Thoughts on getting from Wengen to Menaggio (Lake Como region)

As I have said in the past, I wish I had a dollar for everyone who posts that they plan to go from the Berner Oberland to Lake Como. If you want to rent a car, rent a car. You don't need anyone's validation for your decisions.

Thanks Sam, doing final planning so that's why I reached out. Appreciate your directness :)

If you're annoyed with a question, you know you're allowed to not respond.....

I don't love the combo of the BO & Lake Como either, but to each their own :)

Anyway, I personally wouldn't rent a car, but if it's what feels best to you, go for it. Driving in Switzerland/Italy isn't always as straight forward as it seems, but it's fine if you really want to do it. Just make sure you don't speed even 1 km over in Switzerland or you will be getting tickets.

However, I would say that I think only 4 nights in Wengen, but then 5 in Menaggio wouldn't be my first choice, unless you're planning to do a bunch of day trips from Menaggio or something. There is so much to do in the Wengen region and you have to consider that you're going to also be getting over jetlag, so your first couple days in Wengen are going to be a bit hazy. Unless your flight gets in insanely late, I'd just "rip the bandaid off" and get all the way to Wengen that first night, even if you arrive really late so that you can have a full first day of enjoyment. So for 10 nights I'd probably do 7 nights Wengen & 3 nights Menaggio or atleast 6/4.

For Wengen, compare the validity maps of the BO Pass and the Jungfrau Travel Pass. And if you decide against the car, the Half Fare card will probably prove of use as well.

One of the things that you are missing is that Google Maps will underestimate e the drive time from Wengen to anywhere. Whatever google maps tells you add at least an hour. And crossing the alps on a busy day can easily take one or two additional hours due to traffic.

The second thing is that Google Maps will overestimate the time it takes to get somewhere by public transit in Switzerland. Use www.sbb.ch for travel within Switzerland.

The last thing is that travelling by train through the Alps is an experience in itself. Every year thousands of people come to Switzerland just to ride our trains. Travel is not just about the destinations.

What I would do is travel Wengen - Como town by train, and make it an experience. Include the Interlaken - Luzern scenic railway. Take a boat to Fluelen. Take the Treno Gottardo over the old route to Bellinzona. Change for train to Como there. Enjoy the landscape.

To do this the best way would be to get a Saver Day Pass, as you would only need an add on ticket for Chiasso - Como in that case. Then in Como rent a car, to be later dropped off at MXP.

I have twice been to Lake Como, once to Bellagio and the other time to Varenna. Both times we stayed for four nights and found that to be plenty of time.

We were last there in late September and early October 2024, and had seven nights in Wengen.

I would definitely consider changing your times, Wengen needs much more time than Mennagio in my opinion.

We could have stayed double the time and not run out of things to do.

Note that the driving time between those places by the fastest route almost certainly includes a long tunnel under the Alps. You will see no scenery and you may get stuck in traffic.