Hello, hoping for Intel/ideas for a trip into and out of Milan the last week of Oct.
Five adult family members and one young grandchild, we will start in Verona for 2 nights then Lake Garda 3 nights before ending trip in Milan for a few nights before we fly out. Some fllip-flopping on whether to do 3 and 2 nights instead but hoping to see more of lake so that left us with 3 nights there.
We don't plan to rent a car so it's train rides. That means we'll likely stay in Peschiera or Desenzano. But hoping to get to a town or two up the coast. Can you help with ferry info? Realize it's reduced but I've seen conflicting info on whether it's non existant that late or we can still get to a few towns.
And will taxis be available to get us to other Lake Garda towns if ferry is very restricted, or can we expect to get a taxi from train to hotel or should we plan to walk, luggage and all.
Any Airbnb-type rentals to recommend in southern Lake Garda? I'll dive further into hotels, but hoping to be near the lake so open to ideas.
We're an easy-going group with no massively specific needs other than to be there together, take it in, love the food and get a good dose of the beautiful lake.
thanks in advance for any help you can offer. Always appreciate this forum.
Posted by
Milan Italy
18 posts
Hi, Giangilberto from Milan, good morning. You should use the official "Navigazione Laghi" website as your reference point; this is the authority that manages ferry services on Italy's three major lakes including Lake Garda, of course:
https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/
https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/tickets-and-timetables-lake-garda/
You can view two timetables there, but unfortunately, neither covers your specific dates; the published schedule only runs until October 4th. While there might be updates regarding winter services later on, as of today August 7, 2026 there is no information available. We must rely strictly on the official data on the site, as that is the only confirmed information. There is a toll-free number for further details, though it does not work from outside Italy:
800-551801.
If you wish, I can call on your behalf, or you can use the contact form or official email address on the website.
My advice is not to make any plans until the ferry situation is clarified; once that is sorted out, you can finalize everything with greater peace of mind.
Alternatively, there are standard buses that travel around the lake; while less romantic than the ferries, they are always available:
https://www.gardavisit.it/en/lake-garda-bus-timetables/
Some routes operate only during the summer, so you should check the official PDFs before you travel.
Routes 164 (Peschiera–Lazise–Bardolino–Garda–Verona) and 484 (Garda–Torri–Malcesine–Riva) operate year-round. Route 483, which would connect Peschiera directly to Malcesine, runs only during the high season.
Without the 483, you need two buses from Peschiera, with a transfer at Garda. Take the 164 to Garda, then the 484 heading up towards Malcesine and Riva.
For now, the site map is labeled "Summer 2026," so we have to wait for the autumn/winter schedules, which I believe will be released soon.
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
111 posts
so helpful, thank you. Yes I'd seen the ferry schedule into early Oct. but had hoped I was missing something... the bus info is perfect.
we will keep looking. Looks like there should be boat tours to join if nothing else.
also appreciate your willingness to call. Often making those calls from states is intimidating so I'll keep your offer in mind!