Hi all - I have done my research, but I am overwhelmed and need help. I am landing in MXP at 9:55 am. I need to get to Bellagio on Lake Como as my end destination. I understand I need to take a train from Milan to Varenna, then ferry to Bellagio.
Question: What train do I take to Varenna from MXP? Is there a train AT MXP I can just simply jump on?
Thank you in advance.
Yes but you need to buy a ticket before you jump on. It is called the Malpensa Express and takes about 55 minutes to reach Milano Centrale, where you catch the regional train to Varenna. You can buy the ticket for the whole journey from MXP to Varenna in one transaction.
There is a Trenitalia train app that will let you check schedules, buy tickets and track trains in real time that you'll probably want to get.
Starting last year local tickets without reserved seats called regionale tickets need to validated in the app prior to the train's departure time. Paper tickets need to be validated in the machine before getting on the train.
The ferry port is a 5 minute walk directly downhill from the Varenna train station and from there you can check the schedule of ferries to Bellagio. The ferry station in Varenna is small and uncomplicated, however the ferry station in Bellagio is much larger and busier.
Have a great trip,
=Tod
The train company that runs from MXP to Milano Centrale and then Milano Centrale to Varenna is TrenNord. It will be easy to find at Malpensa. Look up and follow the signs. Note that the destination for Varenna station appears in the schedule as Varenna-Esino. The ride will be about two hours, almost an hour into Milan and another hour to Varenna.
The journey from Milano Centrale (Milan’s Central train station) to Varenna takes a bit over an hour.
Sit on the left side of the train for best views of the lake.
Once you pass through the tunnel you need to get ready to disembark the train as it will only stop in Varenna for a couple of minutes.
There are frequent ferries to Bellagio.
You may check ferry schedules here:
www.navigazionelaghi.it
There’s no need to buy ferry tickets in advance, just buy a few minutes prior to ferry departure.
I read your other post where you mentioned about this…
If you’d like to visit Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’, you must book tickets in advance at
https://cenacolovinciano.org/en/ (hopefully you’ve already got your tickets)
It looks like tickets have sold out for your September date, but keep checking the website as tickets may be added.
Enjoy your time in beautiful Italy!
Have you considered a private transfer or taxi? It is a bit spendy, but after a long flight it certainly simplifies things. You can be dropped off right at your hotel doorstep.
We are doing a similar journey in late September, except this time to Varenna. Last time we travelled to Bellagio, and we decided on a private transfer, and will again this time.
It certainly isn't cheap, I think ours is about 249 Euro for two of us, but certainly after flying 24 hours from Australia, the last thing you need is faffing about on trains.
If you do decide to continue with the train, you can also get the Trenord app, as they are the company who run the trains in Lombardy. I believe tickets do not need to be validated on the Trenord app, regional ones anyway.
Thank you everyone for your kind replies!
For those who used a private transfer, can you recommend them?
Also, Hi Priscilla! I was able to secure tickets for The Last Supper! We are doing the English tour - think it is a 45 min deal. So happy I was able to secure them :)
We used this company for a transfer in a slightly different area
https://connectotransfers.com/
It was quite a few years ago that we used the transfer to Bellagio and the driver was provided by Emirates as we were lucky enough to fly business that time.
This time we are not, so are arranging our own transfer.
I have booked with Lake Como transfers, as they get excellent reviews on all forums that I have checked. I have been happy with the email responses so far.
Thank you, everyone.
I was able to secure tickets for The Last Supper! We are doing the English tour - think it is a 45 min deal.
Great to hear that you secured your tickets to the Last Supper!
Those tickets are not easily obtained!
My ticket included the tour in Italian but the guide was bilingual and I was able to ask a couple of questions in English at the end of the tour. She was an excellent guide.
You will only have 15 minutes (unless they’ve changed this) to view the masterpiece so enjoy every second!
Arrive early as there may be a queue to pick up your tickets ;)
