Before setting off on our family trip to Lake Como, we spent months planning everything from finding the perfect accommodation to arranging a convenient car rental from Milan Malpensa after landing, and since we were traveling with a baby, packing the right baby travel essentials was just as important as mapping our route. In this post, we’re sharing our Day 1 experience as we drove from Milan Malpensa towards the shores of Lake Como, along with practical tips for families considering a similar road trip.
Even though we had a mid-day flight, as the distance from our city to the airport was a 3 hour ride and with a baby even a longer one because of the often stops and also the unpredictable issues that come when travelling with a baby, we thought it would be better for the baby if we slept in a hotel near the airport the night before. Since this was our first family trip abroad with our daughter, at the early age of 1 year and 1 month, we were very nervous. But fortunately she wasn’t! From the very beginning of our family trip, she seemed excited by everything around her and enjoyed every moment of the adventure.
The Day Before Our Flight
We got a low budget room in a modest and dull hotel by the airport. We asked for a baby cot and they brought us one after the check in. Having a cot available made our family trip much more comfortable and helped us settle in for the night before our early departure.
Our daughter immediately started to play in her cot. She started to chew the edges of the wooden crib, the same way she was doing back at home. Good thing that we managed to wipe the crib a little with some baby wet napkins before she started. We had to pack a lot of baby stuff for the family trip. But we had to limit the number of toys, thinking we would buy more at the destination. The truth is that at her age she would play with anything, but actual toys. She preferred paper napkins, keys, the remote control, and plastic bottles.
As you can see in the pictures we took she had a great time playing with an empty water bottle. As she was teething all the time since she was three months old she was chewing everything, especially the edges of the crib and the caps of the plastic bottles.
And she also enjoyed watching cartoons on the TV. It was one of the many lessons we learned during our first family trip abroad with a baby: sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest joy.
Lake Como Accommodation – Menaggio, Italy
When we started our travel planning to Lake Como way back in December 2023, we began with the accommodation. Finding the appropriate accommodation was essential. We were planning to travel to Lake Como with our baby and my in-laws. Again, we chose the beautiful town of Menaggio. We wanted to rent a house and the location was important. We wanted the accommodation to be close to Lake Como ferry terminal, to the town center and lakeshore promenade.
Find the Perfect Hotel
Menaggio is one of the best bases for exploring central Lake Como, with easy ferry access to Bellagio, Varenna, and the western shore.
Lake Como Accommodation – Il Balcone di Elma, Menaggio
On 3 December we finally found on Google Maps Il Balcone di Elma. They had 3 apartments for rental, so we asked for availability for different periods in June. First we searched availability between 12 and 18 June, but they were fully booked. Then we asked them if there was anything available between 5 and 11 June 2024, or for any other dates in June 2024. Their answer was that the only availability in June was from the 21st to 27th for Le Rose apartment, but they worried it would be too small for 4 adults and a child unless he is a baby. And lucky for us, yes she was a baby.
For June 2024 the price for 5 nights at Il Balcone di Elma was €. 105.00 per night, plus €. 70.00 for the final cleaning and linen, so a total of €. 595.00. And they were providing the baby cot, included in the price. Furthermore, Menaggio municipality set the tourist tax to €. 3.00 per person per night, so for us a total of €. 60,00.
To confirm the booking, we had to pay a 25% deposit, 130 euros, and the balance 20 days before arrival. Their cancellation policy was: Payment fully refunded for cancellation 30 days before arrival and if the apartment is rented again, otherwise issuing a voucher to be used within one year. And they required a deposit of 200,00 euros for any damage caused to the apartment. We made the deposit payment via bank transfer and they confirmed our accommodation booking on the 12th of December 2023.
Booking the Flights and Car Rental
We started looking for flights. It was a little difficult because the in-laws were travelling from a different country, as they are based in Athens, Greece. After some careful travel planning, we And the next day we booked our flights to Milan Malpensa and then from Bergamo Airport back home. We paid the rest of the money for the accommodation at the end of May. We also booked the car rental from Milan Malpensa through a travel agency.
Rent a Car for Your Lake Como Road Trip
Planning a Lake Como road trip? Compare rental car prices in advance to find the best option for your itinerary.
Our Journey Begins: Flight Delay, Missing Baby Stroller & Late Arrival
Our departure flight was initially at 1.30 pm but then delayed to 4 pm.
Once we arrived at Malpensa we waited for the baby carriage which never arrived. The airport was very crowded, so we didn’t want to waste time filling out the forms for the lost item. We thought we would do it online later in the evening.
Then we had to meet my in-laws coming from Greece. They landed at a different terminal at Milan Malpensa airport and we struggled to find each other an get together to the car rental office. When we finally found each other we hurried to get our rental car. They were nice and didn’t charge us extra for the car, even if we arrived after the delay limit stated in the contract. During our travel to Lake Como we did some quick stops on the way for the baby and we arrived very late at the accommodation.
The Car Journey from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como, Menaggio Accommodation
Driving a car rental from Milan Malpensa Airport to Menaggio with a one-year-old can actually be a pleasant and manageable family trip—if you plan it right. We had a good travel plan to Lake Como, but the flight delay changed things a little. We had planned to stop at a Bennet hypermarket near Como, but we didn’t stop because we were in a hurry.
