- Must visit
Casa Museo Villa Monastero
Historic house museum within Villa Monastero, with furnished rooms and decorative interiors overlooking Lake Como. It combines art, history, and one of Varenna’s most photogenic settings.
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$9
Fastest journey
1 h 4 m
Average duration
1 h 4 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
61 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milan to Varenna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Milan to Varenna will cost around $9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 17 trains that leave Milan for Varenna on Mon, May 25, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 61 km distance in an average of 1 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 4 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 1 h 4 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.
Regionale TRENORD 2828
Regionale TRENORD 2840
Regionale TRENORD 2836
Regionale TRENORD 2832
Regionale TRENORD 2842 · Autobus TRENORD 2842A
Regionale TRENORD 2828
Regionale TRENORD 2840
Regionale TRENORD 2836
Regionale TRENORD 2832
Regionale TRENORD 2830Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milan to Varenna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $9, and a bus costs an average of $9.
Distance: 37 miles (61 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price Cheapest | $9 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 39m Average total duration 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Milan to Varenna:
A train is $0.02 (€0.02) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Milan to Varenna costing on average $9 (€8).
Other travel options to Varenna take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 9m.
The journey is about 17m faster (1h 5m by train vs 1h 22m by car) and roughly $16 (€13) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($9 (€8) vs $25 (€20)). 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.
Direct services run with Regionale, Trenord.
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 Milan to Varenna trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale TRENORD 2836 | 6:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 7:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2838 | 7:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 8:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2840 | 8:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 9:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2842 · Autobus TRENORD 2842A | 9:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h26 | 10:46 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, May 25 | |||||
S8 TRENORD 24814 · Autobus TRENORD 1314A | 5:22 AM Milan Porta Garibaldi | 1h53 | 7:15 AM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale TRENORD 2812 | 6:20 AM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 7:24 AM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2814 | 7:20 AM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 8:24 AM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2816 | 8:20 AM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 9:24 AM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2818 | 9:20 AM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 10:24 AM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2820 | 10:20 AM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 11:24 AM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2822 | 11:20 AM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 12:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2824 | 12:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 1:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2826 | 1:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 2:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2828 | 2:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 3:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2830 | 3:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 4:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2832 | 4:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 5:24 PM Varenna-esino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TRENORD 2834 | 5:20 PM Milan Centrale | 1h04 | 6:24 PM Varenna-esino | 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.
By Koen Berghuis
Milan and Varenna, a popular tourist destination on the shores of Lake Como, are linked by frequent regional trains. It’s a scenic journey, as part of the route runs along a railway line that hugs the lakeshore. By taking the train, you can enjoy beautiful views over Lake Como even before you arrive.

The Trenord train from Milan arriving in Varenna
The train from Milan to Varenna is operated by Trenord, which runs regional and suburban passenger trains in the northern Italian region of Lombardy.
There is a direct train to Varenna from both Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi. Unless you are staying close to Porta Garibaldi, I highly recommend taking the train from Milano Centrale, as the service to Varenna from there is much faster and stops at fewer stations along the way.
From Milano Centrale, the rail distance to Varenna is 71 kilometers (44 miles), and trains take 1 hour and 4 minutes.
I booked my ticket from Milan to Varenna on Omio, which made it easy to compare fares and schedules.
When you book a regional train ticket in Italy online, it is tied to the specific departure you choose. However, you can still modify the date or time, as long as the train you originally booked has not yet left.
If you buy a paper ticket for a regional train, you need to validate it in one of the platform machines before boarding. Failing to do so may result in a fine. Validating your ticket is not needed if you booked it online.
I recommend arriving at least 30 to 40 minutes before your train departs from Milan’s central railway station. If you’ve never used this busy station before, extra time helps you find your way around. Milan Centrale has many shops, bars, and restaurants. If you need food or drinks, buy them before departure, as regional trains do not sell them.
To access the platforms at Milan Centrale, scan the QR code on your ticket to pass through the barriers. Then, check the departures board to find your train’s platform and board. Trains from Milan Centrale to Varenna show Sondrio or Tirano as the final destination, as Varenna is an intermediate stop.
The railway station in Varenna is officially called Varenna-Esino, and it will appear under this name in online timetables and on departure boards. From the station, the lakeshore and Varenna’s town center are just a 10-minute walk away. There is a great bar in the old station building if you need a snack or some refreshments.
Trains from Milan to Varenna follow a clockface schedule, with a departure exactly once every hour throughout most of the day.
Trenord trains between Milan and Varenna offer both first and second class, though the seats are largely the same, with seating in both classes in a 2+2 layout. First class tends to be quieter and less crowded, which is its main advantage.
These trains are standard regional services, so onboard facilities are limited. Most seats have power sockets and toilets, but don’t expect additional amenities. For a short journey like the one from Milan to Varenna, I do think these trains are perfectly comfortable, though!
For my train ticket from Milan to Varenna, I paid €7.40. Tickets for Italian regional trains have fixed prices and do not sell out. It makes no difference whether you buy your Milan-Varenna train ticket before or on the day of travel.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €7.4 |
| Food & drinks | €2 |
| Travel to departure station | €2.2 |
| Travel from arrival station | €0 |
| Total | € 11.600000000000001 |
Taking the train is the best way to get from Milan to Varenna. Ticket prices are very affordable, and the trains themselves are quite comfortable. What I like best is the journey itself, as you are treated to stunning views of Lake Como from the train window.

