Train Stations

Lake Garda Train Stations and How to Reach Lake Garda by Train

Reaching Lake Garda by train is an excellent idea, offering both an eco-friendly and convenient travel option. It is incredibly easy from major northern Italian cities, especially Verona, Milan, and Venice. The two main railway stations are Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda, located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, along the Milan-Venice railway line.

Additionally, the Rovereto railway station, about 18 km from the lake, serves the northern shore. All three railway stations are connected to the main towns on the lake with scheduled buses. This efficient network ensures quick and comfortable travel, making the train a top choice for visiting this stunning destination. Discover all about Lake Garda train stations!

Discover the Train Connections to Lake Garda

Here Are the Best Tips for Traveling to Lake Garda by Train

Peschiera del Garda
Railway Station

The Peschiera del Garda train station is ideal for travelers planning to spend their holidays on the Veronese (eastern) shore of Lake Garda. It offers convenient bus lines and public ferry connections to beautiful locations like Lazise, Bardolino, and Garda, reachable in just a few minutes.

This station is also popular with visitors heading to the famous Gardaland Amusement Park. The Peschiera del Garda train station is the best choice for destinations such as Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione, Castelnuovo, Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, Torri del Benaco, Brenzone sul Garda and Malcesine.

From Peschiera del Garda train station there is the ATV bus line N.164 (all year round) towards Lazise, Bardolino and Garda (from there ATV bus line N.484 to Riva del Garda). In summer season there is the ATV bus line N.483 from Peschiera del Garda towards Malcesine. Towards Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda there is ARRIVA bus line LN026 (all year round).

View of Peschiera del Garda train station from the platform.

Click here to read about Lake Garda taxi and transfer services.

Desenzano del Garda
Railway Station

The Desenzano del Garda railway station is most suitable for travelers spending their holidays on the Brescian (southern and western) shore of Lake Garda. From here, you can easily reach other famous destinations such as Sirmione, Salò, and Gardone Riviera using convenient bus lines and public ferries.

The Desenzano train station is the best choice for destinations including Desenzano del Garda, Pozzolengo, Sirmione, Lonato, Padenghe, Moniga, Manerba, Polpenazze, Soiano del Lago, Puegnago, San Felice del Benaco, Salò, Gardone Riviera, Toscolano Maderno, Gargnano and Limone sul Garda.

From Desenzano del Garda train station there is ARRIVA bus line LN026 (all year round) towards Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda and Verona. Towards Riva del Garda there is ARRIVA bus line LN027 that run all year round and connects the towns along the western coast of Lake Garda. During summer ARRIVA R-link bus line RL204 runs each day every 30 minutes during the summer and every hour during the winter between Desenzano del Garda train station and Salò.

View of Desenzano del Garda train station from the platform.

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

Rovereto Railway Station

The Rovereto railway station is located on the Brenner Line, the main railway artery connecting Innsbruck (Austria) to Verona. The Rovereto railway station is situated in the northeastern part, about 18 km from Lake Garda. It is particularly popular among tourists who wish to visit the northernmost areas of the lake, such as Riva del Garda, Nago-Torbole, Arco, and Malcesine.

The Rovereto train station is the best choice for reaching destinations including Valvestino, Magasa, Riva del Garda, Nago-Torbole, Arco, Drena, also Limone sul Garda, Tignale, Tremosine and Malcesine.

From Rovereto train station there is Trentino Trasporti bus line N.332 (all year round) that goes from Rovereto to Nago Torbole, Riva del Garda and Arco.

FAQ about Train Connections to Lake Garda

Frequently Asked Questions about trains and railway stations on Lake Garda

How many train stations are in Lake Garda?

Lake Garda has several train stations in its vicinity, serving as gateways to the beautiful lake region. The main train stations near Lake Garda are: Desenzano del Garda on the southern shore, this is the primary station for travelers from Milan and Venice. Peschiera del Garda on the southern shore, serving as another key access point. Rovereto is situated to the northeast, providing access to the northern part of the Lake Garda.

The best train station to visit Lake Garda?

The best train station to visit Lake Garda varies by shore. Western Shore: Desenzano del Garda is ideal, offering convenient access to towns like Sirmione and Salò. Eastern Shore: Peschiera del Garda serves as the best point, connecting travelers to places like Bardolino and Garda. Northern Shore: Rovereto is the optimal station, providing access to Riva del Garda and the scenic northern areas of the lake.

How far is Lake Garda from train station?

The distance from train stations to Lake Garda varies by location. Desenzano del Garda station is about 1 km from the lake, a short bus or taxi ride. Peschiera del Garda station is less than 1 km away, easily accessible on foot or by local transport. Rovereto station is approximately 18 km from the northern shore, requiring a bus or taxi to reach Riva del Garda and nearby areas.

Can you take a train around Lake Garda?

You cannot take a train directly around Lake Garda, as there is no train line encircling the lake. However, you can reach nearby towns via train stations like Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, and Rovereto. From these stations, you can use buses, public ferries or taxi to travel around the Lake Garda and visit various lakeside towns, villages and attractions.

Discover the Types of Trains in Italy

Here are our tips to help you find the right train to Lake Garda

Regional trains

Regional trains are ideal for short-distance travel. They are slower but more affordable. There are a few different types of regional trains, each serving specific purposes: Regionale (R) trains stop at almost every station, making them the most accessible for regional travel. Regionale Veloce (RV) trains are faster and stop only at major stations, balancing speed and accessibility. RegioExpress (RE) trains are semi-fast, making fewer stops than standard regional trains, offering a quicker and economical option for regional travel.

High-Speed trains

For long-distance travel between major cities, high-speed trains are ideal, reducing travel time and offering modern comfort. Not all cities are on the high-speed network, but major urban centers are well-connected. The primary high-speed trains in Italy include Frecciabianca (fast, affordable, on traditional tracks), Frecciargento (up to 250 km/h, connects Rome to northern and southern cities), Frecciarossa (fastest, up to 300 km/h, connects Milan, Rome, Florence, Naples), InterCity and InterCity Night (slower, efficient, more stops).

Italo trains

Italo is a private high-speed train service operated by Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV). Renowned for their comfort, modern amenities, and competitive pricing, Italo trains serve major Italian cities such as Milan, Rome, Naples, and Venice. Italo trains offer various classes of service, including Smart, Prima, and Club Executive, catering to different budgets and preferences. These trains provide a high level of comfort and convenience, making them a preferred option for efficient and enjoyable travel across Italy’s major destinations.

International trains

There are several train services connect Italian cities with neighbouring countries. EuroCity, operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB), connects Italy with Germany and Austria, offering comfortable and efficient travel options. EuroCity (EC) trains operate across various European countries, connecting Italy with Switzerland, France, and other destinations, ensuring a reliable and comfortable travel experience. EuroCity Thello provides direct connections between Italy and France.