Varenna to Zurich by train

You can buy tickets on the Italian rail site
https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

You have to use the Italian spelling for the cities so in the
From box you would put Varenna-Esino
In the to box you would put Zuerich Hb

Or buy the ticket at the train station in Varenna

If all you want to do is get to Zurich ASAP, you will be routed on a train to Monza, then a direct EC train to Zurich using the 35 mile Gotthard Base Tunnel under the Alps.

If you want a slower scenic route, take the train to Tirano, then change to the Bernina Express that goes over the Alps to Chur, then change to a train to Zurich. It is an 8 hour trip vs 6 hours to fast way.

gigi,

That's a very easy trip, although it's going to take several hours. One of the easiest solutions is a departure from Varenna at 08:37, arriving Zürich HB at 14:50 (time 6H:13M, 1 change at Monza). You can research other solutions using the Bahn.de website, but won't be able to buy tickets on that site.

You have several options for buying tickets.....

• you should be able to buy these online at Trainline.com. Once you've set up an account (with payment details), the process is very easy, and they have a smartphone app. They may have a small surcharge, but I don't find that to be a problem.

• stop by the Tivano Tours office which I believe is now in the Varenna rail station. They should be able to provide all the tickets. If you use that method and the solution I mentioned above, note that the first train you'll be using is a Regionale, so you MUST validate your tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or risk hefty fines!

• buy the tickets online using the Trenitalia website. I'd probably try Trainline first as the Trenitalia site is perhaps not as "user friendly".

• I assume you'll be going through Milan on your way to Varenna? If that's the case, buy your tickets at Milano Centrale, either using a Kiosk or at the staffed ticket office (which is on the ground floor of the station, about two levels below the tracks). Be sure that you specify the actual date that you'll be travelling as all tickets must have the correct date.

Hi,
You could take the ferry to Como, then the train from Como S. Giovanni to Zürich. It doesn't save any time (unless you take a fast boat, which is less pleasant), but it's a beautiful way to go.