We are thinking of going first from Milan to Vernazza, and from Vernazza to Varenna by train. While we have used Italian trains before, we did so between the bigger cities so are curious how difficult it would be to do from Vernazza to Varenna? Any insights into how logistically difficult to accomplish, keeping in mind we would like to arrive in Varenna in late afternoon/early evening? Also, since this would be in late-July, should we plan on buying tickets in advance? Mille grazie!!
Posted by
California 🦋
5213 posts
You can check train schedules at Trenitalia.com
Your best option would be to take the direct Intercity train from Milano Centrale to Monterosso, then transfer to a Regionale train to Vernazza.
You can do this in reverse to return to Milano Centrale, where you'll need to transfer to a Regionale train at Milano Centrale to travel to Varenna.
When you check schedules on the trainitalia website, you'll want to enter your entire route:
- From: Milano Centrale To: Vernazza
- From: Vernazza To: Varenna-Esino
You may buy discounted train tickets up to 120 days in advance, but keep in mind that these are nonrefundable & unchangeable.
Enjoy!
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
922 posts
The trip from Vernazza to Varenna takes about 5 hours with at least 3 different trains. The shortest ride goes Vernazza to Lavanto where you switch to an InterCity train to Milan and then switch to a regional train to Varenna. You can save a little buying the InterCity tickets in advance so it's up to you to decide whether to buy in advance or not. You can check train time tables on Trenitalia.com.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thanks for the update and tips. Sounds a little challenging, but not unexpected and potentially doable.