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Car or train from Malpensa to Varenna to Bolzano

Thee will be 5 of us when we arrive in Malpensa airport and then straight to Varenna for 3 nights.
Our plan is to then travel to the Dolomites for another 3 nights. I have been planning on renting a car for the entire trip but am concerned that the Stelvio pass may be closed in late October (oct. 21-24)

I had planned on the following road map to get to Bolzano. ( Lake Como (Varenna) up to Chiavenna, then all the valley to Sondrio, the climb to Bormio and the awesome mountain road of the Stelvio Pass, from where you reach Merano and then Bolzano.)
Is this a practical drive at this time of year? or would I be better off not getting a car in Malpensa and take the train to Varenna for 3 nights then the train to Bolzano where I can rent a car??
After the Dolomites we are considering a drive to Sienna where we will stay another 4-5 nights.
Would you recommend one central location (perhaps an agritourisimo) out of Sienna and then do day trips from there or would we be better off finding hotels and hop from town to town throughout Tuscany?
Thanks for your help and guidance

Posted by
500 posts

Difficult to tell. Both legs (MXP-Varenna and Varenna-Bolzano) by train involve changes but are not difficult, and are much more relaxing as you do not have to drive. The Stelvio pass may be well closed by mid October - but who knows?

There are other possible car itineraries that are likely to be open longer than Stelvio - for example Maloja pass, then drive all the Engadine (Switzerland) up to Reschenpass - but frankly every detour adds time and distance to already long and difficult drives; so if you want to decide now, take the train; if you want to drive, reconsider again one week before the trip, when weather forecasts will be clearer.

Posted by
19659 posts

The Stelvio Pass officially closes in November, but I suppose a storm might cause a temporary closure in October. You have an alternate route through Switzerland over the Maloja Pass (1800 m) and the Fuorn Pass (2100 m) to Meran. Since the Post Bus has scheduled runs all winter over this route, you should be OK. There is also a more southerly direct route to Bolzano, skipping Merano, over the Tonale Pass (1880 m).

Posted by
107 posts

Thanks for the input.....helpful

Any thoughts about taking the train to Bolzano renting a car then returning it in Balzano or Verona to take the train to the Amolfi coast. To far to go??