To visit Orta San Giulio, get off at Orta-Miasino station. The historic centre is approximately 2 km from the station.
How to Get Around Lake Orta Without a Car
How to Get Around Lake Orta Without a Car
This guide is part of our complete Lake Orta travel guide.
Novara is the main railway gateway to Lake Orta. Whether you are travelling from Milan or Turin, you will usually change trains here before continuing on the regional Novara-Domodossola line. The most useful stations for visitors are Gozzano, Orta-Miasino, Pettenasco and Omegna.
The journey from Milan takes about 1.5-2 hours, while from Turin it usually takes around 2–2.5 hours. A standard one-way ticket to Orta-Miasino costs approximately €10 from Milan and €11-13 from Turin.
A day trip from either city is perfectly feasible. If you choose a comfortable morning departure, you will typically have around 4 hours to explore Orta San Giulio before returning the same evening. Travellers willing to leave earlier in the morning can enjoy up to 9 hours at the lake, allowing plenty of time to visit the historic centre, IIsola San Giulio and Sacro Monte at a relaxed pace. As trains between Novara and Orta-Miasino run only every 2-4 hours, it is worth checking the timetable in advance and planning your connections carefully.
If your schedule allows, consider staying overnight. After most day visitors have left, Orta San Giulio becomes wonderfully peaceful. Enjoy dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants, stroll through the quiet medieval streets and experience the unique atmosphere of the town after sunset.
Tip: If possible, visit on a weekday. During weekends - especially from late spring to early autumn - Orta San Giulio can become very busy, with queues for boats to Isola San Giulio and at the most popular lakeside restaurants.
Below, you will find the easiest ways to reach Lake Orta, along with practical advice to help you plan your trip.
Getting to Lake Orta from Milan and Turin
Getting to Orta San Giulio
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Walking time: approximately 20–25 minutes
After leaving the station, turn left, walk under the railway bridge and continue downhill towards the roundabout. The route is mostly downhill, making it an easy walk for most visitors. However, part of the journey follows the roadside, as a proper pavement only begins closer to Orta San Giulio. If you are travelling with heavy luggage, walking may be less comfortable.
After passing Villa Crespi, you have two options:
- Via Fava - the more scenic route, following the lakeshore past several historic villas before reaching Piazza Motta, the heart of Orta San Giulio.
- Via S. Quirico - a slightly shorter route leading directly into the historic centre.
If you are visiting the town for the first time and the weather is pleasant, we recommend taking Via Fava. Although it adds only a few minutes to the walk, it offers beautiful views of the lake and is a wonderful introduction to the atmosphere of Orta San Giulio.
Journey time: 2-3 minutes
Unlike larger cities, taxis do not usually wait outside Orta-Miasino railway station. We recommend booking a taxi in advance (at least 30-40 minutes before your train arrives) or asking the staff at the station café to call one for you.
Most local drivers are happy to accept bookings and answer questions via WhatsApp. If you do not speak Italian, simply send your message in English. A short journey from the station to the historic centre usually costs around €10–15. It is always a good idea to confirm the fare when booking or before starting your journey.
Recommended local taxi services
| Name | 📞 Phone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi Orta NCC (Davide) | +39 333 474 8045 | The area's best-known transfer service, specialising in railway station pickups, including Orta-Miasino. Modern minivan and excellent reviews from international travellers. |
| Taxi Lago d'Orta (Marcello Garau) | +39 346 211 1587 | Operates comfortable minivans and minibuses. Frequently provides shuttle services from local parking areas and is very familiar with access restrictions in the historic centre. |
| Taxi Orta Lake | +39 333 923 2522 | Private transfers throughout the Lake Orta area. |
The Trenino di Orta is a small road train designed mainly for visitors arriving by coach, but it also stops at Orta-Miasino railway station, making it a convenient option for independent travellers.
