Italian roads can be intimidating, especially if you’re not used to the local driving style. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on where to stay in Lake Garda without a car so you can have a relaxing trip without white knuckling a steering wheel.
Lake Garda is Italy‘s largest lake, with many charming towns dotting its shoreline. Each has its own character, some towns are best for adventure sports whereas others are ideal for a romantic getaway spent lazing on beaches and dining all night.
After spending one month exploring Lake Garda without a car, I can say with utmost certainty that you do not need a car to enjoy your trip. This guide has the best towns to stay in Lake Garda without a car along with what to do, how to travel between Lake Garda towns, and recommended hotels based on your budget.
- Lake Garda Essentials
- Is It Worth Visiting Lake Garda With No Car?
- Getting To Lake Garda With No Car
- Getting Around Lake Garda Without Driving”
- 7 Best Towns To Stay In Lake Garda With No Car
- Should I Stay In Two Towns?
- Where To Stay In Lake Garda Based On Your Interests
- Final Thoughts
- Lake Garda With No Car FAQ
- Related Posts
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Lake Garda Essentials
Best time to visit: May, June, and September when temperatures are warm (20-25°C) without the intense summer heat or crowds. The conditions are perfect for exploring both towns and enjoying lake activities, though May + June can experience occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Travel Insurance: I recommend True Traveller for EU/UK citizens and World Nomads for anyone else. Both are highly reputable and reliable travel insurers.
Mobile Data: Airalo is a super convenient e-sim that you can just download to your phone and go! My code TARA1104 will give you a $3 discount.
Is It Worth Visiting Lake Garda With No Car?
If you are thinking of visiting Lake Garda with no car, you might be worried that you won’t get the full experience or that you’ll be stuck in one location.
I spent 4 weeks exploring Lake Garda with no car, relying on public transport and my legs. I had an amazing time and got to explore many nearby towns, hikes, and even day trips to Venice, Dolomites and Verona. It is possible to not only visit Lake Garda with no car but also have an epic time while doing so.
Although you will be tied to the public transport, it is frequent and goes far with options including bus, train and ferry. It is worth noting that east Lake Garda is much easier to explore without a car then the west side due to public transport limitations.
Getting To Lake Garda With No Car
The closest airport is Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport at 84 km away. However, you also might have luck finding more affordable flights to Milan’s Il Caravaggio International Airport which has many more flights daily, and is 130 km from Riva.
From the airport you can get a train to Rovereto if you are staying on the northern shore or to Peschiera if staying on the southern shore. Alternatively, there are buses that go directly to Lake Garda from the airport. You can check a list of buses for your particular dates here.
Getting Around Lake Garda Without Driving”
Bus
Lake Garda has an excellent bus service by ATV that includes routes around Lake Garda and to cities Venice and Verona.
- Line 484 is the main line to explore the eastern shore travelling from Riva to Garda.
- Line 483 goes further south from S.Benedetto – Peschiera – Lazise – Bardolino – Garda to Malcesine.
- LN027 goes between Desenzano and Riva del Garda, stopping at towns including Salo and Limone Sul Garda.
Lake Garda bus tickets can be purchased from the Verona bus app (iOS / Android) in advance, but you can also pay onboard with cash but that carries a surcharge.
Ferry
Certainly the most relaxing and scenic way to get around Lake Garda is by boat. You can reach many towns on the lake, with the possibility to travel from the southern town of Desenzano to northern Riva del Garda by ferry, however this will take up the entire day.
The local ferry company Navigazione Laghi has a fleet of 30 boats that includes hydrofoils, ferryboats, and catamarans. The largest boat has a capacity of 700 passengers.
You can purchase tickets from each port or book tickets online, I highly recommend advance booking during busy seasons. Timetables regularly change so make sure to check the latest schedule here.
Train
Trains only serve the southern towns of Desanzo and Peschiera, although if you are staying on the northern shore the closest train station is Roverto. From Roverto Station you can take a train to Verona, Desanzo or Peschiera del Garda in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
You can books trains in advance online here.
