How to get to (and around) Lake Garda: a practical guide for curious travellers

"I thought it was complicated. Then I realized that arriving at Lake Garda is already the beginning of the experience."

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or a food and wine adventure among the hills and vineyards, Lake Garda is easy to reach... and even more beautiful to explore. This is coming from someone who loves getting lost in the streets of Sirmione and then finding yourself sipping a coffee with a mountain view in Riva del Garda.

If you don't know where to start, I'll leave you a practical but experienced guide. With some tips collected in the field and an eye always open to the authentic experiences of FeelGarda .

✈️ Getting to Lake Garda

You have several options, all convenient and well connected. Here is an overview to choose the one that is right for you:

By plane

If you are coming from far away or looking for a quick getaway, Lake Garda is served by several nearby airports:

  • Verona Villafranca (VRN) – The closest for the south-east shore (Peschiera, Bardolino, Lazise).

  • Brescia Montichiari (VBS) – Perfect for those aiming for the south-west area (Desenzano, Sirmione).

  • Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) – Great if you want to take advantage of low-cost flights. From there you can continue by train or car.

  • Milan Linate and Malpensa – Further away, but well connected by highways and railway lines.

✈️ FeelGarda Tip : if you fly to Verona or Bergamo, you can book a private or shared transfer directly from the FeelGarda website and arrive in total comfort.

🚆 By train

For me it's one of the most relaxing ways to arrive. You watch the landscape change and you practically get off in the center.

The main stations served are:

  • Desenzano del Garda – Sirmione

  • Garda Lake

  • Rovereto (for the north shore)

  • Verona Porta Nuova (connection by bus or regional train)

🚉 From Milan, Venice, and Bologna, trains are frequent and comfortable. And once you arrive, you can immediately begin exploring by bus, boat, or bike.

🚗 By car

If you love freedom and want to stop when you see an olive grove or an inviting trattoria (spoiler: it will happen often), the car is perfect.

The lake is connected by:

  • A4 Milan-Venice motorway (exits: Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera)

  • A22 Brennero (exits: Affi, Rovereto Sud)

🛑 Be careful on summer weekends: traffic can be quite slow, especially around Sirmione. Better to arrive early or... leave your car outside.

🛳️ How to get around Lake Garda

This is the part that really won me over: moving around here is part of the experience . You have a thousand ways, each with its own charm.

🚢 Boats and ferries

Romantic and panoramic. They connect the main towns on the eastern and western shores: Salò, Garda, Sirmione, Riva, Desenzano, Limone...

⛴️ FeelGarda recommends: try at least one evening boat trip with an aperitif on board. You won't forget it.

🚌 Bus

A great budget option, although they can get crowded in peak months. The routes are operated by several companies (e.g. ATV, Arriva).

🚲 Bicycle and e-bike

More and more cycle paths, rentals everywhere, and landscapes that deserve to be discovered slowly. The most beautiful cycle paths? The Limone-Capo Reamol overlooking the lake, and the one between Peschiera and Mantua along the Mincio.

🚗 Car Rental

Convenient, but I recommend you consider parking carefully (see below). If you travel out of season, it is the best choice to explore the hinterland and the wineries.

🅿️ Parking and local mobility

🚙 Where to park?

  • Desenzano, Sirmione, Lazise : there are well-marked paid parking lots, but they fill up quickly.

  • Peschiera del Garda : easier to park outside the center and reach it on foot.

  • Riva del Garda and Limone : excellent signage, but high costs in the historic center.

🅿️ Practical tip: many municipalities offer free or low-cost shuttles from external parking lots. Find timetables and updated information on FeelGarda.

🚦 Want to avoid traffic?

Rent a bike or travel by boat or bus. It's the most relaxed and authentic way to experience the lake. And yes, you can reach the wineries too!

🌐 You can organize your trip in an instant on FeelGarda

On FeelGarda.it you will find:

  • Connections from every Italian city and nearby airports

  • Updated ferry, bus and shuttle timetables

  • Car, bike and boat rentals

  • Tips on how to avoid traffic and experience Garda like a local

📬 And if you sign up for the newsletter, you will receive every month itineraries, events and travel tips selected by those who really know Garda.

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