Varenna-Esino railway station
Trains from Milan to Varenna run on average 26 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 37 miles (61 km) distance in 1h 3m.
Distance 37 miles (61 km) |
Average train duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 26 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 1h 3m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Varenna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varenna trip today.
Historic house museum within Villa Monastero, with furnished rooms and decorative interiors overlooking Lake Como. It combines art, history, and one of Varenna’s most photogenic settings.
Part of the Villa Monastero complex, pairing historic interpretation with the villa’s celebrated botanical garden. Popular with visitors for culture, views, and elegant lakeside paths.
Small exhibition area inside Castello di Vezio focused on the Lariosaurus fossil and local prehistoric history. Best visited together with the castle for views and a distinctive local theme.
The famous lakeside Walk of Lovers linking the ferry area with the historic center. It is one of Varenna’s most photographed and instantly recognizable promenades.
Charming old village core with steep lanes, stone houses, and lake views. Ideal for wandering slowly and discovering small squares, churches, and local architectural details.
Long terraced garden stretching along the lake with statues, exotic plants, and elegant viewpoints. It is among the most scenic walking areas anywhere on Lake Como.
Creamy risotto topped with lightly fried Lake Como perch fillets, one of the area’s signature dishes.
Sun-dried, salted lake shad from Lake Como, typically grilled and served with polenta; a historic local specialty.
Rich polenta finished with local butter, cheese, garlic, and sage, traditional in the Como and mountain areas.
Elegant hotel restaurant with panoramic lake views, suited for a higher-end meal featuring Italian and lake fish dishes.
Well-known wine bar and restaurant in Varenna with lake views, regional dishes, cheeses, and strong Lombard wine focus.
Established restaurant near the historic center, appreciated for refined Italian cooking, seafood, and romantic atmosphere.
Lake Como is pricier than many small Italian towns, but casual dining and coffee remain reasonable.
Service is often included or modestly priced. Locals usually round up or leave EUR 1-2 at cafes, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxis if helpful.
Official public transport app
Varenna-Esino Railway Station, Varenna -> Varenna Ferry Terminal, Varenna
The train connection between Milan and Varenna is both convenient and scenic, making it a popular choice for travelers. Operated by Trenitalia's Regionale service, the journey offers stunning views of the Italian countryside as you travel from the bustling city to the serene shores of Lake Como. With frequent departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their trip to explore Varenna’s charming streets and picturesque landscapes.
Traveling from Milan to Varenna takes approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes. There are a total of 12 connections available each day, all of which are direct trains. Passengers can board the train at Milano Porta Garibaldi or Milano Centrale and arrive at Varenna-esino station.
The first daily train from Milan departs at 06:20, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful lakeside town of Varenna. The last train of the day leaves Milan at 20:20, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their day before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Milan to Varenna is €7. The average ticket price typically hovers around €7 as well, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore this beautiful region of Italy.
Welcome to Villa Monastero, a stunning historical villa that dates back to the 12th century. This enchanting property not only served as a monastery but also transformed into an elegant residence showcasing exquisite gardens and breathtaking views of Lake Como. One unique feature is its remarkable botanical garden, which boasts diverse plant species from around the world, making it a true paradise for nature lovers.
Next on our journey is Castello di Vezio, perched high above Varenna with origins tracing back to the Middle Ages. This castle played a crucial role in defending the region against invasions and offers visitors panoramic vistas that are simply unforgettable. A standout attraction here is the falconry display; you can witness majestic birds of prey soaring through the sky while learning about their fascinating behaviors.
Finally, we arrive at Chiesa di San Giorgio, an iconic church known for its striking Romanesque architecture dating back to the 11th century. Its significance lies not just in its age but also in being home to beautiful frescoes and intricate wooden altars that reflect centuries of artistic heritage. The bell tower stands out as one of Varenna's most recognizable features—climb up for yet another spectacular view over this charming lakeside town!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milan 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.

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