Bike
Many towns in Lake Garda offer bicycle rentals, with especially good cycling infrastructure around the northern lake. E-bikes are also available, if you would like a more leisurely ride.
7 Best Towns To Stay In Lake Garda With No Car
1. Riva Del Garda
If you’re flying into Verona or Milan and heading straight to Lake Garda without a car, Riva del Garda should be high on your list of places to consider.
Sitting at the northern tip of Lake Garda, Riva is the perfect balance between being distinctively Italian yet also having an Alpine flair. Thanks to its history as part of Austria until 1918, the town has managed to hold on to a cultural blend you won’t find elsewhere on the lake. You’ll notice subtle differences in the architecture and even some of the local dishes.
Riva’s landscape is worth a trip alone with dramatic mountains creating a fjord like landscape that’s more similar to Norway than the typical Italian scenery. The town itself is sheltered in a small bay, with the iconic Rocca fortress and Torre Apponale both dominating its skyline.
For travellers looking for an adventure, Riva is the best town on Lake Garda for hiking. The consistent winds make it a hotspot for windsurfers and sailors. Numerous hiking trails start from town, including the spectacular path to the Chapel of Santa Barbara, which has panoramic views that will flood your Instagram feed.
The food scene deserves special mention too. While you’ll find plenty of Italian classics, Riva’s menus often feature Alpine influences, with more hearty fare than you’d typically encounter further south.
Top Things To Do In Riva del Garda
- Walk or cycle the Sentiero del Ponale
- Hike to Chapel Santa Barbara
- Ride The Glass Funicular To The Bastione
- Day trip to Dolomites
- Self-guided Vespa tour
Riva del Garda Without A Car
Riva del Garda is one of the main transportation hubs around Lake Garda, with regular bus services connecting it to Trento and Verona. The bus station is centrally located, making it easy to roll your luggage from there to most hotels. Even better, Riva serves as a major ferry port, giving you easy access to other lake towns.
Once you’re there, Riva is entirely walkable. The historic centre is compact, with a lovely promenade that stretches along the lakefront. I’ve spent entire days just wandering between cafes, gelaterias, and little shops without ever feeling the need for wheels.
| Riva del Garda to… | Ferry | Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Malcesine | 1 hr 5 mins | 22 mins (484) |
| Garda | 2 hr 30 mins | 1 hr 5 mins (484 bus) |
| Sirmione | 3 hr 20 mins | 1 hr (484 or Flix) |
| Desenzano | 1 hr 50 mins | 1 hr 25 mins |
| Bardolino | 2 hrs 25 mins | 1 hr 35 mins (484) |
| Torbole | 15 mins | 8 mins (484) |
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Being at the northern end of the lake means longer ferry journeys if you want to explore southern towns like Sirmione, although the trips themselves are gorgeous. During high season (June-August), Riva gets busier, and accommodation prices rise accordingly.
Also, if you’re visiting in early spring or late fall, be aware that ferry schedules become more limited, potentially restricting your car free exploration options.
Hotels in Riva Del Garda
- Budget: Eagle Rooms
- Mid-range: Hotel Sole
- Luxury: Du Lac Et Du Parc
RELATED: 19 Best Things To Do In Riva del Garda
2. Malcesine
About halfway down the eastern shore, Malcesine might just be the most photogenic town on Lake Garda. Follow winding cobblestone streets uphill from the lake to the impressive Scaliger Castle.
The town’s medieval centre is straight out of a fairytale, with narrow alleys opening unexpectedly onto cute piazzas or glimpses of lake. Scaliger Castle dominates Malcesine’s skyline and offers museum exhibits along with 360 views from its tower.
A major highlight of Malcesine is Monte Baldo. Here you can take a rotating cable car to the top where you’ll find hiking trails for all abilities, wildflower meadows in spring and summer, and paragliding launch points for the adventurous.
