Lago di Como, car necessary?
 

We are in the process of trying to figure out at what point to ditch the rental car. We are renting it in Rome to do Tuscany and will then proceed to Trentino for 4 days then Lago di Como for 3 (Varenna)or vice versa. We can drop the car for Como if we do it at the end and a car isn't necessary. We will fly out of Milan. Any advice?

By a gnat's eyelash, I would say keep - - primarily because the 6th and 7th days of a care rental are typically "free" (when compared to a 5-day rental). You can most likely enjoy Lake Como fine without a car. It might make it a little more flexible and convenient when you leave to be able to drive to the airport.

If you do keep it, it will make it easier to go for lunch or dinner at Villa d'Este (or somewhat easier, from Varenna). Magnifico.

Best wishes,

Rex

Drop it, you don't need it in Como. WE stayed in Varenna. It's very small and walkable and ferries get you easily to Bellagio or Mennagio. A train from Varenna goes straight to Milan Centrale adn from there it's the exprss shuttle to Malpensa!

I tend to agree with Rex.Look at the relative cost. If not much, then keep it for your drive to the airport.

Keep the car only if it does not cost much at all for the additional days. Otherwise, the bus, train and ferry services on and around the Lake are more than adequate.

Bus schedules: www.sptcomo.it
Ferry schedules: www.navigazionelaghi.it
National Train schedules: www.trenitalia.it (Italian National Railways or "Ferrovie dello Stato")

LOCAL train schedules: www.ferrovienord.it (Como Nord Lago Station to Milano Cadorna Station, passing through Saronno Station which connects to Malpensa Airport)

DON'T confuse the Ferrovie dello Stato with the Ferrovie Nord: the former connect Varenna with Milano Centrale Station and Como San Giovanni Station with Milano Centrale; the latter connect Como Nord Lago Station with Milano Cadorna Station.

Open for any suggestions on hotels or hiking sites in Lake Como. Thanks.

The du lac in Varenna in terms of hotels and be willing to spring for a lake view, too.

Consider dropping the rental car in Milano and taking the train to Varenna. You can see all that you want by foot and by ferry.

For TTT: If you keep the car, pick a hotel that has parking (!) and doesn't charge for it.

For traveling: If you've decided on Varenna, I can second the vote for the Hotel du Lac. BTW, they have parking, but I don't know if it's free.