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Stresa-transportation

We have decided to start our Sept trip with 3 nights in Stresa.
We arrive Malpensa at 8:40 am and it looks like the Ali bus schedule NOW shows a bus at 12 noon. We are OK waiting for that if need be but wondering what other easy options are to get to Stresa?
Any recommendations for a private transfer or any idea what a taxi would cost?
Not interested in train with changes, just prefer simplicity after all night flight.

While in Stresa we will spend 1 day ferry hopping to the islands and on the next day would love to do the Lago Maggiore Express- train/ferry to Locarno and back. I see that is not running now due to COVID and will keep an eye on it.
Anyone have experience with the Lago Maggiore Express?
http://www.lagomaggioreexpress.eu

If that is not an option what other day trips would you suggest?

Bus to Orta San Giulio? Bus 32? Link to bus schedules?
Having a hard time with this site, perhaps bus isn’t running now due to COVID? Is there an English site?
https://www.safduemila.com

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Posted by
15041 posts

I would rent a car. That is what I’ve done from MXP to Stresa, 50 min drive and you are there. A car is useful to visit places like Locarno, and Orta San Giulio from Stresa. But that is me and I usually need a car when I go to Italy, so that’s what I do. I don’t know if you need a car for the rest of your trip.

If you are not keen to driving, then, if I were you, I would invest in a private transfer with a car service. You can search online by entering Malpensa Stresa airport transfer or also, in Italian, “servizio NCC”. NCC stands for Noleggio Con Conducente (car hire with driver), basically a limo service. I searched and found many companies, one is linked here. It looks like they charge €100 and up depending on the number of travelers. That price is consistent in all the sites I looked. I think it’s worth it, considering you will be tired from the long flight and with luggage with you.
https://www.taxi-transfer.it/taxi-stresa-malpensa/

Once in Stresa, well rested and with luggage in your hotel room, you can rely on public transportation. It looks like they have 3 buses daily from Stresa to Orta San Giulio, in each direction.
https://www.safduemila.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2021.6.12-9.12-stresa-omegna-orta-2021.5.5.pdf

A taxi for that distance (I’ve driven it a few times and it takes about half hour by car) will probably cost you €60 to €70.

Posted by
333 posts

A taxi from Malpensa is about $75-100 as Stresa is about an hour away. If you don’t want transfers, then the bus is the way to go. FYI last time I took it the drop off is in the center of town, so keep that in mind based on where your hotel is.
If you tour the villa and gardens on Isola Bella, that will use up about 3 hours (don’t forget to do some shopping - there’s plenty for tourists). Then go over to Isola Madre, mother’s island. Villa, gardens and a family church to tour.
Villa Taranto is a nice ferry ride with lovely gardens to stroll. 3-4 hours
Saturday there once was a big market in Intra (45 min ferry ride away). It’s interesting to see the Italian made goods - personally I stick to the food. These markets go from town to town since there are no malls nearby.
One time I took a tour in Milan that included seeing The Last Supper. The crowds might not be so bad in September.
I’ve taken the express over to Locarno. Don’t go on Sunday because nothings open. Stroll old town and have a Swiss lunch. I believe there’s a thermal spa in the area but I haven’t been. For me the best part of the whole trip (weather permitting) is sit on the top deck of the ferry back to Stresa seeing all the little towns as the ferry stops to load and unload.
Try Pizza at Taverno Pappagallo and a little more upscale dining at Ristorante Trattoria "Stornello" fresh lake fish.
Enjoy!

Posted by
5953 posts

Thank you both so much!

Roberto- we actually changed our itinerary this trip to avoid renting a car- original plan had us in Tuscany again with a car but the rental rates are so high this year we'll save our return to Tuscany for a future trip.
Don't need a car for rest of trip
(Stresa-Verona-Florence-Orvieto-Sorrento-Rome- all easily done by train right?)
Thanks for the links- I think bus or private car will work- can decide later
I've booked Hotel Speranza au Lac based on your recommendation in an older post.

Sandra- thanks for the recommendations
Really looking forward to this stay in Stresa now, fingers crossed that the Express is running!
I suppose we could go in to Milan but not really jazzed about that at this time, although you are right might be a good time to see Last Supper- I figure we'll be back in future trips and can give Milan a few days then.

Posted by
32512 posts

I considered doing the train-train-boat combo when I was there just 2 years and a month ago but we loved the islands so much we spent two whole days on them. We don't move as fast as Sandra. So never got that train boat combo.

I hope you have a wonderful time.