The circular route connects:
Tourist Office (main parking area) → Orta-Miasino Railway Station → Sacro Monte di Orta → Hotel San Francesco → Tourist OfficeDuring the main tourist season (typically April to October) it operates daily between 09:00 and 18:00, with departures approximately once every hour. In winter (usually January and February), services normally operate only on weekends and in good weather. Please note that large suitcases are not permitted, as the carriages are narrow and intended for passengers with small bags only.
A one-way ticket costs approximately €4–5.
Getting to Pettenasco
To visit Pettenasco, get off at Pettenasco railway station. The lakeside promenade, restaurants and most hotels are only a few minutes' walk from the station, making Pettenasco one of the easiest places around Lake Orta to reach by train.
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Getting to Omegna
For Omegna, simply get off at Omegna station. The station is located close to the historic centre and the lakeside promenade, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the northern shore of Lake Orta on foot.
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Getting to Pella
As Pella does not have its own railway station, there are two practical ways to reach the village by public transport.
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This is by far the easiest and most scenic way to reach Pella.
First, travel to Orta San Giulio using one of the routes described above. From Piazza Motta, walk to the nearby pier and board a scheduled boat operated by Navigazione Lago d'Orta on the Red Line (Linea Rossa / Centro Lago).
During the main tourist season (typically April to October), boats to Pella depart approximately every 30–45 minutes between 10:00 and 18:00. The crossing takes only 10–15 minutes, offering beautiful views of Isola San Giulio and the surrounding shoreline.
A standard one-way ticket costs approximately €5–6.
Another option is to travel by train to Borgomanero and then change to the local Comazzi bus to Pella from the station square. The bus stops in the village centre (Pella - Via Don Zanotti) after approximately 30–35 minutes.
While this route works reasonably well with the first morning train from Novara, later connections are much less convenient and may involve a wait of more than an hour in Borgomanero before the next bus departs. In addition, bus services generally operate only Monday to Friday, with a reduced timetable on Saturday and no service on Sundays.
Before travelling, we recommend checking the connection on the Comazzi website. Look for the timetable "Borgomanero - Alzo - Omegna" to confirm departure times and train-to-bus connections.
Getting to Lake Orta from Milan Malpensa Airport
There are two convenient ways to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Novara, where you can change to the regional train towards Lake Orta.
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Flibco Shuttle + Train
Private Transfer
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Flibco Shuttle + Train
Flibco operates a direct shuttle bus from both airport terminals to Novara FS, then change to the regional Novara–Domodossola train to to Gozzano, Orta-Miasino, Pettenasco or Omegna, depending on your destination around Lake Orta.
- Total journey time to Orta-Miasino: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the train connection.
- Total cost: approximately €16–17, depending on the current fares (€11 for the shuttle and around €5–6 for the regional train). Tickets for the shuttle can be purchased online in advance or directly from the driver (subject to availability).
- Place of departure: Terminal 1 - outside the Sheraton Hotel (Stop 6), Terminal 2 - Arrival Area, Stop 6.
- Arrival point in Novara: the bus station directly opposite Novara FS railway station.
Before travelling, we recommend checking both the shuttle and train timetables and allowing enough time for the connection in Novara. Detailed information on reaching each town from the railway station can be found in the previous section, Getting to Lake Orta from Milan and Turin.
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Private Transfer
If you are travelling with several suitcases, young children or simply want the most comfortable journey, a private transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Lake Orta.
- Total journey time to Orta San Giulio: approximately 50–55 minutes.
- Cost: approximately €110–150 per vehicle (up to 3–4 passengers), depending on the provider and destination.
- Pickup: your driver will meet you in the airport arrivals hall with a name sign and take you directly to your hotel or accommodation.
- Booking: private transfers can be booked in advance through international transfer platforms or directly with local NCC providers around Lake Orta.
While taxis are also available at the airport, they usually operate on a metered fare and can cost more than a pre-booked private transfer, especially during periods of heavy traffic.
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Rent a Car
If you plan to visit not only Lake Orta, but also Lake Maggiore, Langhe, Turin or other parts of Piedmont, renting a car at Malpensa Airport offers the greatest flexibility.