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The journey was about 90 km (55 miles) and it took us 2 hours. We drove via the A36 and SS340 roads, gradually transitioning from highways to scenic lakeside roads as we approached Lake Como.
The first part is straightforward highway driving—smooth and fast. We liked the very long tunnel near Cernobbio. As you get closer to the lake, the roads become narrower and more winding. The final stretch along the lake is beautiful but requires more attention, with tight curves and occasional slow traffic.
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Baby Travel Essentials?
Traveling with a one year old is very doable, but with some baby travel essentials and some preparation:
- Car seat is the main baby travel essentials : Make sure you have a properly installed, comfortable baby car seat (rear-facing is safest at this age). We had a nice one properly installed by the car rental company at Milan Malpensa.
- Plan for a break: Even though the drive isn’t very long, it’s wise to stop once. Good spots include service areas near Como or a short pause before the lakeside stretch. We made two quick stops, at Laglio and Tremezzo.
- Timing matters: Try to travel around nap time—many babies sleep through most of the journey. We had this planned too, but because of the flight delay everything was messed up. But she did sleep for a half an hour during the car journey and it was acceptable. ?
- Bring baby travel essentials within reach: Snacks, milk, water, favorite toys, and a change kit. We had all of that and much more. ?
- Plan to stop for baby travel essentials shopping if you need something you couldn’ bring with you.
- Temperature control: Mountain/lake weather can shift—dress your baby in layers.
Lake Como with a Baby
Traveling to Lake Como with a baby? Here are some helpful baby travel essentials to make the trip easier.
Road Considerations
- Traffic: Can build up, especially near Como and on weekends or holidays.
- Navigation: GPS is reliable, but expect slower progress near the lake.
- Parking in Menaggio: Limited in the villages/cities; look for public parking areas just outside.
Overall, the journey from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como in a car rental it’s a short, scenic, and very family-friendly drive. With one planned stop and good timing, it should feel quite relaxed rather than stressful.
Car Seat Organizer
Packing the right travel essentials can make your trip much more comfortable. Here are some of our favorite travel products that we always bring along and highly recommend.
Arrival at the Lake Como Accommodation
We arrived at the accommodation after 9 pm. The baby was already sleeping so we put her directly to sleep. The in-laws took the expandable sofa in the living room. And we took the double room where we also had a baby cot.
Tired after the long travel, we unpacked only the essentials and then we left the baby with my mother-in-law and went to Restaurant-Pizzeria Lugano nearby, knowing it was open later than other restaurants in the area, until 10 pm. It was almost 10 pm so we hurried.
Dinner in Menaggio
Restaurant-Pizzeria Lugano is a cozy, informal spot known for its wood-fired pizzas and Italian classics — including pastas, seafood and grilled dishes. There was an unfussy, local atmosphere and is popular with both travelers and residents. There was a casual and comfortable ambiance, there were indoor seating and outdoor tables. The pizzeria was crowded and the boy at the counter said he won’t take any more orders. He was a little angry because he wanted to finish work and leave as soon as possible. But his older sister came and said we wouldn’t mind him and she took our order. We took some pizzas to eat at the accommodation.
The pizzeria was nice, a typical family business where maybe all family members were working, especially during the summer season. Prices were generally reasonable (most mains €10–€20), especially compared with lakefront restaurants in Menaggio. A pizza or light meal with wine here typically costs significantly less than many touristy spots near Lake Como.
Best Restaurants in Menaggio
Discover our favorite restaurants in Menaggio, from authentic Italian trattorias and lakeside cafés to fine dining experiences. Enjoy fresh pasta, local seafood and breathtaking Lake Como views.
Full Moon Views Over Lake Como
While waiting for the pizza to be made we took some pictures admiring the Lake Como view and the bright full moon rising above the lake.
At the crossroads there were signs pointing to different directions: Como, Lugano, Plesio.
We were exhausted after the long journey and looking forward to going to bed as soon as possible.
Despite a delayed flight and a few unexpected challenges, having a car rental from Milan Malpensa gave us the flexibility to travel to Lake Como at our own pace, make stops whenever our little one needed them, and enjoy the beautiful drive through nothern Italy. Careful planning and packing the right baby travel essentials made the journey much smoother, allowing us to focus on creating wonderful family memories. If you’re planning a similar road trip with a baby, we hope our experience helps you feel more confident and excited for your own adventure.
Lake Como Boat Tours
Planning tomorrow’s adventure? A Lake Como boat tour is a perfect way to spend the day on the water.
Book a Boat TourRead On
Stay tuned for Our Lake Como and Lugano Visit by Car + Baby on Board – Day 2 as we continue exploring the stunning towns and lakeside scenery of Lake Como and Lugano. You can find all our posts about Lake Como on this page. And for more inspiration and practical tips on visiting Italy, grab our maps and travel guides and also head over to our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your starting point for all things Italian! And if you’re looking to expand your itinerary, don’t miss our posts on Rome and Vatican experiences, and also our day trips to Nemi, Tivoli and Riviera di Ulisse.
