Which Airport for Lake Garda is Nearest?

Which Airport for Lake Garda to Choose?

If you are asking yourself which is the  nearest airport to Lake Garda than in this guide we will give detailed info about this.

Your Guide to Airports and Transportation for Visiting Italy’s Lake Garda

With its picturesque Alpine setting, medieval villages, and famous Italian charm, Lake Garda makes for an idyllic vacation. But before enjoying la dolce vita on Italy’s largest lake, you must address the logistics of arriving. Which airport is closest? What are the transportation options from airports to the Lake Garda area? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

With its scenic Mediterranean shores, charming villages, and stunning mountain backdrop, Lake Garda promises the quintessential Italian getaway. But before reveling in bellissima life on Italy’s largest lake, you must first reach this beloved destination. The nearest airports to Lake Garda provide ideal entry points to access the region.

Your Gateway to La Dolce Vita: Accessing Italy’s Lake Garda from Nearby Airports

Strategic proximity and excellent ground transportation connect these airports to the lake’s many picturesque towns. Let’s explore the closest air hubs for jetsetting to Lake Garda, plus budget-friendly to luxury transfer options.

Nearest Airports to Lake Garda

1. Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)

The nearest airport to lake garda is VRN Verona Airport. Located just 20 km south of Lake Garda, Verona Villafranca Airport (also called Valerio Catullo Airport) is the closest major international airport. Verona offers direct flights from several European cities on carriers like Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Eurowings. The convenient proximity makes airport transfers to Lake Garda fast and easy.

2. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Around 130 km from Lake Garda, Milan Malpensa Airport serves as a major intercontinental hub with regular flights from cities worldwide. It takes just over 2 hours to reach Lake Garda via direct train or shuttle bus. Visitors coming from outside Europe can connect through Malpensa.

3. Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)

Located 60 km southeast of Lake Garda, Milan Bergamo Airport offers low-cost flights across Europe on Ryanair and other budget carriers. Transfers to Lake Garda average about 1 hour by bus or private car. Its manageable size can be less chaotic than Malpensa.

4. Brescia Montichiari Airport (VBS)

Situated just 27 km south of Lake Garda, this smaller regional airport has limited flights from destinations like London, Bucharest, and Kiev. But its proximity makes for fast 40-minute transfers to the lake.

Airport Transfer Options to Lake Garda

1. Rental Car

Driving yourself gives maximum flexibility and convenience for airport transfers. Pick up a rental car right at the airport and follow signs to Lake Garda. Average times are 20 minutes from Verona, just over 2 hours from Milan and Bergamo, and under an hour from Brescia. Stopping at towns along the way lets you settle in gradually.

Need to hire a car from Verona to Lake Garda Destinations?

2. Train

Italy boasts an extensive rail network reaching Lake Garda’s stations in Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda. From Verona airport, direct trains get you to lakeside towns in 20-40 minutes. From Milan airports, opt for trains directly to Desenzano or change in Milan/Brescia. Journey times average 2-3 hours from Malpensa and 1 hour from Bergamo.

3. Shuttle Bus

Shared minibus shuttles offer an affordable, convenient option from the airports to Lake Garda resorts. They pick up passengers at the airport and make stops around the lake. No transfers or reservations needed. Fares usually range 10-25 euros one-way. Total journey times are around 20-40 minutes from Verona, 1-1.5 hours from Bergamo, and 2-2.5 hours from Malpensa.

4. Private Transfer

For maximum flexibility and door-to-door convenience, book a private taxi or minivan transfer from any airport direct to your Lake Garda accommodation. Companies like ItalyTransfer and GardaTransfer offer fixed rates of 60-120 euros for rides from Verona or Milan airports lasting 1-3 hours. Ideal for families or groups.

5. Public Bus

Public buses like the Aerobus run from Verona, Bergamo and Brescia airports to their respective train stations in the city centers. From there you can transfer to buses operated by Trentino Trasporti and FlixBus that go to Lake Garda destinations. Total travel times are 1-4 hours. An affordable but slower option requiring transfers.

Key Towns and Resorts to Reach

The Lake Garda area stretches nearly 50 km end-to-end, so consider proximity to your destination when choosing an airport and transfer option. Here are driving times to key towns:

• Verona to Sirmione/Peschiera: 25-35 minutes
• Verona to Bardolino/Garda/Malcesine: 45-60 minutes
• Verona to Riva Del Garda/Limone sul Garda: 1-1.5 hours
• Milan/Bergamo to Desenzano: 1 hour
• Milan/Bergamo to Sirmione: 1.25-1.5 hours
• Milan/Bergamo to Riva del Garda: 2-2.5 hours

Whichever airport you fly into, Lake Garda’s sublime scenery and villages make the journey worthwhile. Knowing your route and airport transfer choices ahead of time alleviates hassles upon arrival in Italy. With this insider’s guide, you can seamlessly plan travels to one of Europe’s most spectacular lakes.

Verona Airport

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) is the nearest major airport to Lake Garda at just 20 km (12 miles) southeast. It offers the closest international air links plus quick and easy access to the lake’s southern resort towns.

The airport serves direct flights from over 100 destinations across Europe and the Middle East on carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and more. Verona Airport can be reached in under an hour by train from Venice and Milan.

