Aine

Hi, we will be driving to Bellagio for one night and leaving the next day for a 3:00pm flight. Would it be easier to drive up the west side of the lake (the Villa d'Est side) and take a car ferry over to Bellagio? Im just wondering if that would be faster as I have read reports that the drive up to Bellavio (via Nesso) is difficult and slow. Thanks for any input.

bobthenavigator

Yes--take the west side. But, having said that, why not stay in Menaggio across from Bellagio to save the car ferry--a short hop by ferry to bellagio

Aine

Hi Bob and thanks. I just changed resvs. from Argegno to stay in Bellagio overnight because it seemed like a more interesting place. We will arrive there at about 11:00am and will just have the rest of that day, I thought it would be better just to stay in one place. I am not familiar - did I make the right choice, its not too late to switch back! Thanks for your help.

rex

I think that for a single day, staying in Bellagio will make sense. I have enjoyed staying in Menaggio (for a three-night stay, with more exploring on west, east and middle of the lake) - - but I am hard pressed to see many who stay in Bellagio making the trip specifically over to Menaggio (especially if you are only there for one day). Besides, you could see Menaggio briefly before you get on the ferry.

I have never driven up the other side - - but even the road from Como to Menaggio is still a fairly little two lane road. It's hard to say if it will be faster per se - - depends on when you arrive at the ferry landing relative to the next departure (could be a 2 minute wait, or 15-20 minutes). It's only 25-45 minutes from Como to Menaggio.

Best wishes,

Rex

traveldawg

We did the east side drive in 1999 and thought we would never get to Bellagio. Small road, tight turns and traffic. Upon leaving to go to Milan airport our Bellagio hotel told us to take the ferry across and drive the west route. MUCH EASIER! You are doing the right thing.

As to the ferry across. The trip is maybe 10 minutes. Stay in Bellagio and enjoy that town in the evening. No need to change your reservations because of the ferry. If you do, you will have to leave Bellagio to go back across to your hotel on the ferry's schedule, not your own. I do not thing they run all night.

Aine

Thanks everyone, I dont know what I would do without Fodors people, it makes travel alot easier! Will let you know how it went - maybe I can dig up a car ferry schedule.

richardsonsnm

i would suggest only driving if you have time to relax and enjoy the LONG ride, we too never thought we would get to Bellagio, driving is NOT the way to go.

bobthenavigator

I can argue both sides. I hate to waste the time with the car ferry both directions--and parking is tough in Bellagio. I would still stay in menaggio and spend all day in Bellagio and Varenna--then back home. I like the Grand Hotel Menaggio--right at the ferry dock.

jabez

I love driving in Italy.And I love Bellagio. But, not driving to Bellagio.
It can be white-knuckle time.
While the ferry will be less convenient, take it and relax.

Aine

Just had a thought on this. Unfortunately we have to drive otherwise I would have taken the train . . . but, is it possible to park overnight in Menaggio? Then we could travel light for just one night for Bellagio and not go to the hassle of bringing the car over? THanks