Lake Garda to Venice by Train
Did you know that Venice, the most romantic city of the world is less than a two hour train ride from Lake Garda, making it an achievable addition to your Lake Garda holiday itinerary.
Trains for Venice depart from Desenzano and Peschiera at regular intervals throughout the day, for as little as €9 each way. It’s best to arrive at Desenzano early to be sure of one of the free parking spaces, which are just a minutes walk from the station.
There are trains for the return journey at regular intervals between 4.00pm and 9.00pm so you will have plenty of time to spend an amazing day out experiencing the facinating city.
The train takes you to the heart of the city so there is plenty of time to reach Piazza San Marco by navigating the bridges and canals, to take a ride in a gondola and to sample the bacari, a glass of wine with appetizers a true Venetian tradition.
You can check out the timetable, fares and even book your Lake Garda to Venice tickets with Omio.
Venezia Santa Lucia is the train station that takes you into the historic center of Venice. Just outside of the station you can catch a water bus or water taxi. It is also just a 10 minute walk to the Rialto Bridge and 20 minutes to St. Mark’s Sqaure (Piazza San Marco).
Please be aware that it may be necessary to book tickets in advance during the high season.
Lake Garda To Venice by Car
Venice is also easy to reach by car so it’s another option if you don’t mind the drive and have a rental car, it takes around 2hrs, the same as the train by the time you include your drive to the station. You just follow the A4 virtually all the way and once you arrive there is a very well set up park n ride(or walk) system. There are a number of park and ride companies in Venice, one of the cheapest, at €10 for 12 hours is Terminal Fusina. Terminal Fusina is easily reachable from the A4 as you can see on this map. It also offers a fun way to get into the heart of Venice with transfers via the public ferry. Within 20minutes you will be at Venice Central, Zattere, which is just a 15minute walk from St Marks Square.
Sightseeing tours from Lake Garda to Venice
A trip from Lake Garda to Venice by train or by car may not be so appealing if you are staying in one of the nothern resorts such as Riva, Limone or Malcesine. The extra costs and time to get down to the train stations or motorway may be put you off, but fear not there is an alternative!
Isango are one of the leading booking companies in the world for tours, experiences and attractions…..and it just so happens that they have sightseeing tours from Lake Garda to Venice. With pick up points in Limone, Riva, Torbole, Malcesine and Garda this is the perfect solution for those who want to take the strain out of their day trip.
There are two options sightseeing options:
Tours, Experiences and Attractions In Venice
To top it all Isango also offer a number of ‘Must Do’ activities such as, gondola rides, walks and wine tastings, so you can get the most out of your day trip from Venice. Click on the link to view all of the Venice tours, activities and attractions that can spice up your day out.
Once you’ve visited the beautiful city and are looking for more things to do on your Lake Garda holiday, Isango have a lots more Lake Garda tours and activities including, sightseeing tours to the Dolomites, Florence, Verona.
Click on the images to discover more!
We have been twice to Venice by driving to the multi story car park and getting the water buses into St Michaels square. It’s not cheap but gave us several hours to visit this beautiful city.
I am about to visit Lake Garda for the first time. Would love some feedback on the best restaurants to visit. Lake Garda has been a life long dream, so I want to make the most of my visit. I am travelling from Ireland.
Hi Catherine,
Of course it depends where you are staying, Lake Garda is a very big region and I haven’t had a chance to try all the restaurants yet…..although I’m working on it:)
You can find some of my favourites here.
The local towns are always holding events to show off the local food, you can find many of them in my Events Calendar.
You can subscribe to the calendar and have the events posted directly into you calendar.
I’m adding restaurants and events all the time so keep checking back and click the ‘Follow’ button on the bottom right corner.
Hi – I have just come across your post. I am going to be staying in Benzone in April and would like to do a day trip to Venice. According to Google Map this is not a feasible journey by public transport – is that the case? Would you advise a car hire for the day instead of getting the train? Thanks,
Hi,
I have just have a few questions i am wondering if you could help me with them.