Upon arrival, private shuttles, taxis, rental cars, and public buses provide direct connections to Lake Garda in as little as 20-30 minutes. Opt for trains or your own wheels to reach northern destinations like Riva del Garda or Limone sul Garda in around an hour.

With its proximity and wealth of ground transport choices, Verona Airport is the top international gateway to Lake Garda’s countless attractions.

Bergamo Airport

Located 70 km (43 miles) from Lake Garda, Bergamo Airport (BGY) is the second closest option. Over 40 budget and legacy airlines offer flights from Bergamo, including major low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Shuttle buses provide an affordable direct link from Bergamo Airport to Lake Garda in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Taxis and rental cars offer more flexibility to reach your chosen town in under 1.5 hours. Trains connect to towns on the southeast shores like Desenzano del Garda.

Though farther than Verona, Bergamo remains very manageable for accessing Lake Garda. It’s a hub for cheap flights from across Europe on carriers like easyJet and Vueling Airlines.

Milan Airports

The Milan metropolitan area has three primary airports, all under 110 km (70 miles) from Lake Garda:

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) – 100 km (62 miles) away. Major intercontinental flights. Milan Linate Airport (LIN) – 108 km (67 miles) away. Domestic and European flights.
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) – 70 km (43 miles) away. Low-cost flights.

From any of these, count on 1.5-2 hours transfer time to Lake Garda’s resort towns. Malpensa has direct shuttle buses, while trains connect efficiently to Linate and Bergamo. Taxis and rental cars remain good options.

For global connections and accessibility to Milan, these airports provide solid access points to Italy’s largest lake. Malpensa serves as the major intercontinental Italian hub.

Venice Airport

At 140 km (87 miles) from Lake Garda, Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) sits just over an hour’s drive east. It’s well connected by trains, buses and taxis. Venice Airport is great for routing into northern Lake Garda from destinations like Toronto, New York, Dubai, and Istanbul.

Other Nearby Airports

Several smaller nearby airfields offer regional flights within Italy and Europe:

• Brescia Airport (VBS), 45 km southwest with Ryanair flights
• Parma Airport (PMF), 150 km southeast with Ryanair flights
• Treviso Airport (TSF), 155 km east with Ryanair and Wizz Air flights

These provide additional options proximate to Lake Garda if you find deals on flights.

Reaching Lake Garda by Train

Italy’s extensive rail network links Lake Garda’s train stations to Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and across Europe. Major stations around the lake like Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda connect to cities like Verona, Mantua, and Brescia. Use timetables at Trenitalia.com to plan your route.

Shuttle Services

Shared and private shuttles offer direct transfers from airports to Lake Garda resorts and towns. Companies like GardaShuttle transfer from Verona, Milan, and Venice starting around €15 per person. Private taxis for up to 8 passengers cost €100-180. Pre-booking is required.

Rental Cars

Renting a car provides flexibility to explore Lake Garda’s towns at your own pace. Verona, Bergamo, Milan, Venice and Brescia airports have on-site rental desks. Rates average €25-60 per day for economy vehicles. Auto trains from Milan/Verona simplify one-way rentals.

Verona Airport Car Hire

Taxis

Official airport taxis run €100-250 for rides from Verona, Milan and Venice airports to Lake Garda (1-2 hours). Prices are fixed based on destination. Taxis give convenience but cost more than shuttles or trains.

Tour Packages

Some airline and travel packages include ground transport from airports to Lake Garda. Booking a package deal bundles flights, hotels and airport transfers. Multi-day tours may include pick-up at Milan or Venice airports.

Lake Garda’s stunning locale warrants flying from across the globe. Fortunately, its convenient access from nearby airports in Northern Italy makes the journey smooth. Evaluate your priorities – cost, time, flexibility – to pick the best airport and transfer options for your Italian getaway. Soon you’ll be lakeside soaking up the dolce vita atmosphere after quick access from these ideal nearby hubs.

How to get from Verona Airport to Sirmione

FAQs: 

1. The Nearest Aerodrome to Lake Garda?
   • The nearest major is Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), also known as Verona Airport. It provides convenient access to the lake and its surrounding areas.
2. How far is Verona Villafranca Airport?
   • Verona Villafranca Airport is approximately 15 to 20 kilometers away from the southern shores of Lake Garda, making it a convenient gateway for travelers.
3. Are there other airports that can be used to reach Lake Garda?
   • Yes, there are a few other airports that can serve as entry points to Lake Garda. These include Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) and Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP), although they are located at a greater distance from the lake.
4. Is transportation readily available from Verona Airport to Lake Garda?
   • Yes, there are various transportation options available from Verona Villafranca Airport to Lake Garda, including buses, taxis, and rental cars, ensuring easy connectivity.
5. Are there direct flights to Verona Villafranca Airport from major cities?
   • Verona Villafranca Airport is well-connected with direct flights from several major cities in Europe, making it a convenient choice for travelers planning a visit to Lake Garda.
6. How long does it take to reach Garda from Verona Airport?
   • The travel time from Villafranca Airport to different parts of Lake Garda varies, but it generally takes around 20 to 40 minutes by road to reach popular lakeside towns.