Kim
Phil
​&
Venice
Venice, the most romantic city of the world is about a 90 minute train ride from Lake Garda, making it a realistic day trip.
Trains for Venice depart from Desenzano (south part of Lake Garda) and Peschiera (South part of lake Garda, however closer to Malcesine) at regular intervals throughout the day, for as little as €9 (£7) each way. Both train stations can be reached by boat on Lake Garda. It’s best to arrive at Desenzano early to be sure of one of the free parking spaces (if you have hired a car), which is just a few minutes walk from the station.
There are trains for the return journey at regular intervals between 4.00pm and 9.00pm so you will have plenty of time to spend an amazing day out experiencing the fascinating city.
The train takes you to the heart of the city so there is plenty of time to reach Piazza San Marco by navigating the bridges and canals, to take a ride on a gondola and to sample the bacari, a glass of wine with appetizers a true Venetian tradition.
You can check out the timetable, fares and even book your Lake Garda to Venice tickets by going to the Trenitalia website.
Train tickets in Italy need to be validated. This is done by stamping your ticket in one of the machines in and around the station or on the platform. Once the ticket has been validated it must be used within the time frame stamped on the ticket.
Venice by train
Venice is also easy to reach by car so it’s another option if you don’t mind the drive, it takes around 2 hours, the same as the train by the time you include your drive to the station. You just follow the A4 virtually all the way and once you arrive there is a very well set up park n ride (or walk) system.
There are a number of park and ride companies in Venice, one of the cheapest, at €10 (£8) for 12 hours is Terminal Fusina. Terminal Fusina is easily reachable from the A4. It also offers a fun way to get into the heart of Venice with transfers via the public ferry. Within 20 minutes you will be at Venice Central, Zattere, which is just a 15 minute walk from St Marks Square.
Venice by car
Europlan provide day trips to Venice and prices are around 69 euro (£52), however there are various excursion providers around Lake Garda.