We are flying into Milan airport MXP and would like to go Varenna and the Lake Como area for a few days before picking up our rental car at MXP. Is there train or bus service from the airport to Varenna?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23313 posts
No -- you take the shuttle bus to the Centrale train station and a train from there. The bus is about an hour.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
Hi Bob,
In Rick Steves' Italy book he provides specific instructions for getting from MXP to the Central Train station and then for taking the train from Milan to Varenna. He has some great advice! For example, in the section "Arrival in Varenna" he writes: "Know what time you're supposed to arrive in Varenna, so you can be ready to disembark with luggage in hand; the train stops for just a minute (literally.)
It's an easy trip but the guidebook info is very helpful! Have a great trip!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Frank's right. I double-checked Malpensa's website because there are bus connections to many places in northern Italy, including Lago Maggiore. But not to Como or Varenna.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Don't pass by Sharon's advice. The train stops in Varenna for 1 minute. It's 1hr-03 minutes from Milan to Varenna-Esino. The last stop prior to Varenna-Esino is usually Lecco. Count 21 minutes and get ready to jump off.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Bob,
Frank's advice is spot on. I was just in Varenna a few weeks ago, and the method he described is by far the easiest.
For information on the Malpensa Airport Shuttle, check Their Website. I believe you can buy a ticket from the Driver.
You could also take the Malpensa Express train, however this terminates at Cadorna station rather than Milano Centrale. It's easy to get from there to Milano Centrale via Metro though. Check Their Website for all the details. You'll probably be arriving at Terminal 1, which I believe is where you board the train.
Once you arrive at Milano Centrale, buy a ticket for Varenna-Esino either at one of the automated ticket machines or at the ticket office, which is located two floors down (use the "moving sidewalks"). The ticket machines on the main floor accept only credit cards, however those downstairs next to the ticket office accept Euro cash also.
There are frequent trains to Varenna. Check one of the "Partenza" charts to determine the particular train you'll need (Varenna is not listed as a destination, as it's only an intermediate stop on one of the routes).
As a previous post indicated, travel time is about 1H:03M. Be prepared to exit PROMPTLY when you arrive (you'll pass through a tunnel just before reaching the station. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the release mechanism on the door. Some have a push button, some have a lever that has to be lifted before the door can be opened. DON'T forget to validate your ticket!
Depending on which Hotel you're staying at in Varenna, you may be able to walk (I always do). However, if you're packing lots of luggage there are usually Taxi's waiting to meet the trains.
If you need any other information on Varenna, post another note.
Happy travels!