From Lake Garda to Venice

The particular geographical position of Lake Garda makes it not only a place with a mild and temperate climate, ideal for sports and outdoor life, but also a place from which it is easy to reach some of the most important Italian cities of art in a short time.

Among the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world is certainly the romantic city of Venice, a symbol of unparalleled artistic and architectural beauty, and the pride, together with Lake Garda, of the Veneto region.

Reaching Venice from Lake Garda is really quick and easy. Thanks to the motorway and railway system, some of the most famous sights, such as the stunning Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge and the picturesque calli, can be visited after a short journey.

By car, driving along the A4 motorway.

Starting from Lake Garda, the car option offers the obvious advantage of moving according to your personal needs.

Taking the A4 Torino-Trieste motorway at the Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda tollbooths, the journey leads through picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views. The distance to cover is about 140 kilometres and, with moderate traffic, the estimated journey time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

On the way, you can admire the hills of Valpolicella, famous for its fine wines and the many vineyards that precede the arrival in the city of Verona. Travelling eastwards, the road passes through the provinces of Vicenza and Padua, each with its own artistic and architectural heritage, before reaching the final destination of Venice.

Where to park your car in Venice.

Arriving in Venice by car involves the obvious need to find a parking space. The last area beyond which road vehicles cannot move is called Piazzale Roma. This area, located a few steps from the Venezia Santa Lucia railway station and the cruise terminal, hosts the closest car parks to the historic centre. These are certainly the most convenient in terms of location, but also the most popular among tourists.

The Autorimessa Comunale (Municipal Car Park) is the largest car park located at Piazzale Roma, with no less than 2044 parking spaces and 300 motorbike spaces, distributed over several floors. Rates are generally more competitive than other private car parks, but it is often the first to run out of spaces. We recommend reserving a parking space before leaving, especially in the summer months and during the high season.

Alternatively, there are the Tronchetto parking areas, which are an excellent solution when the Piazzale Roma car parks are full. From here it is possible to reach the historic centre of Venice by public transport.

Another good option is to park in the nearby mainland locations such as Mestre, Marghera, Fusina and San Giuliano, and then use the public or private (such as shuttle or vaporetto) transport systems to Venice. These solutions offer significant savings and avoid the heavy traffic at the entrance to the city.

By train, for relaxed travelling.

For those who prefer to avoid traffic and enjoy a trouble-free journey, the train is the ideal choice. From the railway stations of Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda, direct trains depart at different times of the day connecting Lake Garda to the railway station of Venice Santa Lucia.

From Peschiera del Garda, the train journey takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes, with different timetable options and train types, including the fast Frecciarossa and Italo, offering comfort and quality services.

From Desenzano del Garda, on the other hand, the journey time is around 1 hour 40 minutes, with the same variety of choices as regards timetables and services.

Once in Venice, you can discover a city that seems suspended in time. With its canals, historic bridges and narrow calli, the lagoon city is a place where every corner reveals a new wonder.

No matter if you are sailing along the Grand Canal, having a coffee in St. Mark's Square or getting lost among the artworks in the Doge's Palace, Venice never ceases to enchant its visitors.

With Lake Garda only a few hours away, the combination of these two Italian treasures creates an unmissable travel itinerary and a memory that will last forever. Have a nice trip!

Image gallery

Click on the button below to view some pictures of Venice.

Route map

Click on the button below to open the map of the route Lake Garda - Venice.

Personalised itineraries with Origin Believe by Silvia Griggio

Silvia is a passionate explorer from the heart of Veneto and a seeker of unique horizons. For about 4 years, she has been venturing with her backpack, uncovering hidden and lesser-known corners of Venice and its islands.

She offers her expertise to create personalised itineraries for anyone who wants to experience the true essence of this extraordinary city, blending natural beauty with cultural treasures.

If you're looking to discover an authentic Venice away from the typical tourist paths, she would be delighted to guide you on this adventure!