Train from Como to Zurich originating in Varenna

Why dont you go onto Tirano, Italy, and catch the Bernina Express? It may not be the fastest, but it could be the best scenery you have ever enjoyed.
(Depending on your dates, do check out any track work that may be in progress in Italy.)
Have a great trip! Safe travels!

The ferry idea implies a taxi ride in Como between the ferry pier and the Como S.Giovanni station; it would be a 15 min. uphill walk.
Probably the fastest option is changing trains in Monza, a little north of Milan.

THANKS-FOR THE SUGGESTIONS. The ferry to Como would give us time to leisurely view Lake Como. We can stow our gear and walk around Como until our train leaves for Zurich. Not afraid of walking, we could always take a taxi. Is uber available in Como?

We are staying in Varenna in mid-July, arriving there from Lugano via the ferry up the lake (from Como). The owner of our rental apartment let us know that the train line north of Lecco, heading to Sondrio, is being completely renovated for the 2026 Olympics, so only buses will run north of Lecco. I don't know when this work starts and for how long, but it's something to keep in mind. She thought taking the boat was an excellent choice.

no uber (yuk) as you know it in Italy. It would only be Uber Black - a limo service with comparable prices.

We did this in September and took the ferry over to Mennagio and got a taxi to Lugano, where we got on the train to Switzerland. The taxi was €115.

oh wow. There is bus service between Menaggio and Lugano. It would have to come in cheaper than 115€.

I'm in the ferry to Como and train from Como S Giovanni camp.