- 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
$31
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
6 h 3 m
Average duration
6 h 36 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
293 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Varenna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Varenna will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 3 trains that leave Florence Santa Maria Novella for Varenna on Sat, Jul 18, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct trains cover the 293 km distance in an average of 6 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 3 m .
On Sat, Jul 18 the slowest trains will take 6 h 52 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 Florence Santa Maria Novella to Varenna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 182 miles (293 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$38 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $107 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Varenna:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Varenna costing on average $38 (€31).
Other travel options to Varenna take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 30m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Italo.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Florence Santa Maria Novella to Varenna trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:32 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 6h52 | 9:24 AM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:32 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 6h52 | 10:24 AM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:21 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 6h03 | 1:24 PM Varenna | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Varenna run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:20, the last at 18:10. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (293 km) distance in 5h 43m.
Distance 182 miles (293 km) |
Average train duration 4h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Trains per day 17 |
Fastest train 5h 43m |
First train 2:20 AM |
Last train 6:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 Florence Santa Maria Novella 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 Florence Santa Maria Novella to Varenna trains use the Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Varenna-esino station pair. Use this guide to compare Florence Santa Maria Novella and Varenna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella is 1 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Firenze Santa Maria Novella 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: 12oz Coffee Joint, Casa Maioli, Don Nino, Fratelli Cuore, McDonald´s, Panella, Segafredo Zanetti, Spizzico, Venchi, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are located in the basement in the shopping center next to the Feltrinelli bookshop and between Celio and Mango shops.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are located inside and outside the station.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Adua. Open daily from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Mobility assistance is available with the Sala Blu, located next to Platform 1.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Luxor Florence, Joy Hotel Florence, Diplomat Hotel Florence.
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