Milan is one of the most connected cities to Lake Garda. Whether you prefer train, car or bus, the options are many – and none are complicated. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most convenient (and cheapest) travel arrangements.
By train from Milan to Lake Garda
The train is often the best choice: no traffic, no tolls, and you arrive directly in the center. The reference stations on the lake are Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda, both on the Milan-Venice line.
Milan → Desenzano del Garda
With the regional train it takes about 83 minutes and the ticket costs around €12. If you want to go faster, the Frecciarossa takes only 51 minutes with prices from €15-25 (depending on how far in advance you book). Italo also covers the route at similar prices.
Regional trains run about 16 times a day, plus Frecce and Italo: finding a train is never a problem.
Milan → Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera is the next stop: about 92 minutes by regional, a little less by Frecce. Perfect if your destination is the Veronese shore (Lazise, Bardolino, Garda) because ATV buses leave from Peschiera to go up the east coast.
Where to buy tickets
You can buy online at trenitalia.com or italotreno.it, or at ticket machines in stations. For regional trains, the ticket is a fixed fare; for Frecce and Italo, the earlier you book the less you spend.
By car from Milan to Lake Garda
The classic route is theA4 Milan-Venice highway. Useful exits are:
- Desenzano del Garda – for Desenzano, Sirmione and the Brescia shore.
- Sirmione – direct access to the peninsula
- Peschiera del Garda – for the Verona shore and amusement parks
The distance is about 130 km and under normal conditions it takes you 1 hour and 30 minutes. The highway toll is about €10.
Traffic: when to avoid
In summer, the Milan-Lake Garda stretch can become a nightmare. The worst times are Friday night (everyone runs out of town) and Sunday night (everyone comes back in). If you can, leave early in the morning or during the week.
By bus from Milan to Lake Garda
FlixBus connects Milan Lampugnano with Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano. Prices start at a few euros if you book in advance, but the trip is slower than by train (about 2 hours).
There is also Highway service with direct shuttles, especially during peak season.
From Milan airports
From Malpensa
Take the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale (about 50 minutes), then train to Desenzano or Peschiera. Total time: 2.5-3 hours. Alternatively, there are direct FlixBus buses at certain times.
From Linate
With the new M4 subway, you arrive in downtown Milan in 15 minutes. From there take the train from Centrale or Rogoredo. Total time: 2-2.5 hours.
What pays off by destination
It depends on where you want to go on the lake:
- Sirmione, Desenzano, west shore → Train to Desenzano, then local bus or cab
- Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino, Garda → Train to Peschiera, then ATV bus 164
- Salò, Gardone, Gargnano, Limone → Car (train leaves you too far away) or train + bus ARRIVES from Desenzano
- Riva del Garda, Torbole → Train to Rovereto + bus, or car via A22
- With heavy luggage or large family → Car, no doubt
The complete guide to transportation on Lake Garda
This article covers the connection from Milan, but if you want to know all about ferries, local buses, parking, and how to get around once you arrive, check out our complete guide to Lake Garda transportation.
