- Recommended
Casa Museo di Villa Monastero
House museum within Villa Monastero presenting period interiors, collections, and the villa's history. A strong cultural complement to the celebrated gardens.
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$115
Fastest journey
2 h 17 m
Average duration
2 h 17 m
Trains per day
39
Distance
161 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Varenna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Varenna will cost around $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Varenna without transferring at least once.
S 14 19429 | 19429 · IC 10363 | 10363 · B 2 2101 | 2101
EuroCity 27+
Regionale TRENORD 2844
IC 2 873 | 873 · B 4 4154 | 4154
S 5 18547 | 18547 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 4 4154 | 4154
S 6 18647 | 18647 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 4 4154 | 4154
IR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 4 4106 | 4106
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · B 4 4074 | 4074
IC 2 873 | 873 · B 4 4154 | 4154
IR 46 2421 | 2421 · IC 21 671 | 671 · B 4 4138 | 4138
EC 37 | 37 · B 4 4180 | 4180Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Varenna 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 2h 49m. 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 $74.
Distance: 100 miles (161 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $216 Average price | $111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 1m Average total duration 4h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 18m Average total duration 9h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Zurich to Varenna:
A bus is $61 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Varenna costing on average $87.
A bus is $190 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Varenna costing on average $216.
Other travel options to Varenna take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 31m.
Flight takes on average 9h 18m.
Tickets start at around $87 compared to roughly $111 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $24. The journey takes 4h 31m versus 3h 53m 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 Zurich to Varenna trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S 5 18533 | 18533 · EC 15 | 15 · B 2 2109 | 2109 | 9:16 AM Zurich Altstetten | 2h29 | 11:45 AM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
S 9 18933 | 18933 · EC 15 | 15 · B 2 2109 | 2109 | 9:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 11:45 AM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 15+ Regionale TRENORD 2826 | 9:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 2:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
EC 15 | 15 · B 2 2109 | 2109 | 9:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 11:45 AM Varenna | 1 transfer | |
S 5 18535 | 18535 · IR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 4 4108 | 4108 | 9:46 AM Zurich Altstetten | 2h36 | 12:22 PM Varenna | 3 transfers | |
S 6 18635 | 18635 · IR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 4 4108 | 4108 | 9:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h31 | 12:22 PM Varenna | 3 transfers | |
IR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 4 4108 | 4108 | 10:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h17 | 12:22 PM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
S 9 18941 | 18941 · EC 19 | 19 · B 2 2141 | 2141 | 11:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 1:45 PM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
S 5 18541 | 18541 · EC 19 | 19 · B 2 2141 | 2141 | 11:16 AM Zurich Altstetten | 2h29 | 1:45 PM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 19+ Regionale TRENORD 2830 | 11:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 4:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
EC 19 | 19 · B 2 2141 | 2141 | 11:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 1:45 PM Varenna | 1 transfer | |
S 5 18543 | 18543 · IR 46 2421 | 2421 · IC 21 671 | 671 · B 4 4140 | 4140 | 11:46 AM Zurich Altstetten | 2h36 | 2:22 PM Varenna | 3 transfers | |
S 6 18643 | 18643 · IR 46 2421 | 2421 · IC 21 671 | 671 · B 4 4140 | 4140 | 11:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h31 | 2:22 PM Varenna | 3 transfers | |
IR 46 2421 | 2421 · IC 21 671 | 671 · B 4 4140 | 4140 | 12:05 PM Zurich HB | 2h17 | 2:22 PM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 151+ Regionale TRENORD 2832 | 12:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 5:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
S 5 18547 | 18547 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 4 4156 | 4156 | 12:46 PM Zurich Altstetten | 2h36 | 3:22 PM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
S 6 18647 | 18647 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 4 4156 | 4156 | 12:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h31 | 3:22 PM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 21+ Regionale TRENORD 2834 | 1:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 6:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 37+ Regionale TRENORD 7576 · Regionale TRENORD 2836 | 2:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 7:24 PM Varenna-esino | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 123+ Regionale TRENORD 2838 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 8:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 25+ Regionale TRENORD 2842 | 5:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 10:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 27+ Regionale TRENORD 2844 | 6:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 11:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