1. What bus goes from Verona Airport to Riva del Garda?
2. What is the weather like in late September?
3. I want to do a day trip from Riva to Venice, i have seen there is a bus that goes direct but i am having trouble finding information about it.
Thanks 🙂
Karen
Hi Karen, sorry for the late response, we just had 65 family over for a Lake Garda wedding and I’m just catching up.
These are my answers to your questions;
1. I’m struggling to find a direct transfer by bus but I did find this info:
If you need help booking a taxi transfer let me know.
2.The weather can be very pleasant in September, temps into the mid to high 20’s. It’s not so gauranteed as the high summer but it’s one of my favourite times of the year in Lake Garda.
3. click this link for a great option for getting to Venice from Riva.
Hope this helps.
Ciao
Roy
Hi Roy,
No problem at all many thanks for your reply. Yes I emailed the hotel and they said about the two buses which I think would be a lot of hassle, so I booked the taxi that the hotel recommended its 280euro for two people there and back to the airport do you think that is a good price?
That’s great about the weather I am not one for peak summer weather so that sounds perfect.
Thanks for the info for Venice I will definitely book with them.
Thanks for all the information,
Karen
Hi Karen,
That sounds very slightly high, try emailing these for a quote [email protected].
Don’t forget to Like our Facebook page and subscribe to our events calendar, so you can keep up to date with what’s happening around the lake in September.
Hi Roy,
So I decided to rent a car I thought it would be cheaper in the long run. Any tips for driving in Italy as I have never driven abroad before.
Thanks for all the info, its really helpful
Karen
You are very welcome….
The only tip I would give is try not to use the fast lane on the motorway and don’t expect good manners when you let people out or cross the road. It can get frustrating if your not used to it….
Have a great holiday
Hello, I was wondering if you could help. Our family have visited lake Garda twice before and are visiting again in October this year. My son has just been diagnosed with coeliacs disease and we were wondering if gluten free options were common there. Fingers crossed ?
Hi, there are many restaurants that cater for gluten free and the supermarkets are probably more advanced in this than in the UK. Hope this helps. Ciao Roy
Hi heading to lake Garda next week for 7 days really want to do a trip in Venice by night and maybe a gondola ride staying in hotel splendid palace ,don’t want to hire and train won’t work ,what do u recommend thank you in advance Anne
Hi. I’d be grateful for your help with the following please:
1) I’m looking to get from Verona airport – Fasano. Cheapest private car I’ve found is €120 each way. Can you recommend anywhere cheaper please? Or is there an ‘easy’ train route please?
2) I’d like to go to Venice and have looked at the link you supplied above for trains, however, I’m not sure which ‘Venezia’ location I choose as there were 7 options. Please could you advise which is nearest to the centre.
Many thanks in advance for your assistance.
Hi
My family will be staying in June in Madonna di Campiglio. We will have a car rental and want to spend a day at Lake Garda and then drive back in the evening to your house rental. My older kids and husband would like to go Canyoning. My younger kids and I would like to just explore the lake area. Can you recommend what area we should go to while my husband is canyoning?
Thanks!
Christa
Hi Christa, sorry for the late response I’ve been off the grid. There are many things you could do with the kids, check out our Lake Garda attractions page.
Hi, im for the lake garda in July and i can’t find any good websites about daytrips from Desenzano. Could you please help 🙂 i want to go to venice and milan. Thanks Very much
Hi Teresa, sorry for the late response, I’ve been off the grid.
Venice and Milan both have a direct train link from Desenzano. If you read up the page there is a link for trenitalia website which will give you the times and fares.
If you prefer an organised tour then Isango run trips to Venice
Hope this helps.
