From US, I wanted to travel from Zurich to Italian Lake Region. How do I get from Lugano to Varenna by train/bus. I have read that you can train to Como and then bus but seems as if the bus only runs once a day, could this be correct? Is the William Tell a good train to take to Lugano?
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Nancy. We are travelling from Zurich to Lugano by train next April. The train we are taking is the Bernina Express. Google Bernina Express to get all the details ie route, fares, times etc.
We are taking the William Tell Express from Lugano to Lucerne on route back to Zurich.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Nancy, There are several options to choose from. To begin with, the trip from Lugano to Varenna. The two easiest choices are: > Train from Lugano to Como Nord Lago, and then Ferry or Hydrofoil to Varenna. > Train from Lugano to Varenna. For example, depart Lugano at 11:48, arrive Varenna at 15:23 (time 3H:35M, two changes at Chiasso and Monza, reservations compulsory for the first leg). There are several other departures, but that's the one I would use. Whether or not to use the William Tell Express from Zurich to Lugano will depend to some extent on your overall travel plans. I believe the W.T. Express starts in Luzern, so you'd have to get there first. While it's a scenic trip, it will take considerably longer than using a direct train. The trip from Zurich to Lugano via regular train is as short as 2H:36M. Happy travels!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17442 posts
In addition to the options mentioned by Ken, you can travel to Varenna from Zürich wtitout going to Lugano at all. Take the train from Zürich to Chur, and pick up the Bernina Express there. Ride it only as far as Tirano---do not take the bus portion to Lugano. Instead, at Tirano change to a direct train to Varenna.
Posted by
OP
Scottsdale, az, us
40 posts
Thanks all for your suggestions. Sounds a lot easier than what I was finding.