EuroCity 11+ Regionale TRENORD 2820 | 6:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 11:24 AM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ Regionale TRENORD 2822 | 7:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 12:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
S 14 19429 | 19429 · IC 10363 | 10363 · B 2 2101 | 2101 | 8:05 AM Zurich Altstetten | 3h13 | 11:18 AM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · B 4 4074 | 4074 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h17 | 10:22 AM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
S 5 18529 | 18529 · EC 301 | 301 · B 2 2101 | 2101 | 8:16 AM Zurich Altstetten | 3h02 | 11:18 AM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
S 9 18929 | 18929 · EC 301 | 301 · B 2 2101 | 2101 | 8:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 3h02 | 11:18 AM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 301+ Regionale TRENORD 2824 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 1:24 PM Varenna-esino | 1 transfer | |
EC 301 | 301 · B 2 2101 | 2101 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h45 | 11:18 AM Varenna | 1 transfer | |
S 5 18531 | 18531 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 2 2105 | 2105 | 8:46 AM Zurich Altstetten | 2h47 | 11:33 AM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
S 6 18631 | 18631 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 2 2105 | 2105 | 8:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h42 | 11:33 AM Varenna | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 865 | 865 · B 2 2105 | 2105 | 9:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h28 | 11:33 AM Varenna | 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 Zurich to Varenna run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 but you can travel from only $12 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:35, the last at 21:27. The fastest train covers the 100 miles (161 km) distance in 2h 4m.
Distance 100 miles (161 km) |
Average train duration 4h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 2h 4m |
First train 12:35 AM |
Last train 9:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Varenna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varenna trip today.
House museum within Villa Monastero presenting period interiors, collections, and the villa's history. A strong cultural complement to the celebrated gardens.
Historic villa interiors with decorative rooms and art displays inside one of Lake Como's most famous residences. Ideal for architecture and heritage enthusiasts.
Botanical and decorative heritage experience in the Villa Cipressi complex, where landscaped terraces and historic structures create an open-air cultural visit.
Famous lakeside promenade suspended along the waterfront. Easy, photogenic, and ideal for first views of Varenna's colorful houses and the central lake.
Old harbor area with boats, pastel façades, and one of Varenna's most photographed perspectives. Best for atmosphere, walking, and sunset views.
Terraced botanical gardens descending to the lake, celebrated for cypresses, exotic plants, and elegant viewpoints. One of Varenna's signature scenic walks.
Buckwheat pasta ribbons with butter, cabbage, potatoes and local cheese. A classic dish of nearby Valtellina, long loved around Lake Como for hearty alpine comfort.
Small buckwheat dumplings mixed with greens and bread, then baked with butter and cheese. Traditional mountain fare eaten across the Lake Como area.
Crisp fried buckwheat fritters with a melted cheese center, usually Casera. A beloved Valtellina specialty often served as a starter near Lake Como.
Elegant lakeside fine dining known for refined Italian cuisine, tasting menus and a romantic setting inside Hotel Royal Victoria.
Popular lakeside venue with polished service, seafood, risotto and scenic terrace views. A strong choice for a leisurely meal in central Varenna.
Well-known traditional restaurant in Varenna serving lake fish, pasta and regional dishes in a historic, relaxed setting near the waterfront.
Moderate for Lake Como: stays and lakefront dining cost more than inland towns, but ferries and simple meals remain manageable.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; small change for cafes; taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Varenna-Esino -> Piazza San Giorgio, Varenna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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 Zurich to Varenna trains use the Zürich HB to Varenna-esino station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Varenna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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 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.
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.
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