Top Things To Do In Malcesine
- The Busatte Panoramico Loop
- Take the cable car to Monte Baldo
- Visit Scaliger Castle
- Weekend market
- Sunset cruise on board a wooden sailboat
Staying In Malcesine With No Car
Malcesine offers decent public transportation options. Ferries connect it to major towns around the lake, and buses run along the eastern shore.
| Malcesine to… | Ferry | Bus / Train |
|---|---|---|
| Riva del Garda | 1 hr 5 mins | 22 mins (484) |
| Garda | 1 hr 10 mins | 43 mins (484 bus) |
| Sirmione | N/A | 2 hr 25 mins (493 + LN026) |
| Desenzano | 1 hr 41 mins | 1 hr 50 mins (493 + train) |
| Bardolino | 2 hr 17 mins | 49 mins (493) |
| Torbole | 50 mins | 18 minutes (484) |
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Evening entertainment is more limited than in larger towns like Riva or Desenzano, it tends to feel empty once the day trippers have left. While there are plenty of restaurants and bars, don’t expect much nightlife but if you enjoy an evening stroll and a quiet dinner then this shouldn’t bother you.
Some of the Lake Garda’s attractions, such as vineyards and olive groves, are more accessible with private transportation. Without a car, you’ll be more limited to the town itself and destinations reachable by ferry or bus.
Hotels in Malcesine
- Budget: NATALI Appartamens
- Mid-range: Hotel Lago Di Garda
- Luxury: Hotel Vega
3. Garda Town
Sitting roughly midway along the eastern shore, Garda Town offers an ideal position for car free travellers wanting to explore both ends of the lake. Garda’s central position on the lake along with good ferry access and buses to the north of the lake make it one of the easiest places to stay with no car on Lake Garda.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Garda Town manages to maintain an authentic Italian atmosphere. The long lakefront promenade is perfect for an evening stroll, and the town features charming squares and narrow streets lined with cafes and shops.
The weekly market (held on Fridays) transforms the waterfront into a bazaar of local produce, clothing, and artisanal goods. It’s a little slice of authentic Italian life that you can enjoy without venturing far from your accommodation.
Don’t miss a visit to Punta San Vigilio, a romantic peninsula just north of town with cypress trees, a tiny harbour, and one of the lake’s most elegant villas. It’s about a 45-minute walk along the shore from Garda Town, or you can take a short bus ride. Additionally, Garda is an excellent base to stay for families in Lake Garda with both Gardaland and SEALIFE a short bus ride away.
Top Things To Do In Garda
- Visit the peninsula of Punta San Vigilio
- Spend a day at Gardaland Amusement Park
- Browse the Friday market
- Learn how to make homemade pasta with sauce at this local cooking class
Garda With No Car
Garda Town benefits from its central location with regular bus services running up and down the eastern shore. The ferry port connects to most major destinations around the lake. The town itself is flat and compact, making it easy to navigate on foot or bike.
| Garda to… | Ferry | Bus / Train |
|---|---|---|
| Riva del Garda | 2 hr 30 mins | 1 hr 5 mins (484 bus) |
| Malcesine | 1 hr 10 mins | 43 mins (484 bus) |
| Sirmione | 2 hr 40 mins | 1 hr 5 mins (451) |
| Desenzano | 1 hr 32 mins | 40 mins (164 + train) |
| Bardolino | 15 mins | 5 mins (164) |
| Torbole | 3 hr 30 mins | 1 hr (484) |
Sounds Too Good To Be True
While Garda Town has plenty of appeal, it lacks the dramatic mountain backdrop of northern towns or the peninsula setting of Sirmione. Some areas, especially toward the outskirts, feel more developed and less picturesque. This could be a disappointment for anyone hoping to be immersed in the scenery.
During high season, the main streets can get quite congested with tourists, though it’s still less crowded than hotspots like Sirmione.
