- 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
$51
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
2 h 32 m
Average duration
4 h 43 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
173 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Varese to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Varese to Zurich will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 5 trains that leave Varese for Zurich on Wed, Jul 22, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 173 km distance in an average of 4 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 32 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 5 h 16 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Varese to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a flight costs an average of $52.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$89 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $178 Average price | $86 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 18m Average total duration 7h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.0kg 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 Varese to Zurich:
A bus is $68 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Varese to Zurich costing on average $89 (€89).
A bus is $157 (€157) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Varese to Zurich costing on average $178 (€178).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 40m.
Flight takes on average 7h 18m.
Tickets start at around $89 (€89) compared to roughly $86 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.67 (€-2.67). The journey takes 4h 40m versus 3h 13m 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 Varese to Zurich trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:23 AM Varese | 2h32 | 8:55 AM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:11 AM Varese | 5h16 | 3:27 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:11 PM Varese | 5h16 | 7:27 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:11 PM Varese | 5h16 | 8:27 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:11 PM Varese | 5h16 | 10:27 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect |
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 Varese to Zurich run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€47) but you can travel from only $10 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 2h 32m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average train duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€47) |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 5:00 AM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 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 Varese 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 Varese to Zurich trains use the Varese Casbeno to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Altstetten. Use this guide to compare Varese and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Varese Casbeno is 1 km from Varese city centre. Public transport options include:
Varese Casbeno has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Varese Casbeno.
Available at Varese Casbeno: Parking.
Available at Varese Casbeno: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varese Casbeno.
Varese 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: Ristorante Bologna, Trattoria Caprese
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Varese. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Varese. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Varese: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Varese: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varese: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Palace Grand Hotel Varese, Hotel di Varese, UNAHOTELS Varese.
Varese Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varese Nord.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need