Last Updated on November 2, 2024 by MONICA
Closest Airport to Lake Garda, Italy: Travel Guide
Lake Garda is a top spot in Italy, drawing over 22 million visitors yearly. It’s known for its beautiful shores. Finding the right airport is key for a smooth trip. This guide will help you pick the best airport near Lake Garda.
We’ll look at Verona Airport, Milan Bergamo, and Venice Marco Polo Airports. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. We’ll help you decide based on your travel plans. Whether you’re heading to the south, north, or west of Lake Garda, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s explore the closest airport to Lake Garda, Italy. We want your trip to be as smooth and enjoyable as the lake itself.
Introduction: How to Reach Italy’s Largest Lake by Plane
Lake Garda is in northern Italy and is close to many major airports. Picking the right airport makes getting to your spot on the lake easier. You can fly into Verona, Milan Bergamo, Venice, or Bologna. Each airport has its own ways to get to Lake Garda.
Overview of Lake Garda’s Location and Nearby Airports
Lake Garda stretches over 50 km (30 miles) from north to south. It’s in Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino. It’s a top spot for tourists, with lots of things to do and see.
- The closest airports to Lake Garda are Valerio Catullo in Verona and Montichiari in Brescia.
- Other nearby airports include Milan Bergamo, Venice, Bologna, and Milan Linate and Malpensa.
- You can get to Lake Garda by plane with rental cars, shuttles, or public transport.
Looking into the airports near Lake Garda helps plan a better trip. You’ll enjoy your time in this beautiful Italian place more.
Verona Airport: The Closest Option
Reaching Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and most beautiful lake, is easiest from Verona Airport. It’s just 22 kilometers from Peschiera del Garda. Verona Airport is the best choice for those wanting to see Lake Garda’s beauty.
Distance and Location of Verona Airport
Verona Airport is in Villafranca di Verona, near Verona. It’s a great starting point for exploring Lake Garda’s shores and charming towns.
Transportation Options from Verona Airport to Lake Garda
Travelers have many ways to get to Lake Garda from Verona Airport. A shuttle bus goes to Verona Porta Nuova train station. From there, you can take trains to Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda.
Buses also run from Verona Porta Nuova to the lake’s eastern and northern shores. This makes exploring the area easy and stress-free.
Airport | Distance from Lake Garda | Transportation Options |
---|---|---|
Verona Airport (VRN) | 22 km (14 miles) | Shuttle bus to Verona Porta Nuova train station, with direct trains to southern shore towns |
Brescia-Montichiari Airport (VBS) | 30 km (19 miles) | Buses and trains connecting to Desenzano del Garda and other Lake Garda towns |
Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) | 80 km (50 miles) | Shuttle bus to Brescia, with further connections to Lake Garda |
Milan Linate Airport (LIN) | 110 km (68 miles) | Car or train journey to reach the western shore of Lake Garda |
Venice Airport (VCE) | 146 km (91 miles) | Trains and buses connecting to Verona and Lake Garda towns |
Verona Airport is the closest and most convenient airport for Lake Garda. It offers easy access to the lake’s stunning landscapes and quaint towns.
Milan Bergamo Airport: A Convenient Choice
Travelers looking to see Lake Garda’s beauty can start at Milan Bergamo Airport. It’s about 80 kilometers from the lake. This makes it a quick trip to your destination.
Distance and Location of Milan Bergamo Airport
Milan Bergamo Airport is in Bergamo, a lively Italian town. It’s famous for its historic center and Renaissance buildings. The airport is close to the A4 motorway. This makes it easy to get to Lake Garda by car.
Getting to Lake Garda from Milan Bergamo Airport
- Shuttle Bus Service: A direct shuttle bus goes from Milan Bergamo Airport to Brescia. Brescia is on Lake Garda’s western shore. From there, you can take trains or buses to other parts of the lake.
- Public Transportation: The airport has a good public transport system. Buses run to Bergamo’s city center and train station. You can then take trains to towns around Lake Garda.
- Rental Car: Renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport gives you freedom. The A4 motorway leads straight to the lake. This lets you explore at your own pace and find secret spots.
Milan Bergamo Airport is a great choice for those wanting to see Lake Garda. It’s well-located, has good transport options, and is easy to get to. It’s perfect for experiencing the beauty of this famous Italian area.
What Airport is Closest to Lake Garda, Italy
Verona Airport, also known as Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN), is the closest to Lake Garda in northern Italy. It’s just 30 kilometers (or about 20 miles) from the lake’s southern shore. This makes it the most direct and convenient way to get to this beautiful area.
Other airports like Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), Milan’s Linate (LIN) and Malpensa (MXP), and Venice (VCE) and Bologna (BLQ) are also nearby. But Verona Airport is the closest and easiest to reach for travelers.
Airport | Distance from Lake Garda | Travel Time |
---|---|---|
Verona Airport (VRN) | 30 km (20 miles) | Approximately 30 minutes |
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) | 80 km (50 miles) | 60-70 minutes |
Milan Linate Airport (LIN) | 100 km (63 miles) | 100-110 minutes |
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) | 190 km (112 miles) | 120-130 minutes |
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) | 190 km (112 miles) | 90-100 minutes |
Exploring the Nearest Airport to Lake Garda
Verona Airport is the best choice for those looking for the closest airport to Lake Garda. It’s well-located and has great transport links. From Verona Airport, you can quickly get to Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, and other popular spots around the lake.