Hotels in Garda
- Budget: Hotel Ristorante Miralago
- Mid-range: Hotel Remàt
- Luxury: Sky Pool Hotel Sole Garda
RELATED: Lake Garda to Dolomites Day Trip
4. Sirmione
If Lake Garda were to have a cover star, it would be Sirmione, it is one of the best towns on Lake Garda. This medieval town sits on a narrow peninsula jutting 4km into the southern lake, creating a uniquely beautiful setting with water on three sides.
The approach to Sirmione is unforgettable, crossing the narrow causeway with water on both sides, then passing through the castle gate into gelato shops and boutiques. The peninsula setting creates gorgeous views in every direction.
Sirmione also has an interesting history. At the peninsula’s tip lie the ruins of Grotte di Catullo, a Roman villa that once belonged to the poet Catullus. From here you also have stunning panoramas of the lake.
Sirmione is also known for its thermal waters. Terme di Sirmione operates spa facilities where you can soak in sulfur rich water while gazing at the lake, an experience I highly recommend for tired traveller’s feet after days of walking!
Top Things To Do In Sirmione
- Castello Scaligero di Sirmione
- the Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo
- Visit a thermal spa
- Church of Santa Maria della Neve
- Sirmione Village walking tour and boat ride
Sirmione With No Car
Sirmione’s old town is actually car free by design, making it perfect for visitors without vehicles. The old town begins after Scaliger Castle, which guards the entrance to the peninsula. Once inside, you’ll meander narrow colourful cobblestone streets designed long before cars even existed.
Ferries connect Sirmione to other main towns around the lake, though bus connections require a bit more walking to reach the main road outside the historic centre.
| Sirmione to… | Ferry | Bus / Train |
|---|---|---|
| Riva del Garda | 3 hr 20 mins | 1 hr (484 or Flix) |
| Malcesine | N/A | 2 hr 25 mins (493 + LN026) |
| Garda | 2 hr 40 mins | 1 hr 5 mins (451) |
| Desenzano | – | 12 mins (LN026) |
| Bardolino | 15 mins | 1 hr (LN026 + 493/164/483) |
| Torbole | 5 hrs | 2 hr 50 mins (Flix + 484) |
Sounds Too Good To Be True
There’s no sugarcoating it, Sirmione gets CROWDED. During summer days, the narrow streets become a sea of tourists, especially when day trippers arrive. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the town in early morning and evening when it’s more peaceful, but midday can feel overwhelmingly busy.
Accommodation tends to be pricier here than elsewhere on the lake, and booking well in advance is essential. The location, while stunning, also means longer travel times to northern lake attractions.
Hotels in Sirmione
- Budget: Poggio Al Lago Residence Hotel
- Mid-range: Hotel Du Parc
RELATED: Montserrat Hike Guide – Barcelona Day Trip
5. Desenzano del Garda
If practical connections are your priority, Desenzano del Garda offers the best transportation network of any Lake Garda town.
While it might lack the fairytale quality of Sirmione or the dramatic setting of Riva, Desenzano compensates with a more local Italian atmosphere. This is a real working town where locals outnumber tourists, especially outside peak season.
The extensive promenade and harbour area make for enjoyable walks, and the town has three different beaches. History buffs will appreciate the hilltop castle and the remains of a Roman villa with impressive mosaics.
Desenzano has an excellent evening atmosphere. It’s one of the few Lake Garda towns with genuine nightlife beyond just restaurants. The aperitivo scene is excellent, with locals and visitors mingling in the many bars around the old port and Piazza Malvezzi.
Top Things To Do In Desenzano del Garda
- Visit Desenzano Castle
- Take a stroll along Porto Vecchio (Old Port)
- Cooking class with a local who is part of the Cesarine (Italy’s oldest network of home cooks)
- Visit the Tower of St. Martin
- Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene
- E-bike tour with wine tasting
Desenzano With No Car
Desenzano has the only mainline train station directly on Lake Garda, with frequent connections to Milan, Verona, and Venice. This makes it exceptionally easy to reach without a car, and perfect for combining Lake Garda with visits to other Italian cities.
