Traveling to Switzerland & Italy this summer with family of four: was planning on going completely by train, however wonder if we should rent a car when going to the Lake district in Italy?
We plan on going to only one lake, and probably Lake Como. Per Rick Steves book, it seems that Varenna is the best choice however I also have received recommendations for Bellagio. Now that I'm looking at available accommodations, I wonder if having a car to get around is necessary/ recommended? If so, I imagine picking up at Milan train station (we will be traveling from Zermatt) and dropping at train station prior to our next destination, Venice, would be the best route? Please advise!
Posted by
Longmont, CO, USA
527 posts
No need for a car at Lake Como. If you come from Milan by train you will land in Varenna in about 1 hour. Ususally a taxi at the station if you need one. If you are going to stay in Bellagio you simply walk (or take a taxi) to to ferry downhill from the train station in Varenna. Maybe 10-15 min walk to get there. The ferry will get you to Bellagio in approx. 15 minutes. Varenna is a nice quiet place which we loved compared to Bellagio. In either place you can catch ferries to all the other destinations around the lake. If you stay in Varenna, you will wish you are back there once you hit the chaos and crowds of Venice...at least I did. Nothing against Venice, just a big change in atmosphere. Wish I would have done Venice first and then gone to Como.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
Beth, The "short answer" is that will depend on which lake(s) you're planning to visit. A car is not necessary for Lago di Como, but may be an advantage for some locations around Lago di Garda. Varenna is an excellent home base for exploring Bellagio or other locations around the lake. I'd recommend getting a room booking SOON! The quickest trip from Zermatt appears to be a departure at 07:39, arriving Varenna-Esino at 13:24 (time 5H:45M, changes at Brig and Milano Centrale, reservations compulsory on one leg). Note that the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna is a Regionale, so you MUST validate your ticket prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! That's a reasonably good travel time for that route. Some of the later departures are considerably longer with more changes. There's another "short departure" at 12:39, arriving Varenna at 18:24. You can check all the details using the sbb.ch website. Happy travels!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16068 posts
Lake District? What is that? Lombardy? Are the lakes in the Lazio also part of some other Lake District? Or those have no district name?
Posted by
OP
Scotts Valley, USA
16 posts
Thank you for your replies/advice/suggestions. As for the Lake District, that comes from Rick Steves Italy book, just a descriptor of the area, I guess.
Posted by
Breckenridge, CO
239 posts
Beth,
My husband and I went from Zermatt-St Moritz to Varenna by train per Rick's book/this helpline's recommendation. We then took the ferry and stayed in Bellagio. On our return to Zurich, we took the Hydrofoil to Como and train back. I was really nervous, but it was really easy! I would not want a car (and we have driven all over Europe with no problems ever). These are old, small towns with tiny narrow streets...yikes!! The ferry will take you to all the cute towns along the lake while you relax and enjoy the short cruise. We really enjoyed Menaggio for lunch and a beautiful promenade. Enjoy!! It's a beautiful area!