What method of transportation would be best for getting from Malpensa for a couple of days stay on Lake Como and then going on to Venice?

I've rented a car on past trips and like the flexibility; but, not sure I want to do that this time.
Also, I would love to stay in Bellagio; but, wonder if it might be more difficult as far as transportation options.

There are two routes/alternatives.

#1) The most popular is Bus (the Malpensa Shuttle) to Milan Centrale train station. The train to Varenna and finally a boat from Varenna to Bellagio.

#2) Using Milan's metro area commuter rail (aka ATM)- train from Malpensa to the Cordona station. At Cordona change train and proceed to Como. Then, boat from Como to Bellagio (one or two hours by boat). We have never done this alternative. Como has two train stations. Como Lago is very convenient to the boat docks. Como Nord is much less convenient (possibly a cab ride away).

We had no trouble with a car and were, in fact, glad that we had one on our recent trip. We stayed in Menaggio, however, not Bellagio, although we did drive one day from Bellagio to Como; the driving was not difficult.


This being our final stop,we drove from Menaggio to Malpensa and dropped our rental car off before making our flight.

For some great info, I just topped something from 2004 by GAC-you might have to inquire how or if things have changed. Also, do a search for Milan to Bellagio-you'll find many posts.

In 2004, DH and I took the train from Milan to Varenna-Esino. At Varenna, we took ferry over to Bellagio. It worked fine for us. I think it took around an hour for the train trip part. You might want to buy your Venice tickets in Milan. The train station in Varenna was not manned-just had machines and I can't remember the destinations!

Flights into Milan are looking good. So with shuttle, train, ferry how long do you think it would take?
I think we will stay in Varenna or Bellagio. Will Varenna be less complicated as far as going on to Venice? Also, do you have any idea how long the train trip would be from Varenna to Venice? ( I can't seem to use the trenitalia site)

Ekscunchy, I think I'll avoid a car this time since we will end in Venice.

Thanks so much for all of the terriic info.

<<#2) Using Milan's metro area commuter rail (aka ATM)- train from Malpensa to the Cordona station. At Cordona change train and proceed to Como. Then, boat from Como to Bellagio (one or two hours by boat).).>>

For this option there's no need to go al the way to Milano Cardona. This should be corrected to read
#2) Using Milan's metro area commuter rail (aka ATM)- train from Malpensa toward the Cordona station but get off at SARONNO. At SARONNO change train and proceed to Como. Then, boat from Como to Bellagio (one or two hours by boat).

35 minutes shuttle bus to Milano train station

1 hour to Varenna-Esino

30 more minutes to Bellagio.

All guestimates and dependent upon traffic, trains and ferry being on time

Thanks for simplifying the route choices. To reach Venice from Lake Como is it necessary to go back to Milan?

Yes !