PUBLIC FERRIES
Our Guide to the Public Ferries on Lake Garda
Public boat and ferry services on Lake Garda are a fantastic way to experience the lake’s beauty while traveling comfortably between its charming towns. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, hopping aboard a ferry lets you relax and enjoy the scenery as you glide toward destinations such as Sirmione, Bardolino, Salò, or Malcesine. In addition to passenger ferries, car ferry connections make it easy for travelers with vehicles to cross the lake efficiently and avoid long drives around its perimeter.
Operated by Navigazione Laghi, Lake Garda’s public ferry network connects nearly every major town along the shoreline. It’s an ideal choice for both leisurely sightseeing and practical transportation, combining convenience with unforgettable panoramic views. This sustainable travel option enhances your Lake Garda experience, allowing you to explore multiple destinations while reducing road congestion. Discover our expert tips for getting around Lake Garda by public ferry!
LAKE GARDA PUBLIC FERRY SERVICE
Navigazione Laghi operates the public ferry service on Lake Garda, offering an efficient and scenic way to travel between the lake’s main towns. The system works much like a bus network on water, connecting both the northern and southern shores. While these ferries don’t provide organized sightseeing tours, you can easily create your own lake itinerary, hopping between picturesque destinations at your own pace. It’s a relaxing alternative to driving, especially during the busy summer months when road traffic can be heavy.
The Lake Garda public ferry service runs several key routes:
Desenzano – Peschiera – Riva del Garda (March to early November) – A passenger-only route that connects most of the major towns along the lake, ideal for exploring without a car.
Toscolano Maderno – Torri del Benaco (year-round) – A car and passenger ferry linking the central shores of Lake Garda, offering a quick and scenic crossing between the western and eastern sides.
Limone sul Garda – Malcesine (weekends, May to October) – A car ferry serving the northern part of the lake, providing a convenient shortcut between these two charming towns.
Desenzano – Peschiera – Riva
From early March until early November, Navigazione Lago di Garda operates regular boat services connecting Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, and Riva del Garda. This is the main passenger-only route, linking many of the lake’s key tourist destinations and offering a relaxing, scenic way to travel without the stress of road traffic.
The service offers two types of crossings: Regular Service and Speed Service. The Regular Service makes stops at most towns along the route, perfect for travelers who want to hop on and off to explore multiple destinations in one day. The Speed Service, on the other hand, features fewer stops, allowing for faster travel between major points — ideal if you’re short on time or traveling longer distances.
Tickets for Lake Garda ferries can be purchased at the ticket offices near the piers or online through the Navigazione Laghi website. During high season, it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid queues and secure your preferred departure time.
Check here for:
- Lake Garda ferry timetable | May 2025 – October 2025
- Lake Garda ferry timetable | October 2025 – March 2026
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 |
Ticket prices for Lake Garda ferries vary depending on the route, age, group size, and type of boat. Discounts are available for seniors and groups of more than 15 people, while children and passengers with disabilities are entitled to additional reductions. For a complete list of fares, visit the official Navigazione Laghi website.
The ferry service offers several flexible and cost-effective ticket options. Travelers can choose 1-day or 3-day Free-Circulation Tickets, which provide unlimited hop-on-hop-off travel across the entire lake — including vehicle ferries, fast services, or specific zones. These passes are perfect for those who want to explore multiple towns without worrying about individual tickets.
Families can benefit from the Happy Family Package, which allows up to two children (ages 4–11) to travel free of charge with two full-price adult day tickets. All daily Free-Circulation Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket offices near the ferry piers.
For schedules, fares, and online booking, visit the official Navigazione Laghi website.
Maderno – Torri
The Lake Garda car ferry operates year-round between Toscolano Maderno on the western shore and Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore. This route is managed by Navigazione Laghi and allows the transport of cars, motorcycles, and campers, making it a convenient option for travelers exploring both sides of the lake.
Because Toscolano Maderno and Torri del Benaco are located roughly midway between the northern and southern ends of Lake Garda, this ferry connection is particularly practical for those who need to cross the lake quickly without driving the long, winding road around it. The crossing offers not only time savings but also beautiful panoramic viewsof the lake and surrounding mountains — a relaxing alternative to the busy coastal routes.
Check here for:
- Maderno-Torri ferry timetable | May 2025 – October 2025
- Maderno-Torri ferry timetable | October 2025 – March 2026
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 transport link across Lake Garda, connecting the western and eastern shores. Even if you’re not driving, you can still take this ferry as a foot passenger. The route accommodates cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, providing an efficient and scenic way to cross the lake without the long drive around its perimeter. Each crossing takes approximately 30 minutes.
The ferries are well-equipped for accessibility, offering facilities and assistance for disabled passengers. Tickets can be purchased directly at the terminals, but it’s advisable to arrive early, particularly during the summer months, when demand is high and space for vehicles can fill quickly. If you buy your ticket onboard, a €1.00 surcharge applies, which is waived if the ticket office is closed.
Limone – Malcesine
The Limone–Malcesine car ferry provides a convenient connection across the northern part of Lake Garda, allowing the transport of cars, campers, motorcycles, and bicycles. Ferries operate from mid-May to early October, running on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with departures from the Limone Traghetto and Malcesine Traghettoterminals.
This short but scenic route is particularly useful for travelers who need to cross the lake with a vehicle, avoiding the long and winding drive around the northern shoreline. It’s also a beautiful way to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lake from the water.
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 sul Garda and Malcesine operates seasonally from May to October, offering a convenient and scenic way to cross the northern part of Lake Garda. The ferries are equipped to carry both passengers and vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, making this route a practical option for travelers exploring both shores. The journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the time of day.
This ferry line is known for its accessibility, with facilities and assistance available for disabled passengers. Tickets can be purchased at the terminals, but it’s best to arrive early during peak season, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle, as capacity is limited. A €1.00 surcharge applies to tickets bought onboard, which is waived if the ticket office is closed.
Private Boat Tours
When visiting Lake Garda, taking a boat tour is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. Cruising across the lake offers a unique perspective on its breathtaking landscapes, historic towns, and elegant villas, all framed by the surrounding mountains.
As you glide over the sparkling waters, you’ll enjoy panoramic views best appreciated from the lake itself. There’s a wide variety of options — from guided group excursions to private boat or sailboat charters — allowing travelers to choose the experience that best suits their interests and pace.
A private boat trip is the perfect way to explore Lake Garda’s highlights, such as the enchanting Sirmione Peninsula, with its Roman ruins and thermal springs, or the peaceful Isola del Garda, famous for its lush gardens and historic villa. Many experienced local skippers also provide fascinating commentary about the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems, turning a simple cruise into a truly enriching journey.
