How to get to Varenna: complete transport guide
How to reach Varenna on Lake Como: Milan airports, direct train from Milano Centrale, ferry and car. Practical directions and transport connections.
How to get to Varenna
Varenna, the gem on Lake Como's eastern shore, is a village that enchants with its colourful houses overlooking the water and the gardens of Villa Monastero. Despite its small size, it is surprisingly well connected thanks to its railway station on the Milan-Sondrio-Tirano line.
By air: Milan airports
The three Milan airports are the main arrival points.
- **Milan Malpensa (MXP)**: about 100 km, the main international hub. Connected to Milano Centrale with the Malpensa Express (about 50 minutes)
- **Milan Linate (LIN)**: about 80 km, domestic and European flights. Connected to Milan by M4 metro
- **Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)**: about 85 km, low-cost hub. Shuttle bus to Milano Centrale
From all three airports the strategy is the same: reach **Milano Centrale** and from there take the train to Varenna.
By train: the ideal solution
The train is the best way to reach Varenna. The **Varenna-Esino** station is on the **Milan-Lecco-Sondrio-Tirano** line.
- **From Milano Centrale**: direct Trenord regional train, about **1 hour**. Good frequency, roughly one train per hour. This is the most practical and fastest connection
- **From Lecco**: regional train, about 20 minutes
- **From Tirano** (Swiss border): about 1 hour and 40 minutes through the Valtellina valley
- **From Como**: there is no direct train. You need to go via Milan or Lecco, or use the ferry
Varenna-Esino station is just steps from the lakefront. On leaving the station you descend a short flight of steps and you are already in the heart of the village. An ideal location.
By ferry: getting around the lake
**Navigazione Lago di Como ferries and boats** connect Varenna with the main lakeside centres.
- **From Bellagio**: ferry every 15-30 minutes, about 15 minutes' crossing
- **From Menaggio**: ferry, about 15 minutes
- **From Como**: fast boat, about 1 hour. Less frequent services
- **Varenna-Bellagio-Menaggio triangle**: frequent service year-round, the classic way to explore central lake
The ferry also allows car transport (only on the Varenna-Bellagio-Cadenabbia/Menaggio route).
By car: routes and parking
From Milan (about 80 km)
**A4** motorway to Lecco (Lecco exit), then **SS36** to the Varenna junction and the **Lariana road** (ex SS36 dir) along the eastern shore of the lake. About 1 hour and 15 minutes.
From Como (about 60 km)
Two options: the **SP72** along the western shore (slow and scenic, about 1 hour and 30 minutes) or return to Milan and then follow the route via Lecco. The ferry from Menaggio to Varenna (15 minutes) is an excellent shortcut.
From Bergamo (about 70 km)
**SS342** to Lecco, then **SS36** towards Varenna. About 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Parking
Varenna is tiny and the streets are very narrow. Car parks:
- **Station car park**: paid, few spaces, the most central
- **Via del Prato car park**: paid, in the upper part of the village
- **Car park at the village entrance**: the most spacious, about 5 minutes on foot from the centre
Spaces are limited, especially at weekends and in summer. The train is strongly recommended to avoid the issue.
By bus
Bus connections are limited compared to the train.
- **Lecco-Varenna lines**: ASF/Linee Lecco buses with some daily services
- **Buses from Valtellina**: some lines towards Lecco pass through Varenna
The train remains far superior as an option.
From Milan: the most convenient connection
Milan is the natural starting point for Varenna.
- **Train from Milano Centrale**: 1 hour, direct, the best choice. Buy the Trenord ticket at the station or on the app
- **Car**: 1 hour and 15 minutes, but parking problems in Varenna
- **Organised tour**: many Lake Como tours from Milan include Varenna
Practical tips
- **Train absolutely recommended**: direct connection, station in the heart of the village, no parking hassle
- **Ferry for exploring**: once in Varenna, use the ferry to visit Bellagio and Menaggio. The lake triangle is unmissable
- **Car not advised**: the roads are narrow and parking is extremely limited. The train is incomparably more convenient
- **In the village**: Varenna can be explored on foot in 2-3 hours. The streets are narrow and slightly sloping, with steps towards the lake
- **Ferry tickets**: purchasable at the pier or online. In summer it is best to arrive ahead of time at the stop
- **Bernina train**: from Varenna you can reach Tirano by train and from there take the famous Bernina Express towards Switzerland