Milan Bergamo Airport is another good option, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Lake Garda. It’s not as close as Verona but offers more flight options and can be more budget-friendly for some travelers.
Venice Airport: Gateway to the South Shore
Venice Airport, also known as Venice Marco Polo Airport, is a good choice for reaching Lake Garda’s southern shores. It’s about 140 km from the lake’s southern towns. This makes it a handy starting point for exploring the area.
Distance and Location of Venice Airport
Venice Airport is about 140 km from Lake Garda’s southern towns like Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda. The drive to these places can take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Transportation Options from Venice Airport to Lake Garda
There are several ways to get from Venice Airport to Lake Garda’s southern towns:
- Shuttle Bus Service: The airport has a shuttle bus to the Venezia Mestre train station. From there, you can take a direct train to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda.
- Train: At the Venezia Mestre station, you can catch a high-speed train or a fast regional train (with a stop in Verona) to the southern shore towns of Lake Garda.
- Car Rental: You can also rent a car at Venice Airport. This way, you can drive to your destination around Lake Garda using the region’s toll highways.
Venice Airport is a good option for those wanting to see the northern tip of Lake Garda. It also offers easy access to the Verona area.
Milan Airports: Linate and Malpensa
Travelers heading to Lake Garda from Milan can choose from two main airports: Linate and Malpensa. Both airports offer ways to get to the beautiful lake. However, the distance and how to get there differ.
Distance and Location of Milan Linate and Malpensa Airports
Linate Airport is just 7 kilometers southeast of Milan’s city center. It’s the closest airport to the city’s heart. Malpensa Airport, on the other hand, is about 50 kilometers northwest of Milan. It’s roughly 190 kilometers from Lake Garda.
Reaching Lake Garda from Milan’s Airports
There are several ways to get to Lake Garda from Milan’s airports. From Linate, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to Milan’s central train station. Then, you can catch a train to the lake’s western and southern shores.
Malpensa Airport also offers shuttle buses and trains to the lake region. If you prefer driving, both airports have rental car agencies. This way, you can drive to your destination around Lake Garda, especially in the northern and western areas.
Airport | Distance to Lake Garda | Transportation Options |
---|---|---|
Milan Linate Airport (LIN) | 100 km | Shuttle bus to Milan central train station Taxi Rental car |
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) | 190 km | Shuttle bus to Milan central train station Taxi Rental car |
Bologna Airport: A Potential Option
Bologna Airport, also known as Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, is a good choice for reaching Lake Garda, Italy. It’s in Bologna and has a shuttle bus to Bologna Centrale train station. From there, you can take a train to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda.
Though not as close as Verona Airport, Bologna Airport is still a good option. It’s about 160 km from Lake Garda’s southern shores. This makes it a good choice for exploring Italy’s beautiful regions.
Airport | Distance from Lake Garda |
---|---|
Verona Airport | 35 km |
Milan Bergamo Airport | 85 km |
Bologna Airport | 160 km |
Venice Airport | 160 km |
Milan Linate Airport | 120 km |
Milan Malpensa Airport | 170 km |
Travelers thinking of using Bologna Airport for Lake Garda will find it easy. From the airport, take a shuttle to Bologna Centrale. Then, catch a train to the southern shore towns. This is great for those who want more travel options or to see other parts of Italy.
Treviso Airport: An Alternative Choice
Treviso Airport is a good choice for getting to Lake Garda, even though it’s not as close as Verona Airport. It’s near the city of Treviso and offers easy access to the lake’s northern and western parts. This makes it perfect for those with a rental car.
Distance and Location of Treviso Airport
Treviso Airport is about 163 kilometers (101 miles) from Peschiera del Garda, a key town on Lake Garda’s southern shore. It’s just 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Treviso city. This makes it easy to reach for those exploring the area.
Getting to Lake Garda from Treviso Airport
- By Rental Car: Treviso Airport is close to highways, making it great for those with a car. It takes about 2 hours or less to reach Lake Garda’s northern and western areas.
- By Public Transportation: Taking public transit from Treviso Airport to Lake Garda involves more stops and changes. You’ll need to use buses or trains to get to the lake’s towns and villages.
Even though Treviso Airport is not the closest to Lake Garda, it’s still a good option, especially with a rental car. Planning your trip well can make your journey to this beautiful Italian spot smooth and enjoyable.
