PUBLIC FERRIES
Our Guide to the Public Ferries on Lake Garda
Public boat and ferry services on Lake Garda are highly recommended for anyone wanting to make the most of their holiday. Whether visiting Lake Garda for a day or staying longer, hop aboard a boat to relax and reach destinations like Sirmione, Bardolino, Salò, or Malcesine. In addition to passenger ferries, there are car ferry connections that facilitate the movement of travelers with vehicles across the lake.
Public ferry services operated by Navigazione Laghi allow visitors to explore the picturesque towns dotting its shores, making it ideal for both leisurely sightseeing and practical transportation. This arrangement enhances the visitor experience by offering scenic travel between iconic locations while supporting sustainable tourism. Discover our tips for getting around Lake Garda by ferry!
LAKE GARDA PUBLIC FERRY SERVICE
Navigazione Laghi manages boat navigation on Lake Garda using a public transport ferry system similar to buses. Although there are no organized lake tours on these ferries, you can create your own custom journey! The service operates on several ferry routes that conveniently connect the major towns and villages along the lake. This allows passengers to travel easily across the lake and avoid the long summer queues on the busy roads.
Lake Garda public ferry service operates the following routes:
Desenzano – Peschiera – Riva (from March until early November) is the passenger-only route, and connects most Lake Garda’s towns.
Maderno – Torri (all year round) is a car ferry that connects Maderno and Torri, two towns in the central area of Lake Garda.
Limone – Malcesine (in weekends from May until October) is a car ferry that connects Limone sul Garda and Malcesine, two towns in the northern area of Lake Garda.
Desenzano – Peschiera – Riva
From the beginning of March until early November, Navigazione Lago di Garda provides regular boat services between Desenzano, Peschiera, and Riva del Garda. This is the main and passenger-only route that links all key tourist spots around the lake.
This ferry line offers two different types of service: Regular service and Speed service. Regular service is stopping at most towns along the route. Speed service has fewer stops, which vary depending on the ride.
Tickets for the Lake Garda ferries can be purchased at ticket offices near the piers, or on the Navigazione Laghi website.
Check here for:
- Lake Garda ferry timetable | May – October 2024
- Lake Garda ferry timetable | October 2024 – March 2025
Real time search on the official website.
| Fares & Discounts: download pdf | |
| Adults (one way ticket) | € 3.00 – 15.10 |
| 1-Day Free-circulation ticket (entire Lake Garda) | € 34.30 |
| 3-Days Free-circulation ticket (entire Lake Garda) | € 68.60 |
| Children (0-3 years old) | Free of charge |
| Children (4-11 years old) | Reduced fare |
| Promo Happy Family (2 adults, 2 child) | 2+2 Free |
| Seniors (> 65 years old) | Reduced fare |
| Disabled people | Reduced fare |
| Speed service extra charge | € 2.00 – 5.30 |
| Dogs (heigh <50 cm) | Free of charge |
| Bicycles (not allowed on speed service) | € 3.00 – 6.00 |
The ticket prices for simple journeys vary based on the route, age, group size, and type of boat. Discounts are available for seniors and groups of more than 15. Children and individuals with disabilities receive additional reductions. For all the fares click here.
Lake Garda ferry services offers a variety of flexible and cost-effective options. There are 1-day or 3-day Free-circulation tickets available, that cover the entire lake, including vehicle ferries, fast services, or only specific areas. These daily tickets provide unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off possibilities, simplifying boat trip planning.
The Happy Family package allows up to two children aged 4-11 to travel free with two full-price adult daily tickets. Daily Free-circulation tickets you will be able to purchase directly at the ticket offices located next to the piers.
For more information visit the official Navigation Laghi website.
Maderno – Torri
The car ferry service operates all year around in the central area of Lake Garda, between Toscolano Maderno and Torri del Benaco, and allow the transport of vehicles. Since Toscolano Maderno and Torri del Benaco are located exactly halfway between the north and south of Lake Garda, this route is particularly useful for those who have to cross the lake with a car, camper or a motorbike.
Check here for:
- Maderno-Torri ferry timetable | May – October 2024
- Maderno-Torri ferry timetable | October 2024 – March 2025
Real time search on the official website.
| Vehicle fares (including driver): | |
| Bicycles/electric bicycles | € 8.00 |
| Motorbike (depending on the displacement) | € 8.50 – 10.70 |
| Car (depending on the length) | € 10.70 – 16.00 |
| Camper – Caravan | € 21.30 |
| Bus up to 32 seats | € 20.60 |
| Bus over 32 seats | € 26.10 |
| Passenger fares: | |
| Adults (one way ticket) | € 6.50 |
| Children (0-3 years old) | Free of charge |
| Children (4 -11 years old) | € 3.60 |
| Disabled People | € 3.60 |
The Car Ferry Service between Toscolano Maderno and Torri del Benaco is an essential transportation link across Lake Garda, connecting the western and eastern shores. Note, you can take the vehicle ferry even without a vehicle. This ferry route allows passengers and vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, to cross the lake efficiently, avoiding the lengthy drive around its perimeter. Each trip across the lake takes approximately 30 minutes.
The ferries are well-equipped to accommodate disabled passengers, with accessible facilities and boarding assistance available. Travelers can purchase tickets directly at the terminals, and it is recommended to arrive in advance to secure a place on the ferry, especially during the busy summer months when demand is high. Tickets include a €1.00 surcharge if purchased onboard, waived if the ticket office is closed.
Limone – Malcesine
The Limone – Malcesine is a car ferry service that allows the transport of vehicles. Ferries run on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from mid-May to the beginning of October, from the Limone Traghetto to the Malcesine Traghetto stops. This route is useful for those who need to cross the lake with a car, camper, or motorbike.
Check here for:
Real time search on the official website.
| Vehicle fares (including driver): | |
| Bicycles/electric bicycles | € 6.80 |
| Motorbike (depending on the displacement) | € 7.30 – 9.50 |
| Car (depending on the length) | € 9.50 – 14.80 |
| Camper – Caravan | € 20.10 |
| Bus up to 32 seats | € 20.60 |
| Bus over 32 seats | € 26.10 |
| Passenger fares: | |
| Adults (one way ticket) | € 6.50 |
| Children (0-3 years old) | Free of charge |
| Children (4 -11 years old) | € 3.60 |
| Disabled People | € 3.60 |
The Car Ferry Service between Limone and Malcesine line operates only in summer from May till October. Ferries on this route are equipped to accommodate both passengers and vehicles, including cars, bikes, and motorcycles, making it a practical choice for those traveling with vehicles. The journey typically lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the specific timings of the day.
This ferry line is particularly noted for its accessibility, catering to the needs of disabled passengers with suitable facilities on board. Tickets can be purchased at the terminals, and it’s advisable to arrive a little early during peak tourist seasons to secure a spot, especially if traveling with a vehicle, as space may be limited. Tickets include a €1.00 surcharge if purchased onboard, waived if the ticket office is closed.
Private Boat Tours
When you visit Lake Garda, embarking on a boat trip is highly recommended. This activity provides a unique opportunity to explore the lake’s breathtaking scenery, historical sites, and picturesque towns.
As you navigate the sparkling waters, you will enjoy stunning views that are best seen from the lake. Options for boat tours range from guided group excursions to private sailboat trips, catering to various preferences and interests.
Set off on an adventure to experience the main attractions of Lake Garda, such as the captivating Sirmione Peninsula, or the tranquil Isola del Garda, renowned for its beautiful gardens and historic villa. Experienced skippers offer insightful commentary on the area’s history and culture, enhancing your journey.
