We’ll arrive Malpensa mid-October at 7:30 a.m., jet-lagged. Our destination after passport control is Stresa, Isola dei Pescatori for two nights.
Anyone have recent experience hiring private drivers to Stressa? I suspect that train or bus plus getting to the ferry might be a bit much for our addled brains. ( I’m also wondering if all the rail improvements closing down the rail line will actually be done by the published date of Sept. 8.)
Thank you in advance for your input.
The Alibus from Malpensa will drop you essentially right at the ferry stop. When I took that "bus" last September, it was a van, not a big bus. Very comfortable - and there were only two of us plus the driver. (Your experience may differ, but I think you'll find it easy.)
It is super easy. I booked beforehand.
The best option is the SAF Duemila ALIBUS, mentioned above.
https://www.safduemila.com/linee/alibus-malpensa-lago-maggiore/
It’s one hour journey for €14 (plus another €5 if you purchase on board instead of online) plus another €5 for a piece of luggage in excess of the first one which is free.
If the times don’t work for you, you can also take a taxi to Gallarate train station, only 8 miles away (15-20 min) then take one of the many trains from Gallarate to Stresa (another 33 min). Train schedule below. This latter option is probably more expensive than the Alibus, since the taxi alone is probably around 35-40 euro (the train is only just over 5€ per person).
www.trenitalia.com