Venice

Private car transfer
from Varenna to Venice

Door-to-door
in 3 h 20 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Varenna.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 20 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Venice.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 283 km
  • 3 h 20 min

Overview: car trip from Varenna to Venice

Those who have always wanted to visit Lake Como find themselves in Varenna. Varenna is a commune in Italy that is home to this lake as well as gorgeous lakeside villas, botanical gardens, a historic old town, and a hilltop castle. But another place that is just as beautiful—if not more—is Venice. It might be a mighty shift from the picturesque town of Varena, but a car trip from Varenna to Venice is one you’ll want to take.

Driving with Daytrip from Varenna to Venice, you’ll explore many amazing cultural, natural, and historical landmarks in different cities and towns. For starters, during the first leg of your journey, you can explore the Sanctuary of Caravaggio, which is actually a church with an impressive interior.

Then, your professional English-speaking driver can take you to visit Brescia Castle, located at the top of Cidneo Hill. This castle is one of Italy's largest and most well-preserved fortresses. After a tour of this castle, you absolutely need to walk around the caves of Catullus before stopping in Borghetto sul Mincio, a quaint medieval village with a lot of charm.

Each of these stops will get you even more excited about your travels in Venice, and we can’t blame you. Venice is a city that entices and captivates with its spectacular architecture, magical atmosphere, culinary delicacies, and romantic canals. Just don't forget to ask your door-to-door driver for travel tips about must-see places in the city!

About Venice

It's hard to deny that Venice isn’t one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its intriguing history, breathtaking canals, Renaissance-style architecture, lagoons, bridges, and culture. Venice is unique, but it is the same as other European cities in that its history dates back to the Middle Ages and the glorious Renaissance period—a time of gorgeous luxury and political strife.

From 697 AD until 1797 AD, Venice was a republic. Between the 13th and 17th centuries, this Italian city was well known as a powerful trade center, with many of the luxuries of the time, like art, spice, grain, and silk, traded among merchants, aristocrats, and peasants alike. While it was a trading center, Venice became rich—or rather its people.

With the city flourishing, beautifully ornate buildings were erected, and palaces, churches, and grand homes were constructed throughout the Renaissance period. Many of these gorgeous structures can still be seen today, and some of them can even be toured for a small fee if you have the time during your visit.

Most of the architecture in the city is characterized by its Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, or Byzantine style. You might struggle to note the difference if you’re unfamiliar with the styles of these times, but joining a paid city tour where you walk through the streets with a tour guide will help you learn which buildings belong to which era of Venice.

If you’re lucky enough, your tour guide will take you past Doges Palace and the Basilica di San Marco, which are found in the city’s main square. You also shouldn’t be dissuaded from allowing yourself to get lost in the city, especially if you’re someone who values arts and culture.

No matter when you visit, there is always an event happening, and the local bars and restaurants are traveler-friendly. There are also operas to visit, bridges to traverse, and clock towers to see, so be sure to plan enough time!

From Varenna to Venice: travel tips

If a Varenna to Venice transfer is on your bingo card this year—whether planned or not—there are a few travel tips you should keep in mind. Below, we’ve shared a few tips you might not commonly know that can help you ensure you experience an enjoyable time during your car trip, from the dazzlingly picturesque Varenna to the romantic and idealistic Venice.

Plan your journey carefully

The route from Varenna to Venice is no ordinary trip. You must plan your transportation, dining, and travel experiences carefully to avoid disappointment. This is especially true considering transportation between the two places doesn’t offer round-the-clock services—unless you travel with Daytrip—and the popular restaurants are booked out months in advance.

Don’t drive a rental to Venice

As tempting as it may be, don’t drive a rental car to Venice if it can be helped. We understand that you want to drive and see the amazing sights along the way, like Verona and the Soave Castle, but it's not worth the parking fees.

As a car-free city, you won’t be able to take your rental into the city; instead, you can park it in a nearby designated parking lot, which can be expensive. Not to mention, these parking areas can be challenging to navigate and waste your time. So, if you want to drive, consider a door-to-door service like Daytrip instead.

