Getting around

Trains

The house is very close to Varese Casbeno station — not to be confused with the other two railway stations in Varese. It is a stop on the Laveno–Varese–Saronno–Milan line run by Trenord, normally punctual and reliable.

We use this train every day to get to school and work, so we will not pretend it never has problems. But it is a genuinely good option in two specific cases.

To Milan it is excellent: about an hour, and it arrives at Milano Cadorna, right in the centre and a strategic point for reaching anywhere in the city by metro. Choose the direct trains, marked RE (Regionale Espresso): far fewer stops and a more comfortable journey.

To Laveno Mombello Lago it is worth considering, though be aware it takes about 50 minutes despite being close, because there are no direct trains on this stretch.

Buses

Our kids used them for years. They work, but the frequency is very low.

Ferries

Lake Maggiore has a dense network of public ferries connecting the main towns, and on some routes you can take your car aboard. They run more often in summer. Water taxis exist too, but we always prefer the ferries.

Scooters

We use them rarely, but they can be fun. The app is dott.

Sites we use ourselves

varesenews.it/tag/weekend — What is on around Varese at the weekend.

trenord.it — The “nord” line, Milan–Laveno.

trenitalia.com — The state line, Milan–Varese.