Como Train Station-how to get to the Ferry for Bellagio with luggage?
 

Thanks to great answers to a previous question (and Bob's slide show) we have settled on Lake Como. One suggestion was to take the ferry to Bellagio. How complicated is this with luggage. We are coming by train from Switzerland and only have 2 nights at Como/Bellagio. How do we get to the ferry, is it walking distance or taxi? Will we have time to enjoy the lake if we go to Bellagio or should we stay in Como and take a day ferry trip around the lake?

I'd say stay in Como, it's a lovely town...Bellagio is very cute but also full of tourists. Take the ferry to visit various lake towns and villages...and of course see Como itself.

Since your mentioned you are visiting Luzern, I presume you are coming in from the Lugano direction ending up at Como S. Giovanni station. From the station to the ferry dock is at least 1km.

If you do decide to take a ferry from Como to Bellagio, recognize that the boats stop running around 6-7pm. The bus from Como to Bellagio also stops running around the same time, so if you end up there later, you end up taking a taxi all the way to Bellagio.

Is it at all possible for you to come into Italy via Chur and the Bernina Express through Tirano? THAT is one of the most scenic rail rides in Switzerland and then you can easily take a train from Tirano to Varenna and take the ferry from there directly to Bellagio.

What Dukey said, or, if not - given only two nights (which is just one full day really) I'd drop bags in Como and visit center lake - make a list of villas you want to see and go.

Three nights, four nights, 5 nights - much better.

lurn - yes what route are you coming into Como area from? Dukey's suggestion of the Bernina Pass route (IMO Europe's most awesomely scenic rail line) takes you like Dukey said to Varenna-Esino (sp?) train station where the boat dock for Bellagio is a short stroll away.

There are 2 options coming from Luzern.
One is to train to Como, taxi to the ferry, and ferry to Bellagio. The other is to get off in Lugano and take the local bus to Menaggio on the west shore of Lago Como--and then ferry to Bellagio---or, stay in Menaggio. Good luck !

We have walked with our luggage to the train station from the ferry several times. We each only take a 21" carry-on with wheels. If you have more than that, take a taxi.

If you want to go to Bellagio and you have luggage don't take the ferry but the C30 bus which starts from the station - timetable http://www.asfautolinee.it/LinkClick...language=en-US

You can buy tickets in the bar on your right when you leave the platform.

I agree the bus is more efficient, but the ferry is magical for a tourist---given good weather.

Thank you all so very much. Your answers are a huge help. Now we should be able to make a good decision. Love you all!