Train or car for Northern Italy

cg,

Except for the visit to the Lamborghini Museum, travel by train would be the most efficient and quickest way to get around, especially when using the high speed trains. If I'm reading the schedules correctly, Bellano is only about four minutes north of Varenna by train so train would be very easy, and no concerns about parking or the other "issues" with rental cars. For a group of seven, you'd need to either rent two vehicles or one larger vehicle, which may be a bit pricey. Hopefully one of the others will have information on getting to the Lamborghini museum.

As this is your first visit to Italy, there are also some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of when using trains or other public transit in Italy. If you need more information on that, post another note.

Our rule-of-thumb is "if a train goes there, take it." If we need car once there, we rent one. Ken is right: Belluno is a short short train ride from Varenna. We have hiked Varenna to Belluno and taken the train back: 2+ hours to hike and 4 minutes to get back! You can go to Varenna for dinner, catch the ferry there, etc. by train. A car woudl just mean parking hassles, IMO.

Would you be trying to go to the Lamborghini Museum between Verona and Milano? It's about 3 1/2 hours of driving to do that, but it certainly might be a good day to have a car, just to go to the museum and then on to Milano. Dump the car when you get to Milano and take the train to Malpensa in the morning.

Thank you Ken & Laurel. Now I just have to convince my husband on the trains. He likes the flexibility of a car and coming and going at our pleasure. Also wondering whether luggage is an issue when getting to and from hotels. I priced trains out on trenitalia and it appears it's about the same as renting a car for the week.

Laurel, regarding the Lamborghini visit, we are thinking rent a car in Verona then come back to Verona at the end of day then train to Milan next day.

A car in Venice will sit in a parking garage and ring up parking fees for 3 days.
Have your husband read this thread and decide how carefree car travel can be in Italy.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/traffic-violation-notice-6-months-after-trip
There are 2 speed trap cams on the bridge to Venice which will send you a ticket for just a couple of kph over the limit.

If you decide to visit Lamborghini by taxi or local bus from Bologna (35 km), the museum has instructions: http://www.lamborghini.com/en/company/how-to-reach-us/.

No car needed at all.

Bellano has a train station where you can take a train to Varenna.

Laurel mentioned Belluno (a totally different city) because she likes to confuse other American tourists. She's not mean, it's just to keep you all alert.:)

Sshhh, Roberto! It's like Capri and Carpi.... BBC News

cg,

"Now I just have to convince my husband on the trains. He likes the flexibility of a car and coming and going at our pleasure."

Your husband is likely thinking in North American terms. In many locations in Italy (and elsewhere in Europe), a car is simply not needed as the public transit is frequent and cheap. You'll probably find that in Bellano and other parts of Italy, you won't need to be "coming and going", so a car will be of little value and will sit in a car part, gathering rental charges and parking fees.

Keep in mind also that EACH driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit to drive in Italy, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. You'll have to be conversant with the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas (hefty fines for violations), tolls on the motorways, automated speed cameras and the Traffic Tutor system which also responds to average speed between two points, high fuel prices, compulsory CDW and unattended fuel pumps which can ONLY be used with "Chip & PIN" credit cards. Well planned public transit will provide a less stressful and more enjoyable holiday experience.

Laurel,

I can't believe people keep doing things like that because of SatNav directions. DUH........ Why do they not question the directions they're receiving? Again, DUH.....

I saw a report on CNN today, that testing is now in progress for commercial airliners that are totally automated - NO PILOTS! I'm not sure I'm too keen on that idea.

You are a party of 7. What kind of car are you planning to rent? Are you all going to be comfortable in that huge vehicle (remember, you need lots of room for all the luggage and if you are leaving it in the car, unattended, it needs to be completely out of sight) for long hours? On a train, everyone can move around, use the bathroom, stretch their legs.

Thank you everyone. The train it is! Although we will rent a car in Verona for our day trip to Lamborghini. Appreciate all your expertise and experience!