Buona vacanza
Hi,we’re staying at my friends apartment from 2nd October for 1week,we would like to stay in Lake Garda for possibly 2nights travelling down by train,,could you recommend an area to stay,,thank you
Friends apartment is inVenice
As you are only staying for two days I would suggest you stay in Desenzano. It has a direct train connection from Venice and is one of the biggest towns on the lake, so plenty to do. It is close to Sirmione which would be worth visiting.
Hi – I will be spending my first holiday in Italy in May. I will be staying in Garda town. I wish to travel to Venice, possibly Milan and would be delighted to receive any assistance, information, or recommendations of places to visit. I will be flying into Verona airport on a ten day trip.
Regards
Mark.
Hi Mark,
Isango offer a day out in Venice which departs from Garda, you can book it here or Venice by night here.
You can also find out and book things to do in Venice, including gondola rides and guided walks.
There are more tickets and tours for Venice and the rest of Lake Garda here.
Alternatively you can catch the train from Peschiera.
You can also catch the train from Peschiera to Milan. You can find out what to do in Milan and pre-book tours and attractions (including a ‘hop on, hop off bus’ here.
I hope this helps
Roy
Hey
i will come to sirmione in october and i want ask if gardaland opening in october
i see the schedule and they write in weekend just halloween magic so can we play in gardaland or just festival?
the second question is i hired car so what is the best parking to one day trip to venice?
Ciao Viola,
This post gives you good information about driving to Venice.
Follow this link for Lake Garda activities and tickets.
Hope this helps
Roy
Hi We are going to Limone in July and will be booking days tours. Could you please give me information about were to book.
Hi Gladys, the tour companies we work with offer the tours found on this page of our website. Or alternatively you can purchase discount tickets for tours and most of Lake Garda’s top attractions here.
I hope this helps……have a wonderful holiday!
Hi Roy,
Thank you for sharing your experience – I am looking to visit Venice and wanted to take a day trip out to Lake Garda, is this something that is possible or would you need at least a few days to make the trip worthwile?
Many thanks for your advice.
Ciao Annie, I would say that if you were staying in Lake Garda and visiting Venice that a day trip would be definitely worthwhile, the other way round I think you would need a few days. If you do want to go for just a day I would suggest visiting Sirmione and taking a boat tour do that you can see as much of the lake as possible. Bertoldi boats are based in Sirmione and they will help you have a wonderful experience. If this is something that may interest you then contact them via our page here.
I hope this helps….have a wonderful stay in Italy and if you don’t get to Lake Garda you should come back and visit it next time.
Hi, my family and are looking to take a trip to Italy in June 2017. Want a balanced trip of history, adventure, and relaxation. Saw some info about canyoning in Lake Garda that looks like a must do!
Thinking of flying into Rome and going to Florence and Venice. Fly out of Venice with a trip to the Lake before we leave.
Suggestions on who to book the canyoning with and best way to get there. Other adventure activity suggestions?
Thank you!
Hi Kathy,
We used liberavventura when we tried canyoning, you can get there details on our page. XMountain are another option, both offer other adventure activities you could try.
Walking and Hiking in Lake Garda is great for the adventurous types, you can read more on our page.
I don’t know what to say about the best way to get to Lake Garda from Venice as I don’t know if you’ll hire a car. If you read our Lake Garda to Venice page you’ll get an idea of the options.
Hope this helps
Roy
Hi Roy,
I am thinking of taking a 3 nights trip to Verona. Within these 3 nights, I was thinking of doing a day trip to Lake Garda. Do you think it is worthwhile? Would love to hear your suggestions.
Hi Tarsheeni,
Sorry for the late response. i’ve been visiting Lake Garda for the last 18 years and spent all the summers of the last six years there…..I’ve barely scratched the surface. But if you want a little taster on a day trip from Verona then I suggest you visit Desenzano and Sirmione. This will make you want to come back for more. Did you know you can purchase a ‘Hop on Hop off’ bus ticket to help you see more of Verona?
