- Recommended
Casa Museo di Villa Monastero
House museum within Villa Monastero presenting period interiors, collections, and the villa's history. A strong cultural complement to the celebrated gardens.
Cheapest price on Sep 05
$23
Average ticket price on Sep 05
$29
Fastest journey on Sep 05
3 h 59 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
4 h 17 m
Trains on Sep 05
6
Distance
233 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Varenna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Varenna will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
On Sat, Sep 05, we found 6 trains from Bologna to Varenna, including 6 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 05 the direct trains cover the 233 km distance in an average of 4 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 59 m .
On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 34 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 Bologna to Varenna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, while a flight costs an average of $221.
Distance: 144 miles (233 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$29 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $221 Average price | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Varenna:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Varenna costing on average $29 (€24).
A bus is $204 (€165) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Varenna costing on average $221 (€179).
Other travel options to Varenna take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 8m.
Flight takes on average 4h 40m.
The journey is about 29m faster (2h 53m by train vs 3h 22m by car) and roughly $62 (€50) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($29 (€24) vs $91 (€74)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Varenna trains for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:04 PM Bologna | 5h04 | 1:08 AM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 5 | |||||
![]() | 4:28 AM Bologna | 4h13 | 8:41 AM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:50 AM Bologna | 4h34 | 10:24 AM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 AM Bologna | 4h19 | 2:24 PM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:04 PM Bologna | 4h20 | 6:24 PM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:33 PM Bologna | 4h51 | 7:24 PM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:54 PM Bologna | 3h59 | 7:53 PM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Trains from Bologna to Varenna run on average 30 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $14 (€12) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:35, the last at 22:38. The fastest train covers the 144 miles (233 km) distance in 4h 19m.
Distance 144 miles (233 km) |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 30 |
Fastest train 4h 19m |
First train 12:35 AM |
Last train 10:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Varenna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varenna trip today.
House museum within Villa Monastero presenting period interiors, collections, and the villa's history. A strong cultural complement to the celebrated gardens.
Historic villa interiors with decorative rooms and art displays inside one of Lake Como's most famous residences. Ideal for architecture and heritage enthusiasts.
Botanical and decorative heritage experience in the Villa Cipressi complex, where landscaped terraces and historic structures create an open-air cultural visit.
Famous lakeside promenade suspended along the waterfront. Easy, photogenic, and ideal for first views of Varenna's colorful houses and the central lake.
Old harbor area with boats, pastel façades, and one of Varenna's most photographed perspectives. Best for atmosphere, walking, and sunset views.
Terraced botanical gardens descending to the lake, celebrated for cypresses, exotic plants, and elegant viewpoints. One of Varenna's signature scenic walks.
Buckwheat pasta ribbons with butter, cabbage, potatoes and local cheese. A classic dish of nearby Valtellina, long loved around Lake Como for hearty alpine comfort.
Small buckwheat dumplings mixed with greens and bread, then baked with butter and cheese. Traditional mountain fare eaten across the Lake Como area.
Crisp fried buckwheat fritters with a melted cheese center, usually Casera. A beloved Valtellina specialty often served as a starter near Lake Como.
Elegant lakeside fine dining known for refined Italian cuisine, tasting menus and a romantic setting inside Hotel Royal Victoria.
Popular lakeside venue with polished service, seafood, risotto and scenic terrace views. A strong choice for a leisurely meal in central Varenna.
Well-known traditional restaurant in Varenna serving lake fish, pasta and regional dishes in a historic, relaxed setting near the waterfront.
Moderate for Lake Como: stays and lakefront dining cost more than inland towns, but ferries and simple meals remain manageable.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; small change for cafes; taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Varenna-Esino -> Piazza San Giorgio, Varenna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Varenna by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Varenna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Varenna trains use the Bologna Centrale to Varenna-esino station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Varenna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna Borgo Panigale is 4 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Borgo Panigale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Il Patio, Trattoria Bonora
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna Borgo Panigale. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Flyon Hotel, Hotel Bologna Airport, Hotel Del Borgo.
Bologna S. Vitale is 2 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna S. Vitale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bologna S. Vitale.
ATMs are available at Bologna S. Vitale.
Available at Bologna S. Vitale: Parking, WC.
Available at Bologna S. Vitale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna S. Vitale: Elevators, ramps.
Varenna-esino has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Varenna-esino.
Ticket office support is available at Varenna-esino. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Varenna-esino: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Varenna-esino: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varenna-esino: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Olivedo, Albergo Milano, Hotel du Lac.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need