- Recommended
Castello di Masnago - Museo d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
Municipal art museum inside a medieval castle, showing frescoes, paintings, and decorative arts tied to Varese's local history.
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
2 h 33 m
Average duration
2 h 33 m
Trains per day
137
Distance
246 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Varese is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Varese will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
It's difficult to get from Bologna to Varese without transferring at least once.
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2456 · S1 TRENORD 25722 · Regionale TRENORD 25
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2456 · S1 TRENORD 25722 · Regionale TRENORD 25
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2466 · S5 TRENORD 11840
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3920 · Regionale TTPER 2480 · S5 TRENORD 11868
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2462 · Regionale TRENORD 2938 · Regionale TRENORD 4037
FRECCIAROSSA 9300+
Regionale TRENORD 2518
FRECCIAROSSA 9300+
Regionale TRENORD 2518
FRECCIAROSSA 9300+
Regionale TRENORD 2518
FRECCIAROSSA 9310+
Regionale TRENORD 2528
FRECCIAROSSA 9310+
Regionale TRENORD 2528Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Varese among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a flight costs an average of $163.
Distance: 152 miles (246 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $224 Average price |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration 3h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 8m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Varese:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Varese costing on average $28 (€22).
A bus is $201 (€162) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Varese costing on average $224 (€180).
Other travel options to Varese take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 41m.
Flight takes on average 5h 8m.
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Varese trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:58 AM Bologna | 4h53 | 10:51 AM Varese | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:50 AM Bologna | 5h01 | 12:51 PM Varese | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:50 AM Bologna | 5h01 | 2:51 PM Varese | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
Regionale TTPER 2066 · Regionale TTPER 2452 · S5 TRENORD 11820 | 5:00 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h18 | 9:18 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
InterCityNotte 752+ Regionale TRENORD 2924 · Regionale TRENORD 4017 | 5:06 AM Bologna Centrale | 3h45 | 8:51 AM Varese Casbeno | 2 transfers | |
InterCityNotte 752+ Regionale TRENORD 2924 · Regionale TRENORD 4017 | 5:06 AM Bologna Centrale | 3h34 | 8:40 AM Varese Nord | 2 transfers | |
InterCityNotte 752+ Regionale TRENORD 2414 · Regionale TRENORD 2514 | 5:06 AM Bologna Centrale | 3h18 | 8:24 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2454 · Regionale Veloce 2016 · Regionale TRENORD 2516 | 5:28 AM Bologna Centrale | 3h56 | 9:24 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2454 · Regionale Veloce 2016 · Regionale TRENORD 2516 | 5:28 AM Bologna Centrale | 3h56 | 9:24 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2454 · Regionale Veloce 2016 · S5 TRENORD 11822 | 5:28 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h20 | 9:48 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2454 · Regionale Veloce 2016 · S5 TRENORD 11824 | 5:28 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h50 | 10:18 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2454 · Regionale TRENORD 2928 · Regionale TRENORD 10023 | 5:28 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h12 | 9:40 AM Varese Nord | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9562+ Regionale TRENORD 2416 · Regionale TRENORD 2516 | 5:34 AM Bologna Centrale | 3h50 | 9:24 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9562+ Regionale TRENORD 2928 · Regionale TRENORD 25 | 5:34 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h17 | 9:51 AM Varese Casbeno | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9562+ Regionale TRENORD 2928 · Regionale TRENORD 10023 | 5:34 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h06 | 9:40 AM Varese Nord | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2456 · S5 TRENORD 11822 | 5:40 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h08 | 9:48 AM Varese station | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2456 · S1 TRENORD 25722 · Regionale TRENORD 25 | 5:40 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h11 | 9:51 AM Varese Casbeno | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2456 · S1 TRENORD 25722 · Regionale TRENORD 25 | 5:40 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h05 | 9:45 AM Varese Nord | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2458 · S5 TRENORD 11824 | 5:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h25 | 10:18 AM Varese station | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2458 · Regionale TRENORD 2932 · Regionale TRENORD 29 | 5:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h58 | 10:51 AM Varese Casbeno | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2458 · S5 TRENORD 11824 · Regionale TRENORD 2518 | 5:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h31 | 10:24 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2458 · S5 TRENORD 11824 · S5 TRENORD 11826 | 5:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h55 | 10:48 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2458 · S5 TRENORD 11824 · S5 TRENORD 11828 | 5:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 5h25 | 11:18 AM Varese station | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2458 · S5 TRENORD 11824 | 5:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h25 | 10:18 AM Varese station | 1 transfer | |
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 Varese run on average 112 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 152 miles (246 km) distance in 4h 0m.
Distance 152 miles (246 km) |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 112 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 0m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Varese — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varese trip today.
Municipal art museum inside a medieval castle, showing frescoes, paintings, and decorative arts tied to Varese's local history.
Museum in a lakeside Liberty villa presenting contemporary works and exhibitions in one of Varese's most architecturally distinctive settings.
Archaeological displays in a former monastery at Sacro Monte, illuminating regional prehistory and the long settlement of the Varese area.
Scenic lakeside nature route through reeds and woodland on Lake Varese. Popular for walking, cycling, and sunset views.
Grand public gardens behind Palazzo Estense, loved for flowerbeds, fountains, and a calm promenade near the center.
Central pedestrian avenue lined with shops and historic buildings. It is ideal for a first walk through the city's daily life.
Creamy risotto cooked with local asparagus from Cantello, prized in the Varese area for its delicate flavor and spring harvest tradition.
Slow-braised donkey stew, a Lombard specialty found around Varese, traditionally served with polenta and valued for its rustic mountain character.
Soft polenta enriched with local Alpine cheeses, common in Varese's prealpine cuisine and loved as a hearty cold-season comfort dish.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining in nearby Sacro Monte, known for refined seasonal cuisine and a polished historic setting.
Historic lakeside restaurant in Varese, appreciated for seafood, classic Italian dishes, and a traditional atmosphere by Lake Varese.
Well-known casual spot in Varese serving Lombard and Italian staples, valued for reliable cooking and a welcoming local feel.
Moderate for northern Italy. Hotels and dining cost more than smaller towns, but local transit and casual meals are reasonable for most visitors.
Service may be included via coperto. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Varese Nord Station -> Piazza Monte Grappa, Varese
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Varese 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 Varese, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Varese trains use the Bologna Centrale to Varese station pair, with some services arriving at Varese Nord. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Varese 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 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.
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.
Varese has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Bologna, Trattoria Caprese
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Varese. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Varese. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Varese: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Varese: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varese: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Palace Grand Hotel Varese, Hotel di Varese, UNAHOTELS Varese.
Varese Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varese Nord.
Varese Casbeno is 1 km from Varese city centre. Public transport options include:
Varese Casbeno has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Varese Casbeno.
Available at Varese Casbeno: Parking.
Available at Varese Casbeno: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varese Casbeno.
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