How to get from Train station to places

Hi Jeremy, I recommend using www.rome2rio.com to check out your options between train stations & hotels, etc. It will give you details of trains, buses, & taxis with approximate costs. Also, there's the link from the options to the train tickets to check out whether the scheduled times will work for you.

The train system is extremely easy; we love traveling by train in Europe.

Jeremy,

We're planning on Northern Italy, probably flying into Venice and out of Milan, doing Cinque Terre and some of the Northern Lakes.

Which lake(s) are you planning to visit?

It's fairly easy to get to the following lakes by train; Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, & Lake Garda.

The question is; how much of the lake do you want to see?

Lake Garda is very large & if you want to visit the cities in the northern part of the lake, it's best to have a car but you can also get to them via ferry boats.

Here is the website for ferry boats schedule for the 3 lakes mentioned above: http://www.navlaghi.it/eng/index.asp

You don't need a car in Cinque Terre as it's very simple to visit the villages via train or ferry boats.

You will need to take the 'Malpensa Express' train from Milan to the Malpensa Airport.

For train schedules in Italy check this website: http://www.trenitalia.com

If you will be flying into Venice, you will need to take the Alilaguna water bus to a stop near your hotel-- this is the website to see schedules: http://www.alilaguna.it/?lang=en

Yes, there are always taxis lined up outside the train stations & they can drive you to/from your hotel, but if you want to save money, you usually have the option of taking public transportation.

Happy Planning!

Jeremy,
One more thing;

If you're planning on spending the last night before your flight in Milan, you can choose to stay in a hotel near Milano Centrale,
(Milan's central station) or stay near the Castello Sforzesco in the historic center by Milano Nord Cadorna train station.

The 'Malpensa Express' train takes less time to get to the Malpensa Airport from the Cadorna Station (29 mins)
vs. Milano Centrale (52 mins.)

Safe travels!

Thanks so much for the help! Love this site.

As for your question, looking at staying in Stresa and and visiting Como and Bellaggio and Borromeo Islands.

You should have no problem finding taxis at or very near the train stations. Rome2rio is a great site for research. If necessary, you can call your hotel or email them before you leave home for the best way to reach them.

Jeremy. A car would definitely be helpful to visit the Dolomites mountains, if you intend to include them in your itinerary. Not sure about why one would go to Belluno, but maybe you intend to go from there to the Dolomites, you don't specify. Belluno is not a small town, therefore it can be reached by public transportation easily.
If the Dolomites are not in your itinerary, you can probably do without a car. You might benefit some from a car at the lakes however, especially lake Garda. Stresa on Lake Maggiore is easily reached by train, however a car will make it easier to visit the nearby Orta San Giulio on lake Orta, or also the beautiful village of Cannobio (although I think from Stresa you can go there by boat). Also if you leave Stresa for last, you could easily drive from there to Milan Malpensa airport from there on the day of departure (40 min drive at most). However from Stresa and also Arona, you can take the Alibus to Malpensa or you can take the train to Gallarate (which is next to the airport) and from Gallarate take a taxi to the terminal.
Stresa, as I said, is on lake Maggiore, and it's right in front of the Borromee islands. You mentioned you would visit lake Como and Bellagio from there. I'm not sure you realized that is a totally different lake. Without a car going from Stresa to Bellagio on lake Como takes a long time (even with a car). However I wouldn't necessarily try to see every single lake in Italy just because Rick Steves mentions Lake Como in his books. Just stick to lake Maggiore and lake Orta if you go to Stresa.

Some travelers choose hotels within walking distance of train stations, but that's not the only workable option. A short taxi ride within a city is usually affordable and makes sense for two or more people with luggage. If you've found your hotel through a guidebook, directions for the closest subway stop or bus line are usually in the book, and you'll tend to use those resources when not carrying your luggage. Google maps and hotel web sites also often include local transport info.

Thanks for all the replies. Wondering if maybe our planned itinerary isn't optimal. We had an "expert" plan this out for us, so please let us know if we're doing anything that doesn't make sense. My wife and I are mid-30's and really not into the whole museum thing. We're hoping to do some hiking, sightseeing, winery visits and cooking classes. Unfortunately we can only go for 10 days which gives us less than 8 when you take out travel.

