I was looking for timetables for the ferries from Bellagio, where we are staying. But the website seemed to error out every time I asked for information for July 4-7th. I then tried a third party site, but it seemed to indicate that there were no ferries prior to 8:34, which is problematic because we are supposed to catch a train from Varenna-Esino at 7:27 on July 7th. If there really are no ferries before 8:34, then how could I get my family to the train station? Any advice much appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16698 posts
It looks like there's a car ferry at 6:15 although it stops in Menaggio along the way. I'd like a second pair of eyes on this, please, to make sure I'm reading it right but I think it would get you there in time for your train.
http://www.navlaghi.it/c_download/E2018_Traghetto.pdf
Second Pairs Of Eyes, what do you think?
(Editing to add, as far as I know, car ferries take walk-on passengers too)
Posted by
Southern California
452 posts
I never did figure out that mid-lake shuttle, but the ferry schedule you linked to Kathy looks exactly like the one we used last fall to go from Varenna to Bellagio and back. So yes, I think you're correct about the 6:15 ferry to Varenna via Menaggio. Looks like it leaves Menaggio at 6:30, and ought to be in Varenna by 6:45 since the next one out of Varenna is at 6:50. And you're correct that car ferries take walk-on passengers also. We took a passenger-only ferry one way and a car ferry back.
megmagrath--make sure you have your train tickets already since I don't think the travel agency will be open that early in the morning, and there are no manned windows or ticket machines at the Varenna station.
Posted by
381 posts
We were able to purchase our train tickets at a kiosk in Varenna station the morning we departed.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16698 posts
We were able to purchase our train tickets at a kiosk in Varenna
station the morning we departed.
Interesting as that station has been notorious for YEARS for having neither ticket window or machine. But it sounds like this kiosk (a newsstand, maybe?) wasn't at the station?
In any case, I'd probably buy them in advance either at the travel agency in Varenna, when you first arrive, or at another station along the way. Or online, if you have that capability. They'll be nice to have in hand for just validating and jumping on the train.
And thanks for taking a look, Leslie! Sure hope that we have it right... :O)
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you to both of you! I will definitely check with the ticket counter when we arrive to double check, but this looks like a good option!