The Navigarda Autumn Ferry Schedule takes effect on Monday, October 5, 2026, transitioning public passenger and vehicular transport on Lake Garda to its late-season operational network.
Operated by the Gestione Navigazione Laghi, the public ferry network adapts its fleet deployment as peak summer volumes give way to autumn travel patterns. While some extended long-range tourist routes are reduced, essential inter-bank car ferries, express catamaran links, and core passenger connections between Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino remain fully operational to serve residents, commuters, and autumn visitors.
Operational Changes Starting October 5, 2026
The transition from summer to autumn timetable involves a restructuring of vessel rotations. Long-haul excursions running end-to-end between Riva del Garda in the far north and Desenzano or Peschiera in the south operate with reduced frequency, focusing primarily on weekend travelers.
Conversely, regional commuter and cross-lake trunk services retain steady, reliable intervals throughout the working week. Fast service catamarans and hydrofoils continue to provide rapid connections between major towns, ensuring that travel times between northern and southern ports remain viable without relying on lakeside road transit.
Key Cross-Lake Car Ferries: Torri del Benaco – Toscolano Maderno
The most vital vehicular link on the lake is the car ferry service operating between Torri del Benaco on the eastern Veronese shore and Toscolano Maderno on the western Brescian shore. This service runs continuously year-round, seven days a week.
Crossing the narrowest central sector of the lake in approximately 30 minutes, the car ferry allows drivers to avoid a 60-kilometer road circuit around the southern basin via Peschiera and Desenzano. It accommodates standard passenger cars, camper vans, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles, departing from both ports at roughly 45-to-60-minute intervals from early morning until mid-evening.
Upper Lake Vehicular Link: Limone sul Garda – Malcesine
In the upper basin, the vehicular ferry between Limone sul Garda and Malcesine provides direct mobility beneath the imposing cliffs of Mount Baldo and the Alto Garda Bresciano parkland.
During the autumn schedule, this route operates with scheduled daily departures through late October, offering travelers connecting between the Brenner Motorway (A22 via Rovereto Sud) and the western Brescia-Riva road (SS45bis) a scenic and efficient shortcut across the lake.
Bicycles and Outdoor Equipment Regulations
Lake Garda is a premier European destination for road cyclists and gravel enthusiasts. Bicycles and e-bikes are permitted on all standard motor ships and car ferries, subject to a dedicated onboard supplement ticket.
However, passengers should note that fast hydrofoils (aliscafi) and specific smaller express catamarans enforce strict restrictions on bicycle boarding due to safety aisles and limited deck space. Cyclists planning multi-modal itineraries around the lake should verify that their intended vessel is classified as a standard passenger motor vessel (motonave) or vehicular ferry (traghetto) when purchasing tickets.
Ticketing and Practical Travel Advice
Tickets can be purchased directly at staffed ticket offices located adjacent to each landing dock, or digitally through the official Gestione Navigazione Laghi portal. Travelers utilizing the car ferry services should arrive at the boarding lanes at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure during autumn weekends, as boarding is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For complete real-time departure boards, vessel classifications, and official fare tables, visit the official website of Navigazione Laghi.
