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Getting here

Riva del Garda without a car: getting here and getting around

Riva has no railway station, but it is easy to reach by train and bus. And once you are here, you will not need a car in the old town: everything is within walking distance.

Illustration of a train on a viaduct and a bus along Lake Garda

At a glance

Nearest station
Rovereto, about 17 km
Rovereto → Riva
Trentino Trasporti bus (route 332)
Nearest airport
Verona Villafranca, about 75 km
From Munich
DB-ÖBB EuroCity, stops at Rovereto
Getting around
Buses and regional trains with the Guest Card
Bus station to the old town
On foot

Many of our guests arrive without a car, especially from Germany and Austria. The key hub is Rovereto station, on the Brenner line: from there a bus takes you to Riva in under an hour. Below are the most practical routes from the most common arrival points.

The main routes

How to get to Riva del Garda without a car
FromRouteNote
Verona airportAerobus → Verona Porta Nuova → train to Rovereto → bus to RivaThe Aerobus runs roughly every 20 minutes
Verona airport (summer)ATV bus to Garda → bus to Riva along the lakeshoreStops at the airport roughly from June to September; slower but scenic
Bergamo airportShuttle to Bergamo station → train to Rovereto (via Verona) → busOr train to Desenzano and bus
Bologna airportLink to Bologna Centrale → train to Rovereto → busDirect Bologna–Rovereto trains in about 2 hours
Munich / Innsbruck / BolzanoDB-ÖBB EuroCity or regional train to Rovereto → busRovereto is served by Trenitalia, ÖBB and DB
Desenzano or PeschieraATV bus via Garda, or Navigarda ferry in seasonThe ferry is slow, but a day out in itself

From Rovereto to Riva by bus

From Rovereto station, the Trentino Trasporti intercity bus runs to Riva del Garda (route 332, Rovereto–Mori–Riva–Arco). The journey covers about 17 km and takes roughly 40–45 minutes. In Riva the bus arrives at the bus station, opposite the Parco della Pace, from where you can walk into the old town.

Buy your ticket before boarding: Garda Dolomiti notes that tickets are not sold on board intercity buses. Always check the latest timetables on the Trentino Trasporti website.

Arriving by ferry

From spring to autumn, Navigarda ferries link the south of the lake (Desenzano, Peschiera) with Riva. It takes a good while, but it is the most beautiful way to arrive. Bikes are allowed on regular ferries, not on the fast boats. The Desenzano–Riva crossing costs €17.50 (2026 fares).

Getting around without a car

  • On foot: from the old town you reach the square, harbour, lakefront and beaches in a few minutes.
  • With the Trentino Guest Card, included when you stay with us: Trentino Trasporti urban and intercity buses and regional trains within Trentino (for example on the Brenner line as far as Trento). Fast trains (EC, IC, Frecce) are excluded. Each journey is validated in the Mio Trentino app.
  • By bike: cycle paths link Riva with Torbole and Arco. Read Riva by bike.

Arriving at our place

Our apartments are in the old town, 50 metres from Piazza III Novembre. Check-in is from 16:00 and is self check-in with a code: you can arrive on the last bus of the evening without worrying about times. If you like, message us on WhatsApp when you set off and we will send you walking directions from the bus station.

Frequently asked questions

Does Riva del Garda have a railway station?

No. The nearest station is Rovereto, about 17 km away, on the Brenner line. From there Trentino Trasporti buses (route 332) run to Riva.

How do I get to Riva del Garda from Verona airport?

Take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova station, then the train to Rovereto and the bus to Riva. Alternatively, ATV buses run along the Verona shore of the lake via Garda; in summer the bus to Garda stops right at the airport.

Can I get to Riva by train from Munich?

Yes. DB-ÖBB EuroCity trains between Munich and Verona stop at Rovereto; from there you continue by bus to Riva.

Do I need a car for a holiday in Riva del Garda?

Not if you stay in the old town: the square, restaurants, lakefront and beaches are all on foot. For day trips, the Trentino Guest Card covers buses and regional trains within Trentino.

Can I buy a bus ticket on board?

According to Garda Dolomiti, tickets cannot be bought on board intercity buses: it is best to buy one beforehand, at the station, from a ticket outlet or via the app.

Sources

WhatsApp Book