- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.
Cheapest price
$113
Average price
$125
Fastest journey
2 h 16 m
Average duration
2 h 21 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
161 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Varenna to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Varenna to Zurich will cost around $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $113.
It's difficult to get from Varenna to Zurich without transferring at least once.
B 2 2188 | 2188 · EC 20 | 20
B 2 2188 | 2188 · EC 20 | 20 · S 5 18570 | 18570
B 2 2188 | 2188 · EC 20 | 20 · IC 1 727 | 727
Regionale TRENORD 2827+
EuroCity 20
Regionale TRENORD 2833+
EuroCity 36
B 2 2172 | 2172 · EC 152 | 152
B 2 2140 | 2140 · EC 30 | 30
B 4 4133 | 4133 · EC 16 | 16
B 4 4101 | 4101 · EC 150 | 150
B 2 2188 | 2188 · EC 20 | 20Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Varenna to Zurich 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 bus which can get you there in 4h 34m. 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 bus costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $72.
Distance: 100 miles (161 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $158 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $110 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 43m Average total duration 6h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration Fastest 4h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Varenna to Zurich:
A bus is $62 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Varenna to Zurich costing on average $87 (€71).
A bus is $133 (€109) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Varenna to Zurich costing on average $158 (€130).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 48m.
Flight takes on average 6h 43m.
Tickets start at around $87 (€71) compared to roughly $110 (€91) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $24 (€20). The journey takes 4h 48m versus 3h 40m 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 Zurich trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:35 PM Varenna | 4h52 | 5:27 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:32 PM Varenna | 2h23 | 3:55 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:02 PM Varenna | 2h25 | 4:27 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
Regionale TRENORD 2811+ EuroCity 10 | 5:37 AM Varenna-esino | 4h50 | 10:27 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
Regionale TRENORD 2813+ EuroCity 12 | 6:18 AM Varenna-esino | 5h09 | 11:27 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
Regionale TRENORD 2815+ EuroCity 14 | 7:35 AM Varenna-esino | 4h52 | 12:27 PM Zurich HB | 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 Varenna to Zurich run on average 16 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:03, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 100 miles (161 km) distance in 2h 23m.
Distance 100 miles (161 km) |
Average train duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 5:03 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.
National museum in a castle-like building near the main station. It offers essential insight into Swiss cultural history, design, and nationhood.
Remarkable private collection in a villa, featuring Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern masterpieces in an intimate lakeside setting.
Zurich's famous old town shopping street links the main station to the lake. It is ideal for strolling, people-watching, and seeing the city's polished center.
Historic riverside old town with lanes, guild houses, churches, and viewpoints. It is the essential area for Zurich's medieval atmosphere.
Beautiful lakeside promenade lined with trees, gardens, and views across Lake Zurich. Perfect for a scenic walk in any season.
Sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, usually served with rösti. It is Zurich’s signature dish and a classic in traditional brasseries.
Pan-fried grated potato cake with a crisp crust and soft center. A Swiss staple closely tied to Zurich and often served with meat, eggs, or cheese.
Swiss cheese fondue made by melting local cheeses with wine and garlic, then dipping bread. It is a beloved cold-weather social meal across Zurich.
Refined Swiss fine dining in a historic setting, led by a renowned chef. Known for modern tasting menus and polished service.
Historic casual restaurant by Lake Zurich, known for Zürich classics like rösti and veal dishes in a traditional guild-house setting.
Elegant old-town restaurant with classic Swiss and French cuisine. A strong choice for fondue, seasonal dishes, and a formal atmosphere.
Zurich is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and local transit are costly, though supermarkets and takeaway spots can help lower daily spend.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Small rounding is common in cafes and taxis.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB -> Central, Zurich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Varenna to Zurich 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 Zurich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Varenna to Zurich trains use the Varenna-esino to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Altstetten. Use this guide to compare Varenna and Zurich 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.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Zürich Altstetten is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Altstetten 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: Restaurant Markthalle, Restaurant LaSalle
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Altstetten. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Altstetten. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Altstetten: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Altstetten: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Altstetten: Elevators.
Nearby hotels include Placid Hotel Zurich, Best Western Hotel Spirgarten, H+ Hotel Zürich.
Zürich Oerlikon is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Oerlikon 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: Negishi Sushi Bar, Le Muh
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Oerlikon. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Oerlikon. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Oerlikon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Oerlikon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Oerlikon: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Courtyard Zurich North, Swissotel Zurich, Hotel Sternen Oerlikon.
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