Varenna to monterosso

Susan, This is the usual route: > Train from Varenna-Esino to Miilano Centrale (time 1H:03M). If you need to buy tickets in Varenna, there's a very helpful Travel Agency just down the hill from the station. > Train from Milano Centrale to Monterosso. Time will vary depending on which train you choose (there are some direct trains). Use the Trenitalia website to research departure and travel times. Happy travels!

Take the train from Varenna at 10:37 am. You cannot buy tickets at the station so get them at the travel agent office on the way. You will arrive Milano Centrale at 11:40, in plenty of time to catch the 12:10 train that goes to Monterosso with no changes. You arrive there at 15:02. I would buy that ticket on Trenitalia now. You migh tget a discount fare, and dealing with the lines at Milano Centrale is very frustrating. You don't want to get stuck in line at a ticket machine behind someone who doesn't know how to use the machine. Or have the machine break down and have to move to a new line like we did. WE almost missed our train! You could also buy both tickets at any train station in Italy before you go to Varenna, or get your Milan to Monterosso ticket from the travel agent in Varenna. All good options.

Thanks, half the fun is in the planning!