Lugano to Bellagio
 

I am hopeful that someone can validate my research or find alternate options. We are taking the Gotthard Panorama Express from Luzern to Lugano on September 20. The train arrives in Lugano at 4:40 PM. We must then make our way from Lugano to Bellagio. Most recommendations are to take the bus from Lugano to Menaggio and then the ferry to Bellagio. But the only bus that I can find leaves before our arrival in Lugano. So, it seems the next option is to take the train leaving around 5:00 to Como and then the ferry to Bellagio. I would appreciate anyone's input on whether I am missing something in the schedules or if there are other options. Thanks for your help!

You could wait until ASF posts its autumn timetables. Currently it's showing times through Sept. 11th with two departures from the train station after 5:00 p.m. and a third bus leaving the Cassarate bus terminal. Cassarate isn't far from the train station by taxi.

If you haven't found this timetable for this route, here's the link. I don't know when it will update for the fall.

https://asfautolinee.it/orari_pdf/invernale/C12.pdf

At the Menaggio or Como end, you have the issue of the ferry times.

Timetable for Menaggio-Bellagio [Sundays, holidays]:

https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/wp-c...23_festivo.pdf

Timetable for Menaggio-Bellagio [weekdays]:

https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/wp-c...23_feriale.pdf

And the fast ferry from Como to Bellagio [Use the key at the bottom of the timetable to check days of service.]

https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/wp-c...lico_E2023.pdf

Lastly, there is bus service between Como and Bellagio. The current timetable is effective until Sept. 11th, but there are more departures from Como after 6:00 p.m.

https://www.asfautolinee.it/orari_pdf/invernale/C30.pdf

I suggest spending the night in Lugano, an attractive town on a beautiful lake. After all, you wouldn't get to Bellagio in time to see much.

Jean, Thank you so much for these links!

Bvlenci,

That is certainly the path of least resistance! I have submitted a request to our AirBnB host to see if we can cut out the first night of our reservation. If that is affirmative, we will spend the night in Lugano and then go to Bellagio the next day.

If you decide to stay the night in Lugano... We had a great experience at the Hotel Dante, but their rates have rocketed out of our range. So our second stay was at the nearby Gabbani. Also good but the property has some quirks so read the reviews on booking.com. It's certainly fine for a single night. Both hotels are at the bottom of the funicular from the train station.