bobsprincess

We are both arriving separately next week around 9 in the morning. I have read all of the posts about getting to Bellagio. I REALLY need to know the LEAST stressful thing to do as my sweet hubby has been in Iraq and I so want this to be as perfect a break for him as possible. Can anyone help? I have seen conflicting reports on the cost of hiring a driver at the airport...all the way from 70 euros (in a "nice BMW" to 140 euros...quite a difference. Would appreciate all help.
Thanks!
Peggy (aka Bob's Princess)

BoulderCO

Least stressful way would be to hire a driver all the way to Bellagio. I would be surprised if you can get it for 70 Euros, 140 sounds more accurate. It is normally 90 Euros to take a taxi just as far as Como. If it turns out that the private car to Bellagio is too expensive you could taxi to Como and then jump on the hydrofoil to Bellagio. That is a fairly stress-free way to go.

Moneyman

Your easiest and bet bet is to take the train directly from the Milan Centrale train station. Apx. 1 hour ride north thru beautiful countryside of Tuscany. There are several choices and they are easily posted. The cost is about 20 Euro and the schedules are listed in the station. Try to get a seat in the dining car for your breakfast or lunch depending on your travel. Skip the car or taxi, you'll be glad you did. Several trains throughout the day, so no rush if you want to explore Milan a bit.

bobthenavigator

Of course, you mean Lombardy not Tuscany.

adrienne

If you take the train from Milan Centrale station you go to Varenna (across the lake from Bellagio). It's a short downhill walk from the Varenna train station to the ferry dock for the short (10 minute) ride to Bellagio.

Alternatively, you can take the train from Milan to Como City, grab a cab to the ferry dock and take a hydrofoil to Bellagio.

Both choices are good (I've done them both). From the boat you get to see the scenery on both shores of Lake Como. If you take the second option be sure you get a hydrofoil since the ferry takes much longer.

Neither the train to the ferry across the lake nor the train to the hydrofoil are stressful. You can sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery.

However, if it's raining, I would take the train to Como City and then the hydrofoil since you may not get a taxi at the train station in Varenna and would end up walking in the rain with your luggage.

corilow

I agree with Adrienne. Take the train to Como and hop the hydrofoil to Bellagio. It's the easiest, least expensive route. Actually, you don't even have to take a taxi from the train station in Como to the docks. There is a bus that runs every 15/20 minutes. Purchase the tickets at the magazine stand (there is only one) in the train station. Cost is about 3 euro and it drops you off right at the hydrofoil.
Good luck and cheers to your hubby for all of his bravery! I made a similar trek a year ago.