europhile

Ok. I have been defeated by Trenitalia.com. I just can't figure it out. For our first stop, we are going from Malpensa to Bellagio (I think we're going to get a taxi from the airport to either the Como or Varenna hydrofoil station, hydrofoil to Bellagio and avoid trains, having just landed from our transatlantic flight. We want to get there as quickly and easily as possible). THEN, we are trying to go from Bellagio to Florence for our next stop. I think we would probably get another taxi back to Como, or to the closest train station for connecting to Florence. This is where the fun begins: When I put "Como" into the Trenitalia search, there are 3 different train stations listed. I have no idea which one to pick. Also, all the routes they list include buses and two different trains. Is it really that hard to get from Bellagio to Florence? Please help!

Myer

The train station in Como is San Giovanni. You'll change trains in Milan.

You can also get to Florence by taking the train from Varenna-Milan-Florence. That's a lot closer than going to Como.

Jean

I second the suggestion of starting your return trip in Varenna.

However, on arrival, since you're thinking of taking a taxi from Malpensa to either Como or Varenna, consider going directly to Bellagio by cab. Alternatively, taxi to Menaggio and 15-minute ferry to Bellagio.

39Steps

Hi EuroPhile...another vote for just taking a cab all the way to Bellagio, that would be the quickest and easiest way in if you want to avoid the train. On the way out, I would suggest the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna, short train hop to Milan and then onto to Florence. That's an easy connection.

bobthenavigator

I am confused. Why not Varenna?
As for Trenitalia, are you hoping to buy tickets or just find the schedule. You are making this too hard. Just land and bus to Centrale then train to Varenna--not too hard.

europhile

Is there another name for Varenna? Trenitalia doesn't recognize Varenna as a destination. I don't mean to beat a dead horse. I know it shouldn't be this complicated!

Intrepid1

The name of the Varenna stop is actually Varenna-Esino. Try that and see if it comes up.

The trains from Milno Centrale leave about every two hours; the trip takes a little less than 1.5 hours with two stops on the way, Monza and Lecco.

Steve_James

Europhile - Try again. Trenitalia recognises both Varenna and Varenna-Esino.

It lists departures from Varenna to Florence via Milan at :

06.18
07.24
08.23
10.19
12.21
14.22

etc ...

From Varenna it's a local train to Milan, then Eurostar to Florence.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

europhile

Thank you all very much. I've got it now. Sorry for all the confusion!