Dress appropriately

There is no dress code in Venice or any places along the way if you’re driving from Varenna to Venice. However, you will need to dress appropriately. This means good, comfortable walking shoes to tackle cobblestone streets and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees when you want to visit a beautiful church.

How to get from Varenna to Venice

If Venice has been on your bucket list for a while, it's tempting to rush into things—like planning your transportation. We advise against this as not only can it be expensive but also stressful if you book the wrong type of transport from Varenna to Venice. So, to help you avoid this issue, we’ve shared a few ways you can complete a Varenna to Venice transfer.

From Varenna to Venice by bus

When traveling from Varenna to Venice, you only have two transportation options. You can drive with Flixbus or MarinoBus. Of the two, Flixbus tends to be the cheaper option, offering more amenities like onboard WiFi and charging outlets.

If you book with Flixbus, a ticket will cost between $16 and $33 (€15-€30), while if you travel with MarinoBus, you should expect to pay between $22 and $44 (€20-€40).

In addition, both buses will take about six to eight hours to complete the trip, and there might be transfers and potential traffic delays. So, although it's affordable, it has disadvantages that might not suit every type of traveler.

From Varenna to Venice by train

Train travel is faster than bus travel if you want to get from Varenna to Venice. On average, train travel between the two places takes between three and a half and four and a half hours. Most people don’t find this too long of a trip, considering that seating is often comfortable and the route is scenic.

However, you will typically only be able to book with Trenitalia or Italo. If you book with the former, tickets cost between $33 and $65 (€30-€60), while the latter’s tickets cost between 20 and 50 euros. Both train lines offer multiple departures daily, and you can choose between direct trips and an easy transfer to Milan and then to Venice if you have the time.

Unfortunately, the biggest disadvantage is you cannot stop and sightsee along the way, and there could be delays. You will also have limited space for your luggage, and you’ll have to adhere to train schedules or be left behind.

From Varenna to Venice by private car transfer

A car transfer is one of the best ways to travel from Varenna to Venice, especially if you drive with Daytrip. Typically, the door-to-door service Daytrip will get you to Venice from Varenna in about three hours and 20 minutes, making it the fastest way to get between the two cities if you drive directly.

However, if you don’t want to drive directly and are keen to explore, Daytrip can accommodate your sightseeing dreams. If you're not sure where to explore, one of the company's professional English-speaking drivers can take you to several places along the route. If you know where to stop, you can let us know directly, and we’ll see if we can make it happen.

A trip between these Italian locations usually costs about $108 (€99) with Daytrip, but you can also expect reliable, customizable, and safe transportation in a comfortable luxury car.

Things to do when you get to Venice

Venice isn’t a giant city by any means but it sees its fair share of visitors— we’re talking millions yearly. Most of these people are visiting the city's most popular destinations, and you should, too. So, if you’re planning a weekend getaway or week-long stay in Venice and need to plan a trip from Varenna to Venice, include the sights below in your itinerary.

St. Mark's Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica is the crown jewel of Venice, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This magnificent cathedral is ornately decorated and gorgeously styled to represent all that is holy and good in the city of Venice. It's a perfect example of Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture and is a feast for the eyes and, dare we say…the soul?

If you visit Venice and can make a stop at this church, you won’t be disappointed in what you see. From breathtaking golden mosaics and soaring domes to gleaming wooden pews and beautiful stained glass, there’s a reason it's known as the ‘Golden Church’ among the locals.

Grand Canal

Venice is known for its canals. After all, it's a city that is built on water. But there is one canal that is leagues above the rest in terms of beauty and enjoyment, and that is the Grand Canal. This canal is a lively waterway you can cruise down in a boat or gondola. If you can choose, we recommend the gondola for an authentic experience.

When you cruise down the Grand Canal, you’ll get to see the central neighborhoods of Venice from the Santa Lucia train station, which goes all the way to St. Marks Square. While you sail down this canal, you’ll even pass beneath the legendary Rialto Bridge. Regardless of when you travel, the thoroughfare will delight the eyes, so don’t forget your camera and try not to get motion sickness!

