Milan to Bellagio and back again

Malpensa to Bellagio: Take the Malpensa Express train from the airport to Saronno (about 20 minutes). From Saronno, take the Ferrovie Nord train to Como-Lago (about 40 minutes & the last stop). From Como you can then take a bus or ferry to Bellagio (about an hour). Alternatively, if you want to spend the dough, you can hire a private driver for door-to-door service. You can also hire a private shuttle, although not in winter months. (www.flytolake.com) Bellagio to Venice: Ferry or bus back to Como. Train from Como to Milano Centrale. From Milano Centrale you can catch a train to Venice. Train from Milano Centrale to Venice takes 2 1/2 hours.

when departing Bellagio take ferry to Varenna from Varenna train to Milan Central, train to Venice
(no need to go back to Como from Bellagio)

Martha, My preference would be to take either the "regular" train (29-43 minutes) or Malpensa Shuttle Bus to Milano Centrale (travel time ~50 minutes). Don't use the Malpensa Express train, as that terminates at Milano Cadorna station. Transfer to the Regionale to Varenna, which has departures about every two hours (travel time 1H:03M). From Varenna make the short walk down the hill to the Ferry dock in front of Albergo Olivedo (big yellow building) and board the Ferry to Bellagio (about 20-minutes). There's a ticket office across from the entrance to the Hotel. Follow the same route back to Milano Centrale for the trip to Venice. One point to note is that if you need to buy tickets for the return trip, the station in Varenna isn't always staffed. I'd suggest visiting the Travel Agent just below the station, and they should be able to make the arrangements for you. Happy travels!

Hi we are doing the same but in reverse. We are hiring a car in July tho so dont know weather in May?? Driving from venice to Lake Como--tremezzo 3 days then onto Malpensa to fly to Istanbul. Very reasonable price saves hauling luggage on and off trains etc. cheers

thanks for the two suggestions. My fear is that when we arrive in Malpensa at 10:30 that we will not be able to make the 12:30 train to Varenna. So now I have an option if I see that we will miss that train. thanks for all the help. I hate the unknown - that's why I travel!!