We will be going to Italy in September. For the last leg of our trip, we will be traveling from Venice to Bellano (Lake Como area). My plan is to take the train from Venice to Malpensa Airport in Milan and rent a car to drive to Bellano. I am not sure if we really need a car to enjoy this area and would appreciate input. We will be flying back to the United States from Malpensa. If we rent a car, how much time should we plan for the drive from Bellano to Malpensa? Our flight leaves at noon. We'd need to return the car and submit VAT forms. I'm thinking if we leave Bellano at 6:00 a.m. we should have enough time? Or would it be less stressful to stay at a hotel in Milan the night before?
Posted by
not here anymore
631 posts
The best way to enjoy the lake is on a boat but the service at Bellano is poor. http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/c_illago.html
Bellano to Malpensa shouldn't take much more than 90 minutes, it's 60 miles and a large part is autostrada. The unknown factor is how long form the car rental office to the terminal? The city centre is only 30 miles from the airport but the traffic would be worse so at least an hour at that time of day. If you are really worried about delays the obvious place for the final night is an airport hotel (or one close by with free shuttle bus) and drop the car the evening before you fly, you may even save money!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16219 posts
If you are coming from Venice, why would you want to pick up a rental car at Malpensa, west of the lake, then backtrack 100km East back to the lake. That would be crazy.
I would pick it up in Venice, at Piazzale Roma, and drive from there. It's all freeway all the a to Capriate, then very straight highway to Lecco.
You could also rent it in Milan at the station, but why bother? Venice is the best choice.
I would budget 2 hours from Bellano to Malpensa. It's only 100km, 90 min might be the driving time, but you need to stop for refueling before returning the car and there is a stretch through Novedrate that is on a regular two lane highway with lots of slow trucks. Also you might get lost, miss a freeway exit, run into traffic, etc. Returning the car at Malpensa is quick and easy, but you still need to turn in the car, walk to the terminal from the parking garage, etc. add some time for that too. If you fly to the US try to be there at the check in a couple hours prior to departure. It will be quick. Malpensa is a very empty airport nowadays, since Alitalia moved its hub to Rome and all European operations to Milan Linate, so you will feel like you are in a very modern abandoned airport terminal. Sometimes it's so empty I can feel the echo of my footsteps.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1766 posts
If you ever drive on motorway A36 remember that it is the only Italian motorway where the toll is not paid in cash at a toll booth but must be paid online within 15 days (there are also alternative procedures for habitual customers). If you forget to pay, a ZTL fine will look easy in comparison.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16219 posts
lachera is correct to remind you. You will in fact be on the A36 for a portion to Gallarate. I took it this month to Lake Como.
It's really important that you write down the license plate number of your rental car so that you can pay when you get home.
The website is below, not sure it has an English page. All you need is the license plate, a valid email address, and your credit card. It works with credit cards issued abroad. I paid with my Bank of America visa.
https://www.pedemontana.com
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12078 posts
I would suggest staying the last night at a hotel near the airport. Many have free shuttle service to the airport.
This is where I stayed and would do so again without hesitation--- http://www.cavalieridellacorona.com/en/home-page.aspx
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16219 posts
Joe
You stay at the same Best Western hotel where I stay.