GETTING AROUND LAKE GARDA WITHOUT A CAR: BUSES, FERRIES AND RENTALS

GETTING AROUND LAKE GARDA WITHOUT A CAR: BUSES, FERRIES AND RENTALS

The situation on the lake

Lake Garda is one of the most loved destinations among tourists, and it's not hard to see why. But there's a truth few people tell you: getting around without a car isn't easy, and it can get frustrating if you're not prepared. No need to worry though, in this guide we'll show you the most convenient way to get around the lake.
First things first: we recommend using a car. If you don't have one, you can rent it directly at the campsite, and we'll explain how in the next paragraph. If you'd still rather rely on public transport, further down you'll find a practical overview of how to reach the lake's most popular towns. Let's get started.

Why we recommend a car

The best way to get around Lake Garda is by car. You won't have timetables to follow, no connections to work out, and you can go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Around the lake, direct bus routes are few, often just two or three a day, and many destinations require at least one change. Syncing timetables and connections isn't always easy. Some destinations, like Torri del Benaco, even require you to reach the ferry departure point on your own, because no bus gets there in time. Others, like Bardolino or Malcesine, are also convenient by water, though the ferry has its own schedule, which isn't always convenient. With a car, none of this is an issue: just pick your destination and go.

How car rental at the campsite works

If you don't have a car, you can rent one directly at the campsite: we take care of everything through trusted partners, with cars, scooters and bikes available from just a few euros a day: discover all the options and prices.

How to get around Lake Garda by public transport

If you've decided to rely on public transport around Lake Garda, here's a practical guide destination by destination.
First of all, something important to know: the public transport system around the lake is mainly run by two operators. For buses, the reference is Arriva Italia, which covers the western shore with several lines. For ferries, the reference is Navigarda, which connects the lake's main towns by water.
Important things to know before you board:

• School timetables: the times listed in this guide are valid until the end of the school year and resume when school starts again in September. During summer the timetables change: always check the updated routes on the Arriva Italia website before you leave;
• Tickets: if you want to buy your ticket on board, bring cash: contactless payments aren't accepted;
• Dogs: only small dogs with a muzzle are allowed on buses;
• Return in the afternoon: for many destinations, afternoon buses are very few or none at all. Before setting off, always check whether there's a return bus that fits your schedule, otherwise the most practical way back is a taxi. Alternative routes do exist, but they often make the journey much longer.
• R-link 204 line (seasonal only): in summer a dedicated line runs between Desenzano and Salò, with intermediate stops at Lonato Lido, Padenghe, Moniga, Manerba and Raffa di Puegnago. Departures are frequent, roughly from 7am to 11pm. Since the operating dates change every year, we recommend checking availability directly on the Arriva Italia website before you leave.

If you have any doubts or want to plan a day out, stop by reception, we're happy to help you put together the best route without any nasty surprises.

How to get to Salò

To go to Salò, the best public transport option is the bus. Line LN007 departs from Via Zanzeri Carmine in San Felice and arrives directly at the bus station. There are three direct departures during the day: at 7:25am, 10:15am and 2:10pm, while the other times require at least one change. From Salò you can also take the ferry to move north, though the timetable is limited. Alternatively, in high season, you can reach Salò with the R-link 204 line starting from Desenzano station: departures run at regular intervals throughout the day, making the connection much more flexible. Check the Arriva Italia website to see if the service is running during your stay.

How to get to Desenzano

For Desenzano too, the recommended option is the LN007 line bus, departing from Via Zanzeri Carmine and arriving at Via Anelli, just steps from the harbour. The direct departures with no changes are at 1:38pm and 2:36pm. Desenzano also has a train station, which makes it the main hub from which to travel on to other destinations: Navigarda ferries also depart from here, and in summer, the R-link 204 line to Salò runs frequently throughout the day. For the return trip, there are no direct evening buses to San Felice. Our advice is to get to Brescia, by train from Desenzano if you're already at the station, or by bus, and from there take the LN009 line, which stops directly in San Felice, the same spot you set off from that morning.

How to get to Sirmione

To reach Sirmione you need to make at least one change in Desenzano. The bus for the connection departs from San Felice at 2:36pm and stops at Via Anelli, in the harbour area: there you'll find the next bus heading to Largo Faselo, in Colombare. Once you reach the edge of Sirmione, to get into the historic centre you can use the local shuttle, which runs every 15 to 20 minutes from 10am until midnight, from 28/03 to 27/09.

How to get to Bardolino

For Bardolino, we recommend taking the ferry from Portese, departing at 10:53am. To get there in time from San Felice, the useful buses are the 8:44am and 9:24am ones on the LN009 line. Once on board, the crossing takes just over an hour.

How to get to Torri del Benaco

For Torri del Benaco too, the best option is the ferry, departing from Desenzano. There's a detail worth keeping in mind though: the ferry departs at 9:05am, and no bus from San Felice reaches Desenzano in time. To catch this departure, you'll need to get to the harbour on your own, by car or by taxi. Once on board, the crossing takes about three hours and forty minutes. However, since the journey is long and the return ferry departs at 4:10pm, in this case a car becomes almost essential.

How to get to Malcesine

For Malcesine, the most convenient option is the ferry, which departs from Salò at 11:14am. To catch it in time, you can take the bus from San Felice at 7:25am or 10:15am. The crossing takes almost two hours.
If you'd prefer, you can take the fast ferry from Salò at 9:57am. It requires a surcharge, but the crossing takes just one hour.

How to get to Limone

For Limone too, the most convenient option is the ferry from Salò, departing at 11:14am. To get there, take the bus from San Felice at 7:25am or 10:15am and get off at the Salò bus station. The crossing takes just over two hours. Here too, you can take the fast ferry, also from Salò at 9:57am, for a surcharge. In this case the crossing time drops from just over two hours to one hour.

How to get to Riva del Garda

To reach Riva del Garda by bus, take the one at 10:16am from San Felice and change in Salò: the whole journey takes about three and a half hours. Our advice, though, is to opt for the ferry from Salò at 11:14am, whose crossing takes just under three hours and gives you a completely different experience on the waters of the lake.

Conclusion

As you'll have gathered, getting around Lake Garda by public transport is possible, but it takes planning and patience. If you want to explore Garda without constraints, a car remains the best choice, and at Europa Silvella you can rent a car, scooter or bike directly at the resort. Stop by reception and we'll take care of the rest.

See you soon on Lake Garda! A greeting from your #campingwithlove