Planning to drive around Lake Como? Then you’ll want to know where you can (and can’t) leave your car. Parking in Como can seem tricky at first, but once you understand the colors and options, it’s really not too bad. Let me walk you through it—just like I would with a friend visiting for the first time.
⬜ Free Parking in Como – What White Lines Mean
Let’s start with the best kind—free parking! White-lined spaces are usually free and open to everyone. But don’t let your guard down—there are sometimes restrictions like time limits or permits for residents only. Always double-check nearby signs just to be sure.
You’ll often find these spots a bit outside the city center, but if you don’t mind a short walk, they’re perfect for a stress-free (and budget-friendly) day out.
🟦 Paid Parking in Como – What Blue Lines Mean
Blue-lined spaces are paid parking. You’ll see these all over Como, especially close to popular sights, restaurants, and shops.
Prices usually look like this:
- First hour: €1.50
- Each additional hour: €2.00
- In the evenings: Usually free after 19:00 – But always check signs.
- Sundays and holidays are free most places.
You can pay at nearby meters, use apps like EasyPark or myCicero. If you’re not that good at planning like me, I definitely recommend one of the apps—it saves time and lets you extend your parking remotely. Only downside is that you pay a small fee to use the app. But isn’t it worth paying 50 cent to not have to walk back to the car and pay again in the meter.
🟨 Yellow Lines in Como – Who Can Park Here?
If you see yellow stripes, keep moving! These spots are reserved for residents, deliveries, taxis, or people with disabilities. Tourists are not allowed to park here without a special permit, and doing so can land you a fine ranging from €60 to €335. Ouch!
🤔 No Markings? Can You Still Park?
Good news—if you come across a street without any colored lines, you can often park there legally. Just make sure:
- You’re not blocking a driveway
- You’re not in front of a fire hydrant or bus stop
- There aren’t any “no parking” signs around
- You are still following normal road regulations
But still—look around carefully. Local rules can be tricky, and Como does love its signs!
🏢 Autosilos in Como – Where to Find Parking Garages
If you want a secure and reliable spot, consider using an autosilo (multi-storey parking garage). These are great if you’re staying in the center or visiting for a full day and want your car a bit more protected from annoying door dings you get from tight parking spots. Here are some good options:
1. Autosilo Valduce
- 📍 Viale Lecco, 9
- 💶 €1.50 for the first hour, €2.00 for each extra hour
- 🕓 Free or discounted in the evening: €0.50/hour
- 🔌 EV charging, open 24/7, central location
2. Autosilo Comunale
- 📍 Via Auguadri, 1
- 💶 Same pricing as Valduce
- 🌙 Monthly night pass: €40 (in after 19:00, out by 08:00)
- 🕑 Open until 2:00 AM—perfect after dinner in the old town
3. Autosilo Val Mulini
- 📍 Via dei Mulini, 9
- 💶 Just €1.00 per day (yes, per day!)
- 🚌 Bus tickets can be purchased at the cash desk or directly from the parking meter
- 🚌 Ideal for park & ride—monthly pass with bus ticket: €45
- ✅ Great for longer stays or if you’re happy to use public transport
You can also check real-time availability using the “Como Rapid Parking” app, available both from 👉 Apple Store and 👉 Google Play, which shows space availability in many of these garages. Super handy when you’re driving in circles looking for a spot!
🔴 ZTLs in Como – Don’t Enter Unless You’re Allowed
ZTL stands for Zona a Traffico Limitato, which means “Limited Traffic Zone.” You’ll find these in historic city centers like Como’s and also some of the smaller towns around Como, and they’re controlled by cameras. If you drive in without authorization, you’ll be fined €80 to €300.
Pro tip: If your hotel is inside a ZTL, ask them to register your license plate in advance. That way, you won’t get a surprise fine weeks later in the mail.
Take a look at 👉 this pdf made by Como Municipality to check if your hotel is inside a ZTL zone. Purple means don’t drive there unless you are allowed.
🚫 Watch Out for No-Parking Signs
Look for red circles with a diagonal line—these signs mean no parking allowed, and sometimes indicate tow-away zones. If in doubt, play it safe and park elsewhere. Getting your car towed in a foreign country is not an experience you want.
🧾 What to Do If You Get a Parking Ticket in Como
If you find a ticket on your windshield, try to pay it within 5 days to avoid extra charges. You can usually pay at a post office or a tabacchi shop.
Tip: Keep a photo of your license plate and car documents on your phone. It can make things easier if you have to sort out a fine or talk to someone about it.
Final Thoughts on Parking in Como
Parking in Como isn’t too complicated once you know what to look for:
- White = free (usually)
- Blue = paid
- Yellow = reserved (not for tourists)
If you’re not sure where to park, autosilos are a safe and easy option—especially if you want to be close to the city center without the risk of fines or wasting time.
Also, keep in mind that even with a good parking spot, you might still need to get around town without your car—especially if you’re heading into a ZTL zone or exploring Como by night. In that case, knowing how to grab a reliable taxi can save you a lot of time and hassle.
👉 Check out my easy guide to finding a taxi in Como—it’ll show you where to find taxi stands and how to book by app, even in advance.
Know someone heading to Como?
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with friends or family planning a trip here! It might save them the stress of driving in circles—or worse, getting a ticket. A little parking knowledge goes a long way when visiting a beautiful place like Lake Como.