spk

We are traveling to Italy in early September, flying into Venice for 3 nights, then heading to Lake Como. We are deciding if we should drive or train there. Is there a direct train, or are we going through Milan? If we drive, is it straight highway with traffic, or is it scenic with lovely stops along way? And approximately how long for each? Thanks for any input.

Dukey1

Yes, rail connections (and you will have to change) for Varenna-Esino (mid-lake Como) are through Milan. If you travel to Como (city) you will also go through Milan.

You can check the timings yourself at www.trenitalia.com or www.italiarail.com

bvlenci

Once you're there, you won't need a car to visit other lake towns, so I don't see any particular reason to drive. The change of train in Milan isn't difficult, both trains are at ground level, so no steps.

massimop

Straight highway with traffic if you drive, and it will take you close to 4 hours. While it is never difficult to get off the road and be in charming places in less than 30 minutes it Italy, you need to do detailed research to figure out what to aim for.

buzzcolin

Train from Venice to Milan than change for the train to Como. Once at Como station there is a regular bus to wherever you are staying on the lake. Driving around Lake Como could be very stressful as the roads are very narrow. There are very regular buses and ferries that travel up and down the lake all day. Much better way to go. Parking is also a problem in some of the small towns. Log on to the Trenitalia website and put on your proposed journeys and they will give you accurate times of how long it takes. I think Venice to Milan is about an hour and Milan to Como is about the same, cant quite remember. Last trip there was Oct 2015.

spk

Thank you all! I think I shall be taking the trains! I would like to do a day trip to Lugano from Como but can either hire a driver or rent a car for the day. Ideas?

bvlenci

If you're going to the mid-lake area (Bellagio, Varenna, and nearby towns) the train to Varenna-Esino is more practical than the one to Como.

Lugano is also easily reached by train from Milan, so it would just be a matter of tracing your steps back there from Como or Varenna and changing trains there.

massimop

Do you mean the town of Como or Lago di Como?

If I am not mistaken there is a regular bus service from Menaggio to Lugano and the trip takes about an hour.

PalenQ

Thank you all! I think I shall be taking the trains! I would like to do a day trip to Lugano from Como but can either hire a driver or rent a car for the day. Ideas?>

Yes boat to Menaggio for buses to Lugano (I've taken the bus) or boat to Como, the city, and hop frequent trains to nearby Lugano.

From Bellagio boat to Menaggio (but check bus schedules - not sure of frequency) may be quicker and cheaper - if boat to Como you land at a dock that is about a mile from Como San Leandro Trenitala station with trains to Lugano. Just buy train ticket at station.

From Venice to Lake Como train to Milano Centrale then change for Como San Giovanni station - Como's main Trenitalia station. For Bellagio as Dukey says switch at Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino which has frequent boats to Bellagio.

Book Venice-Milan-Como trains ahead of time at www.trenitalia.com for discounted tickets -can always buy on day of travel but will pay more. Train info: www.seat61.com - great info on discounted tickets; for general info like 1st v 2nd cl, etc check also www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.