Best route from Varenna to Zurich

2 ways.
1. Ferry to Como, EC train direct to Zurich.
2. Train to Tirano, change to Bernina Express (or other non-named hourly trains with changes) to Chur, change to train to Zurich. This way is longer, maybe a bit more expensive, but perhaps worth it in the scenery department.

The most scenic route is to head north from Varenna to Tirano and Pontresiona, along the path of the Bernina Express, not back to Milan. See schedules at www.sbb.ch, since the usually recommended DB site does not reflect the Milan-Varenna-Tirano route.

Thank you for your replys. The scenic route seems the most attractive option at this point, leaving from Varenna to Tirano, take the Bernina Express train to Chur and then on to Zurich. The rail site mentioned is not in English. Would tickets be purchased from Varenna to Tirano from Trenatalia? And then from a swiss rail company? Rail Europe for a somewhat higher fare for the convenience? On first blush it looks like about a six hour trip to Zurich. Further suggestions please.

Janie,

Yes, you can get your tickets on the trenitalia website for the first leg of your trip , Varenna-> Tirano.

Then you'd go on this website (in English) to purchase the ticket for the Swiss part of your trip:
http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

It will be a long day of travel. Varenna-> Tirano ( 1Hr 31 mins)
Tirano-> Zurich (6Hr 33 minutes with 3-4 train changes)

Check this website for details regarding different travel routes for you destination: http://www.rome2rio.com

Edit: You can also check this website for train schedules/tickets in Europe including Switzerland: http://www.raileurope.com/index.html

You can buy the ticket online direct from SBB only within 30 days of the travel day. Shows 93 chf. Best connection leaves Varenna at 1:24 pm and gets into Zurich at 8:23 pm, with changes at Tirano and Chur.

Thanks to all for the informative replys. The rome2rio site offered several options for travel from Varenna to Zurich. We would rather not fly if at all possible and would like to arrive before evening in Zurich to check Into our hotel. Has anyone had any experience with the ferry from Varenna toComo?
Is the schedule reliable? Concerned regarding potential inclimate weather and cancellation, is there a site for schedules? There is a train which may the safest alternative.

Janie,

This is the website for the ferry boat schedules: http://www.navlaghi.it/eng/index.asp

The 'timetables' (schedule) for Spring is not out yet. It should be out mid-late March.

We actually took a bus to Como from Bellagio (ferry from Varenna to Bellagio) and it took about one hour & it
stops at the train station.

The ferry boats are very reliable as long as the weather cooperates. You also have 2 options: a slow ferry that takes 2 hours or the fast ferry that takes one hour.

When you are in the Rome2rio website, you can click on the small icons (bus, train, boat, etc) and this will take you to another screen where you can see the name of the agency and the websites to see schedules & such.

When will you be visiting Varenna?

Priscilla
We will be in Varenna early May . Hopefully the weather will cooperate but that is something you can't control. It is my understanding that there are no train ticket sales in Varenna and have to I be purchased ahead? This adds a little challenge to the plan. Thanks.

You can buy your train tickets at the train station where you plan to buy your tickets to get to Varenna.

Which route are you choosing to take to get to Zurich?

Edit : I'd probably choose Varenna--(ferry) -> Menaggio--(bus) -> Lugano( train) --> Zurich. (Rome2rio-- option 3)

Janie,

Please disregard previous post.
I just searched Rome2rio and I think the best option is #4; all you have to do is take 2 trains to get to Zurich :-)

Varenna--> Monza (change trains/ 1 hour lay-over) Monza-> Zurich.

I did a search on the SBB (switzerland's train company) website: http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

So when you search, type it like this;

From: Varenna-Esino

To: Zurich

Via: Monza

See here for example: http://fahrplan.sbb.ch/bin/query.exe/en?

You can leave Varenna at 8;37am & arrive to Monza ( one train stop before Milano Centrale) at 9:27am
get a cup of coffee or snack then board train that leaves at 10:37am & you will arrive in Zurich at 14:28pm or

leave Varenna at 10:37am -> arrive Monza @ 11:27am then board train to Zurich leaving@ 12:27pm & arrive to Zurich 4 hours later @ 16:28pm

You can buy your tickets online on the SBB website & you are all set!

Hope this was helpful to you ;-)

Priscilla
Thank you so much for all the research and reply. We were working our way down the Rome2rio options. Yes I agree two trains and a shorter travel time is preferable. Thanks also for the web site info. We will pursue this option.

Thanks again, happy traveling.

Janie,

You are most welcome!

With this option, you don't have to worry about the weather affecting the ferry boat schedules, or taking several buses/ trains, etc..

If I ever get to Zurich from Varenna, I will know how to get there!

My mom & I were in Varenna this past October and had a wonderful time there.

We cruised the lake and took the bus to the city of Como one day.

Enjoy your trip!