Bus Timetables

Our Guide to the Lake Garda Bus routes and timetables

Getting around Lake Garda by bus is a convenient and stress-free option for those who prefer not to drive. The lake is served by an extensive network of public buses that connect the main towns and smaller villages along both shores. Services are generally reliable and cover popular destinations such as Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione, Garda, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda, with routes that follow scenic stretches of the lakeside road.

Bus travel is also one of the most affordable ways to get around Lake Garda, ideal for both day trips and longer stays. Schedules are designed to suit locals and tourists alike, and during the summer season, extra routes are often added to handle the higher demand. Tickets can be purchased at stations, tobacco shops, or directly from the driver, offering visitors an easy and budget-friendly way to experience the beauty of Lake Garda.

Our Guide to Bus Routes around Lake Garda

Here Is Everything You Need to Know About the Lake Garda Bus Lines and Timetables

Lake Garda Bus Lines

ATV Verona – Operates public transport in the province of Verona, covering the eastern shore of Lake Garda from Peschiera del Garda through Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, Torri del Benaco, and up towards Malcesine.

ARRIVA Brescia – Manages services in the province of Brescia, serving the western and southern shores from Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione up through Salò, Gardone Riviera, Toscolano-Maderno, Limone sul Garda, and onward.

Trentino Trasporti – Oversees routes in the province of Trento, operating in the Alto Garda area around Riva del Garda, Arco, and Torbole sul Garda.

APAM Mantova – Handles transport in the province of Mantua, serving the southern areas of Lake Garda around Peschiera del Garda and Castiglione delle Stiviere, and connecting to nearby towns in the Mantua region.


Here’s a guide to the bus routes around Lake Garda:

The ATV bus number 482 from Verona Airport to Lake Garda.

ATV Verona Bus Lines

How to move by bus on the Veronese side of Lake Garda

ATV Verona transport company operates public transport in the city and province of Verona, including the eastern shores of Lake Garda. Their buses mainly run along the Gardesana road, serving all lakeside towns: Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, Bardolino, Malcesine, extending up to Riva del Garda.

Service schedules vary seasonally, with reduced frequency in winter and some routes operating only in summer. Tickets are available at ATV offices, at authorised resellers and on the Ticket Bus Verona App. Tickets can also be purchased directly on the bus, but be sure to have cash on hand. Note that tickets need to be validated before your journey. Children under 4 travel free.

For those who decide to stay on the lake for several days it is possible to take advantage of Daily Passes valid for 1, 3 or 7 days. From the date of validation, these allow you to travel on all buses on the urban and extra-urban lines of Verona and the province.

The main ATV bus routes and timetables to travel on Lake Garda:
ATV bus line 162: Verona – Pastrengo – Garda (March – October)

Line is active from the end of the March to late October, and connects Garda (also Bardolino, Lazise) to Verona and passing through Pastrengo with a stop at Parco Natura Viva.

ATV bus line 163: Verona – Pastrengo – Garda

The line is active all year round and connects Garda (also Bardolino, Lazise) to Verona and passing through Pastrengo with a stop at Parco Natura Viva. It is possible to reach the Villa dei Cedri Thermal Park.

ATV bus line 164: Verona – Peschiera del Garda – Garda

The line is active all year round and connects Garda to Verona passing along the eastern Gardesana road. It is possible to reach Peschiera railway station, Lazise, Bardolino and the amusement parks: GardalandMovieland and Caneva Aquapark.

ATV bus line 165: Verona – Pastrengo – Garda

The line is active all year round and connects Garda (also Bardolino, Lazise) to Verona by following the route in the hinterland, passing through Pastrengo with a stop at Parco Natura Viva.

ATV bus line 185: Verona – Garda – Verona (only in summer)

The line is active only on summer and connects Verona to Lazise, Bardolino and Garda directly and more quickly.

ATV bus line 199: Verona Airport – Verona Train Station

The line is active all year round and offers the Airlink Shuttle service. It connects Verona Airport to Verona train station and runs every 20 minutes.

ATV bus line 482: Verona Airport – Garda (March – October)

The line is active from the end of the March to late October, and connects Verona Airport to Lake Garda directly. Line is also convenient for all those who wish to reach Valeggio sul MincioBorghetto and the Sigurtà Park.

The ATV bus number 483 from Peschiera del Garda to Malcesine.
ATV bus line 483: Peschiera – Garda – Malcesine (March – October)

The line is active from the end of the March to late October and connects San Benedetto di Lugana to Malcesine. It is possible to reach the amusement parks like GardalandMovieland and Caneva Aquapark.

