Regional train: Trenord, Milan to Varenna. Classes?

I haven't, but it looks to be a more interesting trip and eliminates the change in Milan.
Are you using the regionals so you can hop off in Lecco to explore a bit then hop on the train to Varenna? If you plan on this, is there a place to store your luggage?

Going the "short" way actually takes 34 minutes longer and you have 3 changes, at Rovato, Bergamo, and Lecco. The good news, it saves 2.50 EUR per person over doing it with Regionali with 1 change at Milano Centrale.

Using a Freccia train for the first leg to Milano Centrale saves 1 hour over using a Regionale train to the same station, but costs a lot more unless you can buy a nonrefundable Super Economy ticket well in advance.

Thank you for your comment. On this trip, we are not that concerned about savings, more interested in "The" view!

I don't think the views are that exceptional. It is pretty flat and urban between Brescia and Bergamo, with some views of the first foothills of the Alps on the right hand side of the train. Maybe some hills between Bergamo and Lecco, the same applies to Monza to Lecco coming from Milan.

A few years back, I opted for the "shortcut" from Venice to Trento through the mountains, but that was quite a bit higher mountains on either side of the tracks with a dramatic drop down to Trento. But its up to you. If you don't mind the extra train changes and extra time, why not?

I can't see any difference in landscapes and interest between the two routes, and the itinerary through Milan is easier (less changes) and faster.

After discussion, we'll take the faster route through Milan. It looks like we'll have pretty nice scenery from the train from Milan up to Varenna.

Thank you all for your comments.

The scenery is low hills (not the prettiest ones) from Monza to Calolziocorte, then lake up to Varenna. Sit on the left side of the train for lake views.

The scenery would be exactly the same coming from Bergamo: low hills between Bergamo and Calolziocorte.

Thank you for your comment.

My understanding is that there is no 1st, 2nd class distinction on regional trains. We rode one a couple of years ago Naples to Pompeii, and it was just "grab a seat", however, for our upcoming trip this summer on Trenord from Milan to Varenna and back, the schedule provides a 1st Class option. Just curious what the benefits may be, as I do not find a link on Trenord's website to distinguish. Anyone with first hand knowledge?

Regional trains have first and second class. First class seats are generally bigger with a more room -- 2x2 vs 2x1 seating across - even on Regional trains. On the privately owned commuter lines like, Circumvesuvianna, from Naples to Pompeii there is no difference.

Thank you! Now I'll book it, as soon as the schedules for June 8th and following are posted. We need to book for June 30 from Milan to Varenna and return to Milan on July 2.

We just returned from Italy, and used the Milan-Varenna [and back] trains. We were surprised by how crowded the trains were: city bus crowded, which resulted in standing for one of the routes. So- if first class means having a reserved seat, that might be a consideration. If an hour standing isn't an issue, then second class.
You'll love the area. Safe travels!

No need to book a Regionale. They are commuter trains.
It’s like trying to book the NYC subway from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Everybody is admitted on board and no seats can be reserved.

Thank you all for your comments. It will be our 5th day in Italy, and we will be taking the iTalo fast train from Verona to Milan Centrale and then a regional up to Varenna-Esino. After a couple of days in Varenna, we head to Florence, and again I have my iTalo fast train tickets from Milan Centrale to Florence SMN, and just need the regional. As a "belt and suspenders" type of person, I like to get the travel and accomodations completed before leaving home. I have the iTalo app on my phone for the bar code ticket, but I have also printed out all the tickets too. If an additional 10€ a ticket will get us storage above our seat for carry-on luggage, and a bit wider seat, then it will be worth it to me.