- 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
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
5 h 32 m
Average duration
5 h 32 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Riomaggiore to Varenna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Riomaggiore to Varenna will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 1 trains that leave Riomaggiore for Varenna on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 215 km distance in an average of 5 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 32 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 32 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 Riomaggiore to Varenna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $36, and a bus costs an average of $44.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$39 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price |
5h 3m Average total duration 4h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Riomaggiore to Varenna:
A train is $11 (€9) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Riomaggiore to Varenna costing on average $49 (€40).
Other travel options to Varenna take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 33m.
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 Riomaggiore to Varenna run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:10, the last at 19:35. The fastest train covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 5h 26m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average train duration 4h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 26m |
First train 1:10 AM |
Last train 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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.
Official public transport app
Varenna-Esino, Varenna -> Varenna Ferry Terminal, Varenna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riomaggiore 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 Riomaggiore to Varenna trains use the Riomaggiore to Varenna-esino station pair. Use this guide to compare Riomaggiore and Varenna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Riomaggiore has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food options include: Binariozero, Enoteca Dau Cila
Ticket office support is available at Riomaggiore.
Available at Riomaggiore: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Riomaggiore: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riomaggiore: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Villa Argentina, Hotel La Zorza, Hotel Due Gemelli.
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