Hello, we are thinking of visiting Lake Garda in August, travelling to Milan and then driving across. Can you recommend any good B&Bs or hotels that are close to Gardaland and also the route to Venice? Also, what route would you suggest as a good drive around the lake and where to stop off along the way? Thank you.
Hi Nadeem,
Venice is easy to reach along the main motorway the A4 and takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
On my Lake Garda attractions page you can find a link to hotels and B&B’s close to Gardaland, there is also a link where you can get discount tickets for Gardaland.
My blog post Driving In Lake Garda provides some good information about driving around the lake.
I hope this helps.
Roy
Hi – We are travelling to Venice Lido on Thursday for 5 days but have heard it is easy to go on the train to visit the Italian Lakes. Is this a possible on a day trip and any recommendations would be appreciated.
Hi Sandra, Yes it is possible you just do the reverse of what I suggest on my page. The train will take you to Peschiera or Desenzano, form both of these you could easily reach Sirmione. Check of the towns on my map of Lake Garda towns page. It is possible but you wouldn’t really get a chance to explore too much…..better to spend at least one night at the lake.
I hope this helps
Roy
Hi Roy
On your website you say to arrive early at Desenzano in order to get a free parking space when getting the train to Venice. Can you tell me what you mean by early?
Thank you
Hi Janet, it really depends on the season but I would say at least by 8.00am. There’s a bar/cafe opposite the station if you need to kill some time.
Ok thanks. So what time is the first train?
Hi Janet, you need to use the trenitalia link on the page, I just had a quick search myself and it seems that the cheaper trains are now before 7am. There used to be one at 8.50 but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. The early train is less than half the price. You can get cheap trains back on the hour from 6.12pm, so you can get a full day in Venice for less than €25 pp.
Hi Roy I have another query you may be able to help with. We are staying overnight in Milan with friends before we travel to Lake Garda. We are unsure whether to hire a car in Milan and drive to Lake Garda or whether to get the train to Lake Garda and hire a car from there. We will then be travelling back to Milan to stay with our friends again. Do you have any advice, also if we get the train where would we hire a car and what company is the most reliable?
Thanks
Janet
Thanks Roy
Thanks Roy
Hi Roy. I’ve been wanting to visit Lake Garda and Venice for YEARS but my husband has been ill (recovered now thankfully but. It as much energy as he used to have) so I need to consider him. I’m happy to do the Venice trip by myself but wonder if you can recommend an area/hotel that’s best situated for relaxing at hotel (preferably pool and sunbathing or views over the lake) for him and close enough for a short trip into Venice so I can spend more time there and with him and less time traveling there. I’m not trying to make you my travel agent but I will only book 4-5 nights and I need/want to do Venice and my opportunities to visit there are getting fewer. A 4-5 star hotel would be great so I can be sure he’s left in comfort.
PS: I won’t be driving and will contact the tour operator you suggest on this page but nonetheless don’t want to spend hours on a coach so a good location for somewhere to stay would be great. I’m thinking we could go late September – mid October. If we went now I fear the towns would be overcrowded. Thank you.
Hi Rose,
I’m so sorry I somehow missed your comment……did you manage your trip? How did it go?
Never been to italy . Please can u suggest where to stay . I need to see venice and the lake sounds a must too
Hi Stephanie, I would suggest you stay in one of the south coast Lake Garda towns either Desenzano or Peschiera, which both have train connections to Venice. You could also stay in Sirmione, the lakes most popular town which is just a short bus ride to either of the stations.
I am visiting Lake Garda with my son the first part of April. We would like to travel to Venice for a day trip. We don’t have much time in Lake Garda. (Probably 2-3 nights.) What town would be central for day trips to Venice and other towns in Lake Garda?
I probably will not have a car. Thanks!
Hi Beth,
You probably want to spend 3 nights minimum, especially if you intend to go off to Venice. You would get to see too much of the lake as it is very large. I would suggest staying in Peschiera or Desenzano. This way you would have the opportunity of taking the train to Venice and and you wouldn’t be too far away from Sirmione, Bardolino, Garda and Lazise on the lake. After seein these towns you will definitely want to go back.
