How to Reach Lake Garda from Milan
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Do you want to spend a day or a weekend in one of the most enchanting natural settings in Veneto? If so, this guide on how to reach Lake Garda from Milan will assist you with transportation options and help you to choose the most comfortable means of travel.
With its many attractions and picturesque towns, Lake Garda is perfect for enjoying relaxing moments with family or as a couple. It has always been a favorite destination for visitors from all over Italy and Europe, all in search of fun, cultural experiences, and excellent food.
• How to Get to Lake Garda from Milan
• Getting to Lake Garda by Train
• Arriving at Lake Garda by Car
• Transfers from Malpensa to Lake Garda
• Things to Do at Lake Garda
• Eating at Lake Garda
• Lake Garda from Milan.
Let's take a look at each of these alternatives, including the routes, departure and arrival times, stations, and the duration of each trip.
Visiting Lake Garda by train when departing from Milan is undoubtedly the best choice if you want to enjoy the journey without the hassle of driving or worrying about parking upon arrival.
The only downside is that you'll need to stick to the train schedules. However, with a well-planned itinerary, you'll still have the chance to see many of the beautiful sights around Italy's largest lake.
To reach Lake Garda from Milan by train, you can take the Milan Centrale – Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione line.
• Regional train Milan/Desenzano del Garda, which takes 1h 22’.
• Frecciarossa Milan/Desenzano Del Garda, which takes 51 minutes.
You can find the train schedules for Milan Centrale – Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione on the Trenitalia website. Meanwhile, we can tell you that the regional train runs every hour and the Frecciarossa every half hour.




If you prefer to arrive at Lake Garda with complete independence in your own vehicle, it’s better to avoid trains and buses and travel via the highway. You can reach Peschiera del Garda from Milan by car, and once there, you can explore other towns around the lake using the local roads.
It’s simple! Just take the A4 Milan-Venice highway until you reach the Peschiera del Garda exit. The journey is about 140 km, takes around 1h 46’.
If you're accustomed to luxury comforts, prefer not to use public transport, and want to get around by car without having to drive, then reaching Lake Garda from Milan by transfer is the perfect choice!
This option is especially convenient if you've just landed at Malpensa and need to get to Lake Garda. Choosing a private car with a driver ensures a relaxed journey, personalized assistance, and all the comforts you desire, along with a quick transfer.
Plus, you'll have a driver at your disposal who will take you wherever you prefer and at your chosen times.
Now, let's talk about the beautiful attractions waiting for you at Lake Garda. What should you do once you arrive? You'll be spoilt for choice! There are numerous towns along the lake, each offering unique surprises and treasures to explore and enjoy. We recommend checking out these exciting activities!
Between Limone sul Garda and Toscolano, you can spot many citrus greenhouses, known as Limonaie. This collection of glass-covered pillars protects the plants from the harsh winter cold and can be visited. If you're on the lake during the blooming period, you'll be amazed by the citrusy scents and the stunning beauty of these structures overlooking the water.
In the southern area of Lake Garda, you can immerse yourself in medieval and lakeside scenery all at once. Sirmione is surrounded by the walls of a medieval castle, while Lazise features charming little streets, a picturesque harbor, and a stunning lakeside promenade. If you have time for a longer stop, don't forget to visit the Terme di Sirmione for a few hours of pampering at the spa dedicated to your well-being.
Once you're at Lake Garda, you can't miss the cable car ride from Malcesine to Monte Baldo. If you love the mountains, breathtaking views of the valleys, and activities like trekking and paragliding, this is the place to experience extraordinary sensations as you discover scenic trails and stunning landscapes.
What can we say about Italy's most famous amusement park? For kids and adults alike, Gardaland is the perfect opportunity to let loose with thrilling rides, fantasy attractions, adventurous paths, and a wide range of activities. Don't miss the aquarium, featuring interactive tanks, an ocean tunnel, and themed environments. It's a feast of colors and sensations for those young at heart and for anyone wanting to feel like a kid again!
However, Lake Garda is not just about nature and fun; it is also a place of flavors with a rich culinary tradition that it preserves and offers to its guests. So, what should you eat on Lake Garda? There are many dishes that combine rustic recipes with the extraordinary fish from the lake. You absolutely must try the carpione, a soft and flavorful fish that pairs wonderfully with Torbe broccoli. Don't miss the dishes made with pike, whitefish, and carp either. When seasoned with the extra virgin olive oil from Garda Dop, they reach their peak of deliciousness. If you prefer meat and cured meats, be sure to try the salame morenico. And for cheese lovers, a taste of Garda is a must!
When are you leaving? Getting to Lake Garda from Milan is easier than you might think. There are plenty of options available, and the towns are always ready to welcome you for an unforgettable stay. Have you already planned your vacation days or your business visit? Let us know the dates, and we’ll provide you with more helpful information on what to see around Lake Garda and where to go!
With its many attractions and picturesque towns, Lake Garda is perfect for enjoying relaxing moments with family or as a couple. It has always been a favorite destination for visitors from all over Italy and Europe, all in search of fun, cultural experiences, and excellent food.
