Traveling to Lake Garda

We took a train/ferry from Verona to Sirmione (touristy) in May (pre covid) and spent a nice day in the town and walking to the ruins on the tip. This September we are staying in Bardolino for six nights. I have read it is a nice spot to walk to wineries, ride bikes, visit farmer markets and we will ferry to some of the other towns. Very accessible from Verona by public transportation. There is a ferry from Salo to Bardolino and we always enjoy ferries for the views and good fun. Have a great trip

Salo is a pretty little town with a convenient parking garage, so I would recommend renting a car so you can explore the southern side of Lake Garda and maybe drive up to Vittoriale degli Italiani. Sirmione is also worth a visit on the southern shore. In Verona you can pick up a rental car at the train station or airport, whichever is more convenient for you.

Salo is wonderful and less touristy (with Americans) than other lake towns mentioned on this board. Recommend a car. Ferries depart from Salo but with just a few days there you may want to use a car to explore a few nearby towns to save time. if you are there on a Saturday, there is a popular outdoor market (flea market style) with food, clothing, house supplies, etc. Shopping, food and cafes can be found in its center and there is a nice long walking path lakeside.

Hey Bill, you mentioned renting a car at the train station in Verona. However, my research reveals there is some confusion as to where the car rental office is located (Budget & Avis). Do you have any specific knowledge about the car rental office? Thanks!

Lake Garda is a lake that is probably best visited by car. The rail line stops by Peschiera and Desenzano-Sirmione on the south shore, but for the most beautiful north shore you would need a bus. Ferries are also available from the south side to the north side but I don’t know how frequent and from north to south the distance is long. There are also places to visit nearby where the car is necessary, like the famous drive on the Strada della Forra.
Since you are coming from Verona it would make sense to rent a car in Verona. All major car rental companies are located in Verona both near the train station and of course at the Verona Airport in nearby Villafranca.
Check rates here
www.AutoEurope.eu
or the US website for the same broker
www.AutoEurope.com
(Check both as prices and offers may differ)

Just FYI that the Avis that is called the "Verona Train Station" is over a mile from the train station. Not a big deal, but you'll want a cab from Verona Porta Nuova to get there. (And fingers crossed they aren't on a "smoke break" when you arrive.) Not sure about other companies, but worth the extra few seconds to confirm exact location of where you're renting from.

Also agree with others here that you'll want a car to see southern Garda.

Mimiz, I rented in Verona from Locauto at the train station. I believe it was one of those offices that houses multiple companies in one place. It looks like Sixt and Enterprise are also at the station, but from my memory I can't guarantee that information. Google street view of the station is from 2015, so that's no help, but I had a good experience renting from Locauto.

Yes, the station agencies are not necessarily at the station, therefore if you are staying in Verona prior to lake Garda, take a taxi to the exact agency address, whichever it is.

Locauto is a good Italian brand that has always received good ratings. The company was purchased by Enterprise years ago, and although the Locauto brand name was retained by Enterprise in Italy, when you go to their office you will also see the Enterprise logo along with National-Alamo, which are also brands part of the Enterprise Holding Group.