You can pre-book Gondola rides and canal tours in Venice. There is also a vast selection of things to do and activities in Venice that can be pre-booked via Iasango.
Hi!
just saw your posts. We will be coming from Croatia staying 2 nights on Lake Garda before we check out and go to Venice for a noon flight. I found a place in Torbole. or should we stay more south in your opinion?
thanks! Rob
Hi Rob, if staying in Torbole you need to leave yourself an hour extra if you are taking the bus or taxi, if using the ferry it’s around 4 hours to get to the south of the lake. I hope this helps. Roy
Hello,
We are coming to stay in Bardolino in September and I am having trouble working out a good mode of transport from Dobbiaco to Bardolino. We will not be hiring our own vehicle so are either reliant on public transport or will need to arrange a private transfer.
Any advice you are able to offer on either option would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
Jan
Hi Jan, I would recommend this website to check travel options
https://www.rome2rio.com
I hope this helps.
Roy
Hi Roy
I’m planning a day trip to Lake Garda from Venice. I want to see as much as possible in a day so thought could hire a car for a day. Is Sirmione best place to start and hire a car from? What car hire company do you recommend?
Also are there any ferries hop on hop off so that you can see many beautiful towns?
I want to visit Limone in the north so wanted to drive around the Lake.
Which villages, towns to you recommend to see (most picturesque ones)?
Thank you, Magda
Hi Magda,
Coming from Venice you’d need to get the train to Desenzano in order to collect a hire car. Use the Omio search box on this page to buy train tickets and check times.
https://lovelakegarda.net/lake-gardas-cities/venice-a-day-trip-from-lake-garda/
The lake is 20km across and 52km long so it would be difficult to see too much in one day. You would either need to hire the car or take the ferry, you would have time to do both.
Perhaps concentrate on the lower half of the lake for this visit, you could see Desenzano, Sirmiine, Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino and Garda. If you did get chance try to make it to Salò but that may even be a town too far.
I’ve been visiting Lake Garda for 20 years and lived there for 6 and still only touched the surface. I expect your visit will at least make you want to go back for an extended holiday.
You can check out ferry times on this link.
https://lovelakegarda.net/lake-garda-ferries/
Hi! I am traveling from the UK to Venice Marco Polo airport in October this year and need to then get to Brenzone to our apartment by the lakes I Garda, so excited.
Please can you help with details of local airport transfers/taxis?
4th October – how will the weather be?
Eating out.. any recommendations in Brenzone?
Hugs thanks in advance. I’m so excited to visit one of my dream places for my big 40 this year.
Hi Kezz,
We recommend the NCC Cab company on our Lake Garda Travel page.
I recommend Ristorante Da Umberto in Castalleto di Brenzone, a few minutes away. You have to try the Lasagna but make sure you’re hungry. I also like the fish buffet.
You’d be really unlucky not to have nice weather in October. You can expect temps in low to mid 20’s. But unfortunately it’s not guaranteed, but but like I said it should be fine.
Check out the places on my Lake Garda places to visit page. I also recommend a trip to Castello di Arco, which I visited for the first time last week and will write a blog post about it soon.
Don’t forget you can by discount tickets to many of Lake Garda’s main attractions here.
I hope this helps
Roy
sorry, and where should we check out while we are there?
Hello we are look at getting the train from Desenzano del Garda to Verona for the day, but we have our campervan (mercedez sprinter) do you know if the car park there would allow this size? Many thanks!
Hi Rachel,
Sorry I don’t know for sure but probably yes…..ciao Roy
Greetings,
I’m planning a trip to Lake Garda/Venice with my girlfriend in September and was thinking of spending 10days in total – 5 days in Lake Garda and 5 days in Venice. Is this adequate or is this too long?
Kind regards
Sorry I missed this Luke, did you have a good trip?