How to Get to Lake Garda from Milan
• How to Get to Lake Garda from Milan
• Getting to Lake Garda by Train
• Arriving at Lake Garda by Car
• Transfers from Malpensa to Lake Garda
• Things to Do at Lake Garda
• Eating at Lake Garda
• Lake Garda from Milan.
When Do You Leave?
If you're departing from the city of Milan, there are several travel options to reach Lake Garda. Depending on your needs, arrival times, and how confortable you are driving, you can choose to get to the lake by car, train, or bus.Let's take a look at each of these alternatives, including the routes, departure and arrival times, stations, and the duration of each trip.
Getting to Lake Garda from Milan by Train
Visiting Lake Garda by train when departing from Milan is undoubtedly the best choice if you want to enjoy the journey without the hassle of driving or worrying about parking upon arrival.
The only downside is that you'll need to stick to the train schedules. However, with a well-planned itinerary, you'll still have the chance to see many of the beautiful sights around Italy's largest lake.
To reach Lake Garda from Milan by train, you can take the Milan Centrale – Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione line.
You can choose from:
• Regional train Milan/Desenzano del Garda, which takes 1h 22’.
• Frecciarossa Milan/Desenzano Del Garda, which takes 51 minutes.
You can find the train schedules for Milan Centrale – Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione on the Trenitalia website. Meanwhile, we can tell you that the regional train runs every hour and the Frecciarossa every half hour.




Arriving at Lake Garda by Car
If you prefer to arrive at Lake Garda with complete independence in your own vehicle, it’s better to avoid trains and buses and travel via the highway. You can reach Peschiera del Garda from Milan by car, and once there, you can explore other towns around the lake using the local roads.
How to get from Milan to Peschiera by car?
It’s simple! Just take the A4 Milan-Venice highway until you reach the Peschiera del Garda exit. The journey is about 140 km, takes around 1h 46’.
Transfer from Malpensa to Lake Garda
If you're accustomed to luxury comforts, prefer not to use public transport, and want to get around by car without having to drive, then reaching Lake Garda from Milan by transfer is the perfect choice!
This option is especially convenient if you've just landed at Malpensa and need to get to Lake Garda. Choosing a private car with a driver ensures a relaxed journey, personalized assistance, and all the comforts you desire, along with a quick transfer.
Plus, you'll have a driver at your disposal who will take you wherever you prefer and at your chosen times.
What to Do at Lake Garda
Now, let's talk about the beautiful attractions waiting for you at Lake Garda. What should you do once you arrive? You'll be spoilt for choice! There are numerous towns along the lake, each offering unique surprises and treasures to explore and enjoy. We recommend checking out these exciting activities!
Visiting the Lemon Houses on Lake Garda
Between Limone sul Garda and Toscolano, you can spot many citrus greenhouses, known as Limonaie. This collection of glass-covered pillars protects the plants from the harsh winter cold and can be visited. If you're on the lake during the blooming period, you'll be amazed by the citrusy scents and the stunning beauty of these structures overlooking the water.
Taking a Tour from Sirmione to Lazise
In the southern area of Lake Garda, you can immerse yourself in medieval and lakeside scenery all at once. Sirmione is surrounded by the walls of a medieval castle, while Lazise features charming little streets, a picturesque harbor, and a stunning lakeside promenade. If you have time for a longer stop, don't forget to visit the Terme di Sirmione for a few hours of pampering at the spa dedicated to your well-being.
Taking the Cable Car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo
Once you're at Lake Garda, you can't miss the cable car ride from Malcesine to Monte Baldo. If you love the mountains, breathtaking views of the valleys, and activities like trekking and paragliding, this is the place to experience extraordinary sensations as you discover scenic trails and stunning landscapes.
A Day at Gardaland
What can we say about Italy's most famous amusement park? For kids and adults alike, Gardaland is the perfect opportunity to let loose with thrilling rides, fantasy attractions, adventurous paths, and a wide range of activities. Don't miss the aquarium, featuring interactive tanks, an ocean tunnel, and themed environments. It's a feast of colors and sensations for those young at heart and for anyone wanting to feel like a kid again!
Dining on Lake Garda
However, Lake Garda is not just about nature and fun; it is also a place of flavors with a rich culinary tradition that it preserves and offers to its guests. So, what should you eat on Lake Garda? There are many dishes that combine rustic recipes with the extraordinary fish from the lake. You absolutely must try the carpione, a soft and flavorful fish that pairs wonderfully with Torbe broccoli. Don't miss the dishes made with pike, whitefish, and carp either. When seasoned with the extra virgin olive oil from Garda Dop, they reach their peak of deliciousness. If you prefer meat and cured meats, be sure to try the salame morenico. And for cheese lovers, a taste of Garda is a must!
Lake Garda from Milan
When are you leaving? Getting to Lake Garda from Milan is easier than you might think. There are plenty of options available, and the towns are always ready to welcome you for an unforgettable stay. Have you already planned your vacation days or your business visit? Let us know the dates, and we’ll provide you with more helpful information on what to see around Lake Garda and where to go!