Letters From Readers: All Aboard For Train Questions

Stresa Sights readers always ask very good questions, and summer brings more mail and more questions than usual. Here are a few of the most recent; they all involve the train station, and they will probably be of help to many who are researching Stresa:

Two questions regarding the Lago Maggiore Express:

A:  Here's some information that I hope answers the Lago Maggiore Express questions that many have. The Lago Maggiore Express is basically a loop created from already existing modes of transportation: The normal regional train to Domodossola; the Centovalle (Hundred Valley) railroad through the Alps (this is the panoramic train mentioned); and the boat that you'll take on Lago Maggiore. The Express trip can be done in either direction; and from any point along the loop; just be sure to make connections at the right times. Therefore, there is no starting time or point per se; what is important is to look at the schedule in terms of where you want to start and finish, and create your own itinerary. Usually people take the large ferry ship back and forth from Locarno as part of the Express trip. It is restful; it takes about 3 hours and makes several stops. I've done this and enjoyed it very much. Tickets can be bought at any of the train stations or ferry docks. Any ticket agent will be able to assist you with the times. Tickets do not need to be purchased in advance; but perhaps you may want to visit a ticket office a day or two before you make the journey, just to have the information you will need to plan well. Here's the main website: 

http://www.lagomaggioreexpress.com/Inglese/orari.html

 And another commonly asked question regarding train tickets: 

A: It is not necessary to buy train tickets online. Not every type of ticket is sold online. You can easily buy them at the Stresa train station the day you travel, or, stop by the station some other day in advance and buy a ticket. This will ensure that you buy the correct ticket. A train ticket becomes validated ON THE DAY YOU USE IT by stamping it in the yellow box along the wall near the tracks at the station. You don't want to forget this step, as the fine is high for not having a validated ticket. The best thing to do if you do forget is to tell a train conductor right away; perhaps they'll go easy on you. See more information in this post:

http://stresasights.blogspot.com/2009/04/stresa-train-station.html

As for categories, ask at the Stresa ticket window for an IC or an EC train. Those are the 'Express' trains. What you DO NOT WANT is an R train. That is the Regional train, which will slowly make every local stop and take twice as long. 

And lastly for today, a question about Stresa's wheelchair accessibility: 

Q: Can you tell me if it is a level walk to the railway station, the main ferry departure point and the centre of town as we have a person with a wheelchair in our group. 

 

A: This is a very good question. Stresa is flat along the lake and has a wide path that runs the entire distance of the lakefront between the two imbarcaderos, a distance of one mile.  Piazza Cadorna, the center of Stresa,  is just a couple of streets in from the lake and is also flat and very accessible. However, a little bit further inland Stresa begins to travel uphill very quickly and steeply. The train station is located here, about a 15 minute walk from the lakefront, but a bit uphill. Therefore, choosing a hotel along the lake and using ferries keeps one on flat ground. Many of the private water taxis are also wheelchair accessible. If you must use the train perhaps it would be best to arrange for a taxi or private car, which your hotel should be able to assist you to do.