Our current plan is to fly into Venice and then travel up to Belluno for 2 nights. While there we're doing some hiking there and then visiting Bassano Del Grappa and Trento in the Dolomites.

Then we take go to Cinque Terre, staying in Portovenere for 3 nights(really just 2 days when you take out the travel). Visiting the different villages and doing some hiking there and probably a winery or 2.

Then we go to Stresa for 3 nights(2.5 days when you take out travel). There we planned to visit Isola Bella and hike around Lake Maggiore a bit. Next day doing Como(although sounds like maybe Orta is a better idea?) and Bellagio.

Then next day to MXP to fly home.

We were considering visiting the Swiss Alps as well, but perhaps too much? Does this seem ok, or too much traveling or are there better places to stop than what was laid out for us?

Thanks for all the help!

Jeremy,
When will you have time to do all this upon your arrival in Venice if you only have 2 nights (one full day) there & you will be dealing with jet-lag?

Our current plan is to fly into Venice and then travel up to Belluno
for 2 nights. While there we're doing some hiking there and then
visiting Bassano Del Grappa and Trento in the Dolomites.

• Are you planning to skip Venice?
• Are you planning to rent a car to drive to Belluno then drive to Bassano Del Grappa and Trento?
• Will you be driving from Trento to Portovenere (around 4 hours) ? or taking public transportation which will take almost 8 hours with several transfers.

Since you only have 8 days, I'd suggest choosing 2 of your destinations but not 3.

If you choose to keep your itinerary as is, you will be spending so much time in transit (train, bus or car) just trying to get from one place to another and hardly any time to truly enjoy & explore each of your destinations.

Check the website recommended by Jean above to figure out travel options, time of travel, etc: http://www.rome2rio.com/

Happy Planning!

Jeremy,

You may want to post your last comment regarding your itinerary as a new topic.

You may get more responses as some posters may not read all the comments before adding their reply.

If I only had 8 days (considering your interests), I'd probably visit the Dolomites & one of the Lakes in Northern Italy.

I have not traveled to the Dolomites but enjoyed visiting Lake Garda & Lake Como.

You may want to read this: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/dolomites

You can also search this forum to read other threads about visiting the Dolomites.
Happy Planning!

Hi Jeremy,

I wouldn't pick Bassano Del Grappa or Trento as first choices to see the Dolomites. Trento is large & in the wide valley. Check out images of Ortesei or Moena to see towns in the midst of the mountains - perfect for hiking & taking a gondola up to really enjoy the amazing views.

Stresa is wonderful - loved Isola Bella & Isola Pescatori and also just walking along the promenade of Stresa. It has good train connections to Milan. We stayed at a less expensive hotel, Hotel Boston (crazy name for Italy!) which was a block off the main street and very handy to the train station; get a room with a view of the lake.

If you're traveling by train, purchase the tickets 2-3 months ahead on-line to catch some of the Super Saver tickets.

jeremy,

I'm a bit late getting into the discussion and I've only glanced over the previous replies, but have a few comments on your last post.

"Wondering if maybe our planned itinerary isn't optimal. We had an "expert" plan this out for us, so please let us know if we're doing anything that doesn't make sense."

Several parts of your proposed Itinerary don't make sense (at least not with the limited information posted so far). Some comments and questions.....

• Why have you chosen Belluno rather than other locations in the Dolomites?
• Are you planning to go to Belluno directly after landing in Venice, or spend a few days in Venice?
• Are you planning to rent a car for that portion of the trip? There are some "caveats" to be aware of.
• With the VERY short time frame you have, I'm not sure you'll have time for also touring Bassano del Grappa and Trento.

"Then we take go to Cinque Terre, staying in Portovenere for 3 nights"

• How are you planning to get from the Dolomites to the Cinque Terre?
• Porto Venere is not actually "in" the Cinque Terre and is not the most convenient location for touring that area, especially if you're using public transit. Staying in one of the five C.T. towns (or even in Levanto) would be a better choice.
• Having a car in the C.T. is of little value, as parking is limited and expensive. Using the frequent local trains would be a much better option.

