Driving Directions From Malpensa To Stresa -- With Photos

Following are driving directions from the exit of Milano Malpensa airport to the center of Stresa. A written version follows the photos, to copy/paste if you like.

Welcome to Malpensa Airport, Milano, and Italy! Got all the luggage packed into the car? Allora, andiamo, let's go! This is what you'll see on the way out of the airport.

After leaving the airport look for this sign and stay right, toward Milano, Varese, and Gravellona.

When the road splits stay right and take this exit, the one with signs for Milano and Varese.

Now follow for Varese/Gravellona. You are looking to stay on the A26.

Now take Genova/Gravellona.

Once you're on the road for Gravellona you'll see this sign for the Autogrill. Now it's time for a little pause. It's not mandatory for you, of course, but it's quite a routine for me to stop there for my first cappuccino.

If you're driving in the morning, how about a classic Italian breakfast of a cappuccino and a brioche? Later in the day, maybe you'll have an espresso.

Refreshed from the cappuccino? Let's get back on the road for Gravellona, exiting in the direction of Gravellona/Arona.

Finally the Alps come into view. That's Monte Rosa slightly to your left, the largest one that you see. It's the second-tallest mountain in western Europe, and the tallest in Switzerland. Can you see the slightly pink hue? The name, however, is from the dialect for Glacier Mountain.

Here's the exit we want, Carpugnino.

When you go around the first big bend on this road, this famous view comes into sight. You're almost there. That's Stresa down below. Now just follow the signs on this road for Stresa as you wind your way down into the city. In a few minutes, you'll be down in the center of town. Now, get out there and enjoy!




Written version without photos:

When leaving the airport follow signs for the A26. The first sign to look for is Milano, Varese, Gravellona. Stay right.

When the road splits, stay right and take the exit for Milano and Varese.

Next, follow the exit for Varese/Gravellona. This one is on your left. You are still looking to stay on the A26.

Next take Genova/Gravellona.

And next, Gravellona/Arona.

You'll see the Alps now. You're getting close.

Take the exit for Carpugnino.

Follow the winding road, always following the signs for Stresa, into the center of town.

The drive from Malpensa to Stresa takes about 40 minutes, under normal conditions. You will encounter three tollbooths on the way; you'll need several euro in total for these tolls, but you can use a credit card as well. There are alternative routes that avoid the tolls, but these are quite local and best not attempted if you are not familiar with the area.

Also, know that unless otherwise posted the speed limit on the motorway is 130 km/hr., and speed is checked electronically, so please do be careful and drive safely.