Planes: The closest airport is Milano Malpensa, (airport code MXP), only a 35-minute drive on the motorway. It is of course possible to arrive here from many other airports, but let’s focus on Malpensa for now. So you’re at Malpensa, now what do you do? Unless someone is meeting you there you’ll need to use another mode of transportation. It’s all very easy though. Here's Malpensa's Web site: www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en/.

Car Rentals: Most of the major car rental companies have offices in Malpensa; shop around for the best price at that time or for companies you may have a travel affiliation with. Once in your car the directions from Malpensa to downtown Stresa are relatively simple. Google Maps or any other map service you're comfortable with will give your clear and simple directions. Malpensa to Stresa will suffice if you don't have the exact address for your hotel or destination.

Buses: There is direct bus service from the airport to Stresa on Alibus. Alibus shuttles leave from Terminals 1 and 2 at Malpensa several times daily. The bus has a sign in the window reading Verbania/Malpensa. The link to the schedule is here:

www.safduemila.com. In Stresa the bus stops in Piazza Marconi, in front of the church. The trip takes 45 minutes and costs 12.00 euro each way (as of this writing). Important: Make your reservation on the booking page found on the above link. You’ll pay once you are on the bus. Also important: Alibus shuttles run only from about Easter through mid-October each year, so do check dates. 

Trains: To take the train is one step more complicated. There are two ways to do so. You can take a bus from Malpensa to the Gallarate station and then take a train to Stresa. The bus for Gallarate is found at both Terminals 1 and 2. The Trenitalia schedule is here: www.trenitalia.com. In total this trip will take you about 2 hours. Or, take the new train connection (Navetta) from Malpensa Terminal 1 to Busto Arsizio FS. From here you can switch to the train from Milan heading to Stresa. Tickets can be bought at the Malpensa Terminal 1 train station. Tickets for the return to MXP should be bought at the Busto Arsizio ticket office.

Taxis and Private Cars: If you are unable to drive yourself and none of the above methods will work for you there is always the option to take a taxi or hire a car. This is of course expensive; if you are traveling with others and can share the cost it becomes a more attractive alternative. Taxis can be found directly outside the terminal. Estimate the cost will be between 80 and 100 euro. You are not expected to tip. Private cars can also be booked in advance, for about the same fee as a taxi.