our clients opt to stay overnight.
Where To Stay: Giardino Ascona – Lean into Ascona Mediterranean vibes at this sunny retreat with poolside restaurants and lush landscaping. Contact us to book the hotel with perks like a property credit of up to US$100, a room upgrade, and daily breakfast.
The Bernina Express
Distance from Como town: About a 2-hour drive to Tirano
The Vibe: One of the most famous ways to take a train in the Swiss mountains, the Bernina Express connects the Italian- and German-speaking regions as it runs from Tirano to Chur. The Bernina Express is a panoramic train route connecting northern Italy and Switzerland through the Alps, famous for glaciers, viaducts, and dramatic mountain scenery.
The four-hour journey is one of the most scenic train rides in the world, and the section from Thusis to Tirano is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If scenery is your top priority, this is the experience I would prioritize over almost any standard town visit.
This train journey offers unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps, traversing glaciers, mountain peaks, and beautiful alpine valleys. It’s a great way to see Switzerland’s stunning landscapes in comfort.
How to Get There: To board the Bernina Express, head to Tirano, Italy, about a two-hour drive from Lake Como. We love taking first-time visitors to Switzerland on the Bernina Express because you can see much of the country’s natural beauty in a few hours.
Need To Know: Traveling to Tirano first adds extra travel time to your day, and train tickets for the Bernina Express can be pricey. Booking in advance is essential, especially during the peak season.
St. Moritz
Distance from Como town: About 4 hours (accessed via Bernina Express)
The Vibe: The only day trip from Lake Como to Switzerland on this list that is not in the Ticino canton, St. Moritz has been a winter destination since the mid-1800s. St. Moritz is a luxury alpine resort town in the Engadin Valley known for skiing, grand hotels, and classic Swiss glamour.
St. Moritz offers luxury shopping, world-class skiing, and beautiful lakes. It also has a legit history of alpine sports, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice. St. Moritz is worth it for the right traveler, but I usually recommend it only if luxury or alpine glamour is specifically part of your goal.
It’s a great day trip for those wanting to experience high-end Swiss culture, with attractions like the Segantini Museum and the Leaning Tower, a remnant of the 12th-century church of St. Mauritius. Summer offers beautiful hiking trails and a chance to enjoy the pristine natural beauty without the ski season crowds. But, as it’s one of the most legendary ski resorts in Switzerland, the best time for winter sports is from December through March.
Whenever you go, stop at the historic Hanselmann pastry shop, which we feel has some of the best Engadine nusstorte — a classic Swiss food made with shortbread, caramel, and nuts — anywhere in the country.
How to Get There: St. Moritz can be reached from Lake Como via the Bernina Express, continuing the scenic journey. The fastest route would be to drive by car, which would take 90 minutes to 2.5 hours each way, depending on where on Lake Como you are starting.
Need To Know: St. Moritz is one of the most expensive destinations in Switzerland, and its focus on luxury may not appeal to everyone. It takes a while to get to, so many clients stay overnight.
Where To Stay: Kulm Hotel – This historic hotel is a bucket list hotel with stunning views and sprawling grounds. Contact us to book the hotel with perks like a property credit of up to US$100, a room upgrade, and daily breakfast.
Lake Como To Switzerland By Train
| Destination | Best Starting Point | Approximate Travel Time | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lugano | Como San Giovanni | 1 hour | Fastest and easiest Swiss rail trip |
| Bellinzona | Como San Giovanni | 1.5 hours | Historic destination with simple connections |
| Ascona | Como San Giovanni | 2+ hours | Best for leisurely travelers |
| Bernina Express | Tirano | Full day | World-class scenic rail journey |
| St. Moritz | Tirano | Full day | Best paired with Bernina route |
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips From Lake Como To Switzerland
Some of the best day trips from Lake Como to Switzerland include visiting the cosmopolitan city of Lugano, which offers a mix of Swiss and Mediterranean cultures, the picturesque town of Bellinzona known for its three UNESCO-listed castles, and the alpine beauty of St. Moritz, a world-renowned resort town offering stunning lake views and luxury shopping. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into Swiss culture and natural beauty, easily accessible from Lake Como.
Traveling from Lake Como to Lugano, Switzerland, is convenient by car or train. The drive takes about 1 hour, offering scenic views along the way. However, many commuters use this road so it can get clogged with traffic during rush hour.
Alternatively, direct trains from Como San Giovanni station to Lugano take approximately 40 minutes, making it a comfortable and efficient option. Remember to check the current train schedules and whether any cross-border travel documents are required.
For a day trip from Lake Como to Switzerland, pack comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a valid ID or passport for border crossing, and weather-appropriate clothing since temperatures can vary, especially if you're visiting alpine regions. Also, consider bringing Swiss Francs for expenses in Switzerland, as not all places may accept euros.
Lugano is better for most travelers because it is faster, easier, and more flexible. St. Moritz is better for travelers specifically seeking alpine luxury or iconic scenery.
Yes. Border crossings are usually straightforward, but travelers should carry a valid passport or an accepted travel document.
It can be, especially for dining and transport. Lugano and Bellinzona often feel more manageable than resort destinations like St. Moritz.
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Dive Deep Into Lake Como
Making the west or south part of beautiful Lake Como your home base is a perfect way to explore the Lombardy region of Italy and the Ticino canton of Switzerland.
We’ve already shared why Lake Como is so adored, from its gardens and villas to its rich history. From hiking and funicular rides to learning about WW2 or taking a boat ride on the lake, we have more than 14 ideas for enjoying Lake Como.
Pro Tip: If you are heading to Switzerland soon, check out our expert guide on how to plan a trip to Switzerland.
Recipes Inspired By Italy
Not heading to Italy quite yet? Here are a few of our favorite classic Italian recipes to make at home to stoke your wanderlust:
Switzerland Travel Guide
Planning to travel to Switzerland soon? Check out our free Switzerland Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles on Switzerland.
Let Us Plan Your Switzerland Day Trip
As travel planners who specialize in Italy and Switzerland, we curate many custom itineraries for travelers heading to this part of Europe. Whether you need advice on the perfect place for a day trip or help curating your whole journey, book a call, and we’ll help you with our Switzerland vacation planning services.
Photo Credit: Opening photo Oleg_P; Lugano photo by Eva Bocek; Bellinzona by Olgysha; Ascona by Roman Babakin; Bernina express by AaronChenPS2; St. Moritz by Konektus Photo
