- Must visit
Villa Monastero
Historic villa museum with furnished rooms, lakefront gardens and exhibitions that reveal centuries of life on Lake Como.
Trains from Merano to Varenna run on average 50 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:18, the last at 15:35. The fastest train covers the 161 km distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 161 km |
Average train duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Trains per day 50 |
Fastest train 4h 40m |
First train 6:18 |
Last train 15:35 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Varenna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varenna trip today.
Historic villa museum with furnished rooms, lakefront gardens and exhibitions that reveal centuries of life on Lake Como.
Elegant villa museum with period interiors and botanical gardens, popular for refined architecture and broad lake views.
Castle site with display spaces and historic remains, combining medieval architecture with cultural exhibits and panoramic terraces.
Lakeside promenade on a suspended walkway, famous for close water views and one of Varenna’s most photographed strolls.
Green lakefront garden at Villa Monastero with exotic plants, statues and superb views along a long waterside path.
Terraced botanical gardens around a historic villa, admired for elegant planting, steps and excellent lake panoramas.
Buckwheat pasta ribbons from nearby Valtellina, traditionally dressed with potatoes, cabbage, butter and Casera cheese. A hallmark mountain dish of the Lake Como area.
Polenta enriched with local cheese and butter until soft and creamy. A classic Lombard comfort dish served across the lake and mountain villages.
Air-dried beef from Valtellina, sliced thin and usually served with olive oil, lemon and rocket. It is a prized Alpine speciality popular around Lake Como.
Romantic lakeside restaurant focusing on seafood, risotto and polished Italian cooking, popular for sunset meals by the water.
Elegant dining room with lake views, serving refined Italian dishes, seafood and regional specialities in a polished hotel setting.
Traditional lakefront restaurant known for Lake Como fish, pasta and a relaxed terrace setting in the heart of Varenna.
Moderate for Lake Como. Hotels and lakefront dining are pricier than inland towns, but ferries and simple meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Service is often included or rounded in. Restaurants: round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Cafés: small change. Taxis: round up the fare.
Official public transport app
Varenna-Esino -> Piazza San Giorgio, Varenna
The most popular day trips by train from Varenna are Lecco, Bellano, Colico, Como and Milan. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Varenna on Omio.

Lecco sits on the south-eastern branch of Lake Como, with a waterfront backed by steep Alpine peaks. It is known for its silk heritage and its connection to Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed.
There are 27 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 19 km distance in 23m.

Bellano is a small Lake Como town known for its lakeside setting and the dramatic Orrido di Bellano gorge. It feels quieter than the busier resorts, with old lanes, a historic centre and steep mountain scenery behind the waterfront.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:54.

Colico sits at the northern end of Lake Como, where the lake opens towards Alpine scenery. It is known for beaches, sailing and windsurfing, with a relaxed feel shaped by nearby mountains and the Pian di Spagna nature reserve.
There are 31 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:15. The fastest train covers the 15 km distance in 19m.

Como sits at the southern tip of Lake Como, where elegant streets meet a busy waterfront and steep green hills. Known for silk, historic churches and graceful villas, it feels polished yet relaxed.
The earliest train runs at 00:35, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 27 km distance in 1h 17m.

Milan is Italy’s capital of fashion and finance, with a polished, modern feel. The Duomo, La Scala and aperitivo culture sit alongside renowned art and design.
There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 61 km distance in 1h 0m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merano 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 Merano to Varenna trains use the Merano Meran to Varenna-esino station pair. Use this guide to compare Merano and Varenna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Merano Meran 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 Forst, Bistro 7
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Merano Meran. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Merano Meran. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Merano Meran: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Merano Meran: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Merano Meran: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Europa Splendid, Hotel Terme Merano, City Hotel Merano.
Meran Untermais Merano-Maia Bassa is 1 km from Merano city centre. Public transport options include:
Meran Untermais Merano-Maia Bassa has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Meran Untermais Merano-Maia Bassa.
ATMs are available at Meran Untermais Merano-Maia Bassa.
Available at Meran Untermais Merano-Maia Bassa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Meran Untermais Merano-Maia Bassa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Meran Untermais Merano-Maia Bassa.
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.
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