How to Get Around Lake Garda | Ferries, Buses, and Info Guide 2026

How to Get Around Lake Garda: A Complete Guide to Ferries, Buses, and Cars

Planning a holiday to Lake Garda is an exciting experience, but one of the most frequent questions every tourist asks before leaving is: what is the best way to get around between the various villages?

Between the Brescia shore, the Verona shore, and the northern Trentino region, the distances and summer traffic along the Gardesana road (SR249 and SS45bis) can severely test travel times. Fortunately, the lake offers an excellent network of public boat and land transport.

In this practical guide, you will discover everything you need to know about Lake Garda ferries, public buses, and the best tricks to get around in total relaxation without getting stuck in traffic.

1. Getting Around by Boat and Ferry: The Most Scenic Solution

The absolute best way to get around Lake Garda is by water. The official company Navigazione Laghi (Navigarda) connects almost all the main coastal towns daily, from Sirmione to Riva del Garda.

Ferries for Cars and Vehicles

If you are traveling by car or motorcycle and wish to cross from one shore to the other saving hours of driving, you can use car ferries. The main routes with car boarding are:

• Torri del Benaco – Maderno: connects the Verona (east) shore to the Brescia (west) shore in about 30 minutes.

• Limone sul Garda – Malcesine: mainly active in the high season months to connect the north of the lake.

Fast Service (Hydrofoils) and Boat Trips

For those traveling on foot, there are two types of vessels:

• Traditional boats: ideal for enjoying the view at a reduced speed and taking photos.

• Hydrofoils and catamarans (Fast Service): fast and efficient, they require a small surcharge on the ticket but halve travel times.

Useful tip: During July and August, it is advisable to buy ferry tickets directly online on the official Navigazione Laghi website or go to the ticket office a little in advance of the departure time.

2. Getting Around Lake Garda by Bus

If you prefer to travel by land without driving your car, the public bus network covers the entire perimeter of the lake, also connecting inland towns and major railway stations (Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, and Rovereto).

Main Lines by Shore

• Verona Shore (ATV Verona): Lines 163 and 164 connect Peschiera del Garda station with Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, and Malcesine. In the summer months, there is also an express line to Verona airport.

• Brescia Shore (Arriva Italia): Lines LN027 and S202 connect Desenzano del Garda with Salò, Toscolano Maderno, Gargnano, and Limone.

• Trentino Shore (Trentino Trasporti): Effectively connects Riva del Garda, Torbole, and Arco with each other and with the Rovereto train station.

3. Driving a Car on Lake Garda: Tips to Avoid Traffic

Driving along the famous Gardesana road offers wonderful views, but during the summer high season and on weekends from May to September, long queues can form, particularly in the sections near Peschiera, Lazise, Sirmione, and near the tunnels in Limone.

Golden Rules for Car Travelers:

1. Leave early in the morning: Set off before 8:30 AM to reach the beaches or main villages before peak traffic.

2. Utilize park and ride facilities: Many towns (such as Sirmione and Malcesine) offer large paid parking lots at the entrance to the town center.

3. Consider renting a Scooter: Renting a scooter or a light electric car is an increasingly popular solution among tourists to easily bypass traffic and find parking with ease.

4. How to Reach Lake Garda by Train

For those arriving from outside the region or from abroad, the train is a convenient and eco-friendly option. The main railway stations located directly on the Milan-Venice line are:

• Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione

• Peschiera del Garda

From both stations, regular public buses and boats depart towards all other lake resorts.

In Summary: What is the Best Way to Get Around?

For a perfect, stress-free holiday, the ideal combination is to use boats to travel between the various coastal towns (enjoying the view from the lake) and get around on foot, by bike, or by bus within the individual historic centers.