bset way to get from Milan to Bellagio
 

My wife and I are going from Milan to bellagio. Would it be best to get a car and driver (expensive) or train? If train, do we go to Varenna and then take a boat or Como and then a boat? Which option is best? Thanks for the help. David

Take the Ferrovie dello Stato (Trenitalia) train from Milano CENTRALE Station to Varenna (75 mins.), walk downhill to the ferry dock (10 mins.), then hop on the ferry across to Bellagio (15 mins.).

Instructions are different IF you're coming directly from Milano Malpensa Airport. (see my previous postings in this regard)

DON'T CONFUSE Trenitalia with the Ferrovie Nord Commuter Rail from Milano CADORNA Station to Como Nord Lago Station.

To add to GAC's comments: trains leave for Varenna-Esino about every two hours, usually going in the direction of Tirano. Sit on the left side (facing forward) of the train for the best lake views which will begin at Lecco.

The trains are mostly 2nd Class although there may be a few First Class seats in one or two of the cars (the typical "regional" configuration). There is no need to reserve seats although the trains can get crowded around the afternoon "rush hour" (usual timings) when lots of people seem to use this route to go home.

It is not possible to reserve seats on local (Regionale) trains between Milano Centrale Station and Varenna-Esino. During rush hour, there is a chance you might need to stand part of the way (to Lecco), particularly in second class.

Boat schedules can be spotty in off-season - a surefire way would be to take the train Milano-Como to Como S Giovanni and then hop bus that goes direct from that station to Bellagio - cheapest and fastest option but not as neat as Varenna/boat or Como/boat. Buses leave frequently and are dirt cheap.