Getting from Verona to Lake Garda
Verona has the nearest airport and the main railway hub for the lake. The shore is close: Peschiera del Garda is about 30 kilometres from Verona Porta Nuova station, and Garda is about 36 kilometres away. Most visitors take the airport bus to the station, then a train or a bus to the water.
Which way is best depends on your destination. Peschiera and Desenzano have railway stations on the lake. The east shore towns, from Garda up to Malcesine and Riva, are reached by bus or by car.
Verona airport to the lake
Valerio Catullo airport sits at Villafranca, south-west of the city.
Airlink bus
The Verona Airlink bus runs between the airport and Verona Porta Nuova station for €7 one way. Buses leave every 20 minutes at busy times and every 40 minutes otherwise, and the ride takes about a quarter of an hour. Children under 4 travel free with a paying adult.
Times
From the station the first bus leaves at 05:15 and the last at 22:50. From the airport the first leaves at 05:35 and the last at 23:10. At the station, buses stop on the forecourt at stand E-1.
Taxi or transfer
A taxi or pre-booked transfer is faster with luggage or a family. By road the airport is 22 kilometres from Peschiera (31 minutes), 35 kilometres from Sirmione (41 minutes) and 40 kilometres from Garda (45 minutes).
Onward to the lake
The usual route is the Airlink bus to Porta Nuova, then a train to Peschiera or Desenzano, or a bus to Garda. Check the current timetable before travelling, as services change.
Day trips between Verona and Lake Garda
Verona city tours, Lake Garda boat trips, wine tastings and Gardaland tickets, with live prices and availability.
By train
Two stations serve the lake, both on the Milan to Venice line: Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda. From Verona Porta Nuova the ride to Peschiera takes around 15 minutes.
From Peschiera station a free shuttle bus runs to Gardaland every 30 minutes, 2 kilometres away. Desenzano is the starting port for the lake ferries, its Roman villa is a 15-minute walk from the station, and a bus runs from the station to Sirmione. For a boat day, see the ferry guide.
By bus to Garda, Malcesine and Riva
There is no railway on the east shore, so buses fill the gap.
Verona to Garda
ATV buses 163, 164 and 185 leave from Verona Porta Nuova for the town of Garda. A combined train and bus ticket called Garda Link can be bought on the Trenitalia website.
Further north
Lines 483 and 484 continue along the east shore towards Malcesine and Riva del Garda. Allow extra time on summer weekends, when the lakeside road is slow.
Malcesine →Opera nights
On evenings of performances at the Arena, a special Opera bus links the Arena di Verona with Lake Garda.
By car: distances and journey times
Driving times are without traffic and do not include ferries.
| Route | Distance (km) | Time (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Verona Porta Nuova to Peschiera | 30 | 28 |
| Verona Porta Nuova to Desenzano | 44 | 35 |
| Verona Porta Nuova to Garda | 36 | 35 |
| Verona Porta Nuova to Riva del Garda | 86 | 70 |
| Verona airport to Peschiera | 22 | 31 |
| Verona airport to Sirmione | 35 | 41 |
| Verona airport to Garda | 40 | 45 |
| Verona airport to Malcesine | 65 | 81 |
The A4 motorway between Milan and Venice has exits at Sommacampagna, Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano. Sommacampagna is the exit for Verona airport when you arrive from Brescia. If you come from the Brenner Pass on the A22, leave at Affi for the east shore from Bardolino to Peschiera, or at Rovereto Sud for Riva and Torbole.
Compare rental car prices at Verona Airport (VRN) for your travel dates on Economybookings.com.
Stopping in Verona first
Verona Porta Nuova is the station for the Airlink bus, the trains to the lake and the buses to Garda, so a stop in the city fits easily into a transfer day. Note that the last Airlink bus from the station leaves at 22:50.
The city is also an easy day trip from the lake, by train from Peschiera or Desenzano. On opera nights at the Arena, the special Opera bus runs between the Arena and the lake, which helps if you are staying on the shore and do not want to drive back late. Tours that combine Verona with the lake are listed above.
Which town to head for
Matching your transport to the shore.
Peschiera del Garda
A station on the lake, the fortress town and the Gardaland shuttle.
Desenzano del Garda
Station, harbour and ferries within a short distance of each other.
Sirmione
Reach the peninsula by bus from Desenzano station.
Malcesine
Castle, harbour and the Monte Baldo cable car on the east shore.
More trip planning
Once you know how to arrive, plan the rest of your stay.
Verona to Lake Garda: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Verona airport to Lake Garda?
Take the Verona Airlink bus to Verona Porta Nuova station for €7, then a train to Peschiera or Desenzano, or a bus to Garda. A taxi or transfer is quicker with luggage. By road, Peschiera is about 22 kilometres from the airport.
How long does the train from Verona to Lake Garda take?
The train from Verona Porta Nuova to Peschiera del Garda takes around 15 minutes. Desenzano is a little further along the same line.
Is there a train to Garda or Malcesine?
No. The only stations on the lake are Peschiera and Desenzano. For Garda, Malcesine and Riva, take ATV buses from Verona Porta Nuova or drive.
How far is Verona from Lake Garda?
Peschiera del Garda is about 30 kilometres from Verona Porta Nuova, and Garda is about 36 kilometres. Riva del Garda at the north end is around 86 kilometres.
Can I get to Gardaland from Verona without a car?
Yes. Take a train to Peschiera del Garda, then the free Gardaland shuttle bus, which runs every 30 minutes over the 2 kilometres from the station.