- Recommended
Galleria d’Arte Villa Monastero
Art and exhibition spaces inside Villa Monastero, combining temporary displays with the historic villa setting and lakefront gardens.
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$45
Fastest journey
5 h 50 m
Average duration
5 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from La Spezia to Varenna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from La Spezia to Varenna will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 2 buses that leave La Spezia for Varenna on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 216 km distance in an average of 5 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 5 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from La Spezia to Varenna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $24, and a bus costs an average of $24.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$40 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $92 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration Fastest 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from La Spezia to Varenna:
A train is $10 (€9) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from La Spezia to Varenna costing on average $40 (€33).
Other travel options to Varenna take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 10m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for La Spezia to Varenna buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:05 PM La Spezia | 6h25 | 10:30 PM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from La Spezia to Varenna run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:02, the last at 20:55. The fastest bus covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 5h 50m.
Distance 134 miles (216 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 5h 50m |
First bus 1:02 AM |
Last bus 8:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Varenna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varenna trip today.
Art and exhibition spaces inside Villa Monastero, combining temporary displays with the historic villa setting and lakefront gardens.
Specialized museum dedicated to traditional boats of Lake Como, notable for preserving local nautical heritage in nearby Pianello del Lario, often visited from Varenna.
Historic house museum interiors at Villa Monastero with furnished rooms and decor reflecting the villa’s transformation from monastery to lakeside residence.
Famous lakeside walkway linking the ferry area and the historic center, one of Varenna’s most photographed and instantly recognizable strolls.
The compact historic center with stone lanes, stairways, and colorful houses is the heart of the village and ideal for wandering without a plan.
Long linear botanical gardens on the lakefront with statues, exotic plants, and iconic viewpoints, among the most refined outdoor spaces in Varenna.
Creamy risotto topped with lightly fried Lake Como perch fillets, one of the area’s signature dishes and a classic of lakeside trattorias.
Traditional salted and sun-dried agoni fish from Lake Como, usually grilled and served with polenta; a historic local specialty.
Rich mountain-style polenta finished with local butter, cheese, garlic, and sage, typical of the Lake Como and Lombardy area.
Established restaurant on a charming square, known for refined Italian cuisine, lake fish dishes, and a romantic setting.
Elegant hotel restaurant with panoramic lake views, offering polished Italian cooking and a more upscale dining experience.
Well-known wine bar and restaurant in Varenna, appreciated for regional dishes, cheese and charcuterie, and an intimate atmosphere.
Lake Como is pricier than many Italian towns. Hotels and lakefront dining cost more, but cafés and simple meals are manageable.
Service is often included or covered by a coperto. Tipping is not required, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafés or 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from La Spezia to Varenna by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Varenna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most La Spezia to Varenna buses use the La Spezia, Via Giosuè Carducci to Como, Piazzale San Gottardo (Stazione San Giovanni) station pair. Use this guide to compare La Spezia and Varenna bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need