- Must visit
MASI Lugano - LAC
Lugano’s leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, with modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
2 h 53 m
Average duration
2 h 53 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
26 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Varenna to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Varenna to Lugano will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 1 trains that leave Varenna for Lugano on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 26 km distance in an average of 2 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 53 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 53 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 Varenna to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $42, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 23m.
Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $19 (€15) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-22.71 (€-18.59). The journey takes 2h 23m versus 1h 8m 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.
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 Varenna to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:35 PM Varenna | 2h53 | 8:28 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Varenna to Lugano run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 16 miles (26 km) distance in 2h 53m.
Distance 16 miles (26 km) |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 53m |
First train 5:35 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.
Lugano’s leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, with modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Historic branch of MASI in the old town, hosting rotating exhibitions in a palazzo setting close to other central sights.
Museum focused on extra-European art and ethnographic collections, especially known for African, Asian, and Oceanian works in Villa Malpensata.
Lugano’s signature lakeside park, loved for waterfront paths, mature trees, flowerbeds, and classic views over the lake and mountains.
The main square of Lugano, lined with pastel buildings and arcades, central to city life and a natural base for exploring the old town.
The lakeside promenade offers classic city-and-lake views, easy strolling, and some of the most recognizable scenes in Lugano.
A staple in Ticino made from slowly cooked cornmeal, often served creamy or sliced and grilled with cheese, mushrooms, or braised meats.
Creamy risotto prepared in the Lombard-Ticino style, often with local wine, butter, and cheese, reflecting the strong Italian influence of the region.
Slow-braised beef, commonly cooked with red wine, served with polenta. It is a classic hearty Ticinese comfort dish.
An established fine dining restaurant known for refined Italian cuisine, elegant presentation, and a polished atmosphere in central Lugano.
A classic hillside grotto outside the center, appreciated for traditional regional dishes, wine, and a charming old-fashioned ambiance.
A well-known traditional grotto serving Ticinese classics in a relaxed, rustic setting popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but everyday costs are still steep for most travelers.
Service is usually included in prices. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Lugano Railway Station, Lugano -> Piazza della Riforma, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Varenna to Lugano 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 Lugano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Varenna to Lugano trains use the Varenna-esino to Lugano FLP station pair. Use this guide to compare Varenna and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Lugano FLP has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, 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 Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante Trani
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano FLP. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano FLP. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano FLP: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano FLP: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano FLP: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano, Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need