How to Get from Milan to Lake Garda

The distance from Milan to Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is 119 km. You can get from Milan to the city of Desenzano del Garda by train in just an hour or rent a car upon arrival at any airport of Milan. Let’s take a closer look at the features of each option.

By train

Regional and high-speed trains run from Milano Centrale to Desenzano. I advise you to buy tickets in advance only at Italotreno – modern and comfortable trains that are rarely late.

Travel time to Lake Garda is 51 minutes, departing from Milan three times a day: at 8:34 a.m., 1:34 p.m, and 4:34 p.m.

A second class ticket costs from 12 to 20 EUR, business-class from 16 to 30 EUR. If you e-buy in advance, you can manage to buy them for only 10 EUR.

Trenitalia trains go to Desenzano from Milan approximately once an hour.

The cheapest way is to go to Garda from Milan on the regional train for 9.20 EUR. Usually, there is no seat reservation on such trains, so take any free seat. The estimated travel time is 1 hour 22 minutes but allow for 2 hours, as they are often delayed.

A ticket for a regional train can be purchased on the day of departure at the station – the fee is always the same.

By car

It takes about an hour and a half to drive from Milan to Lake Garda. You can, immediately upon arrival, pick up a car booked in advance and go on a trip. Some sections of the A35 and A4 highways are paid, so prepare 9.10 EUR. You can make a route through Bergamo (Bergamo) and plan a walk there for two or three hours, or go through Treviglio (Treviglio) – there. You can also make a stop to explore the city. I am sure that now you can easily get to Lake Garda from Milan.

If you need advice on the route, I will be happy to answer your questions in the comments.