Getting Around the Lake

One of the great joys of Lake Maggiore is that some of the best transport options are also the most scenic. Here's how to make the most of the water and the wonderful narrow-gauge railway:

By Ferry

The ferry system is one of the best ways to see the lake and visit its towns — giving a unique vantage point from the water rather than the road. Scheduled services up,down, and across the lake are run by Navigazione Lago Maggiore , the official public ferry operator. Routes connect a wonderful range of destinations — from Arona in the south, and Stresa, through the Borromean Islands, all the way north to Locarno in Switzerland.

From Stresa, regular ferries run roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day, from around 8:00am to 6:00pm. The best-value option is a "Rover Ticket," which lets you hop on and off the ferries all day. Round-trip ferry transfers to Isola Bella from Stresa start from around €8. Tickets can be bought online or at ferry terminals around the lake — just look for the Navigazione Laghi signs at the dock.

The Lago Maggiore Express

For a truly memorable day out, the Lago Maggiore Express is not to be missed. This combined train and boat excursion takes you through Italy and the Ticino region of Switzerland, with one-day and two-day ticket options available. The narrow-gauge Centovalli and Valle Vigezzo railways wind through wild, romantic scenery for about an hour and a half — crossing vertiginous bridges, passing vineyards, chestnut woodlands, and villages perched on steep slopes. The route traverses 83 bridges and 20 tunnels between Domodossola and Locarno. The return leg is a three-hour boat trip across the lake, with views of the Borromean Islands, the castles of Cannero, the Brissago Islands, and the shoreline towns of Stresa, Ascona, and Locarno.

Private Water Taxis

For something more flexible and personal, water taxis are a wonderful option. They're particularly useful if you want to visit the islands for dinner and return after the regular ferry hours have ended, or simply prefer a more private approach to getting around the lake. Boats can be hired at just about any town with a dock, and some operators offer dinner cruises and romantic evening sails too. Transfer services let you reach any town around the lake entirely on your own schedule, with no queuing or timetable constraints — ideal for those who want maximum flexibility and comfort. Some operators can even pick you up directly from your hotel if it overlooks the lake. Prices and availability vary by operator, so it's worth booking ahead, especially during peak summer months.