"We were considering visiting the Swiss Alps as well, but perhaps too much?"

Actually, if you have the time available while in Stresa, a visit to Switzerland is possible. You might consider a day trip on the scenic Cento Valli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno, returning in the evening by boat. While in Locarno you can tour the scenic piazza (where the Locarno Film Festival is held (this year from Aug. 5 - 15), window shop in the posh stores, take the Funicular up the hill to the beautiful Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Monastery (it's worth seeing, even if a few minutes) or take the Cable Car up to Cardada for some hiking and incredible views. The *Albergo Ristorante Cardada is right beside the Cable Car station, and they have an outdoor patio with incredible views of the lake. You can stop for a "cool one" there and perhaps watch Paragliders sailing past the balcony. One tip though - as you'll be visiting a different country, it's probably a good idea to take your Passports.

"Next day doing Como(although sounds like maybe Orta is a better idea?) and Bellagio."

I'm really not sure you're going to have time for Como / Orta / Bellagio with the short time you have available. It's very important to allow for transportation time between locations, as some of the places you're visiting are not close to each other.

If you're planning to use any public transit in Italy (trains, bus, Metro), there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of with that as well. Post another note if you need further information.

Good luck with your planning!

Thanks for the great tips everyone! To answer your questions:

Some comments and questions..... •Why have you chosen Belluno rather
than other locations in the Dolomites? •Are you planning to go to
Belluno directly after landing in Venice, or spend a few days in
Venice? •Are you planning to rent a car for that portion of the trip?
There are some "caveats" to be aware of. •With the VERY short time
frame you have, I'm not sure you'll have time for also touring Bassano
del Grappa and Trento.

We didn't choose Belluno, our planner did, so maybe that wasn't the best choice. No, not planning on spending time in Venice, straight from the airport. Haven't figured out if I can get by without a car or a really need one, was hoping to not have to drive, but I can if it makes sense. Someone suggested I start a new thread to discuss my itinirary but I'm starting to gather we are just trying to cram too much into 7 or 8 days.

•How are you planning to get from the Dolomites to the Cinque Terre?
•Porto Venere is not actually "in" the Cinque Terre and is not the
most convenient location for touring that area, especially if you're
using public transit. Staying in one of the five C.T. towns (or even
in Levanto) would be a better choice. •Having a car in the C.T. is of
little value, as parking is limited and expensive. Using the frequent
local trains would be a much better option.

I was hoping to take the train, seemed like a long day(7 hours) but not much better driving it. I guess another option is to skip the Dolomites and just do Stresa and Cinque Terre and fly in an out of Milan....maybe less train time that way and less rushed around. Thanks for the feedback on where to stay in CT...any recommendation or they're so easy to get around it really doesn't matter?

Actually, if you have the time available while in Stresa, a visit to
Switzerland is possible. You might consider a day trip on the scenic
Cento Valli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno, returning in the
evening by boat. While in Locarno you can tour the scenic piazza
(where the Locarno Film Festival is held (this year from Aug. 5 - 15),
window shop in the posh stores, take the Funicular up the hill to the
beautiful Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Monastery (it's worth seeing,
even if a few minutes) or take the Cable Car up to Cardada for some
hiking and incredible views. The *Albergo Ristorante Cardada is right
beside the Cable Car station, and they have an outdoor patio with
incredible views of the lake. You can stop for a "cool one" there and
perhaps watch Paragliders sailing past the balcony. One tip though -
as you'll be visiting a different country, it's probably a good idea
to take your Passports.

Thanks for the tip!

If you're planning to use any public transit in Italy (trains, bus,
Metro), there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of
with that as well. Post another note if you need further information.

