In late April, 2019, we will need to get from Ljubljana to Varenna [Lake Como area.] The transportation options seem to be train and/or Go Opti combinations. I know it will be a long day. It looks like we should take Go Opti to an interesting train transfer town [will have already been in Venice]. Perhaps we have lunch in that town before continuing on, to break up the day?
Will really appreciate all the RS' travellers' experience on this topic.
Thx so much!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
I think I'd take GoOpti to Venice Mestre and catch the train from there to Varenna, all in the same day, and just get there. You'd probably stop in Milan to change. If you want to split up the trip with a day stop? How about Verona? I think GoOpti would take you there - or you could just take the train there from Mestre and get off, leave your bags at the station or something. You could also do the same stopping in Milan, with one fewer change (vs. getting off at say Verona).
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32200 posts
Pat,
In the same situation, I'd probably try to minimize the road portion and use GoOpti from Ljubljana to Trieste, and then connect with high speed trains there. That will be the quickest method and the most efficient use of travel time.
That trip is going to take the better part of a full day, so I wouldn't waste time stopping in another town along the way for lunch. Travel time via Freccia and Regionale from Trieste to Varenna is about six hours, plus the time by road from Ljubljana to Trieste. I'd pack along some snacks for the GoOpti trip and then either pick something up from one of the food outlets at Trieste Centrale, or buy something from the restaurant car on the train for breakfast or lunch.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11160 posts
here is some of the options
If I were doing it I would pack a picnic to eat on the train or get something on the train. Extending the journey by stopping for lunch in a town along the way would be my last choice.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
If you look at schedules through March 2 on DeutscheBahn, you can do this route in under 8 hours, starting at 7:40 with Bus #1 from Ljubljana to Trieste Centrale. The next leg direct to Milan by fast train is the part that's not yet confirmed for later dates, but I haven't heard news of any particular construction or interruption on the route.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
I suspect it will be faster to take GoOpti to Venice Mestre and pick up the train from there vs. taking a bus or shuttle to Trieste. GoOpti should take about 2.5 hours to Mestre. That's about how long it took (no stops) with DRD from Mestre back to Ljubljana. Of course, that doesn't account for traffic; we were lucky and had none.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
4675 posts
Thx for taking the time to share your insights!