How the Lake Garda ferries work
Two services share the water. Passenger boats call at the towns along the shore from Desenzano in the south to Riva del Garda in the north. A separate car ferry crosses the lake between Maderno on the west shore and Torri del Benaco on the east shore.
The passenger line runs Desenzano, Peschiera and Riva, with faster services that carry a supplement. The network has piers at 26 places, including Sirmione, Salò, Limone, Malcesine, Torbole, Garda, Bardolino and Lazise. All prices below are for 2026.
Lake Garda ferry timetable and seasons
Passenger boats stop for the winter, the car ferry does not.
Summer timetable
The summer timetable ran from 16 May to 4 October 2026. Check the operator for the summer 2027 timetable before you plan a boat day next season.
Autumn: 5 October to 1 November
Passenger boats sail to a reduced timetable until 1 November 2026. The first boat north leaves Peschiera at 08:25 or Desenzano at 08:50. The last boat south leaves Riva at 16:40 and reaches Desenzano at 19:40.
Winter 2026/27
From 2 November 2026 to 12 March 2027 there are no passenger boats. Only the car ferry between Torri del Benaco and Maderno operates, and it does not run on 25 December. Passenger boats return from 13 March 2027 with a limited service until 25 March.
Fastest and slowest
The stopping service from Desenzano at 08:50 reaches Riva at 12:00, a journey of 3 hours 10 minutes. The fast service from Peschiera at 09:00 reaches Riva at 12:10. The latest arrival in Riva is 19:25.
Timetables can change, so check the day before you travel. Bicycles are carried in limited numbers depending on traffic, and the captain can refuse them. Wheelchair users should phone the operator in advance on 030 9149511.
Lake Garda boat trips and cruises
Boat trips, island visits, sailing and wine tastings on the lake, with live prices and availability.
Passenger boat fares 2026
Single fares by zone, in euros. A return costs twice as much.
| Fare band | Adult | Reduced | Child 4 to 11 | Fast service supplement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | €1.50 | €1.50 | €1.50 | – |
| 1 | €3.50 | €3.50 | €3.50 | €2.50 |
| 2 | €6.00 | €4.80 | €3.50 | €3.00 |
| 3 | €7.50 | €6.00 | €3.80 | €4.00 |
| 4 | €11.50 | €9.20 | €5.80 | €4.50 |
| 5 | €14.00 | €11.20 | €7.00 | €5.00 |
| 6 | €16.00 | €12.80 | €8.00 | €5.50 |
| 7 | €17.50 | €14.00 | €8.80 | €6.00 |
Sirmione to Riva is band 6, so a single is €16.00 for an adult. The reduced fare applies to residents, groups of 15 or more, and over-65s from Monday to Friday. Children under 4 travel free, with one adult for every three children. Buying on board costs €1 extra when the ticket office at the pier is open. Large luggage costs €4.80, and bicycles pay a supplement that rises from €1.50 to €6.90 by band.
Day tickets
Worth it when you plan several stops in one day.
| Zone | Validity | Adult | Reduced | Child 4 to 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole lake | 1 day | €39.50 | €31.60 | €20.00 |
| Whole lake | 3 days | €79.00 | €63.20 | €40.00 |
| Alto Lago (north of Maderno and Torri) | 1 day | €27.00 | €21.60 | €13.50 |
| Basso Lago (south of Gargnano and Torri) | 1 day | €27.00 | €21.60 | €13.50 |
| Alto Lago | 3 days | €54.00 | €43.20 | €27.00 |
| Basso Lago | 3 days | €54.00 | €43.20 | €27.00 |
| North, Centre, West or East zone | 1 day | €23.50 | €18.80 | €12.00 |
With the Happy Family offer, up to two children aged 4 to 11 travel free when two adults buy full-price day tickets for the same zone. It cannot be combined with other discounts. A return from Sirmione to Riva costs €32 in single fares, so a whole-lake day ticket makes sense mainly if you plan several long hops in one day. Ask at the ticket office whether the car ferry is covered before relying on a day ticket for it.
Car ferry from Maderno to Torri del Benaco
The shortcut between the west and east shores.
The crossing takes 30 minutes and saves a long drive around either end of the lake. In winter there are seven sailings a day in each direction. Extra sailings run daily until 1 November 2026 and again from 13 March 2027. There is no service on 25 December 2026.
The ferry cannot take buses or lorries on sailings 201 to 214. Space is limited, so arrive early at weekends and in high season.
| Maderno to Torri | Torri to Maderno |
|---|---|
| 08:10 | 08:45 |
| 09:25 | 10:10 |
| 10:50 | 11:30 |
| 12:10 | 12:50 |
| 14:20 | 15:05 |
| 15:50 | 16:40 |
| 17:20 | 18:00 |
The extra daily sailings run from Maderno at 08:45, 10:10, 11:30, 12:50, 15:05, 16:40 and 18:00, and from Torri at 09:25, 10:50, 12:10, 14:20, 15:50, 17:20 and 18:40.
| Car ferry fare, one way (2026) | Price |
|---|---|
| Car up to 3.50 m, driver included | €12.30 |
| Car up to 4.50 m, driver included | €14.90 |
| Car over 4.50 m, driver included | €18.40 |
| Motorbike up to 250 cc / over 250 cc | €9.80 / €12.30 |
| Camper van | €25.00 |
| Bicycle or e-bike | €9.20 |
| Each extra adult passenger | €7.50 |
| Child 4 to 11 | €3.80 |
Return fares are double. Buying on board adds €1 per traveller or vehicle when the ticket office is closed. Prices apply from 1 April 2026.
Plan your boat day
Ports, sights and other ways to get around.
Desenzano del Garda
The starting port, with a railway station in the same town.
Malcesine
A harbour town below the Monte Baldo cable car.
Limone sul Garda
Lemon houses and the cycle path above the water.
Verona to Lake Garda
Airport bus, trains and buses to the shore.
Weather and best time
Month by month, with closing dates for the season.
Monte Baldo
Prices, times and the winter closure.
Lake Garda ferries: frequently asked questions
Do the Lake Garda ferries run in winter?
Passenger boats stop from 2 November 2026 to 12 March 2027. The car ferry between Maderno and Torri del Benaco keeps sailing, except on 25 December, with seven crossings a day in each direction.
How much is a day ticket for the Lake Garda ferries?
An adult day ticket for the whole lake costs €39.50 in 2026, and a three-day ticket costs €79. Zone tickets for the northern or southern half cost €27 for an adult, and children aged 4 to 11 pay about half.
How long is the ferry from Desenzano to Riva?
The stopping service takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. A fast service leaves Peschiera at 09:00 and reaches Riva at 12:10, with a supplement on the fare.
How much does the car ferry from Maderno to Torri cost?
A car up to 3.50 metres costs €12.30 one way, with the driver included. Each additional adult pays €7.50, and a bicycle costs €9.20. Return fares are double.
Can I take a bike on the Lake Garda ferry?
Yes, with limits. Passenger boats carry a limited number of bicycles depending on traffic and charge a supplement, and the captain can refuse them. The car ferry takes bicycles for €9.20 one way.