Milan to Varese Trains from €5.73

Departure station: Milano Porta Garibaldi, Milano Bovisa Politecnico, or Milan Certosa

When you catch the train from Milan to Varese, you will probably depart from Milano Porta Garibaldi. This is one of the city's main railway stations, and it’s conveniently located close to the Porta Nuova business district. It's also connected to Milan's metro network and is easy to reach from central areas.

Milan Certosa is another very popular departure point for some services to Varese. Located in the north-west of Milan, it’s a smaller suburban station and can be a convenient choice if you're staying in the Certosa, Gallaratese or surrounding areas. Facilities are a little more limited than at Milano Porta Garibaldi, so it’s worth buying your ticket and picking up anything you need before arriving at the station.

Both Milano Porta Garibaldi and Milano Bovisa Politecnico have ticket machines, cafés and waiting areas, but Milano Porta Garibaldi does have a wider choice of shops and more places for you to eat before you begin your journey.

Arrival station: Arriving at Varese or Varese Nord

When you pull into Varese, you will either arrive at Varese or Varese Nord. Varese station is the city's main train station, and it’s within a short walk of the town centre. This makes it the most convenient choice for most visitors, and it’s where most travellers will arrive. Local buses and taxis are available outside the station, which is handy if you're travelling further afield.

Varese Nord is only a few minutes away on foot, and it’s a station that’s mainly served by Trenord services. Both Varese and Varese Nord are close enough that reaching hotels, restaurants, and the centre of the city is straightforward. Be sure to check which one appears on your train tickets from Milan to Varese, as it’s a subtle difference that many people overlook.

The Italy Milan to Varese train is operated by Trenord, an operator that provides regional and suburban trains in Lombardy. Trenord offers a comfortable and reliable journey from Milan to Varese, one that's ideal for (and popular with!) both commuters and holidaymakers. Plus, the trains from Milan to Varese are direct, so there’s no need to change along the way. You can settle down, relax and wait to arrive at your destination.

Milan to Varese train travel time

Trains from Milan to Varese take around 52 minutes, though some can take up to 1 hour and 4 minutes, depending on the service and number of stops. Services stop at various stations along the route, including Cislago, Tradate and Mozzate. If you choose the right service, you can leave Milan and be in Varese in under an hour.

What’s the best Milan to Varese train station to depart from?

For most people, Milano Porta Garibaldi is the easiest place to depart from before starting the journey to Varese. This is largely due to its central location and excellent public transport links. If you're staying in north-west Milan or arriving via Malpensa Airport, Milano Bovisa Politecnico might be a more convenient option and could slightly reduce your overall travel time.

Milan Certosa can also be a useful departure station if you're already staying in the north-west of the city. As it’s a smaller suburban station, however, it’s unlikely to be worth travelling across Milan to use it if Porta Garibaldi or Bovisa is easier to reach.

It’s important to always check your Milan to Varese train ticket before travelling, as not every service departs from both stations, and the tickets aren’t interchangeable.

Trenord luggage space when travelling from Milan to Varese by rail

Trenord is an operator that understands trains along the Milan to Varese route are used for everyday travel, so they’ve made bringing luggage straightforward. On most trains, you’ll find overhead shelves for smaller bags, spaces near the end of carriages for larger suitcases and room to keep handbags, laptops and hand luggage close to your seat. Trenord doesn’t have any luggage restrictions, as you might find at an airport, but it's a good idea to keep valuables with you, avoid blocking doorways with larger cases, and be aware that storage is claimed on a first come, first served basis.

It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling from Milan to Varese by rail for a day trip, a weekend away or you’re continuing elsewhere; a little bit of planning can make your journey even smoother.

• Travel outside commuter hours: The Milan to Varese train route is popular with local commuters, so early mornings and weekday evenings can be busy. Mid-morning and early afternoon services are usually quieter.
• Check which Varese station you're arriving at: Varese and Varese Nord are only a short walk apart, but it's still worth checking your ticket before travelling, as you don’t want to find yourself slightly further away from your hotel than you intended.
• Enjoy the changing scenery: As the train leaves Milan, the city landscape gradually gives way to parks, woodland and the rolling hills of Lombardy. You might even catch glimpses of the Alps as you approach Varese, so grab a window seat if you can.
• Stay updated during your journey: Trenord’s regional services generally run to schedule, but occasional platform changes can happen. When you book through TrainPal, you can check live train information before you travel.

TrainPal makes it easy to compare Milan to Varese train tickets, helping you find the departure that best fits your plans.