We had a crazy experience on the regional train from Milan Centrale to Varenna recently. Granted it was a holiday, but the train in Milan was so packed that ticket holders were turned away. There are no assigned seats, it's a regional train. We bought first class thinking that meant something, but not sure where first class was, and the conductors standing outside the train doors offered no help. We arrived at Milan Centrale 45 minutes before our train departure, and all the seats were already occupied. We heard that the earlier train was so full that folks boarded our train. At least we got on the train. I sat on the floor, my husband stood. It was shoulder to shoulder. There was good AC, thankfully.
My concern is getting back to Milan Centrale from Varenna on a Monday morning. In the past, we have had to stand. My fear is that the train may be too packed to board, and we would miss our connection to Venice. Any wisdom?
Does any one have any driver or shared shuttle services to recommend- reasonably priced? I know some have been mentioned in the past and I can't find the info. There's just two of us with light luggage. Now I can stress about this.
Thanks to all!