- Driving time to Orta San Giulio: approximately 55–60 minutes.
- Typical rental prices: from €30–80 per day, depending on the season and vehicle type.
- The route follows mainly motorways and well-maintained regional roads.
For a smoother rental experience, consider booking with one of the larger international or national rental companies available at Malpensa Airport. When comparing offers, pay attention not only to the price, but also to the insurance coverage, fuel policy and security deposit. Booking several weeks in advance usually provides both the best prices and the widest choice of vehicles.
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Getting Around Lake Orta
If you are staying in Orta San Giulio, most of the lake's main attractions can easily be explored on foot. The historic centre, Sacro Monte di Orta, Isola San Giulio and the lakeside promenade are all within easy walking distance of one another.
For longer journeys around the lake, you can use regional trains, local buses and scheduled ferry services. However, public transport around Lake Orta is much more limited than around Lake Como or Lake Garda, so it is worth planning your itinerary in advance—especially if you are travelling outside the main tourist season.
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The Novara–Domodossola regional railway runs along the eastern shore of Lake Orta and is the easiest way to travel between the lake's main towns without a car. The most useful stations are: Borgomanero, Gozzano, Orta-Miasino, Pettenasco and Omegna.
On weekdays, there are around nine direct daily departures in each direction between Novara and Domodossola. The first train usually departs at about 05:45 and the last at 19:15, though the schedule is reduced to five direct options on Sundays. Before travelling, always check the latest timetable on the official Trenitalia website.
Scenic Day Trips by Train
Lake Orta is not only a wonderful destination in its own right, but also an excellent base for discovering some of the most specLake Orta is not only a wonderful destination in its own right, but also an excellent base for memorable day trips by train. In just about an hour, you can reach the charming Alpine town of Domodossola, which is well worth a visit on its own and also serves as the gateway to two of the most spectacular railway journeys between Italy and Switzerland.
1. Domodossola – A Perfect Day Trip by Train
A day trip by train to Domodossola is the perfect way to swap the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Orta for the vibrant charm of a historic Alpine town. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this hidden gem of Piedmont will captivate you with its pedestrian-friendly medieval centre, elegant 15th-century arcades, breathtaking views from the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte Calvario, and the authentic cuisine of the Ossola Valleys.
The one-way train journey takes only about one hour through beautiful mountain scenery and costs just €5.70 (€11.40 return). If you leave on a morning train around 09:00 and return on an evening service between 18:00 and 19:00, you will have 7–9 hours to explore Domodossola—more than enough time for a relaxed stroll through the old town, a leisurely lunch and a little shopping.
2. Centovalli Express – Through Gorges, Viaducts and Alpine Villages
The Centovalli Express connects Domodossola with Locarno on Lake Maggiore, crossing 83 bridges, winding through deep gorges, chestnut forests and picturesque mountain villages. This historic railway is considered one of the most scenic cross-border train journeys between Italy and Switzerland.
A return journey Orta-Miasino → Domodossola → Locarno → Domodossola → Orta-Miasino costs approximately €41–44 per adult. With well-planned connections, you will have around five hours to explore Locarno before returning to Lake Orta. Trains operate every hour, while the panoramic services (Treni Panoramici) run only a few times each day with larger panoramic windows. If possible, reserve your seat in advance on the official website Vigezzo & Centovalli Railway.
3. Green Train of the Alps – Across the Swiss Alps to Bern
The Green Train of the Alps (Trenino Verde delle Alpi) follows the historic Simplon Railway from Domodossola to Bern, passing through dramatic Alpine valleys, mountain villages and some of Switzerland's most breathtaking landscapes.
A return journey Orta-Miasino → Domodossola → Bern → Domodossola → Orta-Miasino costs approximately €85 per adult. With carefully planned connections, you can enjoy around 5½ hours in Bern - enough time to wander through its UNESCO-listed Old Town, have lunch and admire the city's famous arcaded streets.
