The best way to get to Lake Garda depends on your preferences and budget. If you’re short on time, flying is the most convenient option. If you enjoy road trips and want to explore the surrounding areas, driving is a great choice. For a more relaxed and scenic journey, taking the train is a good option.
As you draw closer to the Lake, the anticipation grows. The landscape begins to transform, revealing a tapestry of emerald green hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant lapping of waves.
No matter how you choose to arrive, Lake Garda is sure to captivate you with its breathtaking beauty and charming atmosphere.
Getting to Lake Garda by Plane
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to reach Lake Garda, taking a flight is your best bet. The closest airport to the lake is Verona Villafranca Airport, which serves both domestic and international flights.
Route from Verona Villafranca Airport
So, you’ve decided to take the sky-high route to Lake Garda? Smart choice! Verona Villafranca Airport is your gateway to this Italian gem. It’s a small, efficient airport, so expect a hassle-free experience.
Take a Bus
The ATV bus service operates frequent connections between the airport and various towns around Lake Garda. It’s a budget-friendly option, but keep in mind that the journey might take a bit longer.
Route from Brescia Montichiari Airport
If you’re looking for a slightly less crowded airport option, Brescia Montichiari might be your cup of tea. This smaller airport serves a mix of domestic and international flights, and it’s located a bit further from the lake compared to Verona Villafranca.
Take the train
The train will lead you to one of the following stations: Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, Rovereto. The nearest is Desenzano del Garda.
Rent a Car
This is the most flexible option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Nearest town is 18 miles (28 km).
Take a Bus
Public transport connect the airport to Desenzano del Garda and other towns around Lake Garda. Of course it will take longer but it is certainly a saving money option.
Route from Milan-Bergamo Airport
Milan Bergamo Airport, a bustling hub in northern Italy, offers a convenient gateway to the stunning Lake Garda region. If you’re flying in from this airport, you’re in for a scenic and enjoyable journey. From Brescia, you can easily reach popular towns like Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione, and Gardone Riviera.
Take the train
The train will lead you to one of the following stations: Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, Rovereto. The nearest is Desenzano del Garda.
Rent a Car
Car is the most flexible option, you’ll find a lot of car rentals in the airport area. Nearest town is 49 miles (78 km).
Call a Taxi
Taxi will surely be more expensive than the previous alternatives but it will alllow you to relax and don’t stress over luggage.
- Starting: Verona Villafranca, Brescia-Montichiari, Milan Bergamo (airports)
- Ending: Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, Rovereto (stations)
- Duration: from 30 minutes to 1 hour
Getting to Lake Garda by Car
If you are coming to Lake Garda by Train or Plane the best option is to rent a car. It allows you to go at your own pace and visit all you want to see. First step is to rent the car, and it can be done at major airports and train stations here. If you’re planning to drive from a nearby country, make sure your vehicle meets Italian road regulations.
Then select your route. There are several routes you can take to reach Lake Garda. If you’re coming from Milan, you can drive along the A4 motorway and then take the A21 towards Brescia. From Venice, you can follow the A4 motorway towards Verona and then take the A22 towards Modena.
Don’t forget to plan your stops along the way, be sure to stop at charming towns, vineyards, and scenic viewpoints. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and soak up the atmosphere.
Major car routes to Lake Garda
Here the most popular routes to reach Lake Garda, from different cities in Italy and abroad.
Milano to Desenzano del Garda
The drive is relatively short, taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and offers stunning views of the Alps and Lake Garda.
Innsbruck to Desenzano del Garda
The drive from Innsbruck to Desenzano del Garda typically takes around 2-3 hours and passes through Brenner Pass.
- Starting: Bologna, Milano, Venezia, Innsbruck
- Ending: Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, Riva del Garda
- Duration: from 30 minutes to 3 hours
Getting to Lake Garda by Train
All aboard! Taking the train to Lake Garda is like stepping into a classic Fellini’s movie. It’s a leisurely and scenic way to arrive at this stunning destination.
Train from Italy
Traveling by train to Lake Garda from Rome, Bologna, Milan, or Venice offers a scenic and comfortable journey. Here’s a breakdown of the routes and what to expect:
From Rome you have two options: Direct train and Scenic Route. The direct one is a direct train service connects Rome to Peschiera del Garda. This is a convenient option for those seeking a hassle-free journey. The scenic route gives you a more scenic experience, consider taking a train to Verona and then transferring to a local train or bus to Peschiera del Garda. This route allows you to explore the charming city of Verona before reaching Lake Garda.
From Bologna (or Venice) there is also a direct train connections to Peschiera del Garda, making it a convenient option for travelers from this city.
From Milan the city offers several train options to Lake Garda. You can take a direct train to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda. Alternatively, you can opt for a more scenic route by taking a train to Verona and then transferring to a local train or bus.
Train from Austria/Abroad
There are multiple option from the ones that come from abroad. Here the most popular:
From Innsbruck: Several train companies offer direct or single-change connections from Innsbruck to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours and crosses the Brenner Pass.
From Zurich: Direct high-speed trains are available from Zurich to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.
From Munich: Direct or single-change connections are also available from Munich to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Lake Garda main stations
Your main options are: Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda and Rovereto. Peschiera is the closest station to the southern part of the lake. From here, you can easily hop on a bus or ferry to reach popular towns like Sirmione, Bardolino, and Lazise. Desenzano del Garda is a station on the southern shore, Desenzano offers more frequent bus connections to various towns. Rovereto is the best option if you’re heading to the northern part of the lake. From here, you can take a bus or ferry to Riva del Garda, Limone sul Garda, and other charming towns.
- Starting: Bologna, Milano, Venezia, Roma, Innsbruck, Munich, Zurich
- Ending: Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, Rovereto
- Duration: from 1 hour to 6 hours
Final Tips
- Research Destinations: plan your destinations according to transportations.
- Pack smart: even if you come by car, train or plane, save space is essential.
- Public Transportation: buses and ferries connect the towns around the lake.
Which transportation method excites you most? Are you eager to hit the open road, soar through the skies, or relax on a scenic train journey? Now that you know the best ways to reach Lake Garda, it’s time to start planning your trip! So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!