Airport | Distance to Lake Garda | Location |
---|---|---|
Verona Airport | 22 km (14 mi) | Peschiera del Garda |
Brescia Airport | 21 km (13 mi) | Desenzano del Garda |
Bergamo Airport | 79 km (49 mi) | Desenzano del Garda |
Milan Linate Airport | 110 km (68 mi) | Desenzano del Garda |
Venice Airport | 146 km (91 mi) | Peschiera del Garda |
Treviso Airport | 163 km (101 mi) | Peschiera del Garda |
Bolzano Airport | 104 km (65 mi) | Riva del Garda |
Innsbruck Airport | 224 km (139 mi) | Riva del Garda |
Comparing Airport Options: Pros and Cons
Planning a trip to Lake Garda in Italy means choosing an airport first. There are several airports near the lake. It’s key to know the pros and cons of each to have a smooth trip. Let’s look at what to consider when picking the best airport for your Lake Garda adventure.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airport
The airport’s distance to Lake Garda matters a lot. Verona Airport is closest, perfect for the southern and eastern shores. Milan Bergamo Airport and the Milan airports (Linate and Malpensa) are better for the western and northern parts of the lake.
Think about how easy it is to get from the airport to your destination. Verona Airport has direct shuttles and easy public transport. The Milan airports might need more travel and connections.
Where you’re staying on the lake also affects your airport choice. For Sirmione on the southern shore, Verona Airport is best. For northern towns like Riva del Garda, Milan airports are better.
Airport | Proximity to Lake Garda | Transportation Options | Best Suited for |
---|---|---|---|
Verona Airport | Closest, about 20 minutes | Direct shuttle services, public transportation | Southern and eastern shore of Lake Garda |
Milan Bergamo Airport | 30-60 minutes | Requires more connections | Western and northern regions of Lake Garda |
Milan Linate and Malpensa Airports | 30-60 minutes | Requires more connections | Western and northern regions of Lake Garda |
Venice Airport | Longer travel time | Requires more connections | Southern shore of Lake Garda |
Bologna Airport | Longer travel time | Requires more connections | Limited options for Lake Garda |
Treviso Airport | Longer travel time | Requires more connections | Limited options for Lake Garda |
The right airport for your Lake Garda trip depends on your plans and where you’re going. By thinking about these factors, you can have a smooth journey. This way, you’ll enjoy your time exploring Lake Garda.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Journey
Exploring Lake Garda in Italy is an unforgettable experience. But, planning your airport transportation in advance is key for a smooth trip. With several airports around, knowing your options is crucial. This includes shuttle buses, trains, and car rentals to your lake destination.
Planning Your Transportation from the Airport
To enjoy Lake Garda fully, learn about the local transport. This includes the frequent ferry services connecting towns. It’s a great way to see the medieval castles, charming villages, and scenic trails.
Exploring Lake Garda’s Towns and Attractions
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, so plan your visit well. Aim to spend 3-4 days to fully experience its beauty and towns. Don’t miss Sirmione, Limone sul Garda, and Gardaland theme park for families.
By planning ahead and exploring, your trip to Lake Garda will be memorable and stress-free.
Conclusion
Lake Garda in Northern Italy is a beautiful spot, easily reached by several nearby airports. You can fly into Verona, Milan Bergamo, Venice, or other airports. This gives you easy access to this stunning lakeside area.
Think about the airports’ closeness, transportation links, and your Lake Garda destination. This way, you’ll have a smooth and fun trip to Italy. With the right airport and travel plans, you’re ready to explore Lake Garda.
Lake Garda has charming towns, historic sites, outdoor fun, and top theme parks. It’s a memorable trip for anyone wanting to see Northern Italy’s best. By picking the closest airport and using the region’s transport, you’ll have a great Lake Garda travel experience.
Q: What are the closest airports near Lake Garda?
A: The closest airports near Lake Garda are Verona Villafranca (VRN), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY). Each offers various options for travelers looking to get to the lake.
Q: How can I get from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda?
A: You can travel from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda by car, taxi, or take a train. The train option usually involves a transfer, but it’s a scenic way to get to your destination on the lake!
Q: Which airport is best for visiting the southern side of the lake?
A: If you’re heading to the southern side of the lake, Verona Villafranca (VRN) is your best bet. It’s close to popular towns like Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda.
Q: Are there direct flights to Lake Garda?
A: There aren’t any direct flights to Lake Garda itself, but you can easily fly to nearby airports like Verona Villafranca or Bergamo, and then travel by car or train to reach the lake.
Q: How do I travel to Lake Garda by train?
A: If you want to travel by train, you can take a train from Milan or Bergamo to Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda. Both towns have train stations, and from there, you can catch a local bus or taxi to your final destination on the lake.
Q: What are the best airlines for cheap flights to Lake Garda?
A: Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air often have cheap flights to Milan Bergamo (BGY) or Verona Villafranca (VRN). Keep an eye out for deals to score the best prices!
Q: What’s the easiest way to get to Lake Garda from Milan Malpensa?
A: The easiest way to get from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Lake Garda is to rent a car or take a shuttle service. You can also take a train from Milan to Desenzano del Garda, but it will involve a transfer.
Q: Is there a ferry service on Lake Garda?
A: Yes! There are ferry services that operate on Lake Garda, connecting various towns around the lake. It’s a great way to explore different areas without the hassle of driving!
Q: Can I travel to Lake Garda from Venice?
A: Absolutely! You can take a train from Venice to either Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda. It’s a scenic trip and a popular route for those looking to explore the lake.
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