A special Green Train Day Pass, available from Swiss operator BLS, allows unlimited hop-on/hop-off travel between Domodossola and Bern throughout the day. It also includes a complimentary cruise on Lake Thun, giving you the opportunity to combine one of Switzerland's most beautiful railway journeys with a scenic boat trip. Tickets can be purchased online through the official BLS website or at the ticket office in Domodossola.
Both excursions can comfortably be completed as day trips from Lake Orta, making the lake an ideal base for exploring the Swiss Alps without changing accommodation.
Local bus routes connect most villages around Lake Orta and provide access to the surrounding hills and mountain areas that are not served by the railway. However, services can be relatively infrequent. On some routes, buses run only a few times a day, so it is advisable to check the timetable in advance. Most routes operate Monday to Saturday only. There are no regular local bus services on Sundays, so on that day you can travel around the lake only by train or scheduled ferry.
Seasonal timetables for bus routes serving the towns and villages around Lake Orta are available below (both directions):
- Omegna – Armeno – Orta. This route passes through Ameno, Carcegna, Miasino, Orta San Giulio, Omegna, Pescone, Pettenasco.
- Arona – Borgomanero – Armeno – Omegna. This route passes through Ameno, Borgomanero, Carcegna, Invorio, Gozzano, Miasino, Orta San Giulio, Omegna, Pescone, Pettenasco.
- Borgomanero – Alzo – Omegna. This route passes through Alzo, Arola, Brolo, Borgomanero, Gozzano, Nonio, Pella, Omegna.
- Borgomanero – Gargallo. This route passes through Borgomanero, Gozzano, Soriso.
- Santhia - Romagnano - Arona. This route passes through Borgomanero, Maggiora.
- Stresa – Gravellona Toce – Omegna – Orta San Giulio. This route passes through Omegna, Pescone, Pettenasco, Orta San Giulio.
- Omegna - Quarna. This route passes through Omegna, Quarna Sotto, Quarna Sopra.
How to Read Italian Bus Timetables
Italian local bus timetables can be confusing at first glance. Keep these points in mind:
- Each column represents a separate bus journey, not a service that runs every day.
- Check the abbreviations above each column, as many buses operate only on certain weekdays.
- FER - Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
- SGS - School days only (operates only when schools are in session)
- ES - Except Saturday, EV – Except Friday
- LUN / MAR / MER / GIOV / VEN / SAB - Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday
- Summer and winter timetables are different. Always use the timetable for the season of your trip.
- Most local bus routes around Lake Orta do not operate on Sundays or public holidays.
- Always check the latest official timetable before travelling, as schedules may change during the year.
From March to October, Navigazione Lago d'Orta operates scheduled services linking the main lakeside towns, including Omegna, Pettenasco, Orta San Giulio, Isola San Giulio and Pella. The most frequent route is the shuttle between Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio, with departures every 15 minutes during the tourist season.
A return ticket between Orta Piazza and Isola San Giulio costs €3.80, while an unlimited day ticket costs approximately €10.80, making it a good option if you plan to visit several villages in one day. Tickets can be purchased online or at the pier before boarding.
If you prefer more flexibility, private operators also run small motorboats between Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio. These boats usually depart every 10–15 minutes, leaving once enough passengers have boarded rather than following a fixed timetable. Ticket prices are similar to the scheduled public service.
Whether you choose the public boats or a private motorboat, travelling across the lake is much more than simply getting from one place to another—it is one of the highlights of any visit to Lake Orta.
Practical Tips
Before travelling, always check the latest train, bus and ferry timetables, especially if you are visiting in spring, autumn or winter. During these seasons, services are usually less frequent than in summer.Google Maps is a convenient tool for planning your journey, but local bus timetables are not always shown in full. If you are travelling to small villages or mountain areas, it is worth checking the official websites of the transport operators as well.
If you are planning to visit several places in a single day, try to start your journey early. This will give you plenty of time to explore without rushing - and still leave time for a leisurely lunch or a relaxing walk along the lakeshore, which is exactly what draws so many people to Lake Orta in the first place.
Continue Exploring Lake Orta
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