We are flying into Milan Malpensa this summer and looking for car service to Varenna. Our hotel has offered to pick us up for 160 euros, but before committing, I wanted to check with the board for alternatives and a market price check. Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff
There’s a train the runs from Malpensa to Varenna, but that may require more effort and timing that you are interested in
Thanks David. As I understand it, you must take the train from Malpensa to Milano Centrale and then change to a regional train to Varenna. If there is a direct train route from Malpensa to Varenna, please let me know.
Best regards,
Jeff
Does the train GO from Malpensa to Milano Centrale? Last time I tried that (at least 10 years ago), it was free with an Alitalia ticket but actually dumped you out in the middle of a high end shopping street maybe 2 kilometers from the stazione and we had to catch a CAB to Milano Centrale to get to Verona.
Roberto:
I am not sure since this is our first time flying into Milan. This is what I gleaned from Tripadvisor:
via Milan – train or bus from airport to Milan’s central train station, then train to Varenna. Trains are listed on the station boards showing their final destination, i.e., either Sondrio or Tirano. Exit the train at Varenna-Esino.
I am trying to avoid the uncertainty, particularly since we land at 7:45 a.m., and am willing to pay more for a car service.
There is a bus shuttle that is cheap and efficient. You are aware that it is something like 70 kilometers from Malpensa to the stazione centrale, yes? Do NOT take a cab…$$$$
How long are you going to be at Varenna? A day trip to Sondrio / Tirano in the Valtellina could be very nice, amazing food, scenery and wine.
We will be there for 3 days, then head to Barolo for 2.5 weeks. I see on the map that Varenna is not far from there. Anything in particular you would recommend we see?
Thanks,
Jeff
We stayed at the rosa hotel Milano. Great little town to walk around.
Hike up to the castle above the town. Perfect way to work off the extra calories.
The ferry hops around to all the towns on the lake so see bellagio and then check out the other places.
Rick has ideas.
We stayed at the Hotel du Lac (highly recommended) in Varenna a few years back, and they arranged a car from Malpensa for us (car service also highly recommended - can’t beat the convenience). Although I don’t recall what it cost, I do recall learning at the time that the price was very competitive. 160 euros doesn’t sound out of line.
Varenna is charming and very well located, but without being overrun with tourists like Bellagio. For dining in Varenna, I highly recommend:
Enjoy your trip.
Robert:
It was your post awhile back that persuaded me to go to Varenna and stay at Hotel du Lac! We are looking forward to it and will report back on our experience. Did you use the car service to return to Milan?
Thanks,
Jeff
We returned to Milan by train, spent the night at a hotel near Malpensa, and flew out in the morning. But we weren’t bushed from a trans-Atlantic flight then.
If I had it to do over again, I’d do the same: car service to Varenna, train back to Milan.
I hope you enjoy Varenna and the Hotel du Lac as much as we did.
Jeff,
I traveled to Lake Como (Fiumelatte, which is the next small town south from Varenna) last year in September. 160 euros is not bad for a car service – I think we paid 190, but had a few people so we needed a van rather than just a car. Mr. Fleming’s restaurant recommendations are excellent. Also, IIRC, the view – particularly at sunset – from the deck at the Hotel du Lac is very nice.
Lots of information.
Doesn’t seem unreasonable, I’d do but your cost/effort ratio may vary.
Yes. The Malpensa express goes to Centrale out of terminal 1 (international).