Train from Munich to Lake Como

No train to Bellagio. The closest you can get is Varenna-Esino where you pick up the ferry to Bellagio. You will most likely have 2 train changes enroute at Verona and Milan. The trip will take almost 9.0hrs-10.0hrs depending on the run. You can easily buy tickets on your arrival in Munich or you can purchase on www.bahn.de in advance if you wish.

Amanda,

I travelled almost the same route on a trip in Fall 2006. As the previous post indicated, it's a bit of a long trip, but the duration will depend to some extent which train you choose.

The train from Milano to Varenna-Esino is about one hour. Be prepared to exit the train promptly though, as it only stops for about one minute! At Varenna, walk down the hill and across the small bridge to the Ferry (Traghetto) dock which is front of Albergo Olivedo (large yellow-coloured building). There will probably be Taxis at the station, but if you're travelling "light", it's an easy walk.

There's a ticket booth at the dock, and you'll be able to buy tickets there for the trip to Bellagio (check the Guidebook for opening/closing times for the ticket office). As I recall, there were schedules posted there, but they were a bit difficult to decipher.

The ride across to Bellagio is about 20 minutes. You can use the Traghetto (auto ferry) or the smaller passenger boats.

For the return journey, you can either use the reverse method, or take the boat to Como and connect with the train there.

If you have some spare time when you arrive, try Laura's excellent Ravioli at Albergo Olivedo.

Good luck and happy travels!

Amanda,

Additional comments...

The shortest trip I could find departs Munich at 13:31, arriving Varenna-Esino at 22:24 (Time 8H 53M, 1 change in Milan, reservations compulsory, 20 minutes to change trains). The late arrival time would probably mean spending at least one night in Varenna.

There was another train departing Munich at 07:30, arriving Varenna at 17:19 (Time 9H 49M, two changes at Verona PN and Milano, reservations compulsory). It's a bit longer, but you'd at least arrive in Bellagio about supper time.

Another option would be a budget flight from Munich to Milan, and then to the station to board the train for Varenna. I preferred the train even though the trip is longer, as I enjoyed the scenery (especially the Kufstein-Brennero portion) and it was nice to visit with other travellers. The air trip would likely be about six hours (even though the actual flight time is ~1 hour) with all the check-in, security, waiting times, and getting from whichever destination airport you arrive at into the central station.

One point about Milan train station - it's usually somewhat "chaotic" (not sure what other description to use?), so be prepared.

Send me a note when you get back to let me know if the old Hotel (or whatever it is?) across from the ferry dock in Bellagio is still abandonded? It was an elegant old building, and it was a shame to see it in such a decrepit state!

Buon Viaggio!

Any idea how much it will cost us?

82.60Euro standard fare 2nd class according to www.trenitalia.com for the train from Munich to Varenna.

might be cheaper to fly a budget airlines(www.whichbudget.com) to Milan then make your way to Bellagio via bus or car rental.