Thinking of flying into Milan. What would be our options to get from the Milan airport to possibly Bellagio? ( or perhaps another town in the region that would be more highly recommended, as this will be our first time there). Our next stop will be Venice. How would you recommend we travel there from the Lake Como area?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
eva,
That's actually a fairly easy trip. Many here like staying in Varenna, which is just a short 20 minute ride from Bellagio. This is the route you'll need to follow......
- Malpensa / MXP to Milano Centrale via Malpensa Express. You can buy your tickets at the airport station but DON'T forget to validate before boarding the train or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! I'd suggest also buying your Regionale tickets from Milano Centrale to Varenna and also for the return trip. Again, DON'T forget to validate these prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or hefty fines.
- Milano Centrale to Varenna - travel time on that route is "officially" 1H:03M. You'll go through a tunnel just prior to arrival in Varenna, so be ready to disembark promptly as the train doesn't stop for long. You should be able to walk to your hotel (it's mostly downhill). If you'd prefer to stay in Bellagio, walk down to the Ferry dock in front of Albergo Olivedo and buy a ticket for the Ferry.
- Varenna to Venice - walk back to the station in Varenna and take the train back to Milano Centrale. Once there transfer to the fast Freccia train for the trip to Venezia Santa Lucia. For this trip you could pre-purchase your tickets at considerable savings, provided you're willing to commit to a specific train, date and departure time. The Freccia trains have compulsory seat reservations which are specific to one train, and can only be used for the one train listed on the ticket.
- When you arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia, walk out the front door and down the steps and you'll be right at the Grand Canal. Use a Vaporetto to whichever stop is closest to your hotel.