train from Domodossola to Venice

Nan Even with a car the easiest route from Varenna to Bolzano would be to head back south to the A4 and then east to pick up the A22 north.

If you are thinking about going north from Varenna to SS39 and the fairly straight shot northern route, I'd suggest reconsidering. It will take you longer and it is mountains the whole way. Lovely scenery I am sure but two lanes and probably lots of switchbacks.

I once cut across from Ravenna to Florence on the little roads instead of going back to the autostrade. Forgot about that pesky little mountain range in the middle. When I got close Florence I called the hotel for directions, I had a hard time convincing them that I was really where I said I was. They kept saying nobody goes that way any more. :-)

Well, when I first looked I thought I saw a nice, rather straight road. I guess the switchbacks were so numerous they looked like a straight line !!!

Guess I will look a little more closely. I am visiting friends in Domodossola and they might have more tips.

Thanks to everyone. This trip is going to be an adventure!

Did you see the two big lakes that you have to cross to get from Varenna to Dommodosola? Actually, there is a way but it will take you a lot longer than going via Milan. First, you take the train from Dommodosola to Lugano. This could be a Swiss train as both Locarno and Lugano are in Switzerland. This takes about 3hrs. Then, you bus the 11 miles or so to Menagio. Finally, you take the ferry across Lake Como to Varenna.

So, I guess I use the saying, "If a train goes there, don't drive"

Conversely, "If a train doesn't go there easily, drive"

So I guess I will be getting my car in Varenna. At least this way I may be able to spend more time in the Dolomites.

thnx