Train Travel

cheryl, I definitely prefer to travel by train, as it's not only faster than car it's a more relaxing and interesting trip. Also, no issues to worry about such as IDP's, ZTL's, high fuel prices, tolls, CDW's, etc. The trip from Rome to Lago di Como is very easy. Could you provide a few more specifics on where you'll be staying along the lake, when the trip will be taking place, etc.? There are numerous trains heading in that direction every day, so you won't have to worry about "which trains to travel on". If this is your first trip to Europe and your first time using the trains, I would highly recommend having a look at the "Rail Skills" chapter in Europe Through The Back Door (and perhaps some of the other parts as well). Doing a bit of "homework" will save you from some potentially expensive issues! For example, if you're using slower Regional trains it's important to validate the tickets in the yellow machines at track side prior to boarding . If the Conductor finds an unvalidated ticket, you'll be fined on the spot! I noticed last year that some are now carrying wireless debit / credit card terminals, so paying the fine will be easy (albeit painful). If you're using the faster EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita trains, these have compulsory reservations (which will be included in the cost of the ticket). You'll be assigned a Car No. (Carozza) and a Seat No. (Posti). One example on that route (using Varenna as the destination) is a train departing Roma Termini at 09:00, arriving Varenna at 13:23 (time 4H:23M, 1 change at Milano Centrale). Travel time will vary depending on which train you choose. You can view the schedules Here (but only a few months into the future). Happy travels!

There are many different ways to travel and see Europe ... so here is a vote from a 'car person'.
I use a car 80% of the time while in Europe. Don't mind driving, love spontaneity, don't make an exact plan... my way of travel is not for everyone, but I am a photographer and I follow my instincts and want to be able to stop at any given moment for that photograph, or that glass of wine, or that sunset... or whatever I see that intrigues me. I guess I'm not organized enough to do all the planning for the train. However, I have used it from Paris to Avignon, from Florence to Rome, from Germany to Prague, and whenever else it seems to be better than the car. No right or wrong way to travel... it just needs to be 'your way'.

What can I say. For my last three trips I compared car rental quotes and fuel cost estimates with I paid for public transportation (both rail and bus). I saved enough on those three trips to pay for the ground part (room, meals, transportation) of my next trip. I always figure out an itinerary using public transportation. Only if there is a place I really want to see that I can't get to by public transportation do I rent a car. It's never happened.

Sitting back here looking at books always seems to make the train more confusing than they are. You will be a lot better served by trains in Italy everywhere outside of Tuscany and they are not too difficult to understand once there. Traveling from Rome is very easy as there are plenty of options and time slots available. What worked for us was to go to the train station a day or two before we were to leave a city, take a picture (or many) of the posted train schedule on our digital camera then go to a bar or cafe, sit and enjoy a drink and decide on the best train for us while referencing the pics on the camera. Once decided if the Rick book said we should reserve in advance we go back and take our time and use the automated machines to book the ticket a few days in advance. This strategy worked amazing in Rome, Florence and Venice where there are so many options. The car option adds stress to the trip and will almost always cost more. Plus you are in country of beautiful wine and having to drive a lot puts a damper on that.
Good luck

I would vite for a train. If you can plan your day accordingly, want a cheaper less stress free option. We used trians and public transport in Italy but a car in Spain and they both have their pros and cons. But if you add feul charges and tolls to the car rental the price just adds up. I used rail europe site for a saver pass that got me and my husband from Venice to Florence, Florence to Rome, Rome to Naples and back from Naples to Venice. NO hassels. The train is comfortable and always on time.

Go to www.seat61.com for the best site on train travel in Europe. We learned how to and when to book tickets to get the best values and have traveled all around Europe and the UK via train. We have also rented autos in France for leisurely drives around Normandy and Brittany and were able to stay in rural B&B's by renting the car.