How to Get from Verona to Sirmione

How to Get from Verona to Sirmione

After fifteen years of living in the Lake Garda region and guiding countless friends and family members between Verona and Sirmione, I’ve perfected every possible route between these two gems of northern Italy. As a local writer who makes this journey at least twice a month, I’m sharing my insider knowledge on navigating between Verona’s romantic streets and Sirmione’s enchanting peninsula.

The Bus Route: My Weekend Ritual

The direct bus from Verona to Sirmione has become my weekend ritual when I need to escape the city’s bustle for Lake Garda’s tranquility. Bus line 26 departs from Corso Porta Nuova, just south of Piazza Bra in Verona’s center. The journey officially takes 53 minutes, but I’ve learned to add a 10-15 minute buffer, especially during summer months when lake-bound traffic can build up.

My insider tip: While most tourists crowd onto the morning buses, I prefer the 11:30 AM departure. By then, the morning rush has subsided, and you’ll actually find seats together if you’re traveling as a pair or group. The bus drops you just outside Sirmione’s walls, a short five-minute walk to the medieval bridge entrance.

I made the mistake once of taking the last evening bus back (the 8:30 PM service) during a summer festival weekend, and ended up standing the entire way. Now I religiously check the APTV website for updated schedules before traveling, particularly on Sundays when services are reduced.

The Train-Bus Combination: For the Budget-Conscious

When I’m feeling particularly frugal or traveling with visitors on tight budgets, I opt for the train-bus combination. From Verona Porta Nuova station, regional trains depart hourly to Desenzano del Garda (€4.30 one-way, journey time approximately 20-25 minutes). From Desenzano station, local buses run to Sirmione approximately every 30 minutes (€1.50 one-way).

What the guidebooks won’t tell you: The last connecting bus from Desenzano to Sirmione departs surprisingly early (around 7:20 PM), which has caught out many of my visiting friends. If you’re planning dinner in Sirmione, you’ll need a different return strategy.

Driving: Freedom With Caveats

I keep my old Fiat parked in Verona most days, but when I need to transport visitors or stay late for one of Sirmione’s summer concerts, driving provides unmatched flexibility. The route is straightforward: take the A4 highway toward Milan and exit at Sirmione. The drive typically takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

The parking reality: During my first year here, I naively thought I could find street parking in Sirmione during August. I ended up circling for almost an hour before reluctantly paying €25 for a full day in one of the private lots. Now I exclusively use the large parking area at Largo Faselo Bitinico (€2.50 per hour or €15 for the day), which is a seven-minute walk to the bridge entrance. It fills up by 11 AM in summer, so I arrive by 9 AM if I’m driving during peak season.

ZTL warning: The historic center operates under strict ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) restrictions. I once received a €90 fine for driving past the Castle Bridge, despite my local credentials. Unless you have specific authorization from your hotel, park outside the old town.

The Taxi Option: My Time-Saving Splurge

When deadlines loom or when entertaining important visitors, I occasionally splurge on a taxi. The fixed fare from Verona city center to Sirmione runs around €70-80, and slightly more from the airport. While expensive, the door-to-door service saves valuable time and eliminates parking headaches.

Local insight: I’ve built a relationship with a reliable driver named Massimo (+39 332 23555 5) who knows all the back roads and can shave 10 minutes off the journey during high season by avoiding the main routes. If you book him, mention my name for the local rate.

Ferry Adventures: The Scenic Alternative

During the summer months (April to October), I sometimes combine transport methods by taking the train to Desenzano or Peschiera and then hopping on a ferry to Sirmione. The lake journey offers breathtaking views of the peninsula as you approach the water.

Worth noting: Ferry schedules change seasonally and are weather-dependent. I’ve been caught out more than once by canceled services due to strong winds. Always have a backup plan if traveling this way.

Timing Your Visit: A Local’s Calendar

After years of navigating the ebb and flow of tourists, I’ve developed a mental calendar for Sirmione visits:

• Midweek in May or September: My personal favorite times, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and full services.
• Tuesdays year-round: Noticeably quieter as most tour groups operate on other days.
• First Sunday of the month: Free entrance to Grotte di Catullo and Rocca Scaligera, but significantly more crowded.
• July weekends: Avoid unless absolutely necessary—traffic to enter Sirmione can back up for over an hour.

Beyond Transport: Making the Most of Your Arrival

Once you’ve arrived in Sirmione, make your first stop at Jamaica Beach, a rocky outcropping at the tip of the peninsula near Grotte di Catullo. While tourists crowd the old town shops, this spectacular swimming spot offers crystal-clear waters and dramatic white rock formations. I bring my morning espresso here at least once a week during summer, before the day visitors arrive.

For lunch, skip the overpriced restaurants along the main street. Instead, I recommend Trattoria La Fiasca on Via San Martino della Battaglia—it’s where the local shopkeepers eat, with daily specials that won’t break the bank.

The Return Journey: Timing Is Everything

When heading back to Verona, I never plan to leave Sirmione between 5-7 PM. The single-lane exit from the peninsula creates bottlenecks that can turn a 40-minute journey into a two-hour ordeal. Instead, I either depart by 4 PM or linger for dinner and leave after 8 PM when the day-trippers have gone.

Whether you’re coming for thermal baths, Roman ruins, medieval architecture, or simply to soak in the lake views, the journey between Verona and Sirmione is part of the experience. Each transportation option offers a different perspective on this stunning corner of Italy that I’m fortunate enough to call home.

Eugenio Moretti has been writing about Lake Garda for fifteen years. His guidebook “Hidden Corners of Lake Garda” is available in select bookshops throughout the region.

FAQs: How to Get from Verona to Sirmione

What are the transportation options for traveling from Verona to Sirmione?

You can travel by train, bus, taxi, or car.

How long does it take to get by train?

The train journey typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes.

Are there direct trains available from Verona to Sirmione?

Yes, there are direct train connections between Verona and Sirmione.

How frequently do the trains run between Verona and Sirmione?

Trains between Verona and Sirmione operate regularly throughout the day, with multiple departures.

Can I take a bus from Verona to Sirmione?

Yes, buses also serve the route. The bus journey usually takes around 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Where can I find the bus or train schedule and ticket information?

You can check the official websites of the local transportation companies or use online travel platforms to find schedules and purchase tickets.

Is it recommended to book tickets in advance for the journey?

While it’s not always necessary, booking tickets in advance can secure your seat and sometimes offer discounted fares.

Can I take a Taxi?

Yes, taxis are available and provide a more personalized and direct transfer.

How long does it take by car?

The drive from is approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Is there parking available in Sirmione if I choose to drive my own car?

Yes, Sirmione has various parking areas available for visitors.

Things to Do in SirmioneThings to Do in SirmioneThings to Do in Sirmione