Which Airport for Lake Garda is Nearest?

Closest Airport to Lake Garda: A Local’s Complete Guide to Flying Into Italy’s Lake District

After twenty years of living on the shores of Lake Garda and countless airport pickups for visiting friends and family, I’ve become something of an expert in navigating the various flight options to reach Italy’s largest lake. As someone who regularly travels internationally for my writing assignments, I’ve experienced firsthand the pros and cons of every airport serving our magnificent region. This guide shares my hard-won knowledge to help you start your Lake Garda adventure on the right foot.

Verona Airport (VRN): The Closest and Most Convenient Option

Distance to Lake Garda: 15-40 km (depending on your destination)
My typical transfer time: 20-50 minutes

Aeroporto Valerio Catullo di Verona, commonly known as Verona Villafranca Airport, is undoubtedly the closest and most convenient gateway to Lake Garda. Sitting just 15 km from the southern shores of the lake, this compact but efficient airport has become my personal favorite for both my own travels and recommendations to visitors.

Last summer, my sister’s family flew directly from London to Verona and reached their hotel in Peschiera del Garda before their checked luggage would have even made it to the carousel at the larger Milan airports. The proximity is simply unbeatable.

Airlines serving Verona: Primarily European carriers including Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Dolomiti, Volotea, and Wizz Air. The airport handles direct flights from major European cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Brussels, Munich, and many more.

Seasonal considerations: Verona’s flight schedule expands significantly during the summer months (April-October), with many additional routes from across Europe. In winter, while service continues, the frequency decreases except for flights serving the nearby ski destinations.

My insider tip: Verona Airport has a distinctly civilized feel compared to the hectic pace of Milan’s airports. Security lines rarely exceed 15 minutes even in peak season—a stark contrast to the 45+ minutes I’ve endured at Malpensa. However, food options are limited and overpriced. I always pick up a panino from Bar Arilica in Peschiera before heading to the airport for departures.

Milan Airports: More Flight Options With Longer Transfers

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)

Distance to Lake Garda: 60-90 km
My typical transfer time: 45-75 minutes

Officially named Orio al Serio International Airport but commonly known as Milan Bergamo, this airport has become increasingly popular for Lake Garda visitors due to its extensive network of budget flights. Located east of Milan and closer to Lake Garda than Milan’s other airports, Bergamo serves as a major hub for Ryanair.

Why I sometimes choose Bergamo: When flying to destinations not served by Verona, particularly in Eastern Europe or less common Western European cities, Bergamo often provides direct flights where Verona would require connections. Just last month, I flew from Bergamo to Kraków—a route unavailable from Verona.

The transfer reality: The drive from Bergamo to the western shores of Lake Garda (Salò, Gardone, Limone) follows a straightforward route via the A4 highway. However, summer weekend traffic can double journey times. I’ve learned to avoid Friday afternoon arrivals like the plague after once spending three hours on what should have been a 65-minute drive to Desenzano.

Budget traveler bonus: For those watching expenses, Bergamo offers a cost-effective public transport option. The airport bus to Brescia (€12) connects with trains to Desenzano del Garda, from where local buses serve most lake towns. The total journey takes about 2.5 hours but can save substantial amounts compared to private transfers.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Distance to Lake Garda: 135-165 km
My typical transfer time: 1.5-2.5 hours

As northern Italy’s largest international airport, Milan Malpensa offers something crucial that closer airports can’t match: intercontinental direct flights. If you’re traveling from North America, the Middle East, or Asia, Malpensa likely provides your most direct route to Lake Garda.

When Malpensa makes sense: Despite the longer transfer, I still recommend Malpensa to my American friends. The time saved by avoiding European connections usually outweighs the additional ground transportation time. My brother’s family from Boston saved nearly four hours overall by flying directly to Malpensa rather than connecting through London to Verona.

Transfer options I trust: The most straightforward route from Malpensa to Lake Garda follows the A8 and A4 highways. Private transfers start around €180-230 one-way to most lake destinations. Alternatively, the Malpensa Express train connects to Milano Centrale station, from where regular trains run to Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda.

My hard-learned lesson: Malpensa’s distant location means you’re vulnerable to Milan’s notorious traffic. After nearly missing a flight due to unexpected congestion, I now add an extra hour to recommended transit times when passing anywhere near Milan during weekday mornings or evenings.

Milan Linate Airport (LIN)

Distance to Lake Garda: 115-145 km
My typical transfer time: 1.5-2 hours

Milan’s city airport primarily serves domestic and short-haul European flights. While not typically the first choice for Lake Garda visitors, Linate occasionally offers convenient connections or significantly cheaper fares that make it worth considering.

