I know this has been done, but I have 3 more questions.

1) If I take the bus from MXP to Como, then take the "quicker" hydrofoil to Bellagio, how far is the bus station to the pier? Is it an easy walk with 2 pieces of luggage per person? Or is the train station closer to the pier?

2) How much would this cost (bus plus hydrofoil) versus hiring a private transfer or taxi?

FINALLY, how long does each option take?

Thank you for your patience and help!

I am trying to research the same topic as you. The hotel I'm interested in is offering a private car from Milan to Bellagio for 140 euro and I'm thinking this may be more convenient and worth it.

If you mean the bus drop-off at Como to the ferry pier there, it was basically just across the square - about 100 feet or so. No problem with our 22" wheeled luggage.
The total cost of the bus AND hydrofoil 2 years ago was $19 - that was to Varenna, a little further than Bellagio.

As I remember, the bus trip was just about an hour. The hydrofoil from Como to Varenna was 1 1/2 hours, but you might have to wait an hour or so after you get to Como for the next hydrofoil to leave, depending on when you arrive.

We didn't mind the time at all, as it was all part of our vacation, and we were seeing such new and beautiful sights.

Hope this helps.

You guys are great! Thank you so much. Francophile, if I may ask, what hotel is offering you that deal? I looked in some brochures, and they were offering about $215 USD.
Hagan, how long did the bus take, and how often do the hydrofoils take off? Will I have to wait long with my luggage?
Also, any thoughts on the train trip and station in Como?

Thanks!

There was a previous post about this same issue that I took some notes ...I can't remember what the title was. We will be arriving MPX at around 5:00pm and need to get to Varenna. This poster said that there were drivers for hire right outside where you would catch the bus, the window next to it (?) and that it was 90E but you could bargain, her husband paid 70E. You would then have them drive you to the west side to Tramezzo and then take the ferry across to Varenna or Bellagio. This sounded like a reasonable price, I'm hoping it will work for us in September.

Pal, I'm not sure about when you're visiting but my inquiry with this hotel is for next July. I find the private car rate quoted seemed reasonable. The hotel that has gotten favorable reviews by others here: Hotel Belvedere in Bellagio.

They said they could arrange a taxi to pick us up at the hotel in Milan. I was the one who asked if it would be a private car and they said yes.

I thought that if we can avoid taking a train and ferry (or hydrofoil) it will be less hassle because we have some luggage.

Did you have a hotel in mind already?

Schedules and fares from Como to Bellagio or Varenna:
www.navigazionelaghi.it

Note that there is a small supplement to pay for hydrofoil service.

The bus to Bellagio is much less expensive (approx. Euro 2.50) and takes about one hour from the bus station. You can also catch the bus at the S. Giovanni train station (if arriving from Milano Centrale)
www.sptcomo.it

You have a choice of two hydrpfoils from Como to Bellagio--either a 45-minute ride making only 3 or 4 stops or the slower one making many stops and talking about an hour longer.