The bus station offers services to towns around the lake and beyond, while the ferry port connects to most major lakeside destinations. Within Desenzano itself, the town centre is walkable, though some attractions and beaches require a bit more effort to reach.
| Desenzano to… | Ferry | Bus / Train |
|---|---|---|
| Riva del Garda | 1 hr 50 mins | 1 hr 25 mins |
| Malcesine | 1 hr 41 mins | 1 hr 50 mins (493 + train) |
| Garda | 1 hr 32 mins | 40 mins (164 + train) |
| Sirmione | – | 12 mins (LN026) |
| Bardolino | 1 hr 20 mins | 1 hr (train + 493/483) |
| Torbole | 5 hrs | 3 hr 8 mins (2 trains + B332/B331) |
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Desenzano is spread out more than other lake towns, so be prepared for additional walking. Some areas feel more urban and less “Italian paradise on the lake” like Malcesine and Sirmione.
The beaches aren’t as idyllic as some others around the lake. If your Lake Garda dream centres on dramatic mountain views, you’ll find Desenzano’s landscape less spectacular than northern towns.
Hotels in Desenzano
- Budget: La Villa Desenzano
- Mid-range: Hotel Bonotto
- Luxury: Villa Rosa Hotel Desenzano
RELATED: The Perfect 1 Day In Riva del Garda Itinerary
6. Bardolino
Located between vineyards and the lake shore, Bardolino combines lake views with wine country charm.
Named after the famous red wine produced in the surrounding hills, Bardolino unsurprisingly excels in food and drink experiences. The town is packed with excellent restaurants and wine bars serving local meals.
If you time your visit right, you might catch one of Bardolino’s food and wine festivals. The Bardolino Wine Festival in October and the Olive Oil Festival in early spring are particularly atmospheric, with tastings, music, and local products for sale.
Aside from food and wine, Bardolino has a pretty old town with medieval churches and a relaxed atmosphere. The lakefront park and promenade provide plenty of space for picnics, sunbathing, or simply watching the world go by.
Top Things To Do In Bardolino
- Go on a local vineyard tour with wine tasting
- Walk or cycle along the lakefront path to Garda town
- Explore the historic churches (San Severo, San Zeno)
- Take a spin on the Bardolino Ferris wheel
Bardolino With No Car
Bardolino enjoys good bus connections to Verona and other towns along the eastern shore. Ferry services connect it to major destinations around the lake. Within town, everything is easily walkable, and the flat promenade makes for easy strolling.
For the moderately active, the lakefront path to neighbouring Garda Town is a lovely 3km walk or cycle ride. Local buses also connect these towns if you’re not up for the walk.
| Bardolino to… | Ferry | Bus / Train |
|---|---|---|
| Riva del Garda | 2 hrs 25 mins | 1 hr 35 mins (484) |
| Malcesine | 2 hr 17 mins | 49 mins (493) |
| Garda | 15 mins | 5 mins (164) |
| Sirmione | 15 mins | 5 mins (164) |
| Desenzano | 1 hr 20 mins | 1 hr (train + 493/483) |
| Torbole | 4 hrs | 2 hr 8 mins (493 + 484) |
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Bardolino has fewer must-see attractions than towns like Sirmione or Malcesine. If you’re looking for major cultural sites, you might find it lacking.
During major festivals, accommodation can be scarce and prices spike dramatically. Book well ahead if you’re planning to visit during wine festival season.
Hotels in Bardolino
- Budget: Agriturismo Ca’ Licante
- Mid-range: Hotel Orchidea
- Luxury: Kriss Internazionale Hotel
RELATED: 1 Day Venice Itinerary
7. Torbole
At the northern end of the lake near Riva, Torbole captures the hearts of active travellers and water sports enthusiasts.
If you’re into water sports, this is your place. The reliable winds make Torbole one of Europe’s most popular windsurfing destinations and the best town on Lake Garda for water sports.
