Lago Maggiore Travel Forum

Hi,
I am going on my honeymoon flying into Venice and then onto Lake Maggiore, Cannero Riveria. Anyway,we usually always hire a car but would like a break from this if possible and see some of the country side by train (and also being on honeymoon, we could do without the falling outs that come with the territory of driving and map reading in a strange country. I have tried to work out the trains and then buses and it looks simple but thought I'd ask if anyone has actually attempted this journey by public transport. We are flying back out of Bergamo Airport. If anyone has any suggestions of an easier destination to follow Venice which may be easier, feel free to add. Would have liked Bellagio but looks a nightmare to get to by train.
Many thanks

Hi,
Lago Maggiore is a perfect place for a honeymoon. A very romantic place to stay is Hotel Verbano.

Thanks for that. I have looked at the hotels web site and it looks lovely. I have a provisional booking further up the lake at Cannero but now am confused, again !! Have you any tips for public transport from Venice?
Regards,
Jo

I have additional photos on my Travel Page. Sorry I'm no help on the transportation as we had a car. We prefer driving as you can explore the small towns and not have to worry about a schedule. Driving is a "cake walk".

The closest train station to Cannero Riviera is Verbania. Travelling from Venice will involve a change in Milan. Check timetables at http://www.trenitalia.it/en/index.html .

From Verbania station, you probably will have to take 2 buses to Cannero: first from Verbania Ferrovia to Verbania city centre, then from Verbania city centre to Cannero. Timetables are at http://www.conservco.it/servizi/vcotrasporti/orari/orari.htm : "Linea Omegna - Verbania" for Verbania Ferrovia to Verbania city centre, "Linea Verbania-Cannobio-Brissago" for Verbania city centre to Cannero.

Actually there is a direct train from Venice to Domodossola, not requiring train change in Milan. From Domodossola, check bus line "Linea Verbania - Domodossola" to get to Verbania city centre.

To get to Bellagio, you can go by train to Como, Lecco or Asso (all require a train change), then take a bus from any of those cities to Bellagio.

For bus times to Bellagio, go to http://www.infopoint.it/int_perc.exe?9&16&1 , enter "Bellagio" and you will get a list of bus and ferry lines stopping there.

Thanks Fabbo, you are a star!,

I have looked at the train and bus times. Have done ok up to a point. Am a little confused over the times (they are times arent they?)as Verbania Ferrovia
is listed twice. Also not sure about the service on a Sunday as I am returning to Bergamo on a Sunday. Any help on navigating this timetable would be appreciated. Apologies for being dense!

Jo

You're welcome!

The bus first goes from Omegna to Verbania, then turns around and does the same route in the opposite direction, and that's why your stop is listed twice. I guess (not sure because the timetable is not clear) you have to get off at Pallanza to take the bus to Cannero: therefore, you should check the times from Verbania Ferrovia (first one) to Pallanza (first one) when going, from Pallanza (second one) to Verbania Ferrovia (second one) when coming back.

On Sunday, the buses listed as "fer." don't run.

Hi thanks again. You are going to think of me as fickle but I am now thinking of going to one of the Garda resorts. On the train it is only approx. 1 hr as opposed to 4-5hrs to Maggiore. I hope to go to Maggiore or Como next visit when Venice is not on the agenda. We only plan to have a few days after Venice and nearly 1 whole day will be spent on travelling, Garda just seems easier. I have not settled on a destination yet as its another minefield!

Regards,
Jo