Your driver will meet you at your address in Milan.
You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 20 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Varenna.
Taking a road trip from Milan to Varenna along the peaceful shores of Lake Como is a wonderful way to get away from the hustle of the city. About 53 miles (85 km), this trip usually takes 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. The path winds across Italy’s picturesque Lombardy countryside, providing views of gently sloping hills and small towns. Choosing a Milan to Varenna transfer with Daytrip guarantees a pleasant and relaxed drive, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery at your own speed.
You can even add optional sightseeing stops at interesting locations like the scenic lakefront city of Lecco. Whether your trip is a day trip or a longer stay, the road from Milan to Varenna is more than a simple drive; it's a picturesque adventure that sets the tone for a relaxing retreat by the lake.
On the eastern coast of Lake Como, Varenna is a charming village that feels like you've stepped back in time. Celebrated for its natural beauty, Varenna boasts breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, cobblestone lanes meandering through the village, and vibrantly colored homes clinging to the slopes. The village's history goes back to Roman times, and its rich tradition can be seen in every corner.
The Villa Monastero, a historic villa previously a Cistercian convent, is among the highlights of Varenna. It's a great place for a leisurely walk since it boasts lovely gardens along the lake filled with exotic plants and sculptures. The home itself has been turned into an art and historical artifact museum.
Perched above the town, the medieval fortress Castello di Vezio is another must-see. The castle has breathtaking views of Lake Como and arranges falconry shows and exhibitions to add a historical and adventurous memory to your vacation.
Varenna also provides a portal for discovering Lake Como's many beauties. To see surrounding towns with their own distinct appeal, including Bellagio and Menaggio, simply jump on a ferry. Varenna is a place that perfectly embodies Italian lakefront living with its mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and easy access to other towns around the lake. Varenna is the ideal getaway whether your interests are in history, the outdoors, or just enjoying the calm atmosphere.
Planning your journey from Milan to Varenna? Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:
If you're driving, consider making some picturesque stops along the way. Lecco, which runs along Lake Como's eastern coast, presents stunning lake vistas and little eateries. Or visit the Basilica of San Pietro and San Paolo of Agliate. These are both excellent stops to stretch your legs and have a quick break before going on to Varenna.
Varenna's narrow cobblestone lanes are best explored on foot, so make sure you pack sensible shoes. There are several steep trails and stairs throughout the village that reveal delights like Villa Monastero and the lakefront promenade. If you are also interested in taking the opportunity to explore some of the hiking trails around Varenna, a sturdy, reliable pair of shoes will be necessary.
Particularly during the peak tourist season, Varenna's lakefront restaurants are very popular. If you would like to eat in a restaurant with breathtaking views of Lake Como, it's best to reserve a seat in advance to avoid disappointment.
Traveling from Milan to Varenna offers several options, each catering to different preferences for speed, comfort, and scenery.
The train is a popular and handy means of transportation from Milan to Varenna. Regularly leaving Milano Centrale station, trains reach Varenna-Esino station in roughly 1 hour. It's a hassle-free choice since the trip is direct, and there's no need to switch trains. As you approach Varenna, the train ride presents breathtaking views of the Italian countryside and the glistening Lake Como. Depending on the class and schedule, tickets range in price from $8 to $13 (€7 to €12); they can be bought at the station or online in advance.
If you want the most comfortable and convenient way to get from Milan to Varenna, you want a private car transfer with Daytrip. Covering roughly 53 miles (85 km), the trip takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Unlike any other option, Daytrip offers optional sightseeing stops. A private car transfer lets you see and enjoy more of the Lake Como area and travel in comfort at your own speed.
Although Milan is not directly connected to Varenna by bus, another picturesque option is to drive or take a train to Como City and then board a ferry over Lake Como. With its panoramic views of the lake and neighboring mountains, the ferry trip is an enjoyable way to travel. Ferry schedules change periodically, so it's best to check the latest timings ahead of time and book tickets in advance.
For those seeking another fast and direct route without the need to drive, hiring a taxi is an option. Taxis can be booked from Milan, and while more expensive than trains or buses, they offer door-to-door service. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. For a more reliable and personalized journey, consider a private car transfer with Daytrip.
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Nestled on the coast of Lake Como, Varenna is a treasure trove of Italian charm, history, and natural beauty. These are some top things to do once you arrive:
One of Varenna's most well-known attractions is Villa Monastero, a magnificent house with an equally stunning lakefront botanical garden. Originally a Cistercian monastery, the villa today is a meeting center and museum. Wander around the verdant gardens dotted with fountains, statues, and exotic plants, and take in the amazing views of Lake Como. Combining Renaissance and Baroque architectural features, the villa itself is a masterwork.
Rising majestically above Varenna, Castello di Vezio offers amazing views of the Alps and Lake Como below. Discover the old fortifications, see a falconry show, or stroll leisurely among the olive trees encircling the castle. Anyone interested in history or just looking for an excellent photo destination should definitely visit the castle since the views are breathtaking.
Perfect for unwinding and soaking in the calm village atmosphere is Varenna's lakeside promenade. Savor a gelato, stroll slowly along the waterfront, or eat at a lakefront cafe with breathtaking views. Hop on a ferry or private boat tour to see Lake Como, visit surrounding cities such as Bellagio and Menaggio, and take in the luxurious villas along the coast for an unforgettable experience.
The old town of Varenna is a maze of narrow cobblestone lanes dotted with colorful homes and shops. Spend some time simply strolling through these little lanes, where hidden cafes, boutiques, and local artists may be found. Located in the center of the town, the charming Romanesque church known as the Church of San Giorgio boasts breathtaking frescoes.
Varenna is a great place to visit year-round, with lots of events and activities to experience. The best time to go depends on your personal preferences. Here’s a guide on what to expect with climate and weather in Varenna throughout the year.
Spring in Varenna is a great time to explore the gardens and savor the serene beauty of Lake Como, which has pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers.
Summer in Varenna is the busiest season, with warm weather perfect for lakefront activities and appreciating the lively village atmosphere.
Autumn in Varenna is calm with lower temperatures and breathtaking fall foliage.
Winter in Varenna is peaceful and quiet, with the holiday atmosphere ideal for a leisurely lakefront getaway.
This 10th century church maintained its ancient aesthetic even after extensive renovations. Preserving the Middle Ages
With its lakefront setting and long history, this commercial center offers beauty, landmarks, and modern convenience. Bustling Beauty
“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”
James B
Nov 9, 2024“Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.”
LuckyTraveler01
Nov 1, 2024“The ride was fantastic. The diver was great, he was on time, very informative, and could not have been nicer. Definitely would do again”
Steve N
Oct 5, 2024“We used Daytrip.com for 4 trips within Italy. This door-to-door service is not inexpensive. That said: All 4 drivers arrived on time. All spoke fluent English. All were excellent drivers, and all were kind and considerate. Lots of other things went wrong on this trip, but Daytrip.com did exactly what they promised.”
Curious51658572354
Sep 30, 2024All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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