Verona is the natural gateway to Lake Garda: it only takes 20 minutes to find yourself on the lake’s shore. Whether you arrive by plane, train, or car, here are all the options for stress-free travel to Garda from Verona.
By train from Verona to Lake Garda
From Verona Porta Nuova, regional trains take you directly to the lake. This is the fastest and most convenient option if you don’t have a car.
Verona → Peschiera del Garda
Only 15-20 minute ride, ticket about €4. Trains run frequently throughout the day. Peschiera is perfect as a base for exploring the eastern shore of the lake.
Verona → Desenzano del Garda
About 25 minutes, ticket about €5. Desenzano is an ideal starting point for Sirmione and the Brescian shore.
By bus from Verona to Lake Garda
ATV (Azienda Trasporti Verona) buses connect Verona to the eastern shore of the lake with extensive service.
Line 164: Verona → Peschiera → Lazise → Bardolino → Garda
This is the main line: it leaves about every 20 minutes and takes 34 minutes to get to Peschiera, then continues along the east coast touching all the main towns. Ticket about €3.
Lines 163 and 162
These are variants of 164 that cover slightly different routes, useful for reaching intermediate locations.
From Verona Catullo Airport to Lake Garda
Valerio Catullo Airport in Villafranca is very convenient for Garda. You have two main options:
Option 1: Airlink 199 + Train
Airlink 199 is a shuttle that connects the airport to Verona Porta Nuova station every 20 minutes. From there take the train to Peschiera or Desenzano. Total time: about 45-60 minutes.
Option 2: Direct bus 482
From March to October, bus 482 connects the airport directly with Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino, and Garda. It leaves about every hour and is the most convenient option if you are going to the eastern shore. Check the schedule because the service is seasonal.
Driving from Verona to Lake Garda
By car you have two main routes, depending on where you want to go:
For the south of the lake (Peschiera, Sirmione, Desenzano).
Take theA4 highway in the direction of Milan. Exits: Peschiera, Sirmione or Desenzano. Approximately 30 km and 30 minutes travel time.
For the center of the lake (Bardolino, Garda, Torri, Malcesine).
Take theA22 Brenner highway and exit at Affi. From there you’ll be down to the lake in a few minutes. Perfect for reaching the Verona shore without going through coastal traffic.
Practical Tips
- Without a car → The 164 bus is perfect for the east bank, frequent and cheap
- From the airport in summer → Direct 482 bus saves you changing at the station
- To Sirmione → Train to Desenzano, then shuttle bus (10 min)
- For Malcesine and the north → Car via A22 exit Affi, or bus 164 + change at Garda
The complete guide to transportation on Lake Garda
Want to know all about ferries, local buses, and how to move between shores? Check out our complete guide to Lake Garda transportation.
