Hi,
Is there a non stop train from Venice to Como? Is driving better option? If we drive then we'd drop the car in Como and take the ferry to Bellagio where we are staying.

Very few trains are non-stop. What you probably want is a direct train with no changes. Why do you want to avoid a change? For most people, a single change would be no big deal.

Most trains change in Milan.

It also depends on which side of (Lake) como you're talking about. I've taken the train in/out of Varenna.

It is a commute train for workers going to/from Milan, for the most part.

It will take around 3.5-4.5hrs to drive from Venice to Como. If you decide to take the train, the quickest way is to go from Venezia Mestre (NOT Venezia Santa Lucia) and then switch at Milano Centrale. It takes just over 4hrs (including half an hour transfer at Milan) from station to station, and will cost about €40pp (you can book via Trenitalia). I would go by train and then ferry.

Why do you say that loco2? Other than the fact that Mestre is 10min closer to Milan than Santa Lucia so it's obviously a 10min shorter train ride? I see no reason not to start the journey at Venice Santa Lucia. All trains from Venice Santa Lucia pass through Venice Mestre. If the direct train you wish to take to Milan doesn't originate at Venice Santa Lucia, they can can simply take a 10min shuttle train ride between the 2 train stations.

Take the train from Venice to Milan. Change in Milan for a train to Varenna-Esino which takes about 1.5 hours or so. After arriving in Varenna either walk down the hill (about 10 minutes) to the ferry dock or take a cab (there is usually at least one waiting for the train). Buy a ticket for Bellagio; your ferry may go to Menaggio first, then Bellagio. You can see them both across the lake from the dock.

Car with one way drop would be cost prohibitive.Regional train your best bet. Best cheapest way way I usually do it Bergamo-Varenna hop the midlake ferry 5 minutes 5 euro to bellagio.info seat61.com/italy. Also possible backtracking involved but Milan Como fast ferry to Bellagio would cost more
and more circuitous.

Good luck!

Take the hourly direct Frecciabianca from Venice Santa Lucia to Milan Centrale, and change onto the next regional train to Como san Giovanni. Easy!

Book Venice to Milan at www.trenitalia.com, booking opens 90 days ahead, look for a cheap 'Mini' fare from just 9 euros (yes, 9!)

Then buy a fixed-price always-available regional ticket from Milan to Como when you get to Milan, from the ticket machines. remember to validate this ticket in the yellow platform validation machines.

Hey J62 - No other reason than if you're already in Venice, you may as well go to Mestre - but it's true that if it's easier to get to Santa Lucia in the first place then it's much of a muchness

Gotta love the mini-fares!

If you are already in Venice then you'll be closer to SL.

Santa Lucia is THE main Venice train station - located right on the Grand Canal in Venice proper.

Mestre is on the mainland.