Getting There & Away: Lago Maggiore

Air Travel Hubs

Main Airports

Milan offers three main airports, each with distinct advantages for reaching Lago Maggiore. Choosing the right airport can streamline your arrival.

Airport Choices

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Closest (45-60 km south), most convenient international airport for the lake's southern shores.
Milan Linate Airport (LIN): Smaller, closer to Milan city center (90-100 km), mainly for domestic and European routes.
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY): Further east (120-130 km), major hub for low-cost European airlines like Ryanair.

Airline & Routes

The Milan airports connect to destinations worldwide, with various airlines operating routes that suit different travel budgets and origins.

Flight Connections

MXP: Served by major international carriers (Delta, United, Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Swiss International Air Lines).
LIN: Main host for flag carriers like ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, connecting to European cities.
BGY: Dominated by low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, with extensive European connections.

High Season Flights

Highest prices due to peak demand (June-August). Book 4-6 months ahead.

Shoulder Season Value

Better deals (April-May, Sep-Oct), moderate prices, good availability.

Low Season Savings

Generally cheapest (Nov-Mar), but limited lakeside attractions are open.

Airport Amenities

Services & Shops

Currency exchange and ATMs are available in terminals.
Duty-Free Shops for last-minute purchases.
Various restaurants and cafes.
Consider a Digital luggage scale before departure.

Rental & Connectivity

Car Rental Agencies: Major international companies have desks on-site at all airports.
Free Wi-Fi is generally available for connectivity.
Charging stations for electronic devices.
Lounges are available for relaxation before flights.

Airport Transfers to Lago Maggiore

Train from MXP

Take Malpensa Express to Busto Arsizio, then regional train to Arona/Stresa. Or, via Milan Centrale for a direct train to Stresa/Arona.

Bus & Taxi

Some private bus services (e.g., Alibus) link MXP to Lago Maggiore towns like Stresa. Taxis are available but expensive (€80-€150+).

Private Transfer & Car Rental

Pre-booked private transfers offer door-to-door comfort. Renting a car at the airport (e.g., DiscoverCars.com) presents maximum flexibility.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Italy has a robust land transportation network. Train travel presents a common way to reach Lago Maggiore from other parts of Italy.

Rail Connections

Italian State Railways (Trenitalia) connects Arona and Stresa to Milan Centrale (approx. 1 hr) and other cities.
Verbania-Pallanza train station serves the area but is not in the city center.
Scenic Centovalli Railway connects Domodossola to Locarno (Switzerland), a popular day trip.

Bus Networks

Local and intercity bus options exist for travel around the lake and to nearby areas. These services offer a budget-friendly alternative to trains for some routes.

Local & Intercity

Local networks by SAF (Piedmont) and ASF Autolinee (Lombardy) link lakeside towns and inland areas.
Useful for short distances or towns without train service.
Some intercity bus services connect Lago Maggiore to Milan and other larger cities.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Renting a car (e.g., via DiscoverCars.com) presents maximum flexibility for exploring, but familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and local driving conditions.

Requirements for Drivers

Valid National Driving License, plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU license holders.
Major credit card in the main driver's name for the rental deposit.
Minimum age often 21 or 25; young driver surcharge may apply for under 25.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads around Lago Maggiore generally have good maintenance. However, some sections demand careful navigation due to their nature.

Driving Tips

Italian drivers can be assertive; defensive driving is a good practice.
Some sections, especially on the eastern side or heading into mountains, can be winding and narrow.
Parking presents a challenge and expense in popular towns. Look for designated paid parking (blue lines).

Important Driving Warnings

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato - Limited Traffic Zones) are common in historic centers.
Entering a ZTL without authorization leads to hefty fines captured by cameras.
Always park outside ZTLs and walk into the historic center.

Strict speed limits are enforced by cameras.
Driving on motorways with headlights on is often necessary.
Strict limits apply to blood alcohol content.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

The main and most scenic way to navigate the lake is through the extensive ferry network operated by Navigazione Laghi.

Lake Navigation

Connects all major towns and the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori).
Types include slower Regular Line Boats (Battello), faster Hydrofoils (Aliscafo), and Car Ferries (Traghetto).
A "Free Circulation Ticket" allows unlimited travel within a zone or across the entire lake for a day.

Cruise & River Options

While the lake offers ample water transport via ferries, it does not serve large cruise ships or riverboats for arrival.

Limited Water Access

Lago Maggiore lacks cruise ports for large ocean liners or river cruise ships.
No significant river transport options exist for tourist arrivals to the lake itself.
No international immigration procedures are on lake ferries, as you are within the Schengen Area.

Efficient Ferry Hubs

Main hubs include Stresa, Verbania, Arona, Cannobio, and Luino, with frequent services.

Seamless Border Crossing

Crossing into Switzerland on the lake (Schengen) generally proceeds smoothly.

Convenient Land Connections

Ferry docks are central, making connections to local buses and train stations straightforward.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply when departing Italy for tourism; airport taxes typically feature in your airfare. Plan your airport arrival time carefully.

Departure Steps

International Flights (non-Schengen): Arrive at MXP at least 2-3 hours before departure.
Passport Control: Factor in potential queues for exiting the Schengen Area.
VAT Refund: If claiming, allow an additional hour or more; you present goods to customs.

Airport/Station Facilities

Milan Malpensa Airport provides a wide range of amenities for departing travelers, while train stations offer basic services.

Departure Amenities

Airports: Duty-free shops, various restaurants, cafes, and lounges. Currency exchange and ATMs.
Train Stations (Stresa, Arona): Basic facilities, ticket offices, waiting areas, often a bar/cafe.
Train Departures: Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before schedule.

Departure Checklist

Check your flight status and terminal information the day before you depart. Unexpected changes happen, and prior knowledge of them avoids last-minute stress.

Getting There & Away