From Milan to Varenna
 

We were told we have to take a bus to the Milan train station and then a train to Varenna. After 3 planes, I am thinking a taxi might be better..is there such a thing?...and if so does it go directly to Varenna and the hotels or do we need a ferry.

Thanks

I'm sure you could take a taxi but it will probably cost plenty.

The train from Milano Centrale takes about 1hr 30 minutes; trains leave approximately every two hours.

Either way you will not need a ferry since botht he taxi and the train would take you directly to Varenna.

There is bus service every day except Sunday from Malpensa to Varenna -- Gianolini Bus Service. Go to www.bellagiolakecomo.com, click on the English version and look for "How to reach Bellagio." You'll see the Gianolini service goes first to Varenna before continuing to Bellagio. Advanced reservations are mandatory, but your hotel should be able to arrange this for you.

Based on what posters to this website have written, hiring a car/taxi for Malpensa to midlake (varenna, bellagio, menaggio) shold be appx 130-150 euro.

I want to thank all of you for the information you have given me...

We, too, are struggling with how to get to Varenna. Has anyone taken the Gianolini bus to Varenna. It sounds a lot easier than two trains, or train to hydrofoil. Can't find an on-line site for the bus service.

Just got a response from our hotel in Varenna and the Gianolini bus service is no longer running according to them.

Another option that might appeal: there is a bus to the citiy of Como. From there you could get a ferry to Varenna. The bus schedule is limited, so check carefully. It still might take about the same amount of time as going all the way into Milano, but some might like the ferry idea better.

Just returned from Varenna, Belaggio and Milan. We got very lucky with the Gianolini Bus Service from Malpensa to Varenna. It actually was a van and Benito, the driver, was great. No English, but he knew exactly where to take us. The only problem we had on our trip was the day we were to leave to go to Belaggio from Varenna (directly across the lake by ferry), there was a one day strike envolving ferry boats and buses. We ended up taking a train to Lecco and since buses weren't running, a cab to Bellagio. We did get there by about 1:00 and chalked it up to experience. Leaving Bellagio, we took the ferry back to Varenna and the train to Milan. (Easy). We walked directly out of the Central train station to get a cab and found the cabbies didn't want to take us for a 10 minute cab ride to our hotel. Finally, one agreed and we made it to the Hotel Du Lac. (Great location.)