Quickest route from Varenna to Meiringen

My wife and I are going to spend a couple days in Varenna before starting a 6 day hike from Meiringen. We will travel Zurich to Lugano by train, then bus to Menaggio, then ferry to Varenna. On the return to Meiringen should we go back to Lugano by ferry and bus and then take the train to Meiringen or is there a quicker more direct route from Varenna to Meiringen. I understand since all the travel is not within Switzerland this may not be an easy question to answer but any insight would be appreciated. Thanks, Rob

Hello Rob,

You will have to go back to the Lugano/Bellinzona line somehow, either like you described or via Monza/Milan (see the timetable). Once you are there the quickest route is via Lucerne. A more scenic route is via Locarco - Domodossola - Brig - Spiez - Interlaken.