ATV bus line 484: Garda – Malcesine – Torbole – Riva del Garda

The line is active all year round and connects Garda to Riva del Garda, continuing north along the eastern Gardesana road. It is possible to reach Torri del BenacoBrenzoneMalcesine and Torbole.

ATV bus line 470: Garda – San Zeno di Montagna

The line is active all year round. It is possible to reach the beautiful village of San Zeno di Montagna. An excellent destination for those who want to admire Lake Garda from a different perspective.

ATV bus line 476: Garda – Spiazzi – Ferrara di Monte Baldo (only in summer)

The line is active only on summer and runs from Garda to Spiazzi and Ferrara di Monte Baldo. Perfect for those who want to reach the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona.

ATV bus line 477: Brentino – Caprino – Spiazzi (March – October)

The line is active only on Saturdays and Sundays, from the end of the March to late October,  and connects Brentino Belluno car park with the town of Spiazzi, from where the shuttle service (ATV bus line 499) departs to reach the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona.

ATV bus line 479: Lazise – Affi (only in summer)

The line is active only on summer. It leaves from the center of Lazise and reaches Affi. This is the perfect line to reach the Villa dei Cedri Thermal Park in Colà and Parco Natura Viva in Pastrengo.

ATV bus line 499: Spiazzi – Santuario Madonna della Corona

The shuttle service connects the town of Spiazzi with the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona. The bus runs every 15 minutes on holidays and every 30 minutes on weekdays.

For detailed route maps and more information, visit the ATV Verona company website.

ARRIVA Brescia Bus Lines

How to move by bus on the Brescian side of Lake Garda

ARRIVA Brescia company manages public transport in Brescia and its surrounding province. Their lines allow travel from south to north along Lake Garda, connecting all lakeside towns on the southern shore, from Desenzano del Garda to Peschiera del Garda, and the western shore, from Desenzano del Garda to Salò and Limone sul Garda, extending to Riva del Garda.

The company’s timetables vary by season. Tickets are available at ARRIVA offices, at authorised resellers or on the Arriva MyPay App. Tickets are also available for purchase directly on the bus; however, make sure to carry cash. Tickets need to be validated on the board of the bus. For those who decide to visit several towns on the lake in one day, OneDay daily ticket is available €13.50 and can be purchased at authorised retailers or via the Arriva MyPay App.

Note: there is an urban bus service in Desenzano del Garda. Click here for information, timetables and routes.

The main ARRIVA bus routes and timetables to travel on Lake Garda:
ARRIVA bus line LN026: Brescia – Desenzano – Sirmione – Peschiera – Verona

The line is active all year round and connects Brescia to Verona. It is possible to reach Lonato del Garda, Desenzano, Sirmione, and Peschiera. (Please note, from April to October the bus does not stop near the old town of Sirmione, but in Colombare. To go to Sirmione from here, an ARRIVA Shuttle bus will wait for you every 20 minutes in Piazza Campiello).

ARRIVA bus line LN027: Desenzano – Salò – Gargnano – Limone – Riva

The line is active all year round and connects the towns along the western coast of Lake Garda, between Desenzano del Garda and Riva del Garda. Please note that this bus does not run every hour.

ARRIVA bus line LN034: Brescia – Desenzano – Pozzolengo – Ponti

The line is active all year round. It is possible to reach Brescia or the hills south of Lake Garda from Desenzano. It stops in Lonato del Garda, Pozzolengo, Castellaro Lagusello, Monzambano and Ponti sul Mincio. 

ARRIVA bus lines LN006 – LN007: Desenzano – Padenghe – Salò

The lines are active all year round. These are two short and comfortable lines with which you can easily reach the places between Desenzano and Salò. The LN006 passes through Padenghe and Puegnago. The LN007 stops in Padenghe, Moniga, Manerba and San Felice del Benaco.

Bus from Desenzano del Garda to Salo.
ARRIVA R-link bus line RL202-1: Brescia – Salò – Gargnano

The line is active all year round and provides connections between Brescia and the towns along the Garda Riviera. Once in Salò, it continues along the western Gardesana road and stops in Gardone Riviera, Toscolano Maderno, Gargnano, with some services up to Limone and Riva del Garda.

ARRIVA R-link bus line RL204: Desenzano del Garda – Salò

The line is active year round. It operates daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with services every 30 minutes during the summer and every hour during the winter between Desenzano del Garda train station and Salò, with intermediate stops at Lonato Lido, Padenghe Lido, Moniga, Manerba and Raffa. Getting on a train in Milan and finding yourself in Salò has never been this easier.

