How to Get Around Lake Garda: 2026 Practical Guide

Planning a trip to Lake Garda? Getting around can be tricky — the lake is 50 km long, the north feels alpine and narrow, while the south is wider and slower. Here’s how to move smoothly, with local tips on ferries, buses, cars and trains.

Getting to Lake Garda

✈️ By Plane

• Verona Villafranca (Valerio Catullo) is the closest airport (~30 km), perfect for reaching Desenzano, Sirmione and the southern lake.
• Milan Linate is closer to the city, but usually requires a short metro or taxi to Milano Centrale before continuing by train.
• Milan Bergamo (Orio al Serio) and Milan Malpensa offer wide international connections, with shuttle or train options to the lake.
• Venice Marco Polo works best for the eastern shore, though trains often require a change in Verona.

🚆 By Train

• Main stations: Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, and Rovereto (for the north).
• High-speed trains from Milan, Venice, and Verona run frequently. 🔗 Trenitalia | Italo
• From the station, continue by local bus or taxi to reach your town.

Driving Around the Lake

🚗 By Car

Driving offers freedom to explore the lake and surrounding hills at your own pace.

• The A4 motorway connects Milan, Verona and Venice.
• Use exits at Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera or Affi (for the northern and eastern shores).

⚠️ What to expect

• On the western shore (Brescia side), between Gardone Riviera and Riva del Garda, roads become narrower and winding. In summer, traffic can be heavy and slower than Google Maps suggests. Plan extra time.
• Parking in popular towns (Sirmione, Limone, Malcesine) can be limited. Look for blue lines (paid parking) and consider downloading the EasyPark app to pay your parking.
• Many Italian towns have ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): restricted areas where only residents can drive. Watch for signs and avoid entering with your car, or fines are automatic.

Buses & Shuttles

🚌 By Bus

• Western shore (Brescia side): Operated by Arriva, with routes along the southern and western sides of the lake. In summer, seasonal services like the Sirmione ShuttleBus run every 15–20 minutes. Tickets via app, vending machines or onboard (with a small surcharge).👉 Arriva Garda Routes
• Eastern shore (Verona side): Managed by ATV Verona, connecting the eastern towns and inland areas.👉 ATV Lake Garda Bus Lines

By Ferry

• Ferries are a scenic and relaxing way to move around Lake Garda, connecting Desenzano, Sirmione, Salò, Limone, Malcesine, Riva and many smaller towns.
• Perfect for car-free travelers or day trips on the water.
• 🚲 Bicycles are allowed on most routes — ideal for combining cycling and ferry travel.
• 🚗 On some routes, ferries also carry cars. The most classic is the Toscolano Maderno – Torri del Benaco crossing, which makes it easy to switch between the western and eastern shores.

👉 Navigarda Ferry Info

Sustainable Options

🌱 Pro Tip: Travel Green

For an eco-friendly choice, E-vai Sharing offers electric cars and scooters, with pickup points near Desenzano Station, Salò, Padenghe, Moniga and Brescia. Book via app, skip the traffic and travel sustainably.

👉 e-vai Sharing

Practical Tips for International Travelers

• Roads & Driving Times: The lake is larger than it seems. A short distance on the map can take longer in reality, especially in summer on the western side where roads are narrow.
• Parking: Blue lines = paid parking. Always pay at machines or via EasyPark app. White lines are free but often reserved for residents.
• ZTL (Restricted Traffic Zones): Do not drive into old town centers unless your hotel has registered your car — cameras enforce fines automatically.
• Taxis: Taxi service around the lake is limited and often expensive. Do not count on finding one on the spot — it’s best to pre-book through your hotel or a local number.
• Luggage Storage: If you need to drop off bags, there is a luggage deposit at Desenzano train station, useful if you’re arriving early or leaving late.
• Apps to Download: EasyPark (parking), Trenitalia/Italo (trains), Arriva & ATV (buses), Navigarda (ferries).

Final Thoughts

Getting to and around Lake Garda is easier than it seems — and part of the experience itself. Whether you’re planning vineyard visits, ferry rides, or walks through medieval towns, a little planning goes a long way.

Plan smart, travel slow, and let Lake Garda guide you — sometimes the best way to get around is to pause and enjoy the journey.

Still unsure about the best way to get around Lake Garda? Drop me a message — I’ll gladly point you in the right direction.

Lake Garda, as I know it.