We booked a hotel in Varenna but are now going to have to change plans as there are no trains available on August 3 from Milan to Varenna. is it an option to take the train from Milan to Como.? Is there a ferry from Como to Varenna or a bus? Not sure of what our best options are. Open to suggestions.

Thought i should maybe add a little more info to the story.
I have tried to book a train from Milan to Varenna throughout the winter. All I ever got on the trenitalia website was "no solution found". I am still getting this message so now I am thinking no trains available with seating on this day as you folks say there are trains that run every couple of hours. So confusing! I have booked trains for the rest of our trip but this last leg is proving to be a little challenging.

I would train to Como and then take the ferry. That's what I did. The ferry takes longer but is a great way to see the lake.

But as to the train - it's a regional train and the schedules are probably just not up yet. If you put in a date in the next few weeks so you'll see the schedule and it will probably be similar in August. They are just now putting in their summer schedules. You don't need to book regional trains in advance.

>>>>I have tried to book a train from Milan to Varenna throughout the winter. All I ever got on the trenitalia website was "no solution found"<<<<

Your problem is trying to book a regional train more than 7 days in advance. There is no reason to book a regional train in advance as there are no discounts, no reserved seating and they can't sell out. Buy your ticket in Milan. If you want to see the schedules/prices, enter a date within the next 7 days. Schedules won't change. Regional train tickets purchased online have more restrictions that regional tickets bought at the station right before departure.

Thanks Isabel. The ferry sounds like a very nice option. . Is there a website with the ferry schedule?

We are so excited to stay n Varenna and explore tbellagio,Lecco, melaggio from there. Perhaps this is not realistic?

Thank you kybourbon. I'll do that.