ARRIVA bus line LN011: Gargnano – Muslone/Tignale

The line is active all year round. It connects Gargano and Tignale and from Gargnano there is an immediate connection with the RL202-1 line to reach Toscolano Maderno, Salò and Brescia.

ARRIVA bus line LN012: Gargnano – Tremosine – Limone

The line is active all year round. The small buses will make you discover the mountains surrounding Garda Lake. From Gargnano, it follows the western Gardesana road and then climbs toward Tremosine along the famous Strada della Forra, the most beautiful panoramic road on Lake Garda. The route extends to the magnificent village of Limone sul Garda.

For detailed route maps, updates, pricing, and more information, visit the ARRIVA Brescia company website.

Trentino Trasporti Bus Lines

How to move by bus on the Alto Lago side of Lake Garda

In the northern area of Lake Garda, Trentino Trasporti is in charge of the public transportation system. The bus services allow visitors to explore Riva del Garda and access the stunning Brenta Dolomites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The principal intercity bus routes operate through the valleys near Trento and extend to Lake Garda. Service schedules vary by season. Tickets are available at TT offices, at authorised resellers, or via Mobile Ticketing Apps. It’s also possible to buy tickets directly on the bus, but cash might be required. Note that tickets need to be validated before your journey. Children under 6 do not require a ticket.

The main Trentino Trasporti bus routes and timetables to travel on Lake Garda:
Urban bus line 1 (B861): Riva del Garda – Cascate del Varone – Arco

The line is active all year round. With this line you can easily reach the village of Arco and the famous Varone waterfalls.

Urban bus line 2 (B862): Riva del Garda – Cascate del Varone – Arco

The line is active all year round. This line  follows the same route as Urban bus line 1, but in the opposite direction. You then reach Arco and the Varone waterfalls.

Urban bus line 3 (B863): Nago – Torbole – Riva del Garda – Arco

The line is active all year round. With line from Riva del Garda you can reach Arco, Nago and Torbole.

Bus lines B204 – B205: Riva del Garda – Arco – Trento

The lines are active all year round, enabling travel from Riva del Garda to Trento. The B204 line runs from Trento to Arco to Riva, but only allows passengers to disembark at the Arco and Riva del Garda stops. Therefore, to travel from Arco to Riva, you should use Urban Line 2.

Bus line B211: Riva del Garda – Tenno – Ponte Arche

The line is active all year round. From Riva del Garda it will take you to Tenno, a picturesque municipality in Trento province offering a stunning panoramic view of Lake Garda. The bus then proceeds to Ponte Arche, a hub for various bus connections, including routes to the breathtaking Dolomites.

Bus from Riva del Garda to Varone Waterfall Cave Park.
Bus line B208: Ponte Arche – Molveno

The line is active all year round. From Ponte Arche you can reach Molveno, one of the most scenic villages in the Brenta Dolomites, and its namesake lake. To travel from Riva del Garda to Molveno, you would first take the bus line B211 to Ponte Arche and then switch to the bus line B208 for Molveno.

Bus line B201: Trento – Ponte Arche – Tione

The line is active all year round. It connects the city of Trento with Ponte Arche and Tione. It’s worth mentioning because it is necessary for reaching Madonna di Campiglio, the most renowned town in the Brenta Dolomites.

Bus line B231: Tione – Pinzolo – Madonna di Campiglio

The line is active all year round. It connects Tione, Pinzolo, and Madonna di Campiglio. While traveling on this route, you’ll journey through valleys and experience stunning mountain vistas en route to the beautiful Madonna di Campiglio.

To travel from Riva del Garda to Madonna di Campiglio, you’ll first need to take the B211 line to Ponte Arche. From there, switch to the B208 line bound for Tione, and finally, board the B231 line to reach Madonna di Campiglio.

For detailed route maps, updates, pricing, and more information, visit the Trentino Trasporti company website.

APAM Mantova Bus Lines

How to move by bus on the Basso Lago side of Lake Garda

In the southern region of Lake Garda and its surrounding areas, the APAM Mantova company provides public transport services. The bus lines facilitate exploration of the moraine hills to the south of the Lake Garda and access to the town of Mantua.

The operating hours of the company vary with the seasons. Tickets are available at APAM info-points or ticket sales points. Additionally, tickets can be bought directly on the bus, though it could be necessary to have cash. Note that tickets need to be validated. Children under 1 meter tall travel free.