The Linate advantage: Being smaller than Malpensa, Linate offers quicker processing times upon arrival. I’ve gone from airplane seat to taxi in under 25 minutes—something unheard of at larger airports. The trade-off is fewer flight options and still a considerable distance to Lake Garda.

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): An Option for Eastern Lake Garda

Distance to Lake Garda: 130-160 km to eastern shores
My typical transfer time: 1.5-2 hours

Venice’s primary airport becomes a logical option if you’re planning to stay in the eastern part of Lake Garda, particularly towns like Malcesine, Torri del Benaco, or Brenzone. While still a considerable distance, the route avoids Milan’s congestion zones.

When Venice makes sense: I often recommend Venice Marco Polo to visitors planning a multi-destination Italian vacation including both Venice and Lake Garda. Flying into Venice, spending a few days there, and then renting a car to drive to the eastern shores of Lake Garda creates a natural itinerary with minimal backtracking.

The scenic route bonus: The drive from Venice to eastern Lake Garda via the A4 and then north along the lake shore ranks among the most picturesque airport transfers in Italy, particularly the dramatic approach to Malcesine with Monte Baldo as the backdrop. I often take this route even when it’s not the most direct, simply for the views.

Brescia Airport (VBS): The Sleeper Option

Distance to Lake Garda: 30-50 km
My typical transfer time: 30-45 minutes

Technically the second-closest airport to Lake Garda, Brescia Airport (also called Gabriele D’Annunzio Airport) has very limited commercial service. Most years it handles only a handful of scheduled routes, primarily from southern Italy and occasional seasonal charter flights.

Worth monitoring: While not currently a major player, Brescia’s proximity to Lake Garda makes it worth checking, as routes can change seasonally. Last summer, they briefly operated flights from Brussels, creating a convenient option for Belgian visitors that unfortunately didn’t continue into this year.

Choosing Your Airport: Factors Beyond Mere Distance

After years of advising visitors, I’ve learned that the “best” airport depends on several factors beyond simple proximity:

Flight Availability and Price

The reality is that direct flights nearly always trump proximity advantages. I recently saved €200 per person and four hours of total travel time by flying to Bergamo rather than connecting through Munich to Verona. Use flight comparison tools to check all regional airports before deciding.

Your Lake Garda Destination

Lake Garda stretches 52 km from north to south, meaning your specific destination significantly impacts airport choice:

• Southern Lake Garda (Sirmione, Desenzano, Peschiera): Verona Airport is the clear winner
• Western Shore (Salò, Gardone, Limone): Consider Bergamo as a strong alternative
• Eastern Shore (Malcesine, Torri del Benaco): Verona is still best, but Venice becomes competitive
• Northern Lake Garda (Riva del Garda, Torbole): Verona remains closest, but transfer times increase to about 1 hour

Seasonal Considerations

During peak summer months (June-August), transfer times from all airports can increase substantially due to tourist traffic. I’ve experienced the normal 25-minute drive from Verona Airport to Peschiera stretch to 50+ minutes on August Saturdays.

Winter brings different challenges. While roads are generally clearer, fog can affect the A4 highway between Milan and Verona, occasionally causing delays. The upside is that airports are less congested during winter months (except around Christmas and New Year).

My Personal Airport Rankings for Lake Garda

After countless flights and airport transfers, here’s how I rank the options for most Lake Garda visitors:

1. Verona Airport: The clear winner for convenience if flight options suit your needs
2. Milan Bergamo: Best alternative with excellent budget flight connections
3. Venice Marco Polo: Strong option for eastern shore destinations or multi-center trips
4. Milan Malpensa: Best for intercontinental travelers despite longer transfers
5. Milan Linate: Consider only if significantly cheaper fares or uniquely convenient flight times
6. Brescia Airport: Check for occasional convenient routes, but don’t count on options

Final Thoughts: The Airport Is Just the Beginning

Whichever gateway you choose, remember that Lake Garda’s magnificence will quickly make you forget any transfer inconveniences. I still recall the American family I guided last summer who complained about their two-hour journey from Malpensa—until we crested the hill near Desenzano and the afternoon sun sparkled across the vast blue waters of the lake. The father turned to me and said, “I’d have driven twice as far for this view.”

After twenty years, I still feel the same way every time I return home. The journey to Lake Garda may begin at various airports, but the destination never disappoints.

Eugenio Moretti has been writing about Lake Garda for two decades. His guidebook “Lake Garda: A Local’s Perspective” is available throughout the region and online.

———

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.