Lake Garda ferry guide: timetables, routes and prices

Taking one of the Lake Garda ferry boats is one of the most scenic ways to discover the lake’s charming villages, historic castles and hidden corners. If you are planning a Lake Garda boat tour, travelling by ferry is a relaxed and practical way to move between the main towns without worrying about traffic or parking.

The public ferries on Lake Garda connect many of the main ports, allowing visitors to travel easily from one side of the lake to the other. In this guide you will find everything you need to know about Lake Garda ferry timetables, routes and ticket prices, so you can plan your journey and enjoy the lake from a unique perspective.

VIEW LAKE GARDA FERRY TIMETABLE (PDF)

*Valid from 1 April 2026 to 15 May 2026

Timetable from 01/04/26 to 15/05/26 here

– Updated timetables and prices for the Lake Garda ferries

– Lake Garda boat tour in one day: day pass and family tickets

– Lake Garda car ferry (cars, motorbikes, campervans and buses)

– FAQ: Lake Garda ferries and boat services

Lake Garda ferries: updated timetables and prices

The public boat service on Lake Garda is operated by the company Navigarda (part of Navigazione Laghi). The ferries work as a public transport system, similar to buses, connecting towns all around the lake. These ferries are not organised tours of Lake Garda. Instead, they allow you to create your own itinerary and explore the lake independently, stopping in different towns along the way.

Before planning your trip, it is essential to check the official Lake Garda ferry timetable, as schedules vary depending on the season.

Lake Garda ferry timetable

The Lake Garda ferry timetable changes throughout the year depending on the season. Ferry services normally operate from March to October, with additional services sometimes available during the Christmas period. It is important to note that schedules may occasionally change due to operational needs, weather conditions or passenger demand.

During the summer high season, ferries usually run from around 8:00 in the morning until 8:00 in the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy full days exploring the lake. As autumn approaches and daylight hours become shorter, ferry services gradually reduce their operating times to avoid night navigation.

Lake Garda ferry prices

Within the Lake Garda ferry network, single ticket prices vary depending on several factors: the type of boat used, the route travelled, passenger age and number of travellers.

Children aged 4 to 11, school groups and passengers with disabilities are entitled to reduced fares.
In the official Lake Garda ferry timetable, prices shown in red indicate a supplement required for the faster services known as hydrofoils.
Passengers aged over 65, groups of more than 15 people, and residents of Lake Garda municipalities are entitled to discounts valid only on weekdays (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays).

Lake Garda boat tour in one day: day pass and family tickets

If you want to explore the lake with more flexibility, day passes and travel passes for Lake Garda ferries are available.

Visitors can purchase 1-day or 3-day ferry tickets covering the entire lake. Alternatively, tickets are available for specific areas, such as Upper Lake Garda and Lower Lake Garda.
There are also four additional day-ticket options covering smaller areas of the lake: North, Centre, West, East.
A special Happy Family ticket is also available. When two adults purchase full-price day tickets, up to two children aged 4–11 travel free of charge.

When purchasing these passes, it is important to check whether hydrofoil services are included or if a surcharge applies.

Lake Garda car ferry (cars, motorbikes, campervans and buses)

Lake Garda also offers a car ferry service, which allows vehicles to cross the lake. The Torri del Benaco – Maderno ferry route is specifically designed for transporting vehicles such as cars, motorbikes, campervans and buses. Because Torri del Benaco and Toscolano Maderno are located roughly halfway between the north and south of Lake Garda, this ferry route is particularly useful for travellers who want to cross the lake quickly without driving all the way around it.

VIEW TORRI–MADERNO CAR FERRY TIMETABLE (PDF)

*Valid from 1 April 2026 to 15 May 2026

FAQ: Lake Garda ferries and boat services

Where can I buy Lake Garda ferry tickets?

The easiest way to buy a Lake Garda ferry ticket is directly at the harbour ticket office. Ticket offices usually open 20 minutes before departure and are located at the ferry port.

In smaller villages where there is no ticket office, tickets can be purchased directly on board without any extra charge. In other cases where tickets are bought on the boat, a small surcharge may apply.
For this reason, it is always recommended to arrive at the ticket office in advance, especially during the busy summer season.

Alternatively, ferry tickets can also be purchased online on the Navigarda website, although hydrofoil tickets are generally not available online.

Do Lake Garda ferries run in bad weather?

In case of rain, strong wind or bad weather, ferry schedules may change or some services may be temporarily suspended.
Strong winds can also affect the regular operation of ferries and hydrofoils.

For real-time updates about ferry services, passengers can visit the ticket offices or contact the Navigazione Laghi customer service number: 800-551801.

What is the difference between ferries and hydrofoils on Lake Garda?

The standard Lake Garda ferries are slower boats that stop in many towns around the lake.

Hydrofoils, on the other hand, are faster boats designed to travel quickly between major ports. In the official Lake Garda ferry timetable, hydrofoil services are usually indicated in red.

Can I bring a bicycle on a Lake Garda ferry?

Bicycles are allowed on some Lake Garda ferry routes, but an additional fee applies.

You can identify which ferries allow bicycles by checking the bicycle symbol in the timetable:
– White bicycle: bicycles are allowed
– Yellow bicycle: availability depends on space
– Crossed bicycle: bicycles are not allowed

Can I bring a dog on a Lake Garda ferry?

Pets are allowed on Lake Garda ferries, but the ticket price depends on the dog’s height.
Dogs under 50 cm in height can travel free of charge. Dogs over 50 cm require a reduced ticket, equivalent to the child fare.

Do ferries go to Isola del Garda?

No. Isola del Garda is privately owned and cannot be reached by public ferry.

However, it is possible to visit the island by booking a guided tour departing from several towns around Lake Garda.

Are there ferry passes or subscriptions?

For passengers who frequently use the Lake Garda ferry services, Navigarda offers several types of travel passes and subscriptions. More information about these options is available on the official Navigarda website.

Lake Garda ferry guide: timetables, routes and prices

– Updated timetables and prices for the Lake Garda ferries

– Lake Garda boat tour in one day: day pass and family tickets

– Lake Garda car ferry (cars, motorbikes, campervans and buses)

– FAQ: Lake Garda ferries and boat services