As you can see I need all the help I can get ;-)

Jeremy

I believe the "expert" who planned your itinerary has never been to Northern Italy, or if they have didn't spend much time where they have recommended you go. I have been researching a solo trip there in April/May with some help from some of those who responded to your post and I think you are going to feel rushed throughout your entire trip, i.e. quantity over quality. Don't forget that summer is hot and crowded there and things move slower because of all the tourists. You don't mention if you have been to Italy before or not, so here are a few thoughts assuming you haven't. You don't say if you plan to spend a few days in Venice, but if you've never been there why wouldn't you? If you have been there, why fly into Venice for this trip? Milan would be better for access to the lakes by trains, and there are more direct flights to Milan from the US than to Venice. I just booked mine RT from New Orleans to Milan for the first two weeks in May. You do not mention Florence, which is as easy to fly into as Venice. If you haven't been to Florence don't miss it. You say you don't like museums, and I have to admit I didn't either before my first trip, but to be in Italy and not see Michelangelo's David, or climb to the top of the Duomo, well, they are simply not to be missed. The CT is 2 1/2 hours by train from Florence and I highly recommend you stay in one of the five towns and not in Portovenere, which as Ken pointed out, is not part of the CT. If you like to hike, the nine miles from one end of the CT to the other will satisfy any hiking desires you may have, and stopping along the way to eat, drink and just soak it all in will make any day. And you don't have to do the whole thing in one day. Do what you can and return to your home base, and the next day take the train to where you left off and start again. If you do Venice, Florence and CT I believe you will have a full quality trip and will want to come back sooner than later. If you do the lakes and Venice I'd come back later and do the CT. If you try to do everything you listed I think you will go home frustrated that you saw what you wanted to, but you didn't really "see" it. You only have eight days in Italy, and with your present itinerary you will spend quite a bit of it en route to somewhere. Be sure to leave some time to get to know the people. They are terrific. As Rick always, assume you will return. Good luck and have a great trip.

Thanks Jim for all the info! I should have specified further, this our first trip to not only Italy but to Europe...neither of us has ever left North America/Carribean. We were originally planning a 14-16 day trip where we could see a lot more, but with the shorter trip, we've realized we need to just pick a small region and plan to go back.

The idea behind flying into Venice was that it was closer to the Dolomites which she recommended. If we didn't do the Dolomites then we would fly into and out of Milan and you're right the flights are more plenty(by the way if anyone is going to Milan by May you can get $400 round trip tickets out of JFK on Emirates(direct)).

I keep hearing Italy is hot in the summer, but in looking at it's climate it's highs are in the mid-80's which compared to Northern Virginia will feel a bit cool I think. Yeah I know about the crowds, unfortunately my wife is a teacher so we have to go in the summer. Will Northern Italy be too crowded?

If we do go round trip MXP then we would avoid Venice and you think CT and Stresa would make for a good trip? My wife thinks she could spend 8 days just at CT, but I wonder if we would get bored.....

Regarding trains: you can buy regionale tickets that you must validate in the green/grey/red box, either near the track or in the tunnel leading to the track. Forgetting to do this will result in fines. The ticket will have the word "Convalidare" in the top area.

If you buy tickets for the freccia trains (fast trains), your ticket comes with a carriage and seat number, reserved for you on that specific train; you don't need to validate those tickets.

Note that your stop may not be the last stop on the line - know the stop before yours (you can check the yellow departures poster or the electronic board above the tracks) and get ready to disembark.

Trains are easy. Have fun!

Jeremy,

If we do go round trip MXP then we would avoid Venice and you think CT and Stresa would make for a good trip? My wife thinks she could spend 8 days just at CT, but I wonder if we would get bored.....

If you love beautiful scenery, like to hike, visit winery, & eat delicious food, then you couldn't possibly be bored if you
visit CT & one of the Lakes in northern Italy!

If you decide on round trip to/from MXP, you could visit Lake Como/Lake Maggiore then go to the CT or vice-versa.

If I had 8 days & flying in/out MXP, I'd go directly to CT (3-4 nights) then Florence (3-4N) then spend last night in Milan.

Edit: There is so much more to Florence than just museums! When in Florence, you could take a day trip to Siena via train/bus.

Since you're thinking of changing your original plan, I'd start a new topic so you can get more responses.

Once you decide where you'd like to go, start booking your accommodations :-)