Despite its popularity with sports enthusiasts, Torbole maintains a laid back atmosphere. The small harbour is lined with casual restaurants serving fresh fish and pasta, while the narrow streets of the old town offer glimpses of pre-tourism life.
Hikers will appreciate the number of trails accessible directly from town, leading up into the surrounding mountains with progressively more spectacular views the higher you climb.
Top Things To Do In Torbole
- Windsurf and sail
- Cycle along the lakefront paths
- Visit the Customs House (former Austrian border)
- Busatte Adventure Park
Torbole With No Car
Torbole benefits from its proximity to Riva del Garda, with good bus connections to Riva (just 3km away) and other destinations. From Riva, you can access the broader bus network and ferry services. Within Torbole itself, everything is within easy walking distance.
The area is also a cycling hub, with well-maintained bike paths connecting to Riva and running along the northern lakeshore.
| Torbole to… | Ferry | Bus / Train |
|---|---|---|
| Riva del Garda | 15 minutes | 8 mins (484) |
| Malcesine | 50 mins | 18 minutes (484) |
| Garda | 3 hr 30 mins | 1 hr (484) |
| Sirmione | 6 hr | 3 hr (484 + 451Flix) |
| Desenzano | 5 hr | 3 hr 8 mins (2 trains + B332/B331) |
| Bardolino | 4 hrs | 2 hr 8 mins (493 + 484) |
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Torbole is smaller than most other towns on this list, with fewer amenities and cultural attractions. It works best for travellers who prefer outdoor activities over sightseeing.
The constant wind that windsurfers enjoy can be annoying if you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful meal on a terrace or a quiet day at the beach. And during major windsurfing competitions, accommodation can be scarce.
Hotels in Torbole
- Budget: Casa Pitem
- Mid-range: Hotel Centrale
- Luxury: Hotel Lido Blu
Should I Stay In Two Towns?
For longer stays in Lake Garda with no car, it’s not a bad idea to consider splitting your time between a northern town and a southern one to experience the lake’s different characters without long daily commutes.
With just a few days, staying in a well-connected town like Desenzano or Riva gives you the most flexibility to explore.
RELATED: Naples Day Trip Itinerary
Where To Stay In Lake Garda Based On Your Interests
- Adventurer: Riva del Garda or Torbole, for hiking trails and water sports
- Culture Vultures: Sirmione or Malcesine with their castles and Roman ruins.
- Foodies: Riva del Garda, Bardolino or Desenzano for their restaurant scenes and local specialties.
- Scenery: Riva or Malcesine, where the mountains meet the lake in dramatic fashion.
You might also like: 3 Day Barcelona Itinerary
Final Thoughts
If you only have time to base yourself in one town, then Garda Town offers the best compromise due to its central location, good connections, along with plenty of charm without extremes of crowding or isolation.
For first-time visitors who want a bit of adventure and to soak in the incredible landscape, I’d recommend Riva del Garda, Sirmione or Malcesine.
Travellers on a budget will find better value in Desenzano or Bardolino, where competition keeps prices more reasonable than in the most famous spots.
Whichever town you choose, staying in Lake Garda without a car is totally doable. It even has some benefits such as saving money on rental and parking fees (more cash for pizza and gelato), avoiding the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, and having the freedom to enjoy the local wine without worrying about driving back to your accommodation.
Just remember to check bus and ferry schedules in advance (especially if traveling off-season), and embrace the slower pace that comes with car free travel. After all, that’s the Italian way!
Thank you for reading my where to stay in Lake Garda without a car guide. Keep scrolling for FAQs or leave a comment 🙂
Lake Garda With No Car FAQ
As Italy’s largest lake, it is not possible to walk around the full lake, at least for the average tourist. It would take about 14 days to do this.
Ubers are only available in Desenzano del Garda, other towns have local taxi service. Your hotel will be able to call one for you when needed or you can find the taxi stand.
Sirmione is often considered the prettiest town along with Riva del Garda.
The northern side of Lake Garda has much more dramatic landscapes with mountains bordering the towns.
Leave a Reply