Transportation connections between Stresa and Varenna, Italy

got any help? I'm planning a route similar to the one you described

Buses are not that convenient in Italy, and not that frequent. In your case a train is the best, fastest, and cheapest way. Just did your same trip two months ago. Stresa-Varenna takes about 3 hours, with an easy transfer at the Milano Centrale station. Check Bahn.de for timetables, or Trenitalia.com. The first only gives itinerary and train times, the second gives times and prices, but only if you keep dates a week or two ahead.) In Varenna, be ready to jump off - train only stops one minute. In both places it's an easy walk to and from the station.

Mary, The trip from Stresa to Varenna is very easy, however the best method is to travel back through Milano Centrale. The trip from Stresa to Milan is about an hour, as is the trip from Milan to Varenna. However, departures to Varenna only occur every two hours, so you may have a short wait at Milano Centrale. There's a few small Cafés at track level, and more two floors down. Be sure to wear a Money Belt, as Milano Centrale has a bit of a "reputation"! The trip from Milan to Varenna is 1H:03M. As a previous reply mentioned, the train only stops for a minute, so be prepared to disembark promptly! You'll go through a tunnel just prior to arrival in Varenna, so that will be a hint. Depending on which Hotel you're staying at, you should be able to walk from the station. However, if you have lots of luggage, there should be Taxi's waiting at the station. There's a Travel Agency just below the station, should you need tickets for your outgoing journey and the station is closed. While in Varenna, I'd highly recommend a dinner at Albergo Olivedo. Laura's Ravioli is excellent! Happy travels!