Comparison · Lake Como vs Lucerne · Italy / Switzerland
Lake Como vs Lucerne
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Luca Casartelli, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Lake Como for Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio; choose Lucerne for Kapellbrücke, Lake Lucerne steamers and nightlife. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 139 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 139 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Lake Como
- April–June and September
- Best time for Lucerne
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Lake Como | Lucerne | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Italy | Switzerland |
| Known for | Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio and Villa Carlotta | Kapellbrücke, Lake Lucerne steamers and Mount Pilatus |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $220–$400 | $250–$420 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 7°C (45°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | MXP, LIN, BGY | ZRH, BSL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Lake Como for…
Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio. Lake Como is a deep, narrow glacial lake about 50 km north of Milan, shaped like an upside-down Y with the city of Como at the foot of the western arm, Lecco at the foot of the eastern arm and Bellagio on the point where they meet. Most visitors stay in the…
Choose Lucerne for…
Kapellbrücke, Lake Lucerne steamers and nightlife. Lucerne sits where the River Reuss leaves Lake Lucerne, with the 14th-century Kapellbrücke, a walled medieval old town and a waterfront of grand hotels all within a 15-minute walk of the railway station. Its real draw is the setting: paddle steamers cross…
Top sights compared
| # | Lake Como | Lucerne |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Villa del Balbianello | Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) |
| 2 | Villa Carlotta | Lion Monument |
| 3 | Villa Melzi gardens | Swiss Museum of Transport |
| 4 | Bellagio old town and Punta Spartivento | Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip |
| 5 | Varenna and the Passeggiata degli Innamorati | Lake Lucerne boat trip |
Food compared
| Lake Como | Lucerne |
|---|---|
| Risotto with perch | Lucerne vol-au-vent |
| Missoltini | Alpine macaroni |
| Lavarello | Lake perch and whitefish |
| Polenta uncia | Rösti |
Which is cheaper?
Lake Como and Lucerne cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $220–$400 in Lake Como and $250–$420 in Lucerne (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Lake Como on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Lake Como and Lucerne are about 139 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Lake Como and 3 in Lucerne.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Lake Como or Lucerne cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $220–$400 in Lake Como and $250–$420 in Lucerne (estimates).
+Is Lake Como or Lucerne better for a first trip?
Pick Lake Como for Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio, or Lucerne for Kapellbrücke, Lake Lucerne steamers and nightlife.
+How far is Lake Como from Lucerne?
About 139 km in a straight line.