If you're planning to rent a car to get to Bellagio, please read this post!
image from Noleggioauto.it
First of all, Bellagio is located at the top of a promontory in the center of Lake Como, which means you have three options by land (without taking a ferry):
1. Arriving from Como City, this is the longest of the three routes. It's easy to get to Como by highway from Milan or other cities (Autostrada dei Laghi A9). From Como City, however, the drive to Bellagio takes about an hour if you're experienced, but it could take longer if you're not familiar with driving on our roads (even two hours!). It's a narrow road with the lake on the left and the mountain on the right. It gets tricky in some sections where passing two people is almost impossible. If you encounter buses or trucks on the road, be very careful!
2. Arriving from the mountain via Civenna, is one of the most difficult roads to find if you're coming from Milan, but it could be interesting if you arrive in the morning and aren't in a hurry. In the spring and summer months, the views are fabulous in some sections. You'll also find restaurants where locals frequent and there are few tourists. The road itself is wide, but there are many tight bends, so be careful and stay close to the right.
3. Arriving from Lecco/Valmadrera, is the shortest and easiest route if you're coming from Milan. Simply take the SS36 to Valmadrera, go through two tunnels, and follow the lakeside road to Bellagio. You'll have the lake on your right and the mountain on your left. It's not very difficult, but the road isn't always wide. Be very careful to always stay on the right, especially on the bends, and try to stop before a curve if you see a bus or truck approaching; otherwise, it will be difficult to pass both of you. You can also stop to visit Lecco, which is less chaotic than Como.
You don't necessarily have to drive into the city, but you can park for a fee here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tXeqqgy3aLD1mrB6A
and continue by crossing the bridge on foot into the city. Walk on the left side after the bridge to reach the center and the lakeside promenade of Lecco.
For ALL these situations is very important this : YOU’ll need to be a GREAT DRIVER !!! our streets are very narrow .. and you’ll meet in the other way with cars, buses and trucks !!
The other way I use a Ferry to arrive in Bellagio :
Driving on our roads can be difficult if you rent a "large" car for us Italians.
If there are only two of you, it's better to rent a medium-sized car like a Golf or Focus. Driving an SUV is often not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
But if there are more than two of you and you have a lot of luggage and need to rent a large car, I recommend taking the SS36 from Milan to Varenna.
The road is wide until the Varenna exit, then it's a bit narrow until the Varenna ferry, where you'll board your car (paying for the car model and passengers) and be in Bellagio in 15-20 minutes.
Your destination should be the ferry dock: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6LmXBKcF4ovE29rc6
To find parking in Bellagio, I recommend reading my other post where I list where you can park if your hotel/apartment doesn't have one available. HERE