Why I Always Rent a Car in Lake Como (And You Should Too)

Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m probably a little biased when it comes to renting a car in Italy. For me, it’s all about the freedom.

Twelve years ago, we met a couple at Il Perlo who had such a disastrous car rental experience at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) that they swore off it for good. Every year since they fly into Charles de Gaulle and drive eight hours to Bellagio. Yes, really. And if you heard their story, you might be tempted to avoid renting, too.

But here’s the thing: after more than 20 plus car rentals in Italy, I can say with confidence—it’s easy. So easy that when my sister traveled to Italy with friends, she rented the car and did all the driving (and she’s not usually the “designated driver” type).

So if you’re on the fence, let me help with that. Here are my top five reasons why renting a car in Lake Como is 100% worth it:

1. Total Freedom

Lake Como isn’t just one village—it’s a string of charming towns, villas, viewpoints, and hidden gems that you’ll definitely want to explore. A car gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, take spontaneous detours, and do day trips you’d never attempt otherwise. Even Monaco is only a four-hour drive. Rent a Car in Lake Como for the total freedom.

2. Car Ferries Make Life Easy

Getting around the lake is surprisingly simple with a car. Ferries connect key towns like Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia, and they welcome vehicles on board. You can hop from one side of the lake to another in no time—without backtracking or relying on public transport schedules.

3. Convenient Pick-Up at Malpensa

If you’re flying into Milan Malpensa, the good news is that most rental companies are located inside Terminal 1. No shuttle buses or airport trams to deal with—you walk out of arrivals and go straight to the rental counter.
Easy peasy.

4. No Ubers, Just Expensive Transfers

Here’s something most first-time visitors don’t realize: there are no Ubers in Lake Como. Private transfers are your only alternative, and they’re pricey. A one-way ride from MXP to Bellagio can easily cost €250. Meanwhile, a weekly car rental? Around €350. That’s a no-brainer if you ask me.

5. The Drive Is Absolutely Gorgeous

Driving along the lake, especially at golden hour, is an experience in itself. Picture winding roads hugged by cliffs, glittering water, and sleepy villages perched on the shore. Whether you’re headed north toward Switzerland or cruising up one of the lake’s “legs,” it’s pure magic.

Pro Tips of Rent a Car in Lake Como

Navigating the Toll Roads

Lake Como is less than 40 miles from the Swiss border, and day trips there and other Italian cities are easy. The Italian toll roads are well-maintained, well-marked, and (in my opinion) more interesting than their American counterparts.

Just one piece of advice: always use the “carte” lane at toll booths. That’s the one for credit cards. Don’t—like I once did—accidentally end up in the electronic pass lane without a pass. Let’s just say it involved a confused toll agent, a language barrier, and a very awkward 10-minute delay. Lesson learned!

When it’s time to exit and pay the toll, insert your ticket and then your credit card. Smooth sailing.

Navigating the Rental Car Sites

When renting from MXP, if you’re not already, sign up to be preferred to avoid slow and sometimes long lines. Pay attention to the type of car you’re renting. Manuals are popular (and cheaper), making it easy to select by mistake. If you’re not a Grand Prix driver, I’d recommend an automatic to more easily make the tight turns on steep roads. Before you drive off in your car, take pictures of any existing damage (which there usually is). Most likely, it’s been documented – you can ask – but to save time, assume it has been and take photos just in case. I use AVIS, but the other big names are there, too.

Navigating Buses and Cyclists

As you get closer to towns around the lake, it’s a two-lane road, barely. We pull our mirrors in; you don’t need them and allow some breathing room between you and the rock formations or you and other vehicles. There are places to pull over if you find yourself in front of an impatient, experienced Como driver – put your signal on – and move over when it’s possible. If you see a bus or large truck heading toward you, try to find a more spacious part of the road and stop to let them through. Cyclists have the right away, and if they’re on the road, they are used to driving with cars.

Navigating Gas Stations

Yes, fueling up requires a pro tip. All stations take credit cards. However, I’ve found that most require a pin. If you’re like me, I don’t know the pin to my credit card. So, to avoid the hassle, I use my debit card, and it works like a charm. There is usually the ability to have the prompts in English; I’d use it. From an economic point of view, the Italian cars are quite efficient, and even with all of our day trips, we usually only need to fill up once during the week, and once before returning to the airport.

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth renting a car in Lake Como, my answer is a definite yes. It’s the best way to see more, do more, and experience Italy on your own terms. Il Perlo offers free parking and free charging if you choose an EV, making it even easier.

Have questions or want to hear about some of our favorite day trips? Stay tuned—I’ll cover those in a future post!

Discovering Lake Como