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Travelling from Lugano to Varese by train
Looking to travel from Lugano to Varese by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 52 minutes to travel from Lugano to Varese by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 48 minutes though. You'll usually find 52 trains per day running along the 14 miles (23 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 1 change during the journey to Varese, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. Trains on this route are usually operated by either Trenitalia or SBB. On board you'll find modern comfortable seating and plenty of room for luggage as standard.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Lugano to Varese.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Varese by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Lugano to Varese by train
| First train | 01:26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:06 | |
| Departure station | Lugano | |
| Arrival station | Varese | |
| Journey time | From 48m | |
| Distance | 14 miles (23 km) | |
| Frequency | 52 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators | SBB CFF FFS, Trenord, Trenitalia |
FAQs about the train journey from Lugano to Varese
Want to know more about your journey from Lugano to Varese? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Lugano to Varese by train?
Which train companies operate from Lugano to Varese?
Is it possible to get from Lugano to Varese without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Lugano to Varese?
What time does the first train from Lugano to Varese leave?
What time does the last train from Lugano to Varese leave?
How often are trains from Lugano to Varese?
Do you need to book the train from Lugano to Varese in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Lugano to Varese?
SBB, Trenord and Trenitalia trains from Lugano to Varese
SBB
Trenord
Trenitalia
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).
More information
Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.
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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.
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Trenord and Regional trains classes from Lugano to Varese
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord and Regional trains when travelling from Lugano to Varese.
Trenord
Regional trains
Second Class
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.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
First Class
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your luggage in the dedicated luggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
Second Class
Enjoy your journey with Trenitalia's regional trains. A First Class service may be available on some routes.
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
Onboard services on Trenord and Regional trains
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lugano to Varese.
Trenord
Regional trains
- You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm.
- You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
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 sockets that are available at your seat.
- Children 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.
- Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains. Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm are allowed on board free of charge.
- If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike. Please note that the last coaches of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
- Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re travelling. They also need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
- Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 07:00 to 09:30 and from 17:30 to 19:30.
Passengers with disabilities can:
- Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
- Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
- Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 08:15 to 19:45) at least 48 hours before departure.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenitalia's regional trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenitalia's regional trains 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 sockets that are available at your seat.
- Children under 4 can travel for free if they’re accompanied by an adult and a seat is not assigned to them.
- Children aged 4-11 can get 50% off. Older children will need to have a full-price ticket.
- You can take your bike, hoverboard, monowheel or e-scooter free of charge if it can be folded and doesn’t exceed these dimensions: 120 x 80 x 45cm.
- If your bike can’t be folded, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket or another Second Class ticket.
- Small pets can travel on Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage with max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on Trenitalia's regional trains.
Cheap train tickets from Lugano to Varese
Book in advance
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 Lugano to Varese by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
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.
Choose a slower or connecting train
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!
Look out for special deals
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.