- Must visit
Villa Monastero
Historic villa museum with furnished rooms, lakefront gardens and exhibitions that reveal centuries of life on Lake Como.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stresa to Varenna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 47m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £12, while a train costs an average of £12.
Distance: 60 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£12 Average Price Cheapest | £20 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around £12 compared to roughly £20 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £8. The journey takes 2h 17m versus 1h 43m 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.
Compare train 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 Stresa to Varenna run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:09, the last at 19:42. The fastest train covers the 60 km distance in 3h 1m.
Distance 60 km |
Average train duration 2h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 3h 1m |
First train 2:09 |
Last train 19:42 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stresa 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 Stresa to Varenna trains use the Stresa to Varenna-esino station pair. Use this guide to compare Stresa and Varenna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Stresa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante LaStresa, Osteria Mercato
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Stresa. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Stresa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stresa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stresa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stresa: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, Hotel La Palma, Regina Palace Hotel.
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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