In September my wife and I are traveling from Murren to Varenna. Rick Steves talks about going from Interlaken Ost (change in Luzern) to Lugano by train and then take the #C12 bus to Mennaggio and then ferry to Varenna. Has anyone done this trip?
Our other choice would be thru Milan and then back out to Varenna. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by
Green Bay
22386 posts
The C12 bus between Menaggio and Lugano is operated by an Itailan bus company.
Here is the summer 2017 schedule.
http://www.asfautolinee.it/wr-resource/upload/ORARI%20PDF/ORARI_ESTIVO/C12.pdf?cbck=wrReq93922
ASF runs all the buses in the Como region. My only reservation is that when I look at the google map of Menaggio, getting from the bus stop in Menaggio to the ferry dock. It looks like you would need to get on another bus for that or take a longish walk. With luggage, that might present an issue.
Posted by
Green Bay
22386 posts
Well, even ASF does not show any such thing as a C16 bus. Google maps does, so no, they are not perfect. But I see no reason to doubt the C12 schedule. SBB is on google too, and I don't doubt their existence.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
In previous trips i have done this bus ride from lugano to menaggio easily.
If u can not verify contact the tourist board in lugano for their input.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1324 posts
Hi Brian. Since a 2017 schedule is posted, seems like the bus is running. We took it a few years ago from Menaggio to Lugano and it worked well - fun local flavor and allowed us to avoid the extra time and expense of train back to Milan and then to Lugano. As I recall, the walk from ferry dock to stop in Menaggio was easy - maybe 2 or 3 short blocks? As I recall, the longer walk was in Lugano; the bus doesn't quite go all the way into town; it stops slightly out of town along the lake - maybe six blocks? Nice walk along the lake into town, but something to be aware of. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks for all of your input ....much appreciated.
Posted by
Mississauga, Ontario
4 posts
Brian, if you go and take this route, can you be sure to update here? This is exactly what I'm trying to determine for our trip out in May, whether we take this more scenic, slightly more direct route (which seems to be a bit unclear!) or lengthier, but more obvious route through Milan. Many thanks and have a great trip!