Getting there 

We’d recommend flying into Milan Malpensa Airport. From there, you have two main options to get to Varenna:

​​

Option 1: Train to Como + Scenic Ferry to Varenna (Scenic Route)​ 

 

​Train: Malpensa Airport → Saronno 

1. Take the Malpensa Express from Terminal 1 or 2 to Saronno (~20 min, ~€8)​

2. Change trains at Saronno → Como Lago  (~40 min, ~€3)

 

Como Lago station is just steps from the ferry terminal.

 

Ferry: Como Lago → Varenna

 Duration:

1. Fast ferry (hydrofoil): ~1 hour

2. Slow ferry: ~3 hours

 

​

Option 2: Train: Malpensa Airport → Milano Centrale

​

Duration: ~50 minutes

Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Buy tickets online or at the station

 

Train: Milano Centrale → Varenna-Esino

Duration: ~1 hour 

Frequency: Roughly every 1–2 hours

​

Tips:

 

• Purchase tickets via Trainline as opposed to at the station (as if you were in the UK).

• If you're travelling via Option 1, be sure to book your ferry in advance — fast ferries tend to sell out quickly. https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/tickets-and-timetables-lake-como/

• No seat reservations needed on regional trains.

• Varenna station is a short walk to Villa Cipressi or a shuttle can be organised by us.