We will be traveling from Lucerne and are hoping to visit the Cinque Terra. We were originally going to stop for 3 nights in Varenna on the lakes but I think that may be quite a difficult journey. I actually would much rather head over to the Cinque Terra for 3 nights (and then we are off to Florence). We will be doing rail and would like the most direct route. Will be traveling with our 15 year old and are hoping to have a nonstop train at least to Milan and hopefully scenic..........any suggestions or would it be easier to go to Varenna? Please consider our onward journey to Florence.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
"have a nonstop train at least to Milan" - that you will never get. There will be about 4-5 stops between Luzern (local spelling) and Milano Centrale, where you will have to change trains for Varena. From Luzern you may also have to change at Arth Goldau, as most of the Milan trains come from Zürich, not Luzern.
The 15 year old should be a help not a hinderence (s)he can carry some of the luggage.
Some travellers who are not familiar with how trains work think changing trains is something to be avoided at all costs. It is nothing like changing planes, and usually takes less than 10 minutes. Just get off your train, carrying all your luggage, and get on the connecting train.
At Arth Goldau the trains from Luzern and Zürich stop side-by-side, you walk about 100 metres from one to the other. Easy!
You don't need to know in advance the direct route. Go to http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html and enter your date an time and From Luzern to Milano, Varenna or Monterosso, whichever you want. It will automatically calculate the quickest route.
Posted by
Green Bay
20143 posts
I believe there is one EC train direct from Luzern to Milan at 8:47. www.sbb.ch
The connection time from there to Monterosso is a 1 hour 15 minutes, time enough to stop at Mickey D's.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for your help. So do you think heading over to the Cinque Terra is better than going over to Varenna?
Posted by
Minneapolis
1216 posts
Hi. I'm guessing by 'nonstop' train, you meant 'direct' without changes. As mentioned, changing trains is not a big deal. In any case, the train journey from Lucerne to Varenna then Florence or to CT then Florence are similar. Both will involve changes in Milan and likely one or two other places, but neither is a 'difficult journey'. So I wouldn't suggest deciding based on train; rather based on which area you would prefer. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
You can get there quicker by making two changes, but this connection gives you ample time for lunch at Milano Centrale.
1) EC 153 Dep 08:47 LUZERN (Switzerland) Arr 12:50 MILANO CENTRALE (Italy)
2) IC 669 Dep 14:05 MILANO CENTRALE (Italy) Arr 17:03 MONTEROSSO (Italy)