Driving from Lake Geneva to Lake Como links two of Europe's great lake landscapes across the Alps in four or five relaxed days: along the Vaud shore to Montreux, up the Rhône valley, over the Simplon Pass into Italy, a pause on Lake Maggiore and a finale at Como. With a chauffeur from AirportsTransfers.ch, each leg becomes a short scenic drive of a few hours, with luggage handled and stops chosen as you go; Milan, about 329 km from Geneva Airport, is the natural place to end.
- Main route: Lake Geneva, Rhône valley, Simplon Pass, Domodossola, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como
- Alternative: Great St Bernard to Aosta, then east across the Po plain to the lakes
- Suggested length: four to six days with nights at Montreux, Stresa and Lake Como
- Border crossing: the route crosses the border into Italy at the Simplon or Great St Bernard
- Ending: fly from Milan, or return to Geneva by car
Day 1: along Lake Geneva to Montreux
Begin with a gentle day. From Geneva Airport, follow the north shore through Nyon and Lausanne, about 61 km away, to the Lavaux vineyard terraces, listed by UNESCO, where narrow roads wind between stone walls and villages such as Cully and Epesses. Lunch on a terrace with a glass of local Chasselas, then continue to Montreux, about 91 km from the airport, and visit the Château de Chillon on its rock in the lake. A night in Montreux, with its palm-lined promenade and views to the Dents du Midi, sets the tone for a lakes journey.
Day 2: up the Rhône and over the Simplon
Leave the lake behind and follow the Rhône valley through Valais, a broad valley of vineyards and orchards framed by high mountains. Sion's twin castle hills deserve a short stop. At Brig, the road starts its climb to the Simplon Pass, an engineering route originally built in the Napoleonic era. The pass road is kept open through most of the year, though heavy snow can close it for short periods. At the top, a large stone eagle and the old hospice mark the summit; then the road descends through the dramatic Gondo gorge to the Italian border and on to Domodossola. From there, it is a short drive down to Lake Maggiore.
Days 3 to 4: Lake Maggiore
Stay at Stresa or another lakeside town on the western shore. The Borromean Islands, a short boat ride away, are the highlight: Isola Bella with its baroque palace and terraced gardens, Isola Madre with its botanical gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori, a fishing village of narrow lanes and lakeside restaurants. A second day lets you take the cable car up the Mottarone above Stresa for views over several lakes, or visit nearby Lake Orta, a small and peaceful lake with the island of San Giulio and the village of Orta San Giulio. The pace here is slow by design: long lunches, afternoon walks, evenings by the water.
Days 5 to 6: Lake Como
The drive from Lake Maggiore to Lake Como is short. Choose a base on the central part of the lake, where Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo face each other across the water, linked by ferries. Spend the days visiting the lakeside villas and their gardens, such as Villa Carlotta near Tremezzo and Villa del Balbianello on its wooded promontory, wandering Bellagio's stepped lanes and taking ferries between villages. Como town, at the southern tip, has a fine cathedral and a funicular up to Brunate for a view along the lake.
- Night 1: Montreux, on Lake Geneva
- Nights 2 to 3: Stresa or another town on Lake Maggiore
- Nights 4 to 5: Bellagio, Varenna or Tremezzo on Lake Como
The Great St Bernard alternative and getting home
If you prefer, leave Lake Geneva via Martigny and the Great St Bernard. The tunnel is open all year; the pass road, with its historic hospice and dogs, opens in summer. On the Italian side, stop in Aosta for its Roman monuments, then continue across the plain towards Lake Maggiore or directly to Lake Como. This version suits travellers who want to add the Aosta Valley's castles and cuisine.
At the end, most travellers fly home from Milan, which is close to Lake Como. Others return to Geneva with a chauffeur via the fastest motorway route, Milan being about 329 km and 3 h 50 from Geneva Airport, so a return from Como is a full morning or afternoon on the road.
Booking the journey
Each leg can be booked as a separate transfer on AirportsTransfers.ch, or as a chauffeur by the hour for touring days, at a fixed price per vehicle shown before you pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The Mercedes S-Class is ideal for couples on longer drives, the V-Class van carries up to seven passengers with generous luggage, and child seats are added on request. Your chauffeur meets you at Geneva Airport arrivals with a name sign and tracks your flight. To shape your own lakes route, call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77.
