Hi, We will be arriving in Milan Thursday morning and would like to go directly to Bellagio on Lake Como. How do we do this? Is there a train station near the airport? What would you suggest? Also, we are staying at the Hotel Belvedere. Any comments on this hotel??

THanks!!
Natalie

To the best of my knowledge, there is no train service to Bellagio, only to Varenna or the town of Como, and go the rest of the way by ferry.

And I seem to recall that the train service that IS operated to one or both of those cities is a separate rail line - - NOT part of trenitalia.

I'll see if I can find that info if someone else doesn't post it.

Best wishes,

Rex

If you land at Malpensa Airport, take the SPT Como airporter bus direct to Como City (1 hr), then transfer either to the ferry (2 hrs) or to the hourly local SPT Como bus to Bellagio (70 mins). The ferry dock is extremely close to the bus terminal in Como City. The bus connection is even easier (get off the airporter bus on board the local bus).

Bus schedules: www.sptcomo.it
Lake schedules: www.navigazionelaghi.it

The alternative: take the train from Milano Centrale (they run about every two hours at 15 minutes past the hour) to Varenna-Esino (this IS a Trenitalia train service). The trip takes a little less than 1 1/2 hours with intermediate stops in Monza and Lecco (sit on the LEFT side facing forward for the best views of the lake which begins at Lecco).
Get off at Varenna..it is a five-ten minute walk all downhill to the ferryu dock (taxis will meet every train if you'd rather that). Take the ferry directly across the lake (10 minute ride) to Bellagio.

One correction/addition to the suggestion give by GAC. There are two ferries that go from Como to Bellagio--the one GAC mentioned that makes many stops and takes two hours and another that only makes 2 or 3 stops and takes a mere 45 minutes. At least, those were the options a couple years ago.

Last May we took the SPT Como airporter bus - walked a short ways from the bus stop in Como to the ferry and took the express to Bellagio - worked really well. We also stayed at Hotel Belvedere and it was very nice, very relaxing spot. It is a bit of a hike up the hill from the shops and restaurants, etc., but that way you can eat more pasta! Enjoy!