Lake Garda is part of the trio of glacial lakes in Italy, alongside Como and Maggiore. Each of these lakes boasts spectacular towns along its shores, drawing tens of thousands of tourists annually. Lake Garda, being the largest among them, is conveniently positioned halfway between Milan and Venice. Both cities are easily accessible by train, so if you’re planning a vacation in Venice or Milan, be sure to reserve a day for Lake Garda. I visited it from Venice, and a single day was sufficient, but we’re talking about a highly enticing destination where you can certainly spend several days without getting bored. In the southern part of the lake, there are several well-equipped beaches during the summer, while the northern part is a true haven for mountain enthusiasts and hiking aficionados.
I recommend purchasing train tickets online in advance to secure better prices. Personally, I use Omio when buying train tickets for Italy or just to check prices.
1. How to get from Milan to Lake Garda
As previously mentioned, the train emerges as the most convenient means of traveling from Milan to the captivating Lake Garda. Departing from Milan Centrale railway station, direct trains operate daily to the charming towns of Peschiera Del Garda and Desenzano del Garda, both nestled along the lake’s shores and equipped with their own railway stations. Thus, all train-traveling tourists will disembark in one of these two locales. The Milan-Garda route accommodates two types of trains: the regional train and the high-speed train. Opting for the high-speed option ensures arrival in under 1 hour, while the regional journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The cost and duration of the train journey from Milan to Peschiera Del Garda
- A trip on the regional train is priced at €12 one way and takes 1 hour and 32 minutes.
- Opting for the high-speed train will cost between €16 and €35 one way, depending on the day and time of departure, with a journey time of 57 minutes.
The cost and duration of the train journey from Milan to Desenzano del Garda
- A ride on the regional train is priced at €10 one way and takes 1 hour and 23 minutes.
- Choosing the high-speed train will cost between €14 and €38 one way, with a travel time of 50 minutes.
2. How to get from Venice to Lake Garda
From Venice, reaching Peschiera Del Garda or Desenzano del Garda is effortlessly achievable by train. Both regional and high-speed trains operate on this route, with the key distinctions lying in the price and the additional 30-40 minutes one might spend on the regional train. Direct trains to Garda are available from both Venice Santa Lucia and Venice Mestre train stations.
The cost and duration of the train journey from Venice to Peschiera Del Garda
From Santa Lucia station:
- A trip on the regional train is priced at €13 one way and takes 1 hour and 46 minutes.
- Opting for the high-speed train will cost between €10 and €25 one way, with a travel time of 1 hour and 28 minutes. From Venice Mestre station, only the high-speed train operates, priced between €11 and €25 one way, with a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes.
The cost and duration of the train journey from Venice to Desenzano del Garda?
From Santa Lucia station:
- A ride on the regional train costs between €20 and €25 one way, taking 1 hour and 41 minutes with a stop in Venice Mestre.
- Choosing the high-speed train costs between €10 and €25, with a duration of 1 hour and 28 minutes. From Venice Mestre station, only the high-speed train operates, priced between €14 and €25 one way, taking 1 hour and 33 minutes. Embark on a scenic train journey from Venice to the picturesque destinations along Lake Garda, exploring the various options for a seamless and delightful travel experience.
3. Best time to visit Lake Garda
Spring and summer are ideal seasons for exploring the beauty of Lake Garda and the enchanting landscapes it has to offer. If you want to avoid the waves of tourists during the summer, spring and early autumn are two perfect options to consider. I visited Lake Garda towards the end of March and enjoyed splendid weather with plenty of sunshine.
4. Lake Garda’s best attractions
- Peschiera Del Garda
- Riva del Garda
- Limone sul Garda
- Sirmione and Scaligeri Castle
- Monte Baldo
- Gardaland
- Gardone Riviera
- Desenzano del Garda
- Salo
- Malcesine
Enjoy your trips!🥰
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