We're wanting to visit at least Lake Como and Lake Maggiore and possibly Lake Garda. We understand that a car and be a bit of a burden and expensive when you're at the lake, but I'm thinking the best way to see more than one lake is by car. What are your suggestions on transportation between lakes?
Initially thinking we would take the train from Milan to Lake Como. If we do need a car, do we need to pick it up in Milan or is it easy to rent one at the lakes?
Thanks!
I took the train from Milan to Varenna and then boats to visit the area. You can see maps and timetables here: http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/news.asp?ID=112
If you are going from lake to lake your best bet is probably a car, as it will take quite a bit of time and train connections from one lake to the other. Most of the towns on the lakes are small, so it might be wisest to pick up your car at the airport in Milan and drive from there to your first lake.
Appreciate your comments!
carol,
I don't agree that a car is the best way to see the lakes, although it could be beneficial in some circumstances on Lake Garda.
Getting from Milan to Lake Como is very easy by train (about 1 hour to Varenna) and you won't need a car while you're there. Exploring the area is best done by Ferry so the car will be parked and gathering dust (and you'll be paying for parking).
From Milan to Lake Maggiore is also extremely easy by train, again about an hour to Stresa. I doubt that a car would be useful there either, and again you'll be paying for parking. Some of popular sights on Lake Maggiore such as the Borromeo Islands are only accessible by boat, and if you decide to visit Mt. Mottarone you'll be using a Cable Car. While there you could also take a day trip to Locarno (CH) on the scenic Cento Valli Railway, returning in the evening by boat.
From Milan to Lake Garda is again just over an hour (using Peschiera del Garda as the destination). If your destination is Sirmione, using Desenzano station is probably better. If you also want to visit other towns along the lake such as Limone sul Garda or Malcensine, then a car might be useful (but boats are also an option). Depending on the time of year, I believe the narrow roads around the lake can be plugged solid by tourists at times, so it may not be a pleasant driving experience. Hopefully Roberto will spot this Thread as he's very familiar with that area.
If renting a car, note that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, you'll have to be vigilant to avoid the dreaded ZTL areas (hefty fines) and will have to pay for compulsory CDW for some portion of the rental (I can't remember which part is compulsory).
All of the areas you're planning to visit are reasonably well served by public transit, so I don't believe a rental car is necessary.
I visited lake Garda by car only. Last time I went is last year.. Two weeks ago I visited lake Maggiore and Orta by car. Many years ago I visited lake Maggiore, Orta, lake Como and Lugano all by public transport. It was a three weeks trip. Although public transport options are available (trains, boats and buses) however you can cover more ground faster by car if you intend to visit multiple lakes. If you visit only one lake car is not needed, but your plan is very ambitious if you want to visit all the lakes. When I did the trip by train I was living in Florence and all I took was a backpack. I can't imagine doing the same now the way my wife packs (she needs classes on packing light). If you want to visit all those lakes by train and other public transport it is essential that you travel very light, because you will have to transfer mode of transport frequently. If you include Garda, which is farther east of Milan, you need 3 weeks to see all the major lakes.
I agree that you can pack light and travel by train fairly easily and cheaply, using Milan as the common connection point between all three. You can also take a 1-hour direct bus between Menaggio on Lake Como and Lugano, Switzerland (also served by train).
