train from Basel to Menagggio

Stew, For travel from Basel to Menaggio, I'd use a slightly different route. > Train from Basel to Varenna-Esino (there's a departure at 07:03, arriving 13:23, time 6H:20M, one change at Milano Centrale). > Ferry from Varenna to Menaggio (walk down the hill from the station to the Ferry dock in front of Albergo Olivedo (bright yellow building - you can see it from the station), which should take about 10-minutes - buy a ticket at the small ticket office - take the Ferry to Mennagio - trip will take 10-15 minutes, depending on which Ferry you use). When you leave Menaggio, just reverse the route. Ferry back to Varenna and then train to Milan. From Milano Centrale you'll be able to connect to wherever you're going. One suggestion - if you need to buy tickets for the trip back to Milan and the station in Varenna is not staffed, there's a really helpful Travel Agency just below the station. You'll walk past it on the way to the Ferry dock. They'll be able to help with tickets or whatever. You could also buy the tickets for your outgoing journey on your way through Milano Centrale. Don't forget to validate! Hope this helps. Buon Viaggio!

The Bahn shows a bus(es) from Lugano to two different bus stops, via Mazzini and via Lusardi, in Menaggio . The bus to "Menaggio via Mazzini" goes direct, and the whole trip from Basel is about 4½ hrs. The bus connection to via Lusardi requires a change one stop before via Mazzini and a two hour wait for the bus to via Lusardi. The two bus stops are only a few minutes apart walking. So use "Menaggio via Mazzini" for your connection.

You can take the train to Como San Giovanni (Town of Como) and take the ferry to Menaggio. About 6.0hrs. Or, you could get off the train earlier at Lugano and take the bus 11 miles to Menaggio. It's a bit shorter.