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Want to travel from Varenna-Esino to Lugano by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Varenna-Esino to Lugano usually takes 2 hours 32 minutes on average to travel 26 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 23 minutes. You can expect to find 19 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Varenna-Esino and Lugano, you'll need to make 1 change on your way to Lugano. You can choose to travel with Trenitalia, SBB or Regiojet to get to Lugano. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Varenna-Esino to Lugano in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Lugano, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
First train | 5:10 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 9:35 pm | |
Departure station | Varenna-Esino | |
Arrival station | Lugano | |
Journey time | From 2h 23m | |
Distance | 16 miles (26 km) | |
Frequency | 19 trains per day | |
Changes | 1 change | |
Train and bus operators | SBB CFF FFS, Trenord, Trenitalia, Calanda Viaggi (Bus), Regiojet, L'Aurora Viaggi |
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat - just sit back and enjoy the views around you.
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your bags in the dedicated baggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
From spacious armchairs to power outlets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
Start your journey by train and continue by bus to reach your destination. Enjoy some of the most beautiful Italian views on modern and comfortable buses.
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
In addition to the amenities of the Low Cost Class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power outlets and adjustable seats.
In the Relax Class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, leather seats and individual seating.
Travel in RegioJet’s Business Class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet car and enjoy spacious seats.
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, in-seat dining and plenty of space for your baggage.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
Passengers with disabilities can:
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.
Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.
There are no weight limits when it comes to baggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Strollers should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your stroller at the front or back of the car.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board.
You can take your bike on board SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when traveling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Varenna-Esino to Lugano by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.