Step by step travel information
Quick overview
1. Fastest public transport from Malpensa/Linate/Bergamo: get to Milano Centrale (train/bus) → take a Trenord regional train Milano Centrale → Varenna-Esino (~64 minutes). Trenord runs regular direct regional trains.
2. Walking from Varenna-Esino station to Hotel Villa Cipressi: ~10–13 minutes (approx 900–1,000 m).
3. Taxi/private transfer door-to-door (convenient with luggage, costlier): expect roughly €150–€220 from Malpensa (prices vary by provider), ~1h20–1h40 depending on traffic.
Before you leave the airport…
1. Hotel Villa Cipressi address: Via IV Novembre 22, 23829 Varenna. (Use this for taxi pickups.)
2. Trenord runs direct regional trains Milano Centrale → Varenna-Esino. Journey ≈ 64 minutes, frequent departures (about hourly / many per day). Buy via Trenord app / ticket machines / Trainline.
3. Regional train tickets may require validation (or digital activation) — check instructions on the ticket or Trenord/Trenitalia app. If you have a paper regional ticket stamped “DA CONVALIDARE”, validate it in the yellow/green machines on the platform before boarding. Electronic/digital tickets usually must be activated in the app if required. Failure to validate can lead to fines.
Milan Malpensa Airport ( MXP) to Varenna
Option A — Malpensa Express → Milano Centrale → Trenord to Varenna (best balance of cost & speed)
1. From your terminal (T1 or T2) follow signs to Malpensa Express station (both terminals have rail access). Buy a Malpensa Express ticket to Milano Centrale (ticket machines, Malpensa Express website or Trenord). Single ticket ≈ €15. Trains depart roughly every 30 minutes. Journey ≈ 51 minutes to Milano Centrale.
2. At Milano Centrale (arrive on the main concourse) follow signs to Trenord / regional platforms. If needed buy a Trenord ticket to Varenna-Esino at a Trenord machine, ticket office, or via the Trenord app / Trainline. Direct Trenord regional trains to Varenna take ~64 minutes.
3. On regional journeys: validate paper tickets in the platform validators (if required) or ensure the digital ticket is activated in your app. Board the Trenord regional train that shows Varenna-Esino on the route.
4. Arrive Varenna-Esino. Exit the station and follow signs toward the lakeside / “centro” — Hotel Villa Cipressi is about 10–13 minutes’ walk (roughly 900 m). There are stairs on parts of the route; if you have heavy luggage consider a taxi at the station or request a porter.
Total public-transport time estimate (airport door → hotel): about 2–2½ hours depending on connections and walking speed (Malpensa → Milano Centrale ~50–55 min; wait/transfer time; Milano → Varenna ~64 min). Rome2Rio / Trainline estimates align with this.
Option B — Private taxi/transfer (door-to-door)
1. Book a private transfer or taxi at the airport. Typical fixed transfer providers quote from ~€150–€220+ depending on vehicle and time; journey time ~1h20–1h40 (traffic dependent). Useful if you have lots of luggage or arrive late. Book in advance for fixed price.
Linate Airport (LIN) to Varenna
Option A — Airport shuttle bus → Milano Centrale → Trenord to Varenna (recommended)
1. From arrivals, walk to the bus stops for the Linate Shuttle / Autostradale / Terravision / Starfly services to Milano Centrale. The express shuttle takes ~25 minutes and fares are usually €5–€6 one-way (operators vary — Autostradale, Terravision, etc.). Buy ticket online or at the desk/machine.
2. Arrive at Milano Centrale. Buy/activate a Trenord ticket to Varenna-Esino (machines, app, Trainline). Board a direct Trenord regional to Varenna (≈64 min).
3. Walk from Varenna-Esino to Hotel Villa Cipressi ~10–13 min.
4 .Total public-transport time estimate: ~2–2¼ hours depending on shuttle timing and connections.
Option B — Taxi / private transfer
1.Direct taxi from Linate to Varenna typically ~1h20 (slightly quicker than from Malpensa due to distance). Cost varies (private transfers often €120–€180+). Book in advance or use app/taxi ranks. (Shuttle bus operators list times & fares online.)
Varenna- Esino Station to Hotel Villa Cipressi
1. Exit the station toward the main road (SP72 / Via per Esino) and head south / toward the lake.
2.Follow signs / local map toward Varenna centro / ferry quay. Villa Cipressi is on Via IV Novembre near the lakeside gardens (Villa Monastero and the lakeside promenade are nearby).
3.Walk time ~10–13 minutes (approx 900–1,000 m). Parts of the route can have steps; if mobility is limited ask for a taxi at the station. Local maps and Google Maps will show the exact route.
Please note
There are no ubers available in Lake Como and taxis are limited and often difficult to come by. Once in Lake Como, you do have the option to take ferries to other towns around the lake - they are inexpensive and frequent! This is the best way to get around Lake Como.