Ceresio Express: the proposal to connect Varese to Milan in 30 minutes

Context

TL;DR

• Varese-Milan train times too long for commuters.
• Ceresio Express proposed to cut travel time to 30 mins.
• Project could reduce road traffic and CO2 emissions.
• Investment estimated between 150-300 million euros.

Key facts

• Proposta: Ceresio Express, un collegamento ferroviario dedicato tra Varese e Milano.
• Tempo attuale: 50-60 minuti per coprire circa 60 km.
• Tempo proposto: 30 minuti con fermate selezionate e materiale rotabile moderno.
• Pendolari giornalieri: Circa 12.000 persone usano i treni regionali sulla tratta Varese-Milano.
• Lavoratori transfrontalieri: Circa il 30% dei pendolari lavora in Svizzera ma risiede nella provincia di Varese.
• Costo stimato: Tra 150 e 200 milioni di euro per le infrastrutture di base e tra 80 e 100 milioni per il materiale rotabile.
• Costo viaggio: Stimato tra 5 e 7 euro per viaggio in treno rispetto ai 15-20 euro in auto.
• Data pubblicazione: 18 marzo 2026 su Varesenews.

The debate on rail connections between Varese and Milan continues to animate public discourse following the editorial by the director of Varesenews. Marco Bordonaro, city secretary of the League, intervenes on the subject bringing his experience as a commuter and proposing some reflections on the future of rail mobility between the Varese capital and Milan.

"The issue of travel times between Varese and Milan is a serious matter," declares Bordonaro, "and I say this as a long-time commuter who, like many Varese residents, spends hours of his life on trains." The proposal of the League secretary is to create a 'Ceresio Express', a dedicated connection for Valceresio that could drastically reduce travel times.

Currently, trains between Varese and Milan take about 50-60 minutes to cover the approximately 60 kilometers of distance. A time considered excessive by many commuters, especially when compared to other regional connections in Lombardy. The Ceresio Express proposed by Bordonaro would include selected stops and more modern rolling stock, aiming to reduce the journey to about 30 minutes.

The proposal comes at a particular moment for cross-border workers who cross the border between Italy and Switzerland every day. Many Ticino workers reside precisely in the Valceresio area, taking advantage of the more contained housing costs of the province of Varese compared to Canton Ticino. A faster connection would significantly improve the quality of life of these commuters, reducing stress and travel times.

The Valceresio, an area between Lake Varese and the Swiss border, is one of the most dynamic areas of the Varese region regarding cross-border mobility flows. Its strategic position makes it a key area for the development of more efficient transport infrastructure. The Ceresio Express could become a concrete option for those who work in Switzerland but live in the province of Varese, offering a valid alternative to private cars and line buses.

The Bordonaro proposal also comes in a context of growing attention to environmental sustainability and the reduction of CO2 emissions. A fast and frequent train could encourage the use of public transport, helping to decongest roads and reduce the environmental impact of commuters.

The issue of rail connections between Varese and Milan is not new. For years, commuters and trade associations have been asking for service improvements, more frequencies, and reduced travel times. The Ceresio Express proposal represents a concrete idea that could be inserted into the regional transport plan, opening a serious comparison between institutions, rail operators, and commuter representatives.

Operational details

To fully understand the importance of Bordonaro's proposal, it is useful to analyze the current numbers of commuters between Varese and Milan. According to Trenord data, about 12,000 people use regional trains daily on the Varese-Milan route. Of these, a significant share (estimated at around 30%) is made up of cross-border workers who work in Switzerland but reside in the province of Varese.

The current average travel time is about 55 minutes, with departures approximately every 30 minutes during peak hours. The Ceresio Express proposed by Bordonaro would provide a service every 15 minutes with estimated travel times of 30 minutes. This would mean halving travel time for thousands of commuters every day.

From an economic point of view, the investment necessary to realize the Ceresio Express would be significant but not prohibitive. According to preliminary estimates, the basic infrastructure (dedicated tracks, intermediate stations, signaling systems) could require an investment between 150 and 200 million euros. This would be added to the costs for the purchase of specific rolling stock, estimated at an additional 80-100 million.

However, the economic benefits could be considerable. A faster and more frequent connection would stimulate the local economy, facilitating the movements of workers, students, and tourists. Furthermore, the reduction of road traffic would have a positive impact on road maintenance and air quality.

For cross-border workers, in particular, the Ceresio Express would represent a very interesting option. Many of them currently use a car to reach their workplace in Switzerland, bearing high costs for fuel, tolls, and parking. The fast train could offer a convenient alternative, with estimated travel costs around 5-7 euros per trip, compared to the current 15-20 euros for the car considering all costs.

From a regulatory point of view, the realization of the Ceresio Express would require an agreement between Regione Lombardia, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, and Trenord, in addition to the involvement of the interested municipal administrations. It could be inserted into the Three-Year Public Works Plan as a strategic project for improving regional mobility.

An important aspect to consider is the impact on the territory. The route of the Ceresio Express should be studied carefully to minimize environmental and urban impact. Interventions to upgrade some existing stations and the construction of new strategic stops may be necessary, particularly in areas with a higher concentration of commuters.

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Key points

For those evaluating mobility options between Varese and Milan, the Ceresio Express represents a concrete perspective for the future. Meanwhile, it is possible to evaluate current alternatives using our commuting cost calculator, which allows you to compare different transport options considering time, costs, and environmental impact.

For cross-border workers who cross the border every day, it is essential to be informed about all opportunities for tax and social security savings. Our permit comparison tool allows you to evaluate which is the most convenient solution between permit G, B, or cross-border worker, considering your specific situation.

The Bordonaro proposal opens an important debate on the future of rail connections in Lombardy. If realized, the Ceresio Express could become a model for other regional connections, demonstrating how targeted investments in public transport can significantly improve the quality of life of commuters.

To stay updated on this and other news related to cross-border workers and cross-border mobility, we invite you to regularly consult our section dedicated to cross-border work. You will find updated information on regulations, benefits, and opportunities for those who work between Italy and Switzerland.

The news of the relaunch of the Ceresio Express was published on Varesenews on March 18, 2026. To deepen the original editorial and Bordonaro's proposal, you can consult the complete article on varesenews.it. The debate on rail connections between Varese and Milan has just begun, and the contribution of commuters and citizens will be fundamental to define the priorities of public transport in our region.