Thanks for reading!
Plan Your Lake Como & Lugano Family Road Trip
Planning a Lake Como road trip with a baby? After spending six days exploring Menaggio, Como, Porlezza, Lugano, Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Argegno by car, we discovered that the right accommodation, car, baby gear and travel planning can make a big difference. Here are some of the travel resources and practical essentials we recommend for planning your own family adventure.
Find Accommodation Around Lake Como
We chose Menaggio as our base because it gave us easy access to the ferry terminal, lakeside promenade, restaurants, shops and many of the places we wanted to visit. Staying in one location also made travelling with a baby much easier.
Whether you prefer an apartment with a kitchen, a family-friendly hotel or a lakeside stay, compare accommodation around Lake Como before your trip.
Rent a Car for Your Lake Como Road Trip
Renting a car at Milan Malpensa gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace, stop whenever our baby needed a break and explore places that are harder to reach by public transport.
Our route included Menaggio, Como, Porlezza, Lugano, Tremezzo, Bellagio, Varenna and Argegno. A rental car was especially useful for our airport transfers and for exploring the western shore of Lake Como.
Explore Lake Como by Ferry or Boat
Some of our favorite moments were on the water. We took ferries from Menaggio to Bellagio and Varenna and enjoyed beautiful views of the lake, mountains and lakeside villages along the way.
For a special experience, you can also choose from private boat trips, scenic cruises and guided Lake Como excursions.
Book Lake Como Experiences
Lake Como is much more than beautiful views. During our trip we explored Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Como, visited Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi, walked the lakeside promenades and also took a day trip to Lugano, Switzerland.
If you want to add organized experiences to your itinerary, browse Lake Como tours, sightseeing trips and private excursions.
Lake Como Road Trip Travel Essentials
Travelling around Lake Como with a baby taught us to keep the essentials close at hand. From organizing luggage and stroller supplies to making long car journeys more comfortable, these practical travel products can be useful for a family road trip around Italy.
Digital Luggage Scale
A digital luggage scale is a handy travel essential for checking your suitcase weight before heading home. It is especially useful after shopping in Italy and helps you avoid unexpected excess baggage fees at the airport.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are perfect for keeping clothes, baby outfits and travel essentials organized during a road trip. They make it easier to find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase at every stop.
Portable Stroller Organizer
A stroller organizer keeps baby essentials such as bottles, wipes, snacks and small toys within easy reach while exploring Lake Como’s villages, cafés, promenades and scenic spots.
Portable Baby Changing Mat
A portable baby changing mat is a practical essential when travelling by car with a baby. Keep it handy for quick changes during scenic stops, shopping breaks or whenever you need a clean and comfortable place for your little one.
Car Window Sun Shade
Sunny drives around Lake Como can be beautiful, but direct sunlight through the rear windows can be uncomfortable for a baby. A car window sun shade can help reduce glare and direct sunlight during daytime drives.
Car Phone Mount
A secure phone mount is useful when using your phone for navigation. Keep your route visible while driving between Lake Como’s villages, ferry terminals, parking areas and scenic stops.
Portable Power Bank
A portable power bank is one of those small travel essentials that can save the day when you’re using your phone for navigation, taking photos or checking ferry schedules. Keep one in your day bag so you can recharge your phone while exploring Lake Como, Bellagio, Varenna or Lugano.
Kids Travel Tray
For older babies and toddlers who are developmentally ready, a travel tray can provide a convenient surface for snacks, books, drawing and small activities during longer car journeys. Choose one that is appropriate for your child’s age and car-seat setup.
Family road-trip tip: Always follow your child’s car-seat manufacturer’s instructions and make sure accessories do not interfere with the correct installation or operation of the car seat. Choose travel accessories appropriate for your child’s age and use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Travelling Around Lake Como with a Baby
Our trip was not always perfect. We lost our stroller at the airport, changed plans because of rain, dealt with narrow roads, ferry crossings and traffic, and sometimes had to slow down because of our little one.
But that was also part of the adventure. With a car seat, stroller, changing supplies, snacks and flexible plans, Lake Como can be a wonderful destination for a family road trip.
Where to Eat Around Lake Como
From casual pizzerias in Menaggio to cafés in Como, Bellagio and Lugano and family-friendly restaurants in Varenna, food was an important part of our Lake Como adventure.
If you are planning where to eat during your own trip, explore restaurants and dining experiences around Lake Como.
Planning Your Own Lake Como Adventure?
Start with our complete Lake Como and Lugano family road trip series. Follow our six-day journey from Milan Malpensa to Menaggio, Como, Porlezza, Lugano, Bellagio, Varenna and Argegno, including our real experiences travelling around Lake Como with a baby.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life is a Journey Travel!
Table of contents
- The Day Before Our Flight
- Lake Como Accommodation – Menaggio, Italy
- Our Journey Begins: Flight Delay, Missing Baby Stroller & Late Arrival
- The Car Journey from Malpensa Airport to Lake Como, Menaggio Accommodation
- Baby Travel Essentials ?
- Road Considerations
- Arrival at the Lake Como Accommodation
- Dinner in Menaggio
- Read On
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