St. Mark's Clock Tower

St Mark’s Clock Tower is an iconic fixture in Venice. It sits high above the square and can be seen from the Grand Canal and St Mark’s Square. This clock is remarkable and is to Venice what Big Ben is to London.

For more than 500 years, it has served as the city’s timepiece and is recognized as a highlight of many people's trips to the city. So be sure to check it out and plan a tour of the historic tower to climb to the top for epic views of the city.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

When planning a trip from Varenna to Venice, it’s essential to consider the best time to visit this frequently toured city. If you wish to avoid the entry fee—yes, there is one, we know; the horror—the ideal period is from October to late February. During this time, not only will you avoid the entrance fee, but you'll also experience smaller crowds and more affordable prices overall.

However, for those who prefer warm weather, visiting Venice from late spring to early summer is worth considering. While you may encounter larger crowds and higher prices, the experience of exploring Venice's historical landscape and architectural marvels under the warm sun is unparalleled; trust us, we know!

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Varenna to Venice

The easiest way to get from Varenna to Venice is by private car transfer service Daytrip. When you travel with Daytrip, there are no stressful transfers, and you get to pick the best time to suit your travel preferences and goals.
You can get from Varenna to Venice by private car transfer service, bus, or train. The train is scenic but can be a hassle, the bus is cheap but involves lengthy travel times in cramped seating, and the private car can be expensive unless you travel with Daytrip.
The fastest way to get from Varenna to Venice is to travel with Daytrip. When you travel with Daytrip’s door-to-door service, you can get from one destination to the next in about three hours and 20 minutes. This is faster than a train and a bus.
There are no direct flights from Varenna to Venice, as Varenna does not have an airport. The nearest airport to Varenna is in Milan (either Milan Malpensa or Milan Linate). You could take a train or taxi to Milan and then fly to Venice, but the train or a private car trip from Varenna to Venice is usually more convenient and faster overall.
When traveling from Varenna to Venice, there are a few places you can visit. If you drive with Daytrip, you can stop and explore truly spectacular places like Brescia Castle, the Caves of Catullus, Borghetto sul Mincio, and Verona. Of these destinations, Verona might be the best since it's a city itself with many memorable sights.
Taking a taxi from Varenna to Venice is impractical due to the long distance, approximately 186 miles (300 km). A trip of this distance by taxi would cost a fortune, so traveling by bus, train, or better yet, private car service Daytrip is far more cost-effective and convenient.

Visit these sights on the way

Sanctuary of Caravaggio

Sanctuary of Caravaggio

The church of Caravaggio doesn't look like much from outside; but the inside is very impressive, dominated by an enormous shrine. Holy Springs and Beauty 

Brescia Castle

Brescia Castle

Standing at the top of Cidneo Hill lies the Castle of Brescia, one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses of Northern Italy. The falcon of Italy 

Caves of Catullus

Caves of Catullus

The Caves of Catullus have a winding history, but the pieces that remain today are breathtaking nonetheless. The captivating Caves of Catullus 

Borghetto sul Mincio

Borghetto sul Mincio

The quaint, medieval village of Borghetto sul Mincio remains hidden from mainstream tourism and evokes a feeling of Italian rural peace and serenity. One of Italy’s most beautiful villages 

Verona

Verona

Fair Verona isn't just the setting for Romeo and Juliet; it's a tragically enchanting riverside city. A backdrop for an ill-fated love 

Soave Castle

Soave Castle

The Soave Castle is located in the province of Verona in the small town of Soave. This medieval military artifact represents one of the best examples of castle architecture in Veneto. Medieval castle amidst vineyards 

Why people love Daytrip

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4,800+ reviews
  • 205 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

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.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

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.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
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More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
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The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Varenna to Venice
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All 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.

  • Safety first!

    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.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Varenna to Venice

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

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

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

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).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

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.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

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