The main APAM bus route and timetable to travel on Lake Garda:
APAM bus line 46: Peschiera – Valeggio – Mantova

The line is active all year round. It from Peschiera del Garda and heads south following the course of the Mincio river. With it it is possible to reach Ponti sul Mincio, Monzambano, Valeggio sul Mincio and Manova.

Bus from Peschiera del Garda to Valeggio sul Mincio.

For detailed schedules, updates, pricing, and more information, visit the APAM company website.

FAQ about Bus Service around Lake Garda?

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Transport Around Lake Garda

How to get around Lake Garda by Bus?

To navigate Lake Garda using buses, you can utilize the extensive local bus network connecting various towns around the lake. Start by getting a bus map and schedule from local tourist offices. Buses are frequent, affordable, and cover major attractions and towns, including Riva del Garda, Sirmione, and Garda town. For convenience, consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel, which allows you to explore multiple destinations in a cost-effective manner.

What are the Main Bus Lines around Lake Garda?

Around Lake Garda, several main bus lines efficiently connect the towns. The LN026 route links Brescia to Verona, passing through key locations like Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda. Another vital route, LN027, travels between Desenzano and Riva, serving towns such as Salò and Limone. Additionally, the ATV bus line 164 connects Verona and Garda, passing Peschiera, Lazise and Bardolino. ideal for exploring these popular areas.

Is there a direct Bus from Airport to Lake Garda?

Yes, from Bergamo Airport there are direct buses to Lake Garda — the Autostradale Shuttle Bus runs to Desenzano del Garda, while FlixBus Shuttle operates routes to Peschiera del Garda. These options offer a convenient way to reach Lake Garda without multiple changes. From both towns, travelers can continue by local buses or ferries. In summer, the ATV bus line 482 connects Verona Airport with Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino, and Garda town, offering a direct route to Lake Garda’s eastern shores.

Where to buy the Ticket to Bus at Lake Garda?

For traveling around Lake Garda by bus, you can purchase tickets at local bus stations, from authorized retailers such as newsstands and tobacco shops, or directly from the bus drivers. Additionally, purchasing tickets through the websites and mobile apps of bus service providers is an efficient method, especially if you prefer to plan ahead. Tickets are generally inexpensive. Remember, it’s essential to validate your ticket once onboard by stamping it in the machine near the bus entrance.

Does in Buses in Italy accept Card Payments?

In Italy, the acceptance of card payments on buses can vary by region and bus operator. In larger cities and on many regional bus services, including those around Lake Garda, buses are likely to accept card payments. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific payment options for the bus line you plan to use, as some might still prefer or require cash, especially in less urbanized areas or on smaller local bus routes.

Do You need to validate Bus Tickets in Italy?

Yes, validating bus tickets in Italy is a crucial step when using public transportation. Upon boarding, you must immediately validate your ticket in a machine near the entrance. This machine timestamps the ticket, marking it as used for that journey. Failure to validate can result in fines, as it helps prevent the reuse of a single ticket for multiple trips. Always ensure your ticket is validated right after boarding to avoid any penalties.

Is there a Tourist Pass for using the Bus Services?

Visitors can benefit from the Garda Promotions Card, which offers free or discounted travel on certain bus lines around Lake Garda. This card also provides discounts for attractions and ferries. Specific to Lake Garda, such a tourist pass enables extensive travel across the region, facilitating easy exploration. For exact details, it’s best to visit local tourist offices or explore online through the regional transit authority’s website, ensuring you choose the most suitable option for your itinerary.

Are the Buses accessible for Passengers with Disabilities?

Most bus services around Lake Garda are designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities. These buses typically feature low floors for easier boarding, ramps for wheelchair access, and designated spaces inside the buses for wheelchairs. Additionally, visual and audio announcements help passengers with visual and hearing impairments. Transit authorities make ongoing efforts to ensure accessibility, but it’s a good idea to check with specific bus companies.

What are the Running Hours for Buses around Lake Garda?

The operating hours for buses around Lake Garda vary by route and season. Generally, buses start early in the morning around 6:00 AM and run until the evening. During peak tourist season, some routes may extend their operating hours to accommodate increased demand or in occasion of some event. It’s advisable to check the specific timetable for your intended route online or at local bus stations to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date schedule information.

Bus is the Best Way to travel around Lake Garda?

Traveling around Lake Garda by bus is highly effective, especially for reaching towns along the northern shores where train services are limited. Buses connect various key locations around the lake, providing a practical option for those without a car. However, for complete flexibility and the ability to explore more remote areas or follow a personalized schedule, renting a car might be preferable. Thus, the best mode